Saving Seafood

US importer launches Indonesian crab traceability tool

March 21, 2017 — Miami, US-based blue swimming crab firm Blue Star Foods has announced it is launching a cloud-based fisheries data collection platform for a fishery in Indonesia.

The mobile-based iniative is being undertaken in partnership with Wilderness Markets. It integrates three components in an effort to provide a completely traceable supply chain.

A geospatial boat tracking system provides “on the water” data for fishing duration, location and timing. Provided by Pelagic Data Systems, these units are “uniquely suited for artisanal vessel tracking”, it said.

A proprietary mobile phone-based system aggregates landings data and is linked to a QR code system, which allows buyers-consumers to trace back product information in an integrated platform.

The QR code provides users with batch and product information, including fisher data, vessel name and landing site in compliance with landing regulations.

Dave Solomon, CEO of Pelagic Data Systems, said: “we are excited to work with Blue Star to bring transparency with a positive social and environmental impact to their supply chain in Indonesia”.

Read the full story at Undercurrent News

First Blue Swimming Crab Harvester Cooperative Formed In Indonesia

March 17, 2017 — On February 20th, 2017. Blue Star Foods (USA), PT Blue Star Nusantara (BSN) through one of its subsidiaries PT Siger Jaya Abadi, along Wilderness Markets teamed up to assist in the formation of the first Blue Swimming crab harvester cooperative in East Lampung province, Indonesia. Such support was realized at the “Fishermen Cooperative Extension and the Establishment in the Context of Sustainability of Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries” in the Fish Landing Base (PPI) complex, Muara Mas Gading, District Labuhan Maringgai, East Lampung district, approximately 3.5 hours away from the capital of Lampung province.

The representatives from the US were the CEO of Blue Star Foods USA, John R. Keeler, and Neel Inamdar of Wilderness Markets, both of which provided funding support for the establishment of cooperative “Nelayang Rajungan”, first in Indonesia, whose mission is the preservation of the Blue Swimming Crab fisheries as well as the welfarex of fishermen.

The cooperative was formed under the extension of the Department of Cooperatives and SMEs Lampung Timur, was named Cooperative Work Young Bahari, chaired by Mr. Syamsudin, a local fisherman, with a membership of 37 local crab fishermen.

Read the full story at Perishable News