Immerse yourself in the depths of an ancestral practice that has become an invaluable cultural legacy: artisanal fishing on Colombia’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts. This millennial activity has been officially recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation, and is a living testimony of the connection between human beings and nature.
In the region of the Gulf of Morrosquillo, fishing techniques go back to the ancestors of fishermen, who with wisdom and experience learned to interpret the subtle signs of nature. From the tides and currents to the phases of the moon, these ancestral fishermen managed to understand and read the secrets of the ocean, taking advantage of their knowledge to obtain the best results in their catches.
To enhance their fishing skills, the ancestors developed specialized tools and artifacts. Moorings, trammel boats, rowing boats and longlines were created with skill and dedication, allowing fishermen to adapt to different conditions and catch a wide variety of marine species. These instruments, carefully crafted by hand, represent the union between tradition and ancestral technology, ensuring sustainable fishing in harmony with the environment.
Recently, an innovative initiative has been implemented in the Gulf of Morrosquillo: the planting of artificial reefs. These man-made reefs not only protect and conserve marine ecosystems, but have also proven to be an effective tool for optimizing fishing. Thanks to the presence of these reefs, artisanal fishermen can reduce the length of their fishing days, thus increasing their productivity and preserving at the same time natural resources.
Artisanal fishing in the Gulf of Morrosquillo is much more than just an economic activity. It is an expression of wisdom passed down from generation to generation, a profound connection with the ocean and its cycles, and an inseparable link with the cultural identity of the region. Each fishing day is an adventure full of tradition, respect for nature and gratitude to the ancestors who bequeathed this valuable knowledge.
