From Catch to Consumer: International Fisheries & Blockchain

Blockchain technology can be utilized to trace seafood products by creating a decentralized and tamper-proof record-keeping system that tracks every step of the seafood's journey from catch to consumer. When a fish is caught, the details such as the species, location, and time of catch can be recorded on the blockchain. This information can then be updated at each stage of the supply chain, including when the fish is landed, processed, transported, and finally sold to the consumer.

• Each transaction along the way is recorded as a new block of data and linked to the previous one, forming a chain that provides a complete history of the product. This process is secured by cryptographic algorithms, which ensure that once a block is added to the chain, it cannot be altered retroactively. This immutability is crucial for preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of the data.

• Smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, can be used to automate payments and certifications as the seafood moves through the supply chain. For example, a smart contract could automatically release payment to a fisherman once the catch has been verified and recorded on the blockchain.

• The integration of blockchain with other technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) devices can further enhance traceability. IoT devices can monitor and record real-time data such as temperature and location during transportation, ensuring that the seafood is kept in optimal conditions throughout its journey.

• Consumers can benefit from blockchain-enabled traceability by accessing detailed information about the seafood they purchase. By scanning a QR code on the product packaging, consumers can view the entire history of the seafood, including where and how it was caught, processed, and transported. This level of transparency can increase consumer trust and potentially influence purchasing decisions towards more sustainable and ethically sourced seafood products.

• For regulatory authorities, blockchain traceability provides a powerful tool to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. By having a clear and verifiable record of the seafood's origin and journey, authorities can more easily enforce regulations and take action against those who violate them.

In the real world, several initiatives have already demonstrated the potential of blockchain in seafood traceability. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has explored blockchain applications in seafood value chains, providing insights into the opportunities and challenges of implementing such systems. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has piloted a project using blockchain to trace tuna from the waters of Fiji to the consumer, showcasing the feasibility of this technology in enhancing transparency and sustainability in seafood supply chains.

Overall, blockchain technology offers a robust solution for tracing seafood products, ensuring transparency, enhancing food safety, promoting sustainability, and supporting the fight against IUU fishing. As the technology continues to develop and more stakeholders adopt blockchain-based systems, the seafood industry can look forward to a future where the provenance and quality of its products are assured, benefiting everyone from fishers to consumers.

Related:

• Blockchain for Food Traceability

• Blockchain Use Cases in Industry

• Seafood Supply (Block) Chain

• Blockchain empowering Traceability of Seafood