The Traceability Problem in Seafood Products
The global fishing industry faces unique challenges: according to the FAO, up to 20% of global catches come from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU). Furthermore, studies reveal that up to 30% of the fish sold is mislabelled, substituting premium species for cheaper alternatives.
How Does Blockchain Traceability Work in Seafood?
Blockchain technology allows for the immutable recording of every step in the fishing supply chain:
- Catch: GPS location, date, time, vessel, fishing method
- Landing: Port, weight, initial inspection
- Processing: Processing plant, conditions, certifications
- Cold Chain: Temperatures recorded in real-time via IoT sensors
- Distribution: Transport, storage, points of sale
Benefits for Sustainability
Blockchain traceability directly contributes to sustainable fishing:
- Verification of compliance with fishing quotas
- Identification of protected catch areas
- Verification of responsible fishing methods
- Support for certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council)
Combating Food Fraud
The immutable record in blockchain allows for:
- Verification of the actual species of the product through registered DNA
- Detection of fraudulent species substitutions
- Confirmation of the declared geographic origin
- Tracking of the complete chain of custody
The Verifiable Cold Chain
Seafood products are particularly sensitive to temperature. The combination of IoT sensors with blockchain allows for:
- Continuous temperature monitoring from catch
- Automatic alerts for cold chain breaks
- Verifiable records for freshness guarantees
- Reduction of waste from unfit products
Implementation Cases
Fishing companies in Iceland, Norway, and Japan are already implementing blockchain traceability systems. Consumers can scan a QR code on the packaging to find out exactly which boat caught their fish, where and when, along with all applicable certifications.
Benefits for the Consumer
The end consumer gains:
- Certainty about the origin and species of the product
- Information on sustainable fishing practices
- Guarantee of cold chain maintenance
- Access to certifications and quality analysis
Integration with Regulations
The blockchain record can complement compliance with regulations such as:
- EU Regulation on IUU fishing
- Lacey Act of the United States
- MSC and ASC certification
- Local food traceability regulations
It is important to note that the blockchain record provides technical evidence of traceability that complements, but does not replace, inspections and official certifications from competent authorities.
The Future: From Ocean to Table in Real-Time
Technological evolution promises real-time traceability with satellite sensors on vessels, automatic species identification, and freshness prediction through artificial intelligence, all immutably recorded on blockchain.
Conclusion
Blockchain traceability represents a revolution for the fishing industry, providing responsible producers with the tool to demonstrate their sustainable practices, and consumers with the transparency needed to make informed decisions about the seafood products they consume.
