Martha, visionary educator, and member of a fisher-family, founded UPESABO, a cooperative that became a vital income source for numerous families for over two decades. However, the invasion of lionfish in the waters of Bocas del Toro led to a decline in fishing. Undeterred, UPESABO embraced the challenge, integrating artisanal fishing and empowering local women. They leveraged the lionfish invasion to diversify their seafood products and obtained a donated boat to improve collection efficiency. Despite some unawareness among residents and institutions, UPESABO conducted fairs to align all the stakeholders of the area and provide shared solutions. Martha's cooperative became a sustainable solution for the ecological disaster of this "underwater mine" and it is benefiting many families in the region.