All along the coastline of Esmeraldas small fishing communities are found in villages or medium sized settlements called Caletas (fishing villages). These Caletas depend on agriculture and fishing to provide food for their communities.

In the recent past fishing in Esmeraldas has diversified and expanded. It is an occupation that requires no formal training nor does it require previous knowledge and for the many low educated people it is a chance to earn some money.  - It is however, hard and dangerous work.

The groups of fishermen are organised by the boat owners. The boat owners, control up to 30 boats, their workers are often paid based on the catch using a tiered system, where the boats captain receives the highest portion of the profit.

The majority of the fishing villages have access to only very simple infrastructure. Many are not connected to the electricity network nor have they sterilised water. Sewage and regular rubbish removal are as much a problem in the region's capital as it is in the villages.

The boat owners finance the operational costs and supply the fishermen with fuel and ice. In return for this they are able to dictate the price of the fish and obtain greater profits – leaving the fishermen with not a lot.

There is a lack of work opportunities for women in these Caletas, except in those places that are popular tourist destinations during certain seasons.

There is a great need to improve the infrastructure of the community. Increasing work opportunities in the fishing community and striving to get job equality for women would help this environment.