WCS honors Fishers of the Year

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Mon. June 29, 2026

   Three fishers: Carlos Ramirez of Punta Gorda, Paula Jacobs Williams of Punta Negra, and Lorenzo Cassanova of Chunox were honored for their work in sustainable fisheries, when the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) hosted its annual Fisher of the Year awards ceremony in Belize City on Friday, June 26.

   Fisher of the Year Carlos Ramirez was honored for his work in the Port of Honduras Marine Reserve. He has been fishing all his life from he was child, and worked for a number of years as a ranger with the Toledo Institute for Development and Education (TIDE), and helping his peers in fisheries resource management

   The Society also honored two nominees: Punta Negra Village chairperson Paula Jacobs Williams was nominated for her work as president of the Women in Fisheries Association, and for her role in empowering women to become professional fishers as an alternative livelihood to more traditional women’s roles.

   Lorenzo Cassanova, vice chairman of the Chunox Fishermen’s Association, was also nominated for his work in fisheries conservation, and his role in educating his fellow fishers about the importance of protecting our marine resources for future generations.

   WCS Marine Conservation Director, Raine Lamb Lewis explained the criteria for selecting the awardees, who are all active in promoting marine conservation. The WCS considered how active the nominees have been in their communities, their role within their respective associations, and their productivity within the industry

   The award celebrates sustainable fishing, marine stewardship, and community leadership. Previous outstanding fishers who have been similarly honored include Hector Martinez, Sr. of Riversdale, Placencia in 2025, with David Elijio and Felipe Tun as runners-up nominees; and in 2024, Carlos Arevalo of Chunox Village, with alternative nominees Paula and Suzette Jacobs of Punta Negra Village, Toledo.