On 28 November 2019, the ARIEL Lead Partner (CNR-IRBIM) in cooperation with the project partner Marche Region arranged a focus group to present and discuss the ARIEL Virtual marketplace platform set-up by CNR-IRBIM. “VirMa” is one of the project pilot actions, based on best practices such as the Abalobi app suite for small –scale fisheries marketplace. “VirMa” aims to contribute to the following challenges of small-scale fisheries:
- Access to market and new markets
- Improved traceability and quality of seafood
- Added value of seafood products and SSF
- Consumers’ awareness of SSF
- Promote Co-management activity
- Support sustainable fisheries
The meeting was attended by small-scale fishermen, restaurant owners, representative of private buyers groups and universities that – together with CNR-IRBIM and Marche Region – discussed the VirMa functionalities, advantages as well as critical issues. The focus group enabled the collection of relevant information from the potential users and their interest in being involved in “VirMa” testing.