In a continued effort to support sustainable small-scale fisheries and strengthen co-operative operations, the ABALOBI team recently conducted another engagement with the Lighthouse Primary Co-Operative in Doringbaai. This session built upon prior training efforts and aimed to ensure that all skippers fishing under the Lighthouse permit were registered on the ABALOBI Fisher App. By making this registration compulsory for all vessel owners and harvesters - including those collecting species for personal consumption - the co-op seeks to:

• Gain a clearer understanding of species harvests.
• Maintain accurate data for feedback to members and relevant authorities.
• Improve planning and explore future opportunities.
• Promote transparency and sustainability in resource use.

Engagement Overview

The engagement commenced with a session for skippers and some crew members. The Deputy Chair of the co-op introduced the purpose of the meeting, reinforcing the importance of data management for effective fisheries operations. Hahn from our team then introduced LOBI to the fishers and explained how the Fisher App aligns with the co-op’s objectives for the lobster season.

Key Observations

Many fishers already had some familiarity with the Fisher App, thanks to prior training conducted by Nico.

Most skippers had existing Fisher App accounts but faced practical barriers, such as a lack of smartphones and unreliable internet connectivity, limiting their ability to use the app effectively.Account details were shared with skippers and crew already in the system, while those not yet registered were assisted with registration through LOBI.

Agreements and Actions

Following an in-depth discussion and input from the fishers, the following key agreements were made:

• Each boat/skipper must have an account on the Fisher App.
• A dedicated WhatsApp group for all skippers was created to enhance communication, which has since become actively used.
• The co-op committed to procuring additional devices to facilitate app usage among skippers.
• Remote assistance will be provided to support individuals managing the app and co-op activities.

One-on-one sessions were conducted to guide skippers through the Fisher App’s functionalities. While many have now improved their understanding, ongoing remote support will be provided.

Separate Engagement with Board Members

Beyond working directly with the skippers, the ABALOBI team also engaged with Lighthouse Primary Co-Operative’s board members to provide feedback on outstanding issues, particularly concerning the Food Security Program. The board acknowledged the challenges raised by ABALOBI and affirmed their commitment to resolving them to move forward with implementation.

Future engagements will emphasise proper planning, ensuring that the co-op is adequately prepared before launching key initiatives.

Future Engagements and Ongoing Support

The ABALOBI team reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating closely with co-ops, recognising the importance of structured planning and ongoing support. To this end, we will continue to provide remote assistance for skippers and co-op members; and one-on-one virtual engagements will be scheduled to provide further guidance as needed.

This follow-up engagement marked a significant step forward in equipping the Lighthouse Primary Co-Operative with the necessary tools and understanding to participate effectively in sustainable fisheries management. By improving data transparency, streamlining communication, and strengthening operational capacities, the co-op is better positioned to navigate the complexities of the small-scale fishing sector and harness future opportunities.