CIMAD

Introduction

A non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 2003, the Research Centre for Management and Development (CIMAD) based in Cali, Colombia (Map 1), recognized the need for a solution to help conserve sea turtles in the neighbouring Pacific Ocean. They sought reducing sea turtle by-catch from fishing nets and longlines off the Colombian Pacific coast by promoting sustainable fishing practices and creating awareness and education within the local communities. Diego Amorocho, the founder and director of CIMAD, was the winner of the 2008 associate Whitley Fund for Nature Award. Having over 20 years of sea turtle research and conservation experience, he is considered one of South America’s leading research and conservation pioneers. Amorocho believes “local people are heavily reliant on fishing to support their families …  [and] if you want to protect turtles for the future, you have to work with people.” Fostered from this statement, CIMAD approaches conservation with a high level of community involvement, offering training, community education and livelihood development in the communities of Chamón and San Antonio on the Guapi Pacific coast. Their three primary objectives are to (1) strengthen the monitoring, control, and surveillance of illegal fishing activities in Gorgona National Nature Park (NNP, the area of study) and evaluate sea turtle by-catch in the artisanal and commercial fisheries that occur in the area of influence; (2) train fishers and communities within the Guapi Pacific coast in new techniques to minimize the negative impact of current fishing practices on turtle populations; and (3) conduct experiments with stakeholders using circle hooks and nets in hopes of minimizing turtle by-catch in the area, all while collecting biological data to support the Action Plan of Marine Turtles in the Gorgona NNP.

Map 1: CIMAD’s Area of Study in Colombia

Evaluation of CIMAD

Through the work of CIMAD, fishers noticed immediate benefits from using circle hooks, such as larger target species catch and weight, as well as the increased durability the hooks. One problem faced during CIMAD’s experiment was the loss of the hooks, which was typically due to breaks in the longline, incorrect fastening of the hook to the line, and/or theft. Another problem faced by fishers is the cost of circle hooks. In Colombia circle hooks are imported, carry high import taxes, are not readily available and are three times more expensive than traditional J hooks. Circle hooks were deemed unfeasible due to the insufficient value of fish caught unable to compensate for the expenses of the hooks. In affiliation with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an effort was made to reduce the costs as fishers were enthusiastic about using the circle hooks. CIMAD’s success encompassed more than strictly a biological aspect, in that their program had strong community involvement and promoted conservation awareness (i.e. the hands-on education programs at the Rehabilitation Centre for Marine Turtles in the Colombian Pacific, CERETOMA). CIMAD was able to create emotional ties to this important conservation issue and foster a deep-rooted appreciation for sea turtles.

Where is CIMAD now?

For a conservation initiative to have long-term success, it must establish an appropriate balance between biological, social, economical, and political dimensions and reach its target goals and objectives and effectively manage them through time.

Between 2011 and 2013, CIMAD experienced a reduction in funds and had to significantly down-scale their operation. CERETOMA has been closed since 2012 and CIMAD itself is only able to employ a few select individuals to run the centre. This lack of funding has resulted in the maintenance of a small-scale environmental education program managed by only one official, but no additional circle hooks have been provided to fishers in Colombia. CIMAD can be used as an example of the importance of a conservation initiative to have balance within all aspects: biological, economic, social and political. If one aspect diminishes, it is impossible for an effort to persist and remain successful. It will be necessary for CIMAD to secure a reliable funding source in order to revive its envisioned conservation initiative and successfully accomplish their conservation goals.

Follow CIMAD:

References:

CIMAD Technical Report: Cubillos, M.C.G., Llanos, D.F.A., & Maldonado, L.A.M. (2008) Reducción de la captura incidental de tortugas marinas en redes de pesca y espinel en la costa del Pacífico Colombiano [Turtle by-catch reduction in fishing nets and longlines in Colombian Pacific coast] CIMAD report. Obtained from Diego Amorocho via email.

Diego Amorocho, personal communication, 13 November 2013.

Photos obtained from http://cimad.org/index-es.htm

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