Amazing! Local Fishermen Win Prestigious National Fishing Award

The Vigía Chico Fishermen's Cooperative, based in Punta Allen, Tulum, has been nationally recognized for its sustainable practices. The cooperative secured second place in the Small-Scale Commercial Fishing category of the 2024 National Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture Award. The award ceremony took place in La Paz, Baja California Sur, and commended the Quintana Roo fishermen for their dedication to responsible fishing and marine conservation.

The awards were presented by the National Commissioner of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Octavio Almada Palafox, and the governor of Baja California Sur, Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío. Winners were recognized across a variety of categories, including rural and commercial aquaculture, small and large-scale commercial fishing, and fisheries and aquaculture research.

Manuel Mendoza, president of the Vigía Chico Fishermen's Cooperative, expressed that the award is a testament to their ongoing commitment to sustainable fishing practices. He said, "This award confirms that our fishing practices in Punta Allen are truly sustainable. It was a rigorous process, but we succeeded. This recognition not only fills us with pride, but also enhances the value of our products in the international market, where sustainability is increasingly sought after."

The Vigía Chico cooperative, which consists of 85 members, including five women, has been responsibly operating for 56 years. The cooperative has set a benchmark for good practices in small-scale commercial fishing. Mendoza added, "This award is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. We were informed about the recognition a week ago, but it represents a process that began about five years ago."

Octavio Almada Palafox emphasized that the purpose of the award is to acknowledge those devoted to the sea and the best projects in innovation, impact, improvement, or good practices in sustainable fishing and aquaculture. The award also seeks to encourage the planning, protection, usage, and restoration of aquatic and fisheries ecosystems, which are crucial for the industry's sustainability.

Punta Allen is gearing up to host the Lobster Festival on August 17th and 18th. As part of the celebrations, a monument will be unveiled honoring the traditional method of sustainable lobster fishing, paying tribute to the region's pioneering and current fishermen. "We are tidying up and getting the town ready for this celebration, which will be a lasting testament to our commitment to responsible fishing," concluded Mendoza.