Digital Innovation Supports Small-Scale Fisheries Facing Climate Change Threats

As climate change intensifies, small-scale fisheries—responsible for nearly 40% of global fish catch—are under increasing pressure. In response, a new initiative in Malaysia is bringing digital solutions to the forefront of sustainable fishery management.

Launch of the Asia Digital Hub in Malaysia

The CGIAR global research partnership has launched its Asia Digital Hub at WorldFish headquarters in Penang, Malaysia. The hub aims to empower governments, communities, and researchers by offering real-time, data-driven tools to enhance the resilience of aquatic food systems.

With a multi-stakeholder approach, the hub brings together policymakers, scientists, local communities, and the private sector to co-create and scale up digital innovations that address the growing challenges facing fisheries in Asia and beyond.

Real-Time Data Collection with Peskas

A cornerstone of the hub's efforts is Peskas, an open-source digital platform that enables near real-time monitoring of small-scale fisheries. This system is transforming how fishery data is collected, analyzed, and used in decision-making.

In Zanzibar, WorldFish scientist Dr. Pascal Thoya is leading the integration of Peskas with the country’s existing data systems. Currently, 100 fishing vessels are equipped with tracking devices, while field agents at 30 landing sites use tablets to log detailed information on each catch—including species, size, and weight.

Before Peskas, data collection was manual and only reported once a year. Now, the system instantly processes and visualizes fishing activity and productivity, enabling more effective resource management.

From Timor-Leste to Africa: Scaling Up a Global Solution

Initially piloted in Timor-Leste in 2016, Peskas is now being expanded into countries including Zanzibar, Malawi, Kenya, and Mozambique, with interest from Brunei, Djibouti, and Ethiopia. This expansion highlights the growing demand for digital tools to support climate adaptation and fishery sustainability in the Global South.

Dr. Arthur Tuda, Executive Director of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association, noted, “This integration fills a big hole. It gives decision-makers the timely, reliable information they need to manage fisheries better and meet their reporting duties at home and abroad.”

A Local Lens: Peskas in Malaysian Waters

In Malaysia, WorldFish collaborated with the Malaysian Inshore Fishermen Association for Education and Welfare (JARING) to pilot Peskas locally. According to Mohd Faizal Mohd Zabri, JARING’s deputy chairperson, the system provides the government with accurate data to validate fishing operations, optimize licensing, and curb misuse of fuel subsidies and living allowances.

Looking Beyond the Catch: A Holistic Data Approach

Beyond tracking fish catches, the Asia Digital Hub aims to integrate diverse data sets, including those related to aquaculture, aquatic animal health, household nutrition, and gender inclusion.

“We need to be able to manage those in one data environment, to see how they relate to one another,” explained Alex Tilley, Digital and Data Science Lead at WorldFish. The hub also supports open-access learning and provides tools such as a portable genome sequencing kit, which can empower communities with localized insights into aquatic biodiversity.

A Model for Global South Cooperation

The digital hub is envisioned as more than just a technological platform. “We expect that it would lead to better cooperation between countries in the South, encourage open-source solutions, and help Africa’s fisheries monitoring and climate adaptation efforts grow,” said Dr. Tuda.

He emphasized that successful transformation relies on local participation:

“For these tools to work, they need to be based on the needs and realities of the people who will be utilizing them. Small-scale fishers shouldn’t just give data but also help design things.”