UpStream!

Upstream thinking for downstream solutions

Problem statement: Mitigating harmful and unsustainable fishing practices in the Amazon Basin through grassroots efforts to inform and direct consumer choices at the local level.

How: Development of a photo identification application that allows consumers to determine the environmental impact of their purchases.

Purposes: Inform consumers of sustainable seafood options and the environmental impacts of their purchases (education & awareness; directing sustainable demand) Citizen science - sharing information about local fish markets with larger scientific institutions for research and monitoring purposes

App: Photo identification - tab that allows you to take a picture of a fish product you are considering buying. The app will attempt to identify this species and provide a sustainability score and suggestion as to whether this species can be sustainable purchased or not. The sustainability score would include impact and current state or the species itself (current population levels, breading or migratory seasons, etc) & potential downstream effects (impacts on connected trophic levels/dependent species)

General info/stats - tab that gives you general information about the current state of fishing practices in the Amazon Basin, endangered species, etc.

Consumer score - tab that provides feedback on the sustainability of the users’ consumption practices. Includes “badges” as rewards for users that consistently opt for sustainable species

Citizen science - tab that allows users to share their pictures and statistics with larger organizations with the goal of improving monitoring of current fisheries conditions and unsustainable practices

Vendors - social tab where fish vendors can create profile and receive ratings for fishing and supplying sustainable fishing practices (voluntary self-reporting with the goal of promoting certain vendors to sustainability-conscious consumers)

The Fish List - list of fish species to avoid or seek at fish markets and why (do’s and dont’s for sustainable purchasing at fish markets)

Built With

• powerpoint