TBTI

The 2nd World Small Scale Fisheries Congress, held in Merida, Mexico, was an outstanding success, and many valuable connections and insights came to fruition as a result of the meeting. The congress provided a medium whereby researchers could actively exchange information and ideas gathered from extensive research projects on small-scale fisheries. Many aspects of small-scale fisheries were discussed, ranging from marine protected areas, to gauging the well-being in fisheries, to assessing species change and loss. The conference was vibrant and full of positive energy, which will be channeled and converted into meaningful policy and regulatory changes to sustain the world's small-scale fisheries.

On Wednesday, congress participants were the given the opportunity to explore some areas outside of Merida. This was the highlight of the conference for many. Following the corralling and division of the conference participants into groups, group six had the privilege of being able to travel to the ruins of the ancient Mayan settlement. I suppose it could be said that this visit was somewhat of a wakeup call. Seeing a collapsed civilization that was, at one time, one of the most prosperous in the world really put the wicked problem of fisheries collapse into perspective. The Mayan ruins were beautiful, cryptic, and eye opening all at the same time.

Following the visit to the Mayan ruins, the group traveled North to the coastal settlement of Progresso. The landscape of thick jungle quickly shifted to tall coconut trees and lush mangroves upon arriving in Progresso. Progresso is a small port city on the Gulf of Mexico. Discussion sessions were organized with local and international fishers; with the goal of discussing indigenous issues, the Mexican sea cucumber collapse, and small-scale fisheries guidelines. Discussions ensued, while some adventurous congress participants explored Progresso in depth. During the stay in Progresso, local fishers and their families served a delicious meal of Octopus and Pico de Gallo, followed with fish tacos. Local beers and non-alcoholic beverages provided much needed refreshment. Following the meal and discussions, the group traveled to the port to see fish being landed.

Overall, the field excursion was a fantastic success, and provided congress participants with a taste, both literally and figuratively, of the Yucatán. For those of us who had never been to Mexico before, the field excursion was certainly something we will remember from the conference.

Written by: Christopher Baird, MA Student, Department of Geography

Too Big Too Ignore (TBTI) is a research network knowledge mobilization partnership funded by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). For more information, please visit http://toobigtoignore.net/.