For five generations, the Lopez family has fished the waters of Belize using traditional methods passed down through their family. As a family they free-dive more than 50 feet for lobster and rely entirely on their skill, strength, and deep knowledge of the sea. For more than 32 years, they have maintained a small, working fishing camp built to support their family through honest, demanding labor. Over the past decade, that livelihood has been tested again and again.

(Pictured above: Ismael Sr., Ismael Jr., Rodrigo, Earl, Nestor Jr. and Nestor)

Hurricanes destroyed a tourism restaurant the family was building, forcing them back to relying on fishing alone. Then an unnamed storm took their rebuilt fish house, pier, and hundreds of lobster traps. In 2016 they evacuated ahead of Hurricane Earl, and thankfully it changed direction. However, when they returned home, arsonists had burned their entire camp to the ground. After rebuilding again and again, they were dealt another blow when thieves stole their fishing boat, motor and all onboard equipment in Belize City.

Since losing their boat, the family has been forced to rent one for each fishing trip, sharply reducing their income from each expeditions and making it difficult to meet even basic needs at home. Still, the 72-year-old family patriarch, Ismael Sr., continues working, postponing retirement to help the family survive.

Your support will help the Lopez family purchase a new boat engine and repair their existing boat ($30k USD in costs), and replace the equipment and lobster traps they've lost. The family doesn't want charity, just the tools to continue their generations-old trade and support themselves through their own hard work. With assistance, Ismael Sr. can retire with dignity, and this experienced fishing family can restore their ability to earn a sustainable living from the waters they know so well.

(Organized by friends in the US - 100% of the donated funds are going directly to the Lopez family)