Small-scale fishermen face significant hurdles that threaten their livelihoods. Limited access to market data often leads them to sell their catch at lower prices, while unpredictable weather patterns pose constant risks to their safety and catch volumes.
Nearly 90% of the world's fishers operate at this small scale, underscoring the broad reach of these issues.
While leading a team of developers at one of my previous companies, I came across these challenges faced by small-scale fishermen. The limited access to market data and unpredictable weather patterns severely impact their livelihoods. .
Challenges Confronting Small-Scale Fishermen
There are several challenges faced by the small-scale fisherman limiting their ability to scale and grow:
1. Limited Access to Market Information
Small-scale fishermen often operate without real-time access to market prices and demand fluctuations. This disconnect results in them selling their catches at significantly lower prices than the market rate. Studies suggestthat access to better market data could boost their earnings by as much as 27%.
2. Weather Updates for Safe Fishing
Safety is a pressing concern, as many small-scale fishermen rely on traditional methods to predict weather conditions. Unfortunately, these methods can be unreliable, leading to dangerous situations at sea. Access to real-time weather updates can drastically reduce the risk of accidents.
3. Tracking Fishing Spots and Fish Migration
Understanding fish migration patterns and identifying fruitful fishing spots are critical for a successful catch. However, small-scale fishermen often lack the technology to track these efficiently, which can result in wasted efforts and reduced catches.
4. Inefficient Supply Chain Management
The journey from catch to customer involves several steps, each of which can introduce delays and increased costs if not managed efficiently. Small-scale fishermen typically face challenges like lack of storage facilities, poor logistics support, and limited direct access to large markets.
Streamlining these processes can lead to better profit margins and more sustainable fishing practices, ensuring the fishermen’s hard work pays off more consistently.
By addressing these challenges through technology, small-scale fishermen can not only increase their safety and profitability but also contribute more effectively to their local economies.
A Personal Journey Through the Fisher Friend Mobile App
While working with my previous company, I got an opportunity to collaborate with a renowned Research Foundation, to develop the Fisher Friend mobile app. This app tackles several critical challenges faced by fishermen in Tamil Nadu.
1. Navigation and Safety
I integrated features into Fisher Friend to help fishermen avoid dangerous zones and receive storm alerts, significantly enhancing their safety at sea.
2. Locating Fishing Zones
The app allows fishermen to save and return to coordinates of abundant fishing spots, maximizing their efficiency and catch volume.
3. Market Pricing
By providing up-to-date market prices, Fisher Friend empowers fishermen to negotiate better prices, protecting them from exploitation by middlemen.
The Impact of Our Work
The introduction of Fisher Friend has been transformative. With improved navigation, safety features, and economic tools, fishermen now face fewer risks and enjoy higher earnings.
This app has essentially become a lifeline for the community, promoting growth and sustainability.
Our work in this field was acknowledged with Brew Developer Award by Qualcomm
How AI and Mobile Apps Are helping?
AI-powered mobile apps are changing the game. They provide essential market insights directly on fishermen’s smartphones, equipping them with data on fish prices, consumer demand, and the best times to sell.
This transparency helps them secure fair prices for their catch, potentially increasing their income by up to 27%.
Safety is enhanced through apps that deliver accurate, real-time weather forecasts, while GPS navigation aids fishermen in returning to fruitful fishing spots.
Additionally, AI-driven tools optimize the entire supply chain, ensuring fresher deliveries and higher profitability.
Conclusion
The integration of AI and mobile apps into the fishing industry represents a significant leap forward for small-scale fishermen. These technologies enhance safety, efficiency, and economic fairness, empowering fishermen with the tools necessary for making informed decisions.
Fishing apps will leverage AI to provide more accurate, localized fishing forecasts, fishing spot recommendations, and species identification to help anglers be more successful.
As a result, they can navigate safer routes, secure better market prices, and engage in more sustainable fishing practices. This digital evolution is not only improving individual lives but is also bolstering the entire fishing community towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.