Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technology (SAFET)

SAFET’s Mission: 

SAFET envisions a future where innovative technological advancements enable seafood and fisheries stakeholders to steward marine resources sustainably and efficiently.

SAFET’s mission is to ensure relevant emerging technology is accessible to seafood and fisheries stakeholders, to enable sustainable use of marine resources.

Grant Project Goal(s):

The goal of the project is to make emerging technologies accessible to stakeholders while actively fostering communication within the seafood and fisheries community. We aim to connect users with technology providers, ensuring that their needs are heard and addressed, and that the technologies provided are relevant and well-suited to the challenges they face. Our focus is on making these technologies accessible, understandable, relatable, and easy for potential users to locate and adopt.

To achieve these objectives, the project will host regional dialogues with fishery managers, technology developers, and fishery practitioners. These discussions are designed to accelerate the adoption of viable electronic monitoring (EM) systems, especially in developing states. A key component of this effort is the creation Electronic Monitoring Community: Asia-Pacific (EMCAP), which will facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and practical solutions for integrating EM systems into fisheries management.

To illustrate the impact of these technologies, we highlight success stories from those who have effectively integrated them into their practices. These real-world examples demonstrate the tangible benefits and transformative potential of the innovations, serving as a testament to their effectiveness and encouraging wider understanding and adoption within the community. For instance, one of our recent projects involved a collaboration between a coastal fishery and a technology provider specializing in advanced tracking systems. This initiative resulted in the successful deployment of the tracking technology, which enhanced the fishery's data accuracy and operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to more sustainable fishing practices.

Background:

Data derived from EM can support the outcomes of market-based programs such as fishery improvement projects (FIPs) and the achievement of eco-labels (e.g., Marine Stewardship Council and Fair-Trade USA). Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) and independent governments have already made commitments to EM.

However, uncoordinated pilots happening in siloed, small-scale projects, and the absence of consistent performance standards have hindered the scalability of EM and have increased program costs.

Immediate Objective(s):

To facilitate workshops with fishery managers, technology developers and fishery practitioners that accelerate the adoption of viable electronic monitoring (EM) systems, particularly with developing states, and do so through the development of an EM Community of Practice and Innovation.

Key Learnings:

October 1, 2024

What challenge/need were you facing prior to receiving support from Sea Pact?

Before receiving support from Sea Pact, SAFET encountered several challenges. We had a clear vision for establishing a community of practice, but we were missing the necessary expertise, resources, time, and funding to bring it to life. These gaps hindered our ability to effectively collaborate, share knowledge, and drive meaningful change within the industry. The support from Sea Pact was crucial in addressing these needs, allowing us to move forward with confidence and create a platform for sustainable innovation and collaboration.

What changed after being part of Sea Pact’s grant program? What specific outcomes can you share?

• Creation of Electronic Monitoring Community: Asia-Pacific (EMCAP): With Sea Pact’s support, SAFET successfully launched its first community of practice, the EMCAP. This community has highlighted the strong demand among stakeholders for an inclusive forum to share and discuss successes and challenges.

• Expansion of Communities of Practice: Building on the success of EMCAP, SAFET is now introducing additional communities of practice focused on various technologies and themes, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Bycatch, and Human Rights at Sea.

• Launch of new SAFET Platform: Recognizing the need for a community-focused platform, SAFET is launching a new, user-friendly platform in early September 2024. Accessible via our website and a mobile app, this platform will enhance inclusivity and access, allowing members to:

  • Participate in polls and discussions.

  • Set themes for discussion.

  • Engage in chats and access resource libraries.

  • Attend webinars.

  • Stay updated with the latest SAFET news.

• Support for SAFET 2025 Conference: This platform will also play a crucial role in connecting with stakeholders in the lead-up to the next SAFET conference.

Are there any key learnings/takeaways that you can share that would benefit the entire industry?

Collaboration and communication are essential within the fisheries industry to address both regional and global challenges. By sharing experiences and successes, we can learn from one another and promote the development of technology where it is most needed. Inclusive discussions with users are crucial to avoiding the duplication of efforts and ensuring that solutions are truly user driven. Effective communication of implementation strategies and incentives, tailored to the specific challenges faced by users, is key to successful adoption and impact.

Learn more at Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technology (SAFET)