Do you know that the Freshwater Living Planet Index has declined by an average of 84%, equivalent to 4% per year since 1970?
The main reason behind this enormous decline is habitat degradation through overexploitation of freshwater species, pollution, invasive species, and sand mining in rivers. The lack of conservation action for freshwater species and habitats is partly due to the requirements of large-scale, multi-sectoral conservation efforts.
The overexploitation of marine species can be reduced by sustainable fishing practices and seafood traceability.
Sustainable fishing for the marine environment
Today’s growing population relies heavily on seafood. The oceans are home to many living organisms. Seafood is an excellent renewable resource. It is essential that they are appropriately managed so that overfishing and pollution do not occur.
The marine ecosystem faces threats from climate change, overspills, overfishing, and marine debris. It is not just the oceans affected by these threats but also humanity in general. There is illegal and unregulated fishing in nearly one-third of the fish stocks. Many fishing and coastal communities depend on this sector for their livelihoods. Marine populations should survive in the future, so we should adopt sustainable fishing and seafood tracking.
Role of traceability in marine industry
In a Guardian Seascape analysis of 44 recent studies of more than 9,000 seafood samples, 36% were mislabeled, exposing widespread seafood fraud around the world.
Nearly 75% of seafood sold today is either not certified or not rated as “sustainable,” alarming retailers and consumers alike.
There are numerous types of fish fraud within and beyond the worldwide fish marketing chain. The principal reason for seafood fraud is to deceive buyers for financial benefit. Many countries cannot monitor suspicious actions in the marketing chain due to discrepancies in estimations of the size of fish fraud and do not have governmental food control programs to supervise fish business operators.
Consumers can influence marine fish conservation by purchasing sustainably harvested species. However, this power is hampered by ambiguous labelling and seafood fraud, which may obscure market biodiversity and unintentionally consume threatened species.
In the global seafood industry, tracing the fish from the bait to the plate, capturing information, and tracking movement at each stage of the supply chain is vital. Seafood traceability is critical in this industry for food safety, claims authenticity, and sustainability verification. Seafood traceability reduces food safety risks while protecting human welfare and environmental sustainability.
Traceability at the food processing stage would aid in verifying operational sustainability while also reducing unreported and illegal fish stocks in our seas that pass through our supply chain and onto our plates.
Furthermore, there are both financial and environmental benefits. Traceability can enhance profitability in addition to reducing product recalls and investor risk. Traceability is undoubtedly a viable, value-creating investment for the industry.
In addition to ensuring compliance with regulations, handling, and distribution of products, traceability helps meet growing buyer demand for sustainable seafood. It can also be used to meet certification requirements, while in the marketplace, it can become a valuable competitive advantage tool for companies or brands.
Track the Right Origins of your Seafood
Traceability technology, such as Right Origins enables businesses to collect data at each stage of the manufacturing process. The system allows processors to quickly and easily compile the information required by various national and international traceability requirements, allowing them to gain access to valuable export markets and bring paper-based record keeping online for excellent business and resource management. Our blockchain-powered traceability allows:
- Greater efficiency, business intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.
- Increased capability to meet customer demands.
- Minimised recalls and waste.
- Increased guarantee of meeting import requirements.
Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean
The theme for the United Nations World Oceans Day in 2022 is Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean. The ocean connects, sustains, and supports us all. Its health, as well as the well-being of all who depend upon it, is at risk. In light of the past year’s experience, we must work together to establish a new balance with the ocean so that it no longer depletes its bounty but is instead restored and revitalised. At CIED, we pledge to promote sustainable practices concerning freshwater species while urging us to protect them for future generations. As we celebrate the ocean’s resources, let’s do so mindfully.