On 29 November 2024, ABALOBI conducted a follow-up training session for small-scale fisher cooperative members in the Kogelberg region, building on foundational training provided earlier in May. This session focused on the operations and maintenance of the fish packing and storage container - a crucial asset for ensuring the quality and safety of seafood products. By equipping fishers with hands-on skills and knowledge, the training reinforced ABALOBI’s commitment to capacity building and sustainable fisheries management.

Hands-On Learning with a Fisher-to-Fisher Approach

The training welcomed seven cooperative members - five women and two men - who engaged in practical demonstrations and discussions. The session was facilitated by Hahn Goliath, a former small-scale fisher and current ABALOBI team member. Hahn’s firsthand experience in the fishing industry and his deep understanding of community challenges made the training highly relevant and accessible. ABALOBI’s fisher-to-fisher training model ensures that knowledge is shared in a way that resonates with participants, fostering peer learning and collaboration.

Training Breakdown: Skills for Safe and Efficient Operations

Each participant received a hard copy of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), which formed the basis of the session. Hahn guided the group through key operational and hygiene standards before leading hands-on demonstrations of essential container equipment, including:

• Using the scale for accurate fish weight measurements.
• Operating the temperature probe to monitor core fish temperature.
• Handling the high-pressure hose for thorough cleaning and hygiene maintenance.
• Managing the cold room and air conditioning system, including safe operation procedures.

Participants also discussed workflow efficiency within the container, focusing on designated entry and exit points to minimise contamination risks. The importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was reinforced, with explanations of appropriate gear for different tasks and why adherence to hygiene protocols is critical.

Community-Driven Insights and Innovation

A key takeaway from the session was the continuity of learning - one participant noted that much of the hygiene and cold chain management information aligned with previous ABALOBI Post-Harvest Quality Control (PHQC) training. This reflects the strength of ABALOBI’s training ecosystem, where core principles are reinforced across multiple sessions.

The cooperative members also explored innovative ways to maximise the container’s utility. One emerging idea was storing and reselling frozen bait, leveraging the existing chest freezer within the facility. This initiative could diversify income streams for the cooperative, enhancing financial resilience in the face of seasonal fishing fluctuations.

Looking Ahead: Future Training and Continuous Support

To ensure ongoing skill development, a refresher training session is planned for early 2025, coinciding with the end of the lobster season and the renewal of line-fishing permits. This strategic timing will allow fishers to focus on upskilling during a period of lower fishing activity.

Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries Through Practical Knowledge

This follow-up training underscored ABALOBI’s dedication to empowering small-scale fishing communities through knowledge-sharing and skills development. By combining theoretical guidance with practical, hands-on learning, participants left the session with the confidence and ability to operate the fish storage and packing container effectively. Importantly, the training also fostered a spirit of collaboration and innovation, as cooperative members continue to explore ways to enhance their operations and build resilience in their fishing businesses.

Through initiatives like these, ABALOBI continues to champion community-led, sustainable fisheries management, ensuring that small-scale fishers have the tools, training, and support they need to thrive.