Project:
"Cholos por el Mar" (Fishermen for the Ocean) is a conservation initiative dedicated to protecting Ecuador’s continental marine ecosystem by empowering local fishing communities. The project bridges the gap between scientists and fishermen, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and hands-on training.
Through workshops and practical training, 50 fishermen will learn basic wildlife medicine and rescue techniques to care for injured marine animals, such as sea turtles, and to mitigate bycatch and ocean pollution. Data collected from interviews with fishermen will contribute to a best-practices guide, strengthening their sustainable relationship with the ocean.
A collaborative platform will connect fishermen, scientists, and conservationists to encourage sustainable fishing, reduce bycatch, and enhance the survival of injured marine animals. By combining local knowledge with scientific expertise, Cholos por el Mar aims to create a sustainable fishing model that benefits both marine biodiversity and coastal communities, potentially serving as a blueprint for similar initiatives elsewhere.
Target Audience:
Primary Audience: Artisanal fishermen along Ecuador’s continental coast, particularly those interested in sustainable fishing practices and wildlife conservation.
Secondary Audience: Scientists, conservationists, NGOs, and government agencies focused on marine biodiversity, fisheries management, and environmental education.
Indirect Audience: Local communities who rely on fisheries for livelihoods, as well as eco-conscious consumers and supporters of marine conservation initiatives.