International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF)

🚀 Opportunity Alert: Call for Proposals! We’re seeking service providers in the Maldives to take the helm in operating, maintaining, and managing the eDhumashi e-commerce platform! Developed by the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) with support from UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge, eDhumashi empowers women in the Maldives, particularly those in the fisheries sector, by connecting them to broader markets. This platform enables local producers—primarily women fisherfolk and small businesses—to achieve financial independence through digital commerce. What We're Looking For: A competent provider to manage eDhumashi for two years, starting in November 2024. The selected service provider will prioritise maintaining platform functionality and enhancing the platform’s capabilities to achieve strategic goals for community empowerment (conditions apply). We want to hear from you if you or your agency are the perfect fit for this transformative project! 📩 Submit your proposal to info@edhumashi.mv. #DigitalEmpowerment #WomenInFisheries #MaldivesECommerce #UNDP #IPNLF #CallForProposals

📽️Empowering Women in Gemanafushi, Maldives  Over the past months, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with the inspiring women of Ga Gemanafushi, who play an essential role in the fishing industry. These women purchase fish directly from the boats and expertly transform them into local delicacies like ‘Rihaakuru’, bringing rich traditions to life. Yet, despite their skills and determination, many have faced significant challenges, from delayed payments to a lack of financial tools and training, forcing some to halt their businesses. Thanks to the support of the Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC), IPNLF-Maldives were able to conduct a baseline study to understand the depth of these challenges truly. What struck us most was these women's unyielding resolve and eagerness to embrace new tools and technologies. That’s why we took action, training 25 remarkable women from Ga. Gemanafushi in business essentials, digital literacy, food hygiene, packaging, and more. Through our newly launched e-commerce platform, eDhumashi, these women can manage their production, track sales, and receive payments directly in Dhivehi, empowering them to thrive autonomously in their small-scale businesses. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners. A heartfelt thank you to the UNDP OIC team, the Gemanafushi Council, the Gemanafushi Women’s Development Committee, and our incredible trainers. But most of all, our deepest gratitude goes to the women of Gemanafushi, whose resilience and dedication continue to inspire us all. Watch our documentary to see their journey firsthand. 💙 #empowerWomen #femaleentrepreneurs #sustainablefisheries #uceanInnovation #IPNLF #UNDP #Gemanafushi #ecommerce #rihaakuru

Solar-Powered Ice Makers Bring Sustainable Cold-Chain Technology to Indonesian Fishers! The Solar Ice Maker (SIM) has arrived in Kawa, Indonesia, and we could NOT be happier. This marks an incredible milestone for IPNLF, our project partners, and the fishers of Kawa towards a supply chain fueled by renewable energy. It could also mean a leap forward for artisanal fishers in remote areas worldwide!  The arrival of the Solar Ice Maker (SIM) in Kawa, Indonesia, marks a significant advancement for artisanal fisheries and sustainable seafood production. Developed by Yayasan IPNLF Indonesia (YII), GIZ Indonesia, PT. AIREF, and PT. ASTB, with support from the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC), the SIM represents a leap forward in creating renewable energy-powered supply chains. This milestone could pave the way for small-scale fisheries in remote regions worldwide to adopt cleaner, more resilient technology. The SIM is an off-grid, solar photovoltaic-powered ice-making facility, specifically designed to meet the needs of artisanal fishers in remote coastal communities. Unlike traditional solar ice makers that depend on costly batteries, the SIM uses thermal energy storage to produce industrial-standard ice blocks without the need for battery replacements. This innovation addresses a key challenge in scaling sustainable cold-chain solutions for small-scale fishers, while also reducing operational costs and maintenance complexities. Construction of the first SIM began in 2023, and after a series of trials and adjustments, the second iteration successfully produced high-quality ice in significant quantities. Now fully operational and installed in Kawa, the SIM is set to demonstrate its value as a game-changing technology for artisanal fishers. By providing access to reliable ice production in remote locations, the SIM enhances fish quality and supports sustainable tuna fishing practices, critical to maintaining healthy stocks and meeting market demand for responsibly caught seafood. Looking ahead, the team is planning a formal launch event in late September to celebrate this achievement. The goal is to scale this innovative cold-chain solution throughout Indonesia, and eventually expand its reach globally, enabling small-scale fishers to sustain their communities, reduce waste, and lower their carbon footprint. The future of sustainable, climate-friendly seafood is taking shape, one SIM at a time. Read more about the SIM and her road to Kawa here:

🌟🐟 Spotlight on Tonnino: Gourmet Tuna with a Sustainable Heart! 🐟🌟 We're thrilled to highlight Tonnino, a proud member of the IPNLF family since 2018! 🌐✨  Known for its premium-quality tuna products and as North America's #1 gourmet tuna brand, Tonnino is committed to sustainability and responsible procurement that supports fishing communities. Their dedication to sustainability is proven by their impressive achievement of the Ecological Blue Flag award for four consecutive years. This prestigious programme recognises excellence in environmental practices across various indicators, including waste management, resource consumption, and community outreach. Since joining IPNLF, Tonnino has been dedicated to sourcing pole-and-line tuna and promoting one-by-one tuna fishing methods. They ensure that every jar of tuna supports sustainable practices and healthy marine ecosystems. Their efforts provide delicious tuna and contribute to the well-being of coastal communities worldwide. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Tonnino for their unwavering commitment to sustainability and excellence. Your support is invaluable in our mission to create a brighter, more sustainable future for our oceans and a responsible fishing industry.   #IPNLF #SustainableFishing #Tonnino #OneByOneFishing #OceanConservation #FishingCommunity #PremiumTuna #Sustainability #ProtectOurOceans

🌊🎣 Highlight on Vietnam 🇻🇳 Did you know IPNLF membership isn’t just for commercial companies? 🌐 Fishery associations worldwide can join for free, supporting local economies and fishing communities. One such amazing member is VinaTuna, Vietnam's national tuna fisheries organisation! 🐟✨ Since 2019, VinaTuna has been an integral part of the IPNLF family. Established in 2010, VinaTuna is dedicated to protecting, responsibly exploiting, processing, and consuming Vietnam’s tuna fisheries. Their voluntary membership focuses on cooperation to maximise opportunities in funding, technology, legal rights, marketing, and fishing activities. They also ensure compliance with national laws and policies.  VinaTuna has been making waves with some incredible projects: • Crew-based Monitoring Program (COPPA): In collaboration with IPNLF member Sea Delight, VinaTuna developed this onboard system to collect data on Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) species. With 237 trips observed by fishers, this initiative is setting a benchmark for sustainability. 🐢🦈 • Safety at Sea: Partnering with stakeholders, VinaTuna provides annual safety training. They’re developing a project to enhance safety in Vietnam's fishery sector, focusing on research, safety equipment distribution, self-safety fishing fleets, and comprehensive workshops. This project aims to reduce occupational hazards and improve working conditions in small-scale fisheries, becoming a global role model.  We’re thrilled to have VinaTuna as a proud member and look forward to more collaboration in the future! 🤝🌏 #IPNLF #SustainableFishing #VinaTuna #VietnamFisheries #SafetyAtSea #FisheryAssociation #OceanConservation #SustainableTuna #FishingCommunity

🌏✨ May 2024: Bali, Indonesia. A new dawn for small-scale fisheries! IPNLF hosted a groundbreaking Think Tank to revolutionise the future of fisheries, thanks to our incredible members and partners. Their shared knowledge and innovative solutions were key to this success. 💡 🌊 Over 40 participants from 14 countries joined forces to redesign fishing vessels and tackle global challenges. International buyers and retailers like Woolworths , Seafood Souq , ICV Africa Anova Seafood, @Tri Marine Group, and Anova Seafood Marine played vital roles. Indonesian processors and exporters such as NUSATUNA, PT Harta Samudra, PT SMS, and PT Nutrindo Fresfood Internasional, along with technical and financial experts from South Africa, Maldives, Canada, Portugal, Australia, and Indonesia, were actively engaged. 🤝🌐 Thanks to our IPNLF members and Indonesian partners who generously shared their expertise to make this event a success: Anova Seafood, Big Fish Maldives, Greenfish SA, ICV Africa, NUSATUNA, Seafood Souq, Tri Marine, Woolworths, and World Wise Foods. Indonesian partners: Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs (MMAF), Resonance, PT Harta Samudra, PT Fres Nutrindo, PT Samudra Mandiri Sentosa, and MDPI. #FutureOfFisheries #SustainableSeafood #GlobalCollaboration #SmallScaleFisheries #IPNLF #InnovationForGood

🌊 Exciting News for the Seafood Industry! 🌊 We're thrilled to announce the expansion of our global one-by-one supply chain network with three incredible new members: Archipelagics Inc., Ainan Coop, and Samaki Bluu! Welcome to our growing community of industry leaders driving sustainable change in the seafood sector. 🌍🎣 These new members join us in our mission to revolutionise the seafood industry, promoting sustainable practices and contributing to the U.N.’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Let's dive into what makes each of them unique: 🔹 Archipelagics Inc. (Indonesia) Indonesia's marine biodiversity and significant fisheries sector highlight the need for sustainable practices. Archipelagics Inc. is on a mission to educate consumers about the origins of their seafood, support artisanal fishing communities, and enhance market access for Indonesian handline-caught tuna. Their dedication to sustainable seafood consumption and advocacy for local fishing communities transform the industry. 🔹 Ainan Coop (Japan) Located in southern Japan, Ainan Coop is committed to preserving traditional fishing methods and promoting responsible sourcing. Known for their beloved skipjack tuna (‘Katsuo’ - 鰹/かつお), they ensure full transparency and community engagement. Impressively, they are the first to receive kosher certification for fresh seafood in Japan. We proudly support their vision of blending traditional practices with modern conservation efforts. 🎣💙 🔹 Samaki Bluu (Tanzania) Partnering with small-scale fishing communities on Pemba Island, Samaki Bluu focuses on sustainable fishing and marine resource protection. They provide training in eco-friendly practices and enhance traceability in the fisheries value chain. Committed to ecological sustainability and social equity, Samaki Bluu supplies top-quality seafood and has earned a stellar reputation in Tanzania's hospitality industry. Join us in celebrating these new members who are helping shape a sustainable future for the seafood industry. Together, we're making waves towards responsible and equitable seafood sourcing. 🌐🐟 #SustainableSeafood #Fisheries #MarineConservation #GlobalNetwork #SeafoodIndustry #SustainableDevelopment #IPNLF

Traditionally a male-dominated industry? Perhaps. But it's women who are making waves! 🌊🐟 In Cabo Verde, for example, women expertly sell fish and know exactly what price she’ll get for a tuna. When she goes to the port and sees the fishers’ catch, she can instantly assess the quality of the fish, deciding which fish she wants to take and sell as opposed to what the fisher would like to sell. 🎣✨ As in other industries and professions worldwide, women are ubiquitous but underrepresented in leadership positions in fisheries and their contributions are often referred to as “hidden”. However, women are crucial throughout the fisheries value chain: In the ever-evolving landscape of the seafood industry, specific individuals stand out for their leadership skills and commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.  Meet some of the incredible women leading the way in the tuna world: 🌟 Suzanne Douglas, General Manager of Sirena Tuna 🌟 Sarah Eames, CEO of American Tuna 🌟 Michelle Bellinger, CEO of ICV Africa Their stories of leadership, sustainability, and ethical practices are a must-read! 📖👩💼💚. Dive into their journeys and see how they steer responsible tuna supply chains. A special thanks to Julie Kutchepatov, founder of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE), for her take on women in the fishing industry. Trust us, you won't want to miss this! 👉 Head to the link to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eFpW2tks #WomenInFisheries #SeafoodIndustry #Sustainability #WomenLeadership #TunaFishing 🐟💙

IPNLF works with its members  – a network of industry leaders (commercial companies, large retail companies, seafood brands, food services, civil society organisations and associations) to drive change and improvements at sea.  By connecting small-scale fishers with the industry and helping them reduce their environmental impact, we help make sustainable tuna more readily available, protect ecosystems, and safeguard the livelihoods of local fishers. Together, our actions have more impact, our voices are louder, and small-scale tuna fisheries are supported and elevated.  Stay tuna’d for updates on our recent partnerships, initiatives, and news in the upcoming weeks! https://lnkd.in/em6jEbHX    #ipnlfmembership #sustainablefishing  #corporateresponsibility #fishforthefuture #CSR

Thank you, INFOFISH 🙌 📰! We’re thrilled and honoured to be featured in INFOFISH Issue 4.2024! Thank you to the amazing team at INFOFISH ' for featuring our article "Gender Equality and Equity: How IPNLF-Maldives Helps Women Fish Processors Turn Fish Into Money". Your support and recognition of Maldives women processors mean the world to us! 🌍✨ 💙 Team IPNLF, IPNLF-Maldives, and the innovation eDhumashi