Editorial:

National Fishermen Cooperative Producers Cooperative Society Limited has successfully completed its 42^nd year of operations.  Chairman Heusner acknowledged the reality of the current economic pressure placed on the fishers with very high cost of living and consistently rising fuel prices.  For relief to the members he confirmed the mission of the Cooperative and stated; “It is our duty and mission to achieve the highest standards of marine produce so that we can demand the highest payments for our membership”. 

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It is evident that the Cooperative is actively involved in the dynamics of this global situation.  However, each sector has a role to play.   Fortunately, the Government of Belize has taken the decision to facilitate broad consultations with organizations to inform the preparation of the Budget for fiscal year 2008/09.  On June 4, 2008 the Belize Fishermen Cooperative Association and the Fishing Cooperatives of Belize had the opportunity to discuss with Dr. Carla Barnett, Economic Advisor/ Project Manager, the urgent needs of the fishery sector as it relates to revenue or expenditure measures.  Two very critical points coming from the discussions were (1) THE HIGH COST OF FUEL and (2) LOW INTEREST LOANS FOR FISHERMEN. 

The Fishing Cooperatives and the Government of Belize are working together to assist the fishermen of Belize.  Also, the Belize Fishermen Cooperative Association is eagerly playing an active role in improving the livelihoods of fishermen.  Consequently, a Critical Review of the Belize Fishermen Cooperative Association was conducted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 to review the BFCA in light of the new management and business developments in the fisheries sector; and to make recommendations for the strengthening of the BFCA to be able to adequately address the needs of the fishermen and the challenges which the sector now faces.

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So it seems that all in a position to assist fishermen are in agreement with the economic and social problems facing fishermen. What about the true inevitable? Nature! Not much can be done about the predicted active hurricane season expected for 2008.  The Fisheries Department preliminary report on the effects of Tropical Storm Arthur estimates that loss to the industry amounts to 2.5 million US dollars in lobster alone.

Articles on all the above issues can be viewed in this month’s publication along with an excerpt from a report of the reef prepared by Ramon Carcamor et.al.