Over the past couple of years, Hugo has led the development of technological tools for traceability in artisanal fishing communities. His goal was to create a traceability stamp that would allow fishers to access more valuable markets. This stamp not only generates higher incomes but also rewards sustainable practices in ocean fisheries. The traceability stamp is linked to a Vessel Monitoring System called the Smart Scale. Installed at fishing ports, the Smart Scale captures images of every fish unloaded from a boat. Using image processing and artificial intelligence, it analyzes the species, as well as metrics such as weight and dimensions. This data is then processed in the cloud, providing real-time statistics and analyses at the touch of a button. Hugo and his organization have already developed and deployed the Smart Scale for small-scale fisheries.

With the support of the IVLP Impact Award initiative, Hugo implemented a traceability seal for artisanal fish. This platform enabled consumers to learn more about the fish they purchase, creating transparency in the supply chain. The project supported 15 artisanal fishers in Tambor, Puntarenas, to access higher-value markets by offering a traceability stamp. By equipping local fishing communities with advanced technology, Hugo’s initiative has helped generate fairer incomes and provided consumers with greater transparency regarding the sustainability of their seafood. The traceability seal also highlights the adoption of sustainable practices and facilitates access to new, higher-standard markets.

In partnership with the Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Acuicultura (INCOPESCA), the project gained national recognition and is expanding to other fishing communities across Costa Rica. It also serves as a model for INCOPESCA’s broader efforts to promote value-added artisanal fisheries. Hugo is committed to continuing his collaboration with INCOPESCA to replicate the initiative in additional artisanal fishing communities including El Coco and Puntarenas, both located on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast.