Marta C. Calosso – Founder & Executive Director
Marta is an expert at working with small-scale fishing communities, with experience as a researcher investigating socio-ecological systems, consultant for a fishing cooperative, advisor for government on fisheries, and collaborator working with environmental NGOs. Marta is a well-published interdisciplinary marine conservation scientist with a background in marine biology and social science, and continues to present her work at conferences globally. She is an educator who worked for several years as a lecturer in ecology, natural resource management, and environmental policy and socio-economic values, and in numerous other roles she has delivered environmental outreach and education to children, Indigenous communities, adult-learners, and specifically to fisherfolk. Marta is an experienced project manager, who brings her natural enthusiasm and empathy to everything she does. She is particularly skilled at engaging with small-scale fishing communities, working with them to co-design and co-deliver projects, and ensuring that their interests are prioritised. Marta is originally from Italy, but she has lived and worked in the Wider Caribbean Region for two decades, not only in the Turks and Caicos Islands but also in the Bahamas, Bonaire, and Panama. She spent most of this time connecting with small-scale fishing communities which transformed her outlook from focusing on biodiversity conservation to a more holistic approach based on ‘blue justice’ where fisherfolk are central to any solutions. Marta is particularly grateful to the small-scale fishing community of South Caicos, and understanding their struggles and aspirations was a primary motivation for establishing FisherFolkFirst. Further details
John A.B. Claydon – Founder & Director
John has a background as a marine biologist focusing on tropical fisheries and conservation. John was the Executive Director of the Integrated Marine Biosphere Research project, and previously served as the Director of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. In this role, John recognised that fisherfolk are under-represented in decision-making, and that ignoring the needs of fisherfolk in the management of their marine resources is both morally wrong and poses an obstacle to finding sustainable solutions. Originally from the UK, John has worked in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Belize, Bonaire, Panama, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Norway, and Canada. John also worked for six years within the fishing community of South Caicos which gave him a strong understanding of the struggles and needs of fisherfolk. Further details
Advisory Board for the Turks and Caicos Islands
Lucy Frith
Ms Frith has fishing in her blood. She is the daughter of a life-long commercial fisher, she has a commercial fishing licence, and she has built a business managing commercial fishing boats, fishers, and distributing locally caught seafood in Providenciales. Her business follows a social enterprise model that ensures just and safe work, and everyone involved shares profits equitably. With mixed Turks and Caicos Islands and Haitian heritage, Lucy has strong connections with fishers and fish workers throughout the country. She is committed to providing a better future for all fisherfolk.
Havagayle Ellis
Ms Ellis has a background in strategic planning, marketing, and customer experience, and works as a Commercial Manager for Digicel Group in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Havagayle’s expertise helps to guide the strategic operations of FisherFolkFirst, and her intimate understanding of the professional landscape in the country is a great asset for fundraising.
Henry Handfield
Mr Handfield has been tied to the fishing industry for almost all of his life and is well-respected throughout the fishing community of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He is a former commercial fisher, professional chef, and currently is the owner of a seafood processing facility in South Caicos. Henry has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small-scale fisherfolk and he is committed to bringing positive change. Henry has also served on the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Fishery Advisory Committee.
Prince Robinson
Mr Robinson is a legendary free-diving fisher. He is originally from North Caicos but has spent most of his adult life as a fisher in South Caicos, the fishing capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Prince is motivated to help fellow fisherfolk secure more prosperous livelihoods and better futures.