The MARTINZ Critical Review - Ep #15 - Exploring successful Colombia fisheries conservation initiatives - with Alberto Mejia of Fish Colombia

In today’s episode we continue with our new sub-series covering global fisheries conservation initiatives, this time focusing on Colombia.   I am pleased to introduce Senior Alberto Mejia to the program.  Alberto has turned his life long passion for angling into a vocation by having created Fish Colombia Expeditions to provide anglers unique opportunities in 5 different Colombian fisheries. Colombia is a unique location globally having just exited a nearly 50 year civil war. This situation has left vast tracts of the country unexplored and largely unexploited. Alberto has been successful in partnering with various Indian groups to negotiate exclusive sport fishing access to pristine locations.  In return for this access to the fishing grounds the Indians agree not to utilize target sport species for food, and they also benefit from weekly angler fees, rotating fair trade employment opportunities including guiding, and regular medical attention.  We also look at the wildly successful artisanal fishing only zone known as ZEPA off the North-West coast of Colombia near Bahai Solano.  This area covers some 200 miles of coastline and extends a minimum of 7 miles offshore.  Within this zone no fishing with nets is allowed and large pelagic species have returned in numbers seen no where else on Earth.  This is a true testament to the power of our ecosystems and fish populations to flourish with the use of selective fishing and limited harvest levels. To learn more about Fish Colombia's operations and their conservation initiatives please visit: Fish Colombia ZEPA