Exchange between fishermen and the Guardians of the Sea on the island of Fogo

Photo credit: Associação Projecto Vitó

On February 22 2026, as part of the PaMAR project “Enhancing Marine Conservation in Cabo Verde”, Associação Projecto Vitó organized a large-scale exchange between fishermen and Guardians of the Sea from the island’s three municipalities on the island of Fogo. The event took place at Pedro Verona Pires Secondary School in Ponta Verde and brought together a total of 36 fishermen and 34 Guardians of the Sea. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Maritime Police, Coast Guard, General Fisheries Inspectorate, and the Delegate of the Maritime and Port Institute, underscoring the importance of coordination between fishermen and national maritime institutions.

During the event, there were opportunities to share experiences, the presentation of certificates of recognition to the most veteran fishermen still active in the sector, a Q&A session with the authorities, and a discussion on fisheries legislation and the main challenges faced by the sector on the island of Fogo and in Cabo Verde. The open dialogue helped strengthen trust among stakeholders and encouraged more informed and responsible fishing practices.

The gathering also included socialising and recreational activities, such as games of oril, cards, checkers, and futsal among the participants, which helped strengthen the spirit of unity, camaraderie, and cooperation among the fishermen, local authorities, and Associação Projecto Vitó.

The activity successfully achieved its proposed objectives, notably the strong participation of fishermen from the three municipalities, with approximately 70 fishermen involved in the exchange, the active engagement of maritime institutions, constructive dialogue and clarification of questions regarding fisheries legislation, and the strengthening of institutional relationships with fishermen.

Text: Deusa Araújo, Coordinator of the Sustainable Fisheries Program, Associação Projecto Vitó

Reviewed by: Marco Paulo, Project Manager, Associação Projecto Vitó 

Photo credits: Associação Projecto Vitó