ABSTRACT
The islanders of Caye Caulker have access to some of the best fishing grounds in the Caribbean, particularly for lobster. The economic and social development of Caye Caulker has been a process of change from subsistence fishing to commercial fishing, primarily through the development of the lobster industry. The shift in emphasis from subsistence to commercial fishing, which has played the largest role in shaping the caye's development, is connected with the initiation and expansion of the lobster industry in the 1920's. The Managing Committee oversees the co-op's annual operations and has considerable power in making important decisions affecting the future of the co-op. The co-op operates as a producer-owned processor and distributor. Lobster, fish, conch, and crab which the members catch are brought to the receiving station on Caye Caulker or in Belize City. The Northern Fishermen Cooperative maintains facilities both on Caye Caulker and in Belize City.
