Collaboration agreement between the Jocotoco Foundation and TUNACONS for the development of fishing projects in Galapagos and mainland Ecuador

18 Ago 2024
In a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable management of fishery resources and their ecosystems, the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation and the Tuna Conservation Group Foundation (TUNACONS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a ceremony held today in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos.

This agreement aims to develop Fishery Management Plans and Fishery Improvement Projects (FIP) that promote sustainable artisanal fishing practices in the Galapagos Marine Reserve and the exclusive artisanal fishing zone of mainland Ecuador. It works in close cooperation with fishing organizations, government authorities, and scientific experts.

The agreement was signed by Eliécer Cruz, Director of the Galapagos Program of the Jocotoco Foundation, and Guillermo Morán, Executive Director of TUNACONS.

"What we seek is to create fishery improvement projects here in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, helping the artisanal fishing sector apply better practices to achieve healthier and more sustainable fisheries, using similar projects developed by Tunacons as a reference," mentioned Eliécer Cruz.

"Based on Tunacons' experience in developing fishery improvement projects that have already been implemented on the mainland for several years, we have learned that it is a very important tool for the sustainable management of fisheries and also for the conservation of ecosystems, meeting technical and scientific standards that aid in sound decision-making," said Guillermo Morán.

This joint effort seeks to maintain target fishery populations, reduce or eliminate impacts on marine ecosystems, and strengthen management and fishery regulation through the application of scientific standards to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in special marine areas while achieving better social and economic benefits for fishers and their communities.

This commitment represents a notable milestone in the institutional collaboration between the two organizations, which have consistently shown their ongoing interest in supporting the development of the important Ecuadorian artisanal fishing sector, which plays a vital role in the daily diet and nutrition of all Ecuadorians.

For more information, please contact:

Jocotoco Conservation Foundation: isabel.grijalva@jocotoco.org.ec - paola.sangolqui@jocotoco.org.ec

TUNACONS: Lcda. Mayi Zambrano. Mzambrano@tunacons.org 0984814772.