We create the mechanisms and data inputs needed for adaptive fisheries management. This includes data creation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building on EAFM principles.
We create the mechanisms and data inputs needed for adaptive fisheries management. This includes data creation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building on EAFM principles.
MDPI works to empower, embolden, and strengthen coastal communities’ capacities to actively participate in fisheries management and advocate for community well-being.
MDPI is the leader of traceability-based technology implementation to capture events and data from hook to plate to ensure the small-scale fisheries are in compliance with the regulations.
Working to support broader adaptive fisheries management objectives in Indonesia, our approach is two-fold:
As our organization’s name suggests, we believe that without the engagement, development, and buy-in from communities improved fisheries management and sustainability outcomes will not succeed.
Early on in MDPI’s work we sought ways to not only engage communities but ensure that they received a direct benefit from fisheries management – whether that be an active voice in the management process or through financial gains. We were an early adopter of the USA Fair Trade program, as a platform to increase fisheries sustainability while also supporting social improvements within communities and supply chains.
As an implementer of the Fair Trade seafood standard in Indonesia, we are experts in community-driven development. A strong component of the Fair Trade model is the creation and development of associations. These associations are guaranteed a premium for fish that is sold through the Fair Trade program. However, in order for these associations to be able to leverage these funds, they have to be organized. This is where MDPI comes in.
We support the organization, vision/mission, objective, and activity development of fisher associations and cooperatives. It is not an easy process, but one that we have had exceptional success with. Today, MDPI supports the more than 50 fisher associations and is expanding our community organization work rapidly across provinces.
MDPI is a leader in the implementation of traceability-based technology (TBT) to capture critical tracking events and key data elements from hook to plate ensuring that small-scale fisheries are in compliance with national and export regulations.
Since 2013, MDPI has worked to crack the small-scale fishery technology nut. We develop systems and technology applications designed specifically for the small-scale sector, using either open source or low-cost platforms to make technology accessible to as many small-scale actors as possible. Through this approach, MDPI combats Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing and ensures that small-scale fisheries are able to compete and maintain market access.
Through several public-private partnerships and university funded projects, MDPI has developed three unique technology platforms: I-Fish app (an electronic information system for data collection with offline functionality), Trafiz (a mobile catch documentation application that enables the first buyer or fish supplier to collect and submit traceability data), and TraceTales™ (a fully integrated production, inventory system for seafood processors). TraceTales™, which digitally captures data from raw material through processing, packaging, and shipping is used in eight processing facilities across Indonesia tracing more than 5,700 tons of fish in 2020.
TraceTales™ is now managed under PT Sahabat Laut Lestari (SLL).
MDPI is the implementing partner of the first fishery in the world to attain Fair Trade certification. With this certification, MDPI has been able to support communities in attaining and utilizing a premium fund ensuring that fishers receive thirty cents per kilogram exported. Building off the success of Fair Trade implementation, in 2020, MDPI fulfilled a long sought after goal, MSC certification. Both of these achievements were no small feat; building off nearly a decade of data collection activities, capacity development, fisher organization, fisheries management and governance improvements, as well as, technology, traceability, and transparency initiatives. As other fisheries seek certification, MDPI serves as a repository of best practice approaches. One essential component towards increased access to certification schemes is bringing small-scale fisheries towards legality.
Help us build a more sustainable future for fisheries today by supporting MDPI
Thanks to your generous support, we can continue making a lasting difference for small-scale fishers and coastal communities in Indonesia.