First Digital System to Track Marine Fishing Activated in Sharjah, Fujairah to Enhance National Fisheries Management

Sharjah: The UAE's fisheries sector is undergoing a transformative shift with the expansion of the 'SFS Fisheries' system, a pioneering digital platform designed to track and document fish landings and the origin of local catch. This initiative marks a significant national and regional milestone, as Fujairah becomes the latest emirate to adopt the system, building on its initial deployment in Sharjah. According to Emirates News Agency, the expansion of SFS Fisheries signals a broader national move towards transparency, efficiency, and sustainable resource management across marine supply chains. Developed by Seafood Souq, the platform was first introduced at Souq Al Jubail five months ago, setting a new standard for monitoring, verifying, and trading seafood. The rollout to Fujairah underscores the growing institutional commitment to modernizing fisheries governance while preserving the sector's economic and cultural importance. The move follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Fujairah Fishermen Association and Seafood Souq, formalizing collaboration on digitizing fisheries operations in the emirate. The agreement, signed by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, co-founder of Seafood Souq, and Mahmood Hassan Al Ali, Chairman of the Fujairah Fishermen Cooperative, is part of a wider national effort supported by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The aim is to establish a unified framework for sustainable fisheries management across all seven emirates. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Ibrahim Al Jamali, Regional Director - Northern Region at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Sulaiman Rashid Al Khadeem, Chairman of the UAE Federation of Fishermen Associations. At its core, SFS Fisheries integrates a mobile application, digital logbook, and landing validation system to document fishing activity in real time. Each registered vessel receives a unique QR code, enabling regulators, traders, and consumers to access verified data on license status, catch type, or igin, landing time, and quantity instantly. This ensures full traceability from sea to point of sale, replacing fragmented manual processes with a consistent, verifiable digital record. The system's early performance in Sharjah has demonstrated both operational and commercial value, with over 140,000 kilograms of seafood from more than 130 vessels spanning over 50 local species digitally verified at a single landing site. The data has facilitated quicker validation processes, reduced administrative errors, and improved market access for fishermen by allowing them to compete on verified quality rather than informal pricing dynamics. Under the Fujairah agreement, fish landings will now be digitally recorded at approved sites, with each shipment linked to vessel data and supported by digital catch certificates. These certificates provide verified proof of origin, allowing buyers and end consumers to confirm product authenticity, freshness, and sourcing practices. Commenting on the partnership, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi stated that partnerships in vital sectors such as food and seafood are essential to building more efficient production systems. He emphasized that traceability and transparency are fundamental to how global markets assess quality, build trust, and determine competitiveness. He added that adopting advanced digital solutions will not only strengthen quality standards but also expand opportunities for UAE-caught seafood to access higher-value markets. In parallel with system deployment, the partnership includes provisions for data sharing, technical advisory, and joint research and training programs. With Fujairah now onboard, SFS Fisheries is closer to becoming a national platform, positioning the UAE among a select group of countries adopting end-to-end digital oversight of fisheries. The UAE's seafood market, valued at approximately $1.49 billion and projected to grow steadily over the coming decade, is being shaped by rising demand for high-quality protein, expanding hospitality sectors, and increas ing consumer awareness around sourcing and sustainability. Within this context, digital traceability is emerging not as a technical upgrade, but as a structural requirement for future growth.