SmartFish's Value Rescue Model uses markets to improve fisher livelihoods, conserve marine ecosystems, and offer consumers responsible choices
Team Leader
Cecilia Blasco
La Paz
Solution Pitch
The Problem
40 percent of the planet's fish stocks are overfished or collapsed. As much as 83 billion dollars are lost annually in an economically inefficient, opaque seafood system. These inefficiencies have huge implications on the over 100 million people employed in small-scale fisheries globally, most of whom are in developing countries.
The Solution
SmartFish’s Value Rescue Model addresses the inefficiencies and misaligned incentives throughout the complex small-scale seafood system. SmartFish’s model addresses the entire value chain, beginning with internationally recognized standards to assess and improve the management of wild fish stocks. SmartFish NGO partners with small scale fisher co-ops to improve how seafood is caught, killed, handled and processed; how to implement cost-effective logistics solutions; and how to process and freeze seafood applying food safety standards, thereby creating jobs in coastal communities.
By buying directly from well-trained, sustainable co-ops, SmartFish Inc. is able to offer its customers high-quality products at competitive prices with guaranteed traceability and food safety— and the fishers earn 30 to 60 percent more.
Stats
SmartFish offers its customers high-quality products at competitive prices with guaranteed traceability and food safety— and the fishers earn 30 to 60 percent more.
Market Opportunity
The market value for high end, local, organic, and sustainable retail in the US is $4.8 billion, growing more than 10 percent every year. Meanwhile the market of big retail stores in Mexico is $1.5 billion and the US lunchbox market is estimated to value at $6 billion by 2024. There are 250,000 permitted small-scale fishers in Mexico, and SmartFish Inc. is the only company in Mexico exclusively buying and distributing verifiably sustainable, fully traceable, high quality seafood.
Organization Highlights
St. Andrews Prize for the Environment, 2020 finalist
Spoke at the Latin American Impact Investment Forum 2020
Partnership Goals
SmartFish Mexico currently seeks:
Experts in developing hardware for seafood processing plants that is affordable for smaller fisher co-ops or mobile to be shared among co-ops, for example affordable solar power to reduce energy costs and technologies to repurpose fish processing waste.
Introductions to companies and institutions with experience in supporting small-scale agriculture producers access better-paying markets.
What is the name of your organization?
SmartFish Inc
What is the name of your solution?
SmartFish Mexico
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
La Paz
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
La Paz
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
Mexico
What type of organization is your solution team?
Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
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What specific problem are you solving?
40 percent of the planet's fish stocks are overfished or collapsed. As much as 83 billion dollars are lost annually in an economically inefficient, opaque seafood system. These inefficiencies have huge implications on the over 100 million people employed in small-scale fisheries globally, most of whom are in developing countries.
What is your solution?
SmartFish's Value Rescue Model addresses the inefficiencies and misaligned incentives throughout the complex small-scale seafood system. SmartFish's model addresses the entire value chain, beginning with internationally recognized standards to assess and improve the management of wild fish stocks. SmartFish NGO partners with small scale fisher co-ops to improve how seafood is caught, killed, handled and processed; how to implement cost-effective logistics solutions; and how to process and freeze seafood applying food safety standards, thereby creating jobs in coastal communities.
By buying directly from well-trained, sustainable co-ops, SmartFish Inc. is able to offer its customers high-quality products at competitive prices with guaranteed traceability and food safetyâ and the fishers earn 30 to 60 percent more.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
SmartFish serves small-scale fishers, fishing cooperatives, and coastal community members. Fishers receive hands-on training and earn 30–60% higher prices through improved quality and market access. Cooperatives gain specialized business tools and consulting to strengthen governance, financial management, and operational efficiency. Local community members—particularly women—access employment in seafood processing, allowing communities to retain added value. Spoilage is reduced by up to 30%, and fisheries management improves long-term stability. Ultimately, cooperatives transition to selling into preferential markets independently. Consumers benefit from access to healthy, traceable seafood that directly supports sustainable fishing communities.
Solver Team
Organization Type: Hybrid of For-Profit and Nonprofit
