Grants
Digifish – St.Vincent & Grenadines
awarded
The DigiFish Project is an initiative launched by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund (SVGEF) in partnership with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust and Pelagic Data Systems. The project marks a new chapter in sustainable fisheries management for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovative data analytics to support the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF). DigiFish seeks to promote sustainable fishing practices while protecting the marine environment and the livelihood of local fishing communities.
Since the project’s inception, DigiFish has focused on installing 30 Pelagic Data Systems (PDS) Vessel Monitoring Devices across small-scale fishing vessels in SVG, on the mainland Saint Vincent and within the Grenadines on Bequia, and Union Island. By gathering real-time data on fishing activities, these devices will map fishing efforts across the islands, offering valuable insights into how these efforts impact the marine environment. This information will be crucial for monitoring protected areas, ensuring responsible fishing practices, and guiding fisheries management policy through the use of data, which helps preserve marine biodiversity.
One of the standout features of the DigiFish project is the added layer of safety and security it provides for local fisherfolk. With user-friendly tracking capabilities, the devices will give all users including the fisherfolk community and Coast Guard access to vessel locations, providing a much-needed safety net in emergencies. Whether a vessel encounters difficulties at sea or requires urgent rescue, the Coast Guard can respond swiftly, reducing response times and improving overall safety for those who make their livelihoods out at sea.
Beyond safety, DigiFish will contribute to a better understanding of catch locations, fishing pressure, and catch per unit effort. By utilizing this data, the project will offer insights that are key to optimizing the management of fishery resources, balancing both conservation and the economic needs of fishing communities. The real-time data collected will help authorities make informed decisions that align with the twin goals of environmental sustainability and economic resilience for local fishers.
As DigiFish progresses, it will work closely with the National Fisherfolk Organisation, the Fisheries Division, and the Coast Guard to foster collaborative efforts in fisheries management. These partnerships are essential to the success of the project, ensuring all stakeholders are actively engaged and that local knowledge is integrated into the solutions being developed.
The project’s broader goals will include monitoring how fishing efforts change over time, supporting marine spatial planning (MSP), offering valuable supply chain insights, and contributing to a more efficient approach to fisheries management. With its focus on collaboration, innovation, and real-time data-driven solutions, DigiFish is poised to make a lasting impact on fisheries management in SVG, offering a sustainable and safer path forward for both marine ecosystems and the local fishing communities that depend on them.
