FisherFolkFirst Launches App to Connect TCI Fishers Directly with Customers

Local non-profit organisation FisherFolkFirst has launched an app that connects TCI’s commercial fishers directly with customers.

Fishers James Lockhart and Willis Jennings learn about the FisherFolkFirst app at South Caicos fishing dock.

The free app has the potential to transform fishers’ access to markets while also making it easier for customers in the TCI to buy fresh, locally caught, sustainable seafood. Through the FisherFolkFirst app, fishers can showcase their unique ‘stories’: who they are, what species they target, how they fish, where they fish, and what makes their seafood higher quality or more sustainable.

‘Know Your Fisherfolk’ page linking to fishers’ individual profile pages; ‘Catch-of-the-Day’ page showing the most recent photos and videos posted by fishers.

Fishers are encouraged to build consumers’ confidence in the quality of their seafood by posting photos and especially videos that explain how seafood is handled, cleaned, and kept fresh on ice. This ‘storied seafood’ has added value and FisherFolkFirst hopes the app will lead to greater profits for fishers and to higher quality, sustainable seafood for consumers.

The FisherFolkFirst app was developed in collaboration with software engineers from Robinform and co-designed with TCI fishers themselves who gave valuable suggestions to improve the platform. The app was kept simple and made to be as inclusive and accessible as possible.

 To use the app, fishers only need a smartphone, internet access, and WhatsApp, which is the interface they use to send information, photos, and videos to the FisherFolkFirst app. Each fisher has an individual profile page where every photo and video they send is posted, and these are also added to the ‘Catch of the Day’ page of the app. Customers can download the app or browse it as a website (both available at www.fisherfolkfirstapp.com).

Lucy Frith, Providenciales fisherwoman, learning to use the FisherFolkFirst app with Marta Calosso, FisherFolkFirst.

 They can use the app as a directory of fishers, contacting them through the app, or by using the contact details listed in a fisher’s profile. Customers can also use the app as a digital marketplace, responding to photos and videos of seafood posted, and by making orders directly with fishers.

“With the app we want to unlock opportunities for TCI’s fishers and empower them to access new markets directly. We also want customers to be able to appreciate where this local, high-quality, seafood comes from, value that seafood more, and value the fishers who caught it. Ultimately, these are key components to securing sustainable livelihoods for fisherfolk,” said Marta Calosso, Executive Director and Co-Founder of FisherFolkFirst.

With only limited exceptions, any active commercially licenced fisher can have a profile on the FisherFolkFirst app. To register as a fisher on the app, visit www.fisherfolkfirstapp.com, click on ‘WhatsApp’ in the top right corner, and follow the instructions which come as text and voice messages. If needed, fishers can contact info@fisherfolkfirst.org for assistance.

Photo posted on the FisherFolkFirst app: Conrad ‘Qually’ Kennedy with a large snapper he caught.

FisherFolkFirst is a non-profit organisation registered in the TCI. FisherFolkFirst works with small-scale fishers and fish workers to secure prosperous and dignified futures built on firm foundations of social justice and sustainability through implementation, outreach, education, advocacy, and research. For more information, or to donate, visit www.fisherfolkfirst.org.