Community Alliance for Tracking Cameron’s Habitats (CATCH)
Solomon Williams Jr, Commercial Oysterman, in Cameron, Louisiana.
Formerly the Seafood Capital of the USA, Cameron, Louisiana, now faces environmental degradation, declining fish stocks, and habitat loss.
The Community Alliance for Tracking Cameron’s Habitats (CATCH) seeks to empower fisherfolk to become community scientists to assess industrial impacts on their environment and fisheries. By equipping them with tools and skills for water quality monitoring and aquatic life stock assessments, the project bridges grassroots ecological knowledge with scientific data collection. This synergy will empower fisherfolk to engage in environmental advocacy and inform state and federal regulatory bodies effectively. The project aims to amplify community voices, validate their lived experiences, and foster sustainable practices in response to environmental and industrial challenges.
The project equips fishermen with the knowledge and skills for scientific data collection and interpretation.
Trip Ticket Data Analysis
Shrimp Stock Assessment
Oyster Stock Assessment
Water Quality Testing
Dredging Sediment Testing
By combining traditional ecological insights with scientific rigor, this initiative aims to enhance community resilience, foster environmental stewardship, and serve as a model for other underserved wetland communities.