MDPI started working in Manado in 2017, supporting evidence-based co-management through data collection on small-scale fisheries, capacity building of fishers to enable involvement in management discussions, and piloting technology-based traceability. In 2020 MDPI began developing a community organization program to empower coastal communities to further support sustainable fisheries, which was also implemented in Minaesa village, North Minahasa. As MDPI work alongside communities, in 2021 the MDPI site office was relocated to Minaesa to help maintain strong relationships and trust from those we work with. Prior to establishing the Manado site, MDPI also worked in Bitung from 2015 to 2020 carrying out data collection and community programs. Moreover, MDPI also expanded its scope of work related to data collection and community in Sangihe from 2017 to 2020.

1. FISHERIES IMPROVEMENT

MDPI implements port-side data collection activities in 1 landing site. On the water, MDPI deploys onboard observers, reolink, spot trace and pelagic data system (PDS). Data collected in Manado is uploaded into I-Fish, shared annually with fishers through a data sharing event, and bi-annually under a provincial-level management platform established by MDPI (an FCMC in North Sulawesi province).

2. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

Understanding that increased availability of fisheries data is not enough, MDPI works on increasing local fishing communities’ welfare through capacity building and community organization. Manado has begun to  empower coastal communities through the formation of local “champions”.

3. BY THE NUMBERS

• Vessel: 11
• Fisher: 33
• Technology e-Monitoring: 23
• Total kg of port sampling: 49.408 kg