Eight Nicaraguan fishing co-operatives have received licences to farm shrimp in designated areas in the north east of the country.
The licences will give 254 co-op members – in the Palo Grande community, north of the city of Chinandega – the opportunity to increase their income.
The Nicaraguan Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INPESCA) and the municipal government of Somotillo issued the licences to the Palo Grande residents who were helped to form fishing co-ops and given training and technical support to develop shrimp farming expertise.
Edward Jackson, head of INPESCA, said. “We are giving these families these areas to dedicate to the cultivation of shrimp – a new work alternative that will help bring more income into their homes.”
Aracelis Chacón, a member of the Las Mujeres co-op, said: “This is an experience that has changed the lives of several women who previously were housewives and depended on their husbands’ income.
“This opportunity allows us to develop an expertise and benefits the whole community by improving families’ incomes.”
Nicolás Mendoza from the Palo Grande Co-operative Fishing Union welcomed the move. “This work will bring better development to our community and will improve the lives of the families that previously worked hard for private companies to earn a few pesos,” he said.
