SmartFish and WWF-Mexico join forces to strengthen the capacity of fishing and aquaculture cooperatives in Yucatán and Nayarit.
In recent months, WWF Mexico and SmartFish AC launched a new and very interesting collaboration. The main objectives were to provide fishing cooperatives located in Yucatán and Nayarit with basic tools and concepts to improve their fishing and business practices, increasing the economic, social, and environmental value of their fishery products. The project also included transferring basic knowledge of the Value Rescue Model (VRM) to the WWF-Mexico team so they could identify key next steps and follow up with these and other fishing cooperatives.
In May and June 2025, five people from SmartFish AC facilitated workshops for cooperatives selected by WWF-Mexico to improve organizational development and the quality of their products, optimize post-harvest handling, and strengthen their business practices in order to access preferential markets that value sustainability.
A total of 14 training sessions were held for 93 people (17 women and 76 men) belonging to six fishing cooperatives (five in Yucatán and one in Nayarit). In addition to WWF-Mexico and SmartFish AC, other institutions such as Comité de sanidad acuícola de Yucatán (CESAY), CONANP, and the Alianza Kanan Kay participated in these sessions. The participation of these organizations enriched the experience for all attendees. These institutions form a support network for the cooperatives, and coordination with them is key to sharing experiences and monitoring the VRM.
In Yucatán, the five cooperatives actively participated in the dynamics and discussions during the two visits. This process generated an environment of reflection in which attendees were able to analyze the current situation of their organizations, identify areas for improvement, and explore new opportunities to maximize the value of their products. At the cooperatives in Río Lagartos and San Felipe, cooperative infrastructure was reviewed, identifying specific areas for improvement that will help them maintain the optimal quality and safety of their fishery products. Participants linked these operational lessons learned to strategic topics, such as traceability and market access, highlighting the importance of connecting internal processes with the type of customer they seek to serve.
During the workshops held in Nayarit, the idea of producing smoked oysters emerged at the Ostricamichín Cooperative. SmartFish, AC designed a practical training to produce smoked oysters, where members conducted a processing exercise and tasted similar products currently on the market. This workshop sparked a good deal of enthusiasm among the participants, who appreciated the excellent flavor of their oysters and the commercial potential.
This project is seen as a catalyst to strengthen the cooperative's business model, generate leadership opportunities, including greater participation of women, and expand their presence in higher-value markets.
This collaboration between SmartFish AC and WWF-Mexico was an enriching and learning experience for all.