Food producer network 2020 grantee

Tomas Ayala Feliciano

Tomas Ayala Feliciano has been fishing for more than 35 years in the island municipality of Culebra, where he catches conch, lobster, octopus, and more. There is no fisher’s association or fish shop here, so the island’s few fishers operate independently to deliver their catch to restaurants or directly to consumers. Meanwhile, there are no commercial supermarket or restaurant chains on the island — fishers can only catch what they know they will be able to sell that same day.

A WCK grant will help Tomas finish the construction and outfitting of a fish shop that will be able to supply the shops, restaurants, and residents of the island in a more consistent and efficient way. Through the acquisition of a freezer, vacuum packing machine, and construction materials and equipment, Tomas will establish the only fish shop in Culebra capable of aggregating and distributing fish at a local level, providing an essential service for the island.