Lures are exported with the Costa Rica artisan seal awarded by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
A few months ago, the American company El Jefe Tackle Co, visited the Las Brujas del Mar Cooperative in Bellavista de Puntarenas to get up close and personal with the group of entrepreneurial women who, for 4 years, have been dedicated to making and selling artisanal lures for the tourist fishing.
The successful visit culminated in the closing of a deal to export lures and take the talent and craftsmanship of these Costa Ricans to the international market. To meet the new demand, the Sea Witches have received training in the use of a new, much more modern wood cutting machine that will allow them to do their work better and meet manufacturing standards.
When trawling was banned in 2019, these women lost their jobs as trawler shrimp peelers and in their search to find a new source of income, a new job transformed their lives and this was thanks to the support of Incopesca and from the Costa Rican Fishing Federation (FECOP) who provided them with induction and training to learn how to make fishing lures. “We have never given up and we have fought to get ahead and support our families.
Currently the cooperative employs 14 people, 12 of whom are women and 2 are men. Our goal is to grow and generate new jobs to help other Puntarenas women who are looking for better opportunities to raise their children and families,” added Flor de María Rivera Rojas, General Manager of the Las Brujas del Mar cooperative.
The lures are made from recycled wood that is collected on the beach and also from the remnants left by cabinetmakers.
“Here the pieces are cut, sanded and painted by hand with the weight and measurements that the client requests,” Flor Rivera concluded.
“At FECOP, we actively support initiatives that promote the well-being of coastal communities and promote the blue economy. Our commitment to SDG 14 is reflected in the promotion of sustainable fishing tourism, which not only drives the export of Costa Rican products, but also guarantees the responsible conservation of our marine resources.
This strategic approach has triggered significant progress in the country’s economic revival, generating employment and business opportunities, while safeguarding marine biodiversity for generations to come. We are proud to be part of this positive impact,” said Marina Marrari, Executive Director of FECOP.
