Fisher of the Year Award Goes to Paulino Rodriguez

He has been fishing for forty years and seen the industry he loves grow and evolve. Today, the spotlight was on Sarteneja resident Paulino Rodriguez who was made Fisher of the Year by the Wildlife Conservation Society.  With the abundance of knowledge of the sea, Rodriguez has been encouraging sustainable and responsible fishing to ensure the survival of the industry. News Five’s Hipolito Novelo reports.

Hipolito Novelo, Reporting

The fisheries sector in Belize is relied upon by thousands of families. Production has been stable and the industry continues to be a significant contributor to the economy. In 2018, Belize’s fisheries export earnings amounted to approximately thirty-eight million dollars.

Beverly Wade

Beverly Wade, Fisheries Administrator

“It continues to provide jobs, food and income generation for thousands of Belizeans from every corner of this jewel of ours.”

One of those persons is fisherman Paulino Rodriguez who hails from Sarteneja Village in the Corozal District. Rodriguez was recognized as the Fisher of the Year by the Wildlife Conservation Society today. During its fifth annual award ceremony, Rodriguez, as well as outstanding fishermen Angel Fox and Mario Gonzalez, were recognized for their hard work in the fisheries sector.

Ralna Lewis

Ralna Lewis, Assistant Country Director, WCS

“Being a fisher we all know is not an easy profession. It is one that requires love for the sea and all the uncertainties that come along with it. The three fishers being recognized today are Mr. Angel Fox, Mario Gonzalez, and Paulino Elmer Rodriguez. All of whom have willingly taken upon themselves the role of uniting and advancing their fellow fishers, a voluntary job which often goes unrewarded and unnoticed. As such it is necessary that we acknowledge these dedicated men who have recognized the need to strengthen their fisher base organized, whether it be their local association or cooperatives so that these organizations can deliver real value to their members.”

Rodriguez was chosen as Fisher of the Year for his contribution to the sector for more than forty years. As a supporter of sustainable fishing, Rodriguez along with the Executive Committee for National Fishermen Cooperative is implementing a traceability system which should open access to new markets offering premium prices for their products. The recognition took a humble Rodriguez by surprise.

Paulino Rodriguez

Paulino Rodriguez, Fisher of the Year

“It was a surprise for me. I didn’t know about this. And I just want to say thank you very much and what my son said, as a fisherman I need to continue supporting the managed access, sustainable fishing and responsible fishing and to support our fishers which is important for myself as a fisher and the chairperson for the fishing co-op. Thank you very much and I do appreciate it. Really it is a surprise for me, I didn’t expect this. Thank you very much.”

Hipolito Novelo, News Five.