For small-scale fishers, data is power - it shapes how resources are managed, markets are accessed, and policies are made. Historically, the lack of accessible, real-time data has left fishers disconnected from decision-making processes. But with the launch of the ABALOBI Data Portal, cooperatives now have direct access to their own fisheries data, ushering in a new era of transparent, community-led fisheries management.
The ABALOBI Data Portal is more than just a dashboard - it’s a tool that puts data ownership directly in the hands of cooperatives. Instead of waiting for reports from third parties, fishers and cooperative leaders can now log in, view real-time data, and track trends in their catches, financials, and market access.
The portal provides:
In November 2024, ABALOBI hosted a Data Feedback and Marketplace Workshop in Port St. Johns, attended by 77 stakeholders, including representatives from DFFE, WWF, the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), and eight cooperatives. This event showcased how fishers are using the ABALOBI Data Portal and explored its role in enhancing fisheries governance.
Key Discussions & Takeaways:
With fishers now able to own, access, and analyse their data, the ABALOBI Data Portal is laying the foundation for stronger co-management partnerships. By providing real-time data insights, cooperatives can:
This data-driven approach is already sparking conversations on how cooperatives and DFFE can collaborate more effectively, using the portal as a shared resource.
Next Steps: Expanding Data Access & Training
To build on this momentum, ABALOBI is working on:
The ABALOBI Data Portal isn’t just a digital tool - it’s a catalyst for change in small-scale fisheries governance. By giving fishers control over their own data, it is transforming how they engage with markets, policymakers, and their own communities. As more cooperatives embrace this technology, the future of small-scale fisheries will be driven by those who know the ocean best - its fishers.