Information is important at this early stage. The fishers are seeking information
on who can help them, what assistance different institutions and organizations
can provide, what has been done elsewhere, what has worked and what has
not worked and where funding support can be obtained. This information may
be available from individual people or institutions, or in publications or other forms of media (Box 5.8). This is an especially critical time in the programme
as the fishers may not know exactly what they want or need or who can best
assist them. They may have to talk to a number of people and institutions
before they identify someone who can provide them assistance. It is often easy
for the fishers to get discouraged if it becomes difficult to find assistance. The
government may not be capable at this time of providing the assistance that the
fishers need. NGOs with experience on fisheries and coastal issues may not be
operating in the area. The fishers will need to be creative and diligent in their
search for assistance. For example, an NGO which deals with health issues
may be operating in the community and, while they do not deal with fisheries
issues, they may be able to network with other NGOs to identify an NGO
capable of assisting the fishers. Or government may have an extension agent
who is willing to learn and assist. Or a lecturer at the local college or university
may be interested and willing to assist.