GVI certifies 11 local fishermen as Open Water divers for the FSA project

GVI is very happy for certifying eleven fishermen as Open Water divers as part of the new exciting project that Amigos de Sian Ka’an (ASK), Comunidad y Biodiversidad (COBI), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Global Vision International (GVI) are carrying out with the support of UNEP, CONANP, WWF and 4 fishermen Cooperatives. This new project aims to train local fishermen to locate, identify and document sites where fish reproduce which are called Fish Spawning Aggregations (FSA) in the state of Quintana Roo.

Fishes spawn in specific sites at particular times of the year depending on different variables. However, this information has not been yet documented enough as it is very hard to do.

Provided that this is very important data , in order to protect the sites on this critical life cycle the organizations involved are joining efforts to locate and document the places to contribute in its conservation. But who will it be better to do than local fishermen that know the ocean best ? For this reason fishermen are being trained in diving and monitoring techniques so that they can monitor themselves, document and protect the sites.

Hence, the project started with an Open Water dive course in which Laura, Gianna, Sam and Lulli, staff from Pez Maya, trained and certified 11 fishermen from the fish cooperatives from Punta Allen, Cozumel and Punta Herrero in Sian Ka'an Reserve. The fishermen enjoyed so much the dive course that are willing to continue with their advance course soon!

GVI certifies 11 local fishermen as Open Water divers for the FSA project