Viewing: Technology

The economic, social, and environmental impacts of the pandemic on the seafood industry have been severe and diverse, including: disruptions to shipping and markets; high risk to fisher and seafood worker health and safety due to crowded conditions on board vessels and in processing facilities; increased food insecurity in coastal communities; and decreased fisheries science and enforcement and increased illegal fishing activities.2 A key response in the food industry, including seafood, was continued expansion into direct sales gained tremendous momentum. From initial coping responses…

For nearly two years, local, regional, and global fisheries and seafood supply chains have been forced to adjust and adapt to the unprecedented conditions brought on by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Across the diverse landscape that makes up the global seafood sector, fishers, communities, industry, and governments have developed an array of strategies, innovations, and coping mechanisms to ensure survival— of their families, communities, and businesses. Some of these responses have been more successful than others; some worked well at the beginning of the…

The economic, social, and environmental impacts of the pandemic on the seafood industry have been severe and diverse, including: disruptions to shipping and markets; high risk to fisher and seafood worker health and safety due to crowded conditions on board vessels and in processing facilities; increased food insecurity in coastal communities; and decreased fisheries science and enforcement and increased illegal fishing activities.2 A key response in the food industry, including seafood, was continued expansion into direct sales gained tremendous momentum. From initial coping responses…

For nearly two years, local, regional, and global fisheries and seafood supply chains have been forced to adjust and adapt to the unprecedented conditions brought on by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Across the diverse landscape that makes up the global seafood sector, fishers, communities, industry, and governments have developed an array of strategies, innovations, and coping mechanisms to ensure survival— of their families, communities, and businesses. Some of these responses have been more successful than others; some worked well at the beginning of the…

The Information Age is here, but data-rich fisheries continue to be a rarity around the world. Instead, we see fisheries defined by limited information and limited application of that data for effective management.  Such poor data usage results in flawed catch limits, a lack of reliable forecasting or enforcement, little to no accountability or transparency, and the inability to meet demands for adaptive management and sustainable fisheries. Today, efforts to improve fisheries data are underway, ranging from tech-driven solutions to coalitions focused on standard-setting…

Traceability in the Peruvian Mahi Mahi Fishery As is the case with any complex system, there is no one silver bullet solution that will solve overexploitation of fishery resources. A coordinated effort is needed across multiple domains from governance to trade.  We believe that traceability is an important approach that has been identified which, within the seafood industry, allows fishers, processors, distributors, and retailers to seamlessly share key information about a product as it winds its way from dock to plate. Properly applied, traceability…

The last few years have witnessed emerging national level laws and policies around the world that are shaping the market space for traceable seafood through data-driven regulations. At the same time, seafood companies are under increasing international pressure to make and meet commitments to sustainable and socially responsible practices—a lift that requires increased levels of traceability and transparency in seafood supply chains to identify weaknesses and track improvements. The path to improved data systems and traceability will require more than just technology upgrades. In…

Slicing and serving up the pie At one time almost all fishers fished as much as they could, as fast as they could, racing to catch as many fish as possible before the season ended or the total catch landed by all fishers reached its legal, predetermined cap. More fish equaled more profit. In contrast, catch shares assign a secure piece (or share) of the pie (or total allowable catch) to each individual, cooperative, or fishing community. Fishers have time to choose when and…

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated Piracy pays. Growing seafood demand, combined with fewer fish, poor traceability systems, and a vast ocean impossible to patrol adds up to big returns for those willing to catch fish illegally and funnel them into the legitimate supply chain. Whether it consists of fishing in forbidden waters, catching protected species, using prohibited gear, or catching more than allowed, pirate fishing causes enormous economic and environmental damage. It skews the market for honest fishers, diverts revenue and food supply from coastal…

The laws of the sea How can you regulate something you can’t see? Though that might seem an impossible task, it is exactly the core mission of fisheries managers, who must negotiate with scientists, industry, NGOs, and various enforcement agencies to govern the living systems of the ocean. Regulating ocean resources has always been a difficult task, with mixed results depending on the model employed and the level of funding and respect given to scientific recommendations, enforcement needs, and community input. Challenges Red tape…

Pair industry and restoration in a way that taps into underutilized resources and piggy- backs on infrastructure and know-how that exists in other industries The ongoing efforts of the various entities working with oysters should be coordinated and consolidated into a cohesive partnership —Hudson River Foundation, et al. Oyster Restoration Feasibility Study Oyster restoration is expensive, ranging from thousands to millions of dollars per acre of reef. Most restoration projects remain small because of a shortage of cash. One solution to this bottleneck is…

Future of Fish Executive Director Cheryl Dahle shared her personal journey of going from the “least likely fish person on the planet” to leading an initiative to end overfishing on the main stage of SOCAP 2013. Her story might make you wonder what the ocean needs from YOU.