Fishers in the communities of Mahaut and Layou from the Commonwealth of Dominica are set to benefit from improved fish handling and storage capacity, following the official handover of insulated ice coolers under the European Union (EU)-funded Biodiversity Support Programme in ACP Coastal Environments (BioSPACE) Project.
The handover ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, brought together representatives from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, Dominica’s fisheries officials, and members of the Layou Women Farmers and Fishers Group, and the St. Peter’s Fishers Cooperative in Mahaut.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts under the BioSPACE Project to enhance sustainable livelihoods while promoting biodiversity conservation across Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Ms. Diana Degallerie, Dominica's Fisheries Liaison Officer, noted that the provision of insulated coolers represents a practical investment in the fisheries sector, which supports women’s groups and strengthens community-based fisheries management. She said:
“Today’s contribution is a tangible step towards improving fish handling, maintaining product quality, and ultimately increasing income opportunities for our fishers and vendors.”
The Fisheries Division has been actively implementing several BioSPACE-supported activities across Dominica, including improving fisheries livelihoods in Mahaut, supporting mariculture development in Woodford Hill, and building resilience to environmental changes affecting coastal communities.
Speaking on behalf of the OECS Commission, BioSPACE Project Manager Ms. Norma Cherry-Février underscored the broader impact of the intervention.
“The handover of ice coolers today marks another milestone in the BioSPACE Project. This initiative aims to help fishers enhance post-harvest handling, reduce spoilage, and boost the value of their catch,” she stated.
She further emphasised that improved storage practices contribute to reduced waste, greater efficiency, and increased resilience within the fisheries sector, while ensuring that biodiversity conservation efforts deliver tangible benefits to coastal communities.
Dominica’s Acting Chief Fisheries Officer, Ms. Wynnona Joseph, highlighted the alignment of the initiative with national efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector following recent climate-related challenges.
“This initiative, although simple in appearance, represents a meaningful step forward in supporting the livelihoods of our fishers. It complements ongoing investments in landing site rehabilitation, vessel support, and capacity building across the sector.”
Ms. Joseph also commended the OECS Commission and partners for their holistic approach, which extends beyond equipment provision to include training, safety gear, and broader support for fisheries development. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the timely support, noting its direct impact on their daily operations and income potential.
Representatives from the Mahaut fisheries cooperative highlighted the importance of the initiative in supporting one of Dominica’s most active fishing communities, while members of the Layou Women Farmers and Fishers Group expressed immense gratitude and explained how the coolers would improve the handling and preservation of fish products such as titiwi, particularly for women vendors.
“This support will not only benefit the women fishers, but the wider community, ensuring that fish remains fresh and marketable,” a representative noted.
The BioSPACE Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the OECS Commission, continues to support Member States through initiatives that link biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy reiterated its commitment to working closely with fisherfolk, encouraging beneficiaries to properly maintain the coolers to ensure long-term benefits.