In an effort to curb overfishing, a group of Indonesian fishers have banded together to create a DIY fish database to protect their land and livelihood. The collaborative effort is being led and created by fishers involved in the Sustainable Grouper and Snapper Fisheries Program in Saleh Bay and the Indonesia's Directorate of Ocean and Fisheries. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to document stock conditions of grouper and snapper fisheries by utilizing community-based monitoring and scientific analysis.
Snapper and grouper have been commercially harvested in Saleh Bay since the 1990s, due in part to the increased demand from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and the United Sates. Unfortunately, neither species is protected by Indonesia and with increased fishing, there could be dire consequences for the environment.
In order to effectively implement the initiative, fishers make use of an app called 'WCS Fish,' which allows the fishers to document their catches which will then be fed into the larger DIY fish database. With these community efforts, it may be possible to document the stocks of fish in the Bay and can aid in the prevention of overfishing.
Sustainable Fishing Apps
This DIY Fish Database Helps Indonesian Fishers to Prevent Overfishing
Trend Themes
1. Community-based Monitoring - The DIY fish database initiative involves community-based monitoring to document stock conditions of grouper and snapper fisheries for preventing overfishing.
2. Fisheries Management Apps - Developing and implementing sustainable fishing apps such as the WCS Fish app can aid in controlling overfishing.
3. Sustainable Fishing Initiatives - More sustainable fishing initiatives such as the Sustainable Grouper and Snapper Fisheries Program can create a more sustainable future for the fishing industry.
Industry Implications
1. Fishing Industry - The fishing industry can benefit from adopting community-based monitoring, developing fisheries management apps, and investing in more sustainable fishing initiatives.
2. Sustainable Technology Industry - The Sustainable Technology Industry can develop apps and tools to support the fishing industry in reducing overfishing and promoting sustainable practices.
3. Data Management Industry - The Data Management Industry can invest in technology and systems to help manage and analyze the data collected by the DIY fish database and similar initiatives to aid in sustainability and conservation efforts.