Because of its importance for the conservation of marine ecosystems and for end consumers to know the origin of the product they are buying and the good practices used in its capture, little by little, the traceability in fisheries is gaining followers.

In the Upper Gulf of California, Pronatura Noroeste, ABC Fishing y Cetacean Action Treasury (CAT) have joined efforts with local fishermen to promote the use of technological tools that encourage the transition to a sustainable fishing of yellow croaker, silver croaker, and northern chano, while protecting the vaquita porpoise.

"The only scenario that can save it from extinction depends on a shift towards sustainable fishing with the active participation of the coastal communities," highlights an article in Pronatura Noroeste signed by Víctor R. Rodrúguez.

At San Felipe y Gulf of Santa ClaraIn two traditionally fishing communities, fishermen face the need to adapt to sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and ensure the future of their livelihoods.

The three NGOs involved are committed to the promotion of the traceabilitywith the support of blockchain technologyto achieve these objectives. This tool allows the cooperation of all actors involved in the fisheries value chain.

"We contribute to the promotion of sustainable fishing, because for us it is very important that the efforts made by the producers in the FIPS (fishery improvement projects) are visible to the general public, companies and marketers. We want them to know where the products come from and the importance of sustainability in fishing in northwestern Mexico," comments Laura Ibarra, coordinator of Sustainable Fisheries at Pronatura Noroeste.

By implementing the traceability The correct way, benefits are generated both for consumers, who can make informed and responsible decisions, and for fishermen, who obtain greater economic benefits by professionalizing their activity and adopting methods that prioritize quality over volume, points out the article by Pronatura Noroeste.

Currently, these efforts are being documented with the objective of making them accessible to all interested parties, especially those fishermen seeking to learn and join this sustainable fishing initiative in the Upper Gulf of California.

The hope is that this transition will allow for the recovery of the vaquita porpoise and ensure the long-term welfare of fishing communities.

If you would like to know how the traceability system implemented in the Upper Gulf of CaliforniClick on this link: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0a8a214b11f749f496ac65920e980be9

Source: Pronatura Noroeste