Climate Change Adaptation Resource Center Bolsters Small-scale Fishing Industry

Climate Change Adaptation Resource Center Bolsters Small-scale Fishing Industry

Revolutionizing Fisheries Management: The Peskas Open-Source System

The world of small-scale fisheries is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to the introduction of the Peskas open-source system. Developed by WorldFish, this innovative digital platform is designed to enable near real-time monitoring of small-scale fisheries, offering a more efficient and accurate approach to data collection compared to the traditional paper-based methods [1][2][3].

The Peskas system, first piloted in Timor-Leste in 2016, is now expanding its reach to various regions, including Zanzibar, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, and Malaysia [1][2]. In Zanzibar, for instance, the system is integrated with existing government systems, equipping approximately 100 fishing boats with trackers and 30 landing sites with tablets for data collection [1][2]. This digital approach replaces the previous methods that only allowed annual reporting, resulting in more timely and accurate fisheries data.

Peskas displays information about fishing grounds and their productivity, supporting better management and adaptation to climate change [1][2]. The system collects data such as catch species, weight, and length, which are recorded by data collectors using tablets at landing sites or by trackers installed on fishing boats [1][2][3].

The Peskas initiative is part of a broader effort led by the CGIAR Asia Digital Hub, headquartered in Malaysia. This collaborative platform brings together policymakers, scientists, communities, and private sector partners to develop and scale digital solutions for food systems [1][2]. Beyond catch monitoring, the Hub is looking to integrate data on aquatic animal health, aquaculture, household nutrition, and women's empowerment [1][2].

Peskas is also the core of the SmartCatch platform, an AI-supported tool that uses phone cameras to identify fish species, size, and weight, making catch reporting faster and more accessible in regions with limited connectivity [3][4]. These tools form part of an open-source AI Small Scale Fisheries Sustainability Suite, designed to improve fisheries monitoring, climate adaptation, and community participation globally [3][4].

The success of digital transformation in small-scale fisheries relies on tools being based on the needs and realities of the people who will be utilizing them. It is crucial that small-scale fishers not just provide data but also help design the tools used for digital transformation [1][2].

In conclusion, the Peskas open-source system offers a promising solution for improving fisheries data availability and decision-making for vulnerable small-scale fishers. By supporting climate adaptation, better fishery management, and inclusive community participation, this initiative is helping these fishers respond effectively to climate change and manage resources sustainably [1][2][3][4].

Aspect | Description ------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is Peskas? | Open-source system for near real-time monitoring of small-scale fisheries data Origin | Developed by WorldFish; piloted in Timor-Leste (2016-2017) How it works | Data collected via tablets at landing sites and trackers on boats; AI tools assist species identification Use in Zanzibar | 100 boats tracked; 30 landing sites with tablets; integrated with government systems for timely data Broader context | Part of CGIAR Asia Digital Hub; expanding across Africa and Asia Benefits | Supports climate adaptation, better fishery management, and inclusive community participation

[1] WorldFish. (2021). Peskas [2] The CGIAR Asia Digital Hub. (2021). Asia Digital Hub [3] WorldFish. (2020). SmartCatch [4] WorldFish. (2021). AI Small Scale Fisheries Sustainability Suite

1. The Peskas system, a solution developed by WorldFish, leverages science and technology to revolutionize small-scale fisheries management, offering a more efficient approach to data collection compared to traditional methods.
2. As part of the CGIAR Asia Digital Hub, Peskas is an open-source initiative that aims to expand its reach beyond small-scale fisheries data, integrating data on aquatic animal health, aquaculture, household nutrition, women's empowerment, and climate change.
3. The SmartCatch platform, an AI-supported tool developed from Peskas, utilizes phone cameras to identify fish species, size, and weight, making catch reporting faster and more accessible in regions with limited connectivity.
4. To ensure a successful digital transformation in small-scale fisheries, it is essential that data collection tools are based on the needs and realities of the fishing communities, with active participation from the fishers in the design process.

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