Abaco Island Updated Theory of Change for Alumni Campaign

It's hard to believe that two years have gone by so quickly since the start of the first university phase. Our campaign has been so successful but yet there is still much work to be done. My organization has agreed that it is worth the while to continue our campaign beyond our initial two year phase and we are looking forward to continuing this campaign under the Rare Alumni Program. Hopefully we'll have the opportunity to continue to change behaviors that will result in sustainble lobster populations and a healthy marine environment.

Below is our updated theory of change for the next phase of our campaign:

Nassau Tribune letter to the editor: Harvesting of lobsters during closed season must stop

From Nassau Tribune on-line.  Well done D'Shan for whatever you did to help this get published! http://www.tribune242.com/editorial/08162010_Lobster_letters_pg4forMonday   Letter: Harvesting of lobsters during closed season must stop    

Published On:Monday, August 16, 2010

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Article in local papers praises our campaign

This article was recently published in the August 15th issue of the local Abaconian and quotes the local processor praising our campaign in Abaco.

Abaco Fishermen are measuring up!

Yesterday I had a great time with fishermen as they came in for the day from their daily fishing trips. I watched them as they off loaded their catch of the day with pride. I was pleased to see that they are using the gauges that were distributed during community visits and meetings during the closed fishing season. After talking with a few of the fishermen I was pleased to hear reports that they are measuring up and paying more attention to quality control.

Campaign song being played daily at a local bar

I was told today that my campaign song is being played everyday by a local bar in Marsh Harbour. My son has the song as his ring tone on his cell phone and when his cell rang a neighbor to a local bar wanted to know where he had got the song. They then went on to tell him that they live near a bar that plays the song everyday! He was so happy to tell me the good news!

Size Matters Campaign Makes National Tribune Paper

This past Friday was a very exciting time for our campaign. It marked a significant time frame in our campaign's timeline as it marked the last push of the campaign message before the opening of the official lobster season on August 1st. As a result a tribune writer travelled to our island to capture more information about our campaign. I had an opportunity to be interviewed by her and share about my campaign. This is a huge winner for us, as this paper is filtered throughout the Bahamas and is read by national leaders and is also a choice paper by some of the larger exporters in the country.

The article features local fishermen showing of our campaign shirts and a local doctors office whose staffed wore the shirts on t-shirt day.

To read the full article click on this link: http://www.tribune242.com/news/08042010_crawfish_news_pg5 

Article in the Abaconian

This article was written to report on activities that are underway by the local Department of Marine Resources to make sure fishermen are obeying the law this season. It also talks about the new Bahamas Catch Certificate Program that they government of the Bahamas has implemented since this campaign started. As a key BROP partner, the local officer featured in this story has been actively involved in this campaign from inception and is proud to know that his department will be doing their part to enforce some of the laws that have long been on the books. Lack of enforcement was identified as one of the contributing threats to local lobster populations.

Schooner Bay Supports Size Matters T-Shirt Day

T-Shirt Day has turned out to be an exciting time. A local property development called Schooner Bay has joined in to show their support for harvesting of legal size lobsters this season. One of their property goals is

"Protecting the region’s biodiversity and promoting its cultural diversity will be paramount at Schooner Bay. Schooner welcomes all those dedicated to the principles of sustainability, simplicity, community and family."

We are so happy to have a development that supports sustainability and cultural diversity on board!

Campaign Effectiveness

Yesterday a volunteer came into our office to get a campaign shirt. She mentioned that kids she was working with in summer camp this year was singing the chorus of our campaign song. I was surprised as I have not been able to monitor radio play of the song after distributing it to several radio staions. I have also distributed copies to local Disc Jockeys for them to play at community events. I am not sure where these kids heard the song, but it definately means that it is catching on!

On Saturday at the Power Boat race, I gave a copy of the campaign song to the Dj and he played it during the prize announcements. Immediately a lady standing next to me with her husband leaned over and said "Every time I hear this song, I think about you". I was shocked that she first heard the song and secondly associated it with me. I then asked her where she had heard it and she said she heard it on the local radio station.

Beautiful Views of North Abaco

Each time I go to North Abaco, I just enjoy the magnificent views of the water. I just thought I would share a few of the scenic views for your enjoyment also.