With the warm winter sun streaming in, the headquarters of the Ventanas Fishers Union gradually warmed up and dressed for the occasion. It was a double celebration: the 40th anniversary of this iconic artisanal fishing organization and the official inauguration of its TURF-Reserve, the result of a process of work and learning that began in 2017 together with Capital Azul Foundation.
The Union chose an intimate celebration, shared among families, friends, neighbors and local authorities, led by Puchuncaví Mayor Marcos Morales, along with representatives of the Quintero Port Authority, Sernapesca and the Sargento Aldea school, among other guests. Amid warm conversation came words of recognition for an institution born by the sea on August 8, 1986.
“Celebrating 40 years of the Fishers Union’s history together with the inauguration of the TURF-Reserve with Capital Azul fills us with deep pride. Ventanas is always associated with industry, but we fishers know that beneath the surface our sea is still alive. Setting aside this protected area is the best gift we can give future generations and proof that we are the ocean’s first guardians,” said Eugenio Silva, president of the Union, reflecting on the significance of this milestone.
Shared wishes and commitment
As a sign of this commitment to caring for the ocean through the Ventanas TURF-Reserve, a “Net of Good Wishes” was hung up, inviting attendees to leave greetings, comments and words of prosperity for this Voluntary Protection Zone, reaffirming the collective pact for its conservation.
“We believe this was a great opportunity to celebrate the official inauguration of the TURF-Reserve together as a family. For us it is a very important milestone, because we now have five TURF-Reserves at the community outreach stage, so we can share more about this Voluntary Protection Zone,” said Rodrigo Sánchez, Executive Director of Capital Azul Foundation.
A window to the life flourishing beneath the surface
During the day, Capital Azul Foundation presented a set of framed underwater photographs that served as a direct window into the biodiversity flourishing in the TURF-Reserve. The images sparked amazement and curiosity among attendees by revealing the wealth of fish and invertebrates that inhabit the recovering local ecosystem at Punta Lunes.
“This territory has historically been associated with pollution, not with places rich and abundant in biodiversity. That is why it was a beautiful moment, and we believe it opens the door to better coordinate our work with the Municipality of Puchuncaví, Sernapesca, schools and other actors. The inauguration is that first step to open the TURF-Reserve to the community and make them part of this process, which has been very rewarding for the Ventanas Fishers Union,” Sánchez added.
The day ended with live music, the traditional ribbon cutting that marked the official inauguration of the TURF-Reserve and an emotional toast to these four decades of union history. A history that now looks to the horizon hand in hand with a new paradigm: one where sustainable extraction and conservation go together for the resilience of coastal communities.
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