Introduction:

WWF-Peru introduced an innovative Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability system (eCDT) named "TrazApp". Aligned with the Global Dialogue for Seafood Traceability (GDST) standards, TrazApp empowers fishers with real-time data about their catch and markets while also providing economic opportunities. It also streamlines the sailing permit process, enabling the Peruvian Navy (DICAPI) to issue digital certificates in real-time.   

The Challenge:

Peru's fishing sector is a significant economic driver, generating substantial export revenue and employment opportunities. However, the industry faces challenges with IUU fishing due to a lack of documentation and monitoring. This informality creates opportunities for corruption and hinders sustainable fishing practices, especially given the limited government capacity for surveillance and enforcement.   

The Solution:

TrazApp offers a multi-pronged solution to these challenges. It provides a robust, transparent, and efficient eCDT system, digitizing and standardizing administrative procedures, which improves data management and combats corruption. It also integrates with electronic monitoring technologies, further enhancing the monitoring and enforcement of sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, TrazApp facilitates direct sales between fishers and processing plants through an integrated accounting system, improving fishers' access to markets and financial resources.   

Why this matters:

TrazApp is crucial for sustainable fishing in Peru, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals 14.4 and 14.b by combating illegal fishing and empowering small-scale fishers. It enhances traceability in the seafood supply chain as well as the accuracy and accessibility of data for fisheries management, enabling better monitoring and informed decision-making. Additionally, integrating fishers into an accounting system will streamline direct sales to processing plants, increasing fishermen's income and promoting legal trade. TrazApp, through its REM, also helps monitor and mitigate species bycatch, protecting vulnerable species and evaluating the impact on the ecosystem.

Results and impact:

TrazApp has significantly impacted the Peruvian fishing sector. It has facilitated direct sales between fishers and processing plants, generating $648,915.46 USD in revenue and improving fishers' access to financial credit. As Peru’s official digital system for issuing fishing permits, TrazApp has increased transparency and reduced corruption. To date, more than 600 fishers and 80 captaincy officers have been trained in the use of the electronic tool, generating more than 3,000 electronic fishing departure permits issued by TrazApp. The project has also improved data collection and management, with over 12,600 fishing trips registered and 42,230 tons of fish landings recorded. Additionally, TrazApp has enhanced the detection of protected species bycatch, such as sharks and rays, allowing for the identification of critical areas and the strengthening of conservation measures. It also promoted technological skills among fishers to monitor their activities and recording data.

Replicate and scale-up:

TrazApp's potential for replication and scaling is significant. Its focus on user-centered design, affordability, and open-source architecture makes it adaptable to various fisheries and value chains. The project has garnered interest from other countries and sectors, demonstrating its potential for widespread adoption.   

Lessons learned:

The project highlights the importance of inter-institutional collaboration to ensure project continuity despite political instability. Addressing technological limitations within fishing communities is crucial for successful technology adoption. Promoting internal transparency within fishing associations is also key to ensuring project success. Additionally, adapting the system based on user feedback, such as optimizing video collection and addressing concerns about camera presence, is essential for improving the system's effectiveness and acceptance.