Solar Solutions for Fishers

Tuna fishers in the Philippines who are members under D&L Seafoods have participated in the Fair Trade Certified program for five years. During this time, members have used their collective voice to direct resources toward practical needs. In 2025, they identified access to affordable and reliable lighting during fishing trips as a shared priority and allocated approximately $1,850 USD from Community Development Funds to purchase solar panel kits for 80 fishers. Many fishers spend extended periods at sea and depend on dependable lighting to carry out their work safely and effectively. The solar panel kits were installed and deployed to provide a renewable power source for use during fishing operations, removing the need for fuel-powered equipment on the water. The project has helped lower operating costs per fishing trip while delivering a cleaner, quieter source of power. By directing Community Development Funds toward practical equipment chosen by members themselves, fishers are improving the efficiency of their daily work and supporting more sustainable fishing practices over the long term.