A Fresh Start for a Haitian Fishing Cooperative
Members of APEDESSUD (Association des Pêcheurs de la Deuxième Section de Saint du Sud)–a fishing cooperative and Peace Winds’ partner in southern Haiti–have learned new skills for catching, processing, and selling fish as part of Peace Winds’ program. The group is now focused on implementing these skills and using the equipment that your donations helped them purchase.
Support for APEDESSUD has helped these 70 men and women stay on their feet amid ongoing violence and political unrest in Haiti. Although security concerns are most prominent near the capital city of Port-au-Prince, impacts of economic instability are felt throughout the country, making it difficult for people to support themselves and their families. APEDESSUD has been working to improve this. By summer 2025, the group earned enough in seafood sales to cover all of its operating expenses, and it distributed small amounts from the profits to each of its members.
An APEDESSUD fisherman’s day begins by venturing out on the APEDESSUD motorboat. They often use nets to catch fish and sometimes even free dive–without the use of a diving suit or scuba gear. Next, the group stores the fish it catches in solar-powered freezers at the APEDESSUD warehouse. When raw fish is ready to be sold at local markets, team members transport it using coolers and motorbikes, allowing it to arrive fresh.
The preparation space is also equipped with an area for drying fish, adding more variety to APEDESSUD’s products and allowing them to be preserved for longer periods. Team members then weigh the fish so they can sell it for a fair price at local markets.
In addition to training on fishing and processing techniques, Peace Winds has helped the group improve its internal processes through sessions on topics like accounting and budgeting, decision making, and division of responsibilities. The group has begun managing its income and expenses through monthly accounting reports, and members meet regularly to discuss strategies and goals.
Since the start of the program, APEDESSUD has reported an increase in profits, self-reliance, and resilience. Members are better able to earn a living and support their families, and they are more equipped to withstand future hardship.
This project is made possible by a grant from the Kuraray Company and by contributions from our many individual donors.
