PT Bali Seafood being rewarded for its latest technological device. (Photo Credit: USAID)

USAID recognizes innovative fisheries device suitable for small-scale fishers

The U.S. Agency for International Development/Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA) has rewarded P.T. Bali Seafood and Pelagic Data Systems for their innovative technology that has the potential to help small-scale fishers across Asia.

The winners developed a low-cost device that monitors small fishing boats and gathers real-time data on fishing practices. This will improve fish product quality, increase incomes for small-scale fishers and collect important data to improve fisheries management. The device automatically collects data from boats including the GPS location, gear type and storage temperature enabling fishermen to show that their products have been caught legally and handled properly.

The technology could be adapted to a wide range of fisheries. Current data collection technology does not work well for small boats because of the costly and complex equipment. Small-scale fishers represent the majority of the fishing fleet in Asia and can use this solar-powered hardware and low-cost data system.

The device works on boats of any size, is user-friendly and removes the need for on-boat power. P.T. Bali Seafood will use the award money to scale an initial pilot and integrate the data with the Indonesian government’s fisheries management system.

The competition sought innovative technologies to improve the sustainability and inclusiveness of fisheries and aquaculture in Asia, while capturing value in supply chains and improving rural incomes. Runners-up included SmartCatch and Traceall Global with World Wildlife Fund Philippines.

SmartCatch’s CatchCam electronically monitors the contents of a trawl net to allow for greater fishing precision before harvest. Traceall Global and WWF Philippines’ digital catch documentation system improves traceability in small-scale yellowfin tuna handline fisheries through easy access cloud storage and direct communication with local government databases.

The winner and finalists were announced at USAID’s Technology Innovations Forum - Creating a More Sustainable and Responsible Seafood Industry in Asia held from 22 to 23 January, 2015 in Bangkok.The two-day forum welcomed over 90 private, non-government and public sector stakeholders from across Asia and key export markets. 

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