Key stakeholders in Dominican fisheries today endorsed a ten-year upgrading strategy for the mahi-mahi sector, marking the launch of an ambitious agenda to strengthen this important artisanal fishery, making sure that benefits are shared equitably and growth does not increase the burden on the environment.  

“This agreement gives an important boost to our efforts to modernize the fisheries sector,” said Carlos Then, Director of the Dominican Council for Fisheries and Aquaculture (CODOPESCA) at a ceremony in Santo Domingo on occasion of the endorsement of the mahi-mahi upgrading strategy. “A better mahi-mahi sector is vital for the livehoods of fisher folk and will help us to preserve this resource for future generations.” 

The endorsement means that work can now begin to make the mahi-mahi value chain more productive and sustainable in carrying out an ambitious set of activities geared towards modernizing the capture, processing and marketing of mahi-mahi products over the next ten years.  

“This will have a significant impact on the lives of some 12 500 people in fishing communities in the south-east and south-west of our country, where mahi-mahi is one of the principal catches,” said Olaya Dotel, Vice-Minister of Multilateral Cooperation.