PescApp: Mobile Decision Support for Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Artisanal Fisheries

Abstract

Artisanal fishing remains a vital source of livelihood for many coastal communities in Peru. However, the sector operates with limited tools and technologies for planning and decision support, making it difficult to achieve efficiency and profitability. In response to these challenges, this article presents PescApp, an Android-based mobile application designed to support decision-making in the operational management of artisanal fisheries in the port of Matarani, Arequipa. The tool was co-designed with local fishers and covers key stages of the fishing journey: cost estimation before departure, real-time trip monitoring using GPS, and a post-trip assessment of profitability. One of its features is a decision-support module that provides operational recommendations based on business rules derived from experts’ knowledge of artisanal fishing practices. We tested the app with 14 artisanal fishers, using two standardized evaluation instruments (a questionnaire based on ISO/IEC 25010 and a User Experience Questionnaire), focusing on usability and overall experience. Feedback was highly positive—participants appreciated the simplicity of the interface and the way it helped them better understand the financial outcomes of each trip. The results revealed high levels of user acceptance and satisfaction, particularly among younger fishers seeking to improve their planning skills. The successful adoption of PescApp demonstrates how purpose-driven technological innovation can help address long-standing inefficiencies in artisanal fisheries.