As the sun dips below the horizon along Fiji’s picturesque western coast, the persistent challenges confronting local fishermen come to light. Many fishermen endure long, taxing hours under the blazing sun, only to find that their earnings are severely diminished after selling their catch. Middlemen often take a substantial cut, leaving these fishers with little to no profit after accounting for expenses like fuel and gear. This situation is not unique; it resonates deeply within the fishing communities.
Laitia Tamata Jnr, an iTaukei Fijian deeply committed to supporting coastal communities throughout Fiji and the Pacific, is acutely aware of these hardships. He voices the frustration shared by many, stating, “Too often, our fishers sell their catch, cover expenses, and end up with almost nothing left.” In response to this ongoing struggle, Tamata Jnr has created Smart Catch AI, a promising new application designed to empower fishermen and fisherwomen by improving their ability to negotiate fairer prices for their fish.
Historically, the influence of middlemen on fish pricing has stifled the economic stability of local fishermen. Smart Catch AI aims to challenge this established system by providing tools that enable fishers to accurately record their catches, verify the quality of their fish, and access real-time market information, thereby enhancing their bargaining power. According to Tamata Jnr, “With Smart Catch AI, fishers will be able to prove the quality and freshness of their catch — and negotiate a fairer price.”
The app includes essential features such as automatic species identification, accurate weight estimation without the need for scales, and catch verification to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations. Additionally, the app offers real-time environmental data, including weather and tidal conditions. Moreover, by aggregating data from the fishers, Smart Catch AI contributes to sustainable management practices in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, fostering species monitoring and establishing a more equitable pricing framework.
An exciting element of Smart Catch AI is its interactive game, designed to educate both fishermen and consumers about sustainable fishing practices, including species size limits and legal regulations. “The game side is about behavioral change,” Tamata Jnr explains, emphasizing its aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of sustainable practices that can significantly impact the livelihoods of fishers.
Smart Catch AI is tailored to the unique realities of fishermen and fisherwomen, underscoring both ecological sustainability and the economic requirements of fishing families. It acknowledges the delicate balance that must be struck between conservation efforts and providing for one’s family.
Looking ahead, Smart Catch AI is slated to pilot in two coastal communities in Fiji within the next six to twelve months. This initiative holds promise not only for individual fishers but also for the broader community, as it could catalyze a shift in recognizing the value of their knowledge and labor in conjunction with the ocean’s resources.
In tandem with these developments, the Ministry of Fisheries is advocating for increased transparency through initiatives like the Offshore Fisheries Operations Centre, which aims to combat illegal fishing and enhance marine resource conservation. Collectively, these efforts represent a unified approach to cultivating a more sustainable fishing industry, preserving the livelihoods of those who rely on these waters while safeguarding Fiji’s critical marine ecosystems.
With committed actions and community involvement, the horizon looks bright. These initiatives have the potential to provide lasting advantages not only for the environment but also for the countless individuals who depend on fishing for their sustenance and economic security.