Situated along Uruguay’s Atlantic coast, the Rocha Lagoon was declared a National Lacustre Park in 1977. Home to many native species, it also hosts a myriad of migratory birds all year round, including tropical species from the south in the winter and North American species in the summer.

The Association of Artisanal Fishermen of Coastal Lagoons (APALCO) was founded within a small community made up of 20 families who capture fish and shellfish in the Puerto de los Botes area. Their objective is sustainable management of the coastal lagoon zone and of its natural resources.

With the support of the association, the fishermen produce traditionally smoked fish, crabmeat, dried algae and shrimp raised according to sustainable water cultivation techniques. This year, an environmental education program for children and young adults in the lagoon’s fishing community was launched to spread awareness of the lagoon’s resources. This activity aims to instill in the members of the community, as well as those outside, the value and potential of the lagoon and to spur economic alternatives in harmony with artisanal fishing, such as carriage and boat rides and gastronomical endeavors.

The park’s rangers have also recently obtained new technology including a laptop, digital camera and a radio to assist them in interacting with the fishing communities in Barra de la laguna and Puerto de los Botes. The next step will be a Rocha Lagoon website, which will be created with support from the Canadian Embassy in Uruguay.

For more information about this community or to contact them, write to Lia Poggio, l DOT poggio AT slowfood DOT com.