In a significant step towards enhancing global seafood traceability, ABALOBI recently welcomed a member of Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) to its Cape Town warehouse for an exclusive technology demonstration. The meeting provided a platform to showcase how ABALOBI’s innovative digital solutions are driving transformation in small-scale and artisanal fisheries - aligning seamlessly with GDST’s vision for transparent and accountable seafood supply chains.
ABALOBI’s Technology: A Model for Small-Scale Fisheries Digitisation
During the session, ABALOBI presented a live demonstration of its Fisher App and Admin Console - two powerful tools that enable fishers to record their catch digitally, enhance data transparency, and improve market access. The GDST recognised that what ABALOBI had already developed closely aligns with the kind of digital tool they were seeking from the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) to support small-scale fisheries globally.
This recognition underscores ABALOBI’s leadership in pioneering digital traceability solutions that not only meet industry needs but also empower small-scale fishers to engage more effectively in regulated, sustainable seafood markets.
Key Takeaways: Focusing on GDST’s Core KDEs
A crucial part of the discussion centred on GDST’s approach to refining its Key Data Elements (KDEs), which form the foundation for robust seafood traceability. Additional modules focusing on animal welfare, social accountability, and potentially a quality assurance module are also in development.
GDST advised that ABALOBI’s alignment with these Core KDEs would be strategically beneficial, reinforcing the relevance of its traceability tools in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
Partnership: ABALOBI’s Role in GDST
A major highlight of the engagement was GDST’s recommendation that ABALOBI join as a Producer/Marketer Partner rather than a Facilitator or Solutions Partner. This positioning would allow ABALOBI to access export markets rather than for promoting its technology as a standalone product, which would be highly beneficial to the fishers we serve.
Additionally, becoming a GDST Partner brings significant advantages, including voting rights on critical decisions that shape the future of global seafood traceability. This role could provide ABALOBI with greater influence over industry standards while ensuring that small-scale fishers remain central to traceability frameworks.
Next Steps: ABALOBI’s Invitation to the GDST Technical Committee
In recognition of ABALOBI’s work, GDST extended an invitation for ABALOBI to attend the Technical Committee meeting on 28 January 2025 as an Observer. This committee, plays a crucial role in shaping GDST’s technical frameworks and industry guidelines.
This opportunity reinforces ABALOBI’s growth in global seafood traceability discussions and further cements our position in the movement towards fair, transparent, and digitally-enabled small-scale fisheries.
Conclusion: Strengthening Global Traceability Together
ABALOBI’s engagement with GDST signals an exciting step forward for small-scale fisheries. By aligning with international traceability standards and becoming part of global discussions on international protocols, ABALOBI is not only enhancing the value chain for small-scale fishers but also contributing to a more transparent and equitable global seafood industry.
ABALOBI will continue to ensure that small-scale fishers are not left behind in the digital revolution and showcase that technology can be a powerful tool for empowerment and sustainability in the seafood sector.