Several Dutch Caribbean organizations and their partners recently attended the 77th annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) Conference, held from November 4 to 8. This event offered a valuable opportunity for organizations to exchange knowledge, discuss shared challenges, and explore solutions to protect life in the ocean of the Gulf and Caribbean.

Collaboration for healthy oceans

This year’s conference theme, “Marine Ecosystems Under Pressure: Reduction, Reinforcement, and Reconciliation to Improve Quality of Life,” provided a foundation for rich discussions. Various sessions and workshops explored sustainability, fish and life in oceans, fisheries, and innovations in marine management. Representatives from WWF-Netherlands (WWF-NL), Caribbean Cetacean Society, Rotterdam Zoo, Piskabon, Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, STINAPA and Federashon Kooperativanan Uní di Produkshon (FKUP) were among the attendees. Working together in the Caribbean is key to protecting marine life. By joining forces, organizations and communities can share ideas and create better ways to keep the ocean healthy, helping both nature and local economies.

Whales and dolphins

A special session, titled “Marine Megafauna Guiding the Way to Improved Ocean Management,” stood out as a key highlight. Funded by WWF-NL and the Agoa Sanctuary – French Biodiversity Agency, this session was organized in partnership with the Caribbean Cetacean Society and other organizations. Presenters shared recent research and conservation work on large animals that inhabit the ocean and their migration routes known as Blue Corridors, in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Monique de Water, Program Manager of WWF-NL’s Dutch Caribbean Program, discussed the importance of protecting whale corridors. Jeffrey Bernus, director of the Caribbean Cetacean Society presented findings from whale and dolphin monitoring that emphasize the need for coordinated conservation efforts for oceans.

Jeffrey Bernus giving a presentation during the special session

Knowledge exchange with fishers

Another insightful presentation came from RoffaReefs, a program of the Rotterdam Zoo, and Piskabon, who shared the results of a joint workshop with local fishers in Bonaire. By combining fishers’ traditional knowledge with scientific methods, they’ve developed practical applications for coral reef fish breeding. Sander van Lopik, founder of RoffaReefs, along with Piskabon board members, presented their collaborative project, showcasing how fishers’ expertise is now integrated into Piskabon’s management and the RoffaReefs breeding system.

Piskadó pa semper

The GCFI conference also featured CINEFISH, a film festival showcasing short films on fisheries, tropical marine ecosystems, and marine conservation. During CINEFISH, a shortened version of the documentary “Piskadó pa semper” was screened, portraying the passion and challenges of Bonaire’s fishers. This film highlights their journey to establish the Piskabon cooperative and their ongoing efforts to preserve their job for future generations.

RoffaReefs, a program of the Rotterdam Zoo, and Piskabon presenting their joint findings.