Fishery Management Systems. The lack of any management framework may facilitate adoption of a “co-management” system adapted to the special conditions and needs in the 3BNP. The xxxxxx associations will also play a major role in improving fisheries management. Management must come from within the fishing communities, since the government is unable to provide any support. Elite capture of the associations by powerful, educated individuals is a concern, but leaders are being chosen based on their status as active fisherman. To date, FOPROBIM has done well in establishing the two local committees of CEPROBAC and UGeBFo and selecting as leaders active fishers who reside in the communities. Co-management in fisheries requires two partners, normally the government and the fishers. In most countries, the government works with the fishers to explain the laws and regulations and why they are needed. The fishers, in turn, are knowledgeable about local fish species, where to fish, and the seasonal variations in fish behavior. They apply the government regulations, with the understanding that regulation protects “their resource” and will lead to sustainability. This leads to a win/win situation for both parties. In the 3BNP, the key partner of the fishermen is FOPROBIM. In order to implement an adapted co- management system, the first step must be training. This training would center on co-management as well as other topics, such as leadership and general management. A number of qualified consultants in Haiti can provide the training. As fishermen cannot take much time away from fishing and making money, courses must be short and effective, lasting no more than a week. Of course, co-management is about managing the fishery resources. But management training goes beyond fisheries. It also encompasses leadership training to help new leaders develop the skills they need to lead large groups of fishers. In order to curtail open-access fishing, leaders must be able to stop or limit fishing by fishers who are not from the area. Such community enforcement requires special skills which should be taught in all communities across the park. Every fishermen needs to understand where and how he is permitted to fish. To enforce limitations, fishermen should be given identity cards. A Three Bays Park Authority (TBPA) should be established with game wardens who can enforce protected no-fishing areas and prevent transient fishermen from entering the park. This enforcement should be done in combination with a p...
