Commercial fishers across the Turks and Caicos Islands can now sell their catch directly to consumers through a free app launched by local non-profit organisation FisherFolkFirst.
Co-designed with local fishers and built alongside software engineers from Robinform, the platform allows fishers to update their profiles and a "Catch of the Day" page simply by sending photos and videos over WhatsApp. Customers can browse the directory, inspect handling practices, and place orders directly with fishers. Executive Director and Co-Founder Marta Calosso said the organisation wants to "unlock opportunities for TCI’s fishers and empower them to access new markets directly."
With only limited exceptions, any active commercially licenced fisher can create a profile. Fishers can sign up by visiting www.fisherfolkfirstapp.com, tapping the WhatsApp icon in the top right corner, and following the prompts, or by emailing info@fisherfolkfirst.org for help.