Help SVG Fishers affected by La Soufriere Volcano

The La Soufriere volcano, located in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, has been active since 29 December, 2020. The volcanic activity started with effusive eruption, formation of a volcanic dome, as well as changes to crater lake and other seismic events. On 8 April 2021, this activity increased and the Prime Minister issued evacuation orders to those in the red zone (closest to the crater) due to imminent explosive eruptions. Since then, there have been several active explosive eruptions and the entire island has been covered in ashfall with >20,000 people evacuated. 

Photo Credit: Javid Collins, UWITV | UWI Seismic Research Centre 

This falling ash and pyroclastic flows have destroyed crops and also contaminated all water reservoirs. These eruptions are likely to continue for weeks or even months. The Fisheries Centre in Owia (located within the red zone) received significant damage from the volcanic eruption

View of the Fisheries Centre at Owia. Photo credit: Winsbert Harry

There continues to be an urgent need for water and other supplies as thousands of people have been displaced from their homes. GCFI's Gladding Memorial Award Winner, Winsbert Harry, President of the SVG National Fisherfolk Organisation (SVGNFO) was involved in transporting relief efforts sent to the SVGNFO from the Goodwill Fishermen Cooperative in Saint Lucia.

Fisher from St Lucia (left) presenting Winsbert Harry (right) with supplies on behalf of the fishing cooperatives in St. Lucia. Photo Credit: CNFO

However, enroute to Saint Vincent, the sea became rougher than anticipated, causing the vessel to sink, six nautical miles south-west of Saint Vincent. Winsbert and two other individuals on board began the long swim back to shore and were eventually rescued by another boat. They were taken to a hospital and treated for severe gas burns to their bodies. See video report of the incident below.



Although no lives were lost, these fishers lost their boat, engine, GPS, VHF radio, fish finder and safety equipment. The National Fisherfolk Organization has already been dealt a major blow as a result of the volcanic eruption, but this loss of property and equipment will undoubtedly affect their livelihoods and their future safety at sea.

Let us all come together to support the National Fisherfolk Organization of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at this time and help them to rebuild and recover from these events. All money generated via this fundraiser will be sent via wire transfer to the National Fisherfolk Organization of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Funds raised will be used to purchase relief supplies, assist in repairs and replacement of damaged / destroyed equipment.

About GCFI
The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) was founded in 1947 to promote the exchange of current information on the use and management of marine resources in the Gulf and Caribbean region. From its beginning, GCFI has endeavored to involve scientific, governmental, and commercial sectors to provide a broad perspective on relevant issues, and to encourage dialogue among groups that often operate in relative isolation from one another. 

The GCFI Fisheries for Fishers Initiative is founded on the principle that fishers must be engaged and empowered to be part of the process of managing marine resources. GCFI has encouraged and supported activities related to this principle along with a number of our partners. The activities included the Gladding Memorial Award which recognizes a Fisher who has demonstrated a Long-Term commitment of sustainable fishing and conservation of marine resources. Winsbert Harry of the SVGNFO is the latest recipient of the Gladding Memorial Award (2019).