Transparency and traceability are key issues for food products in general, and for seafood products in particular. There are various reasons why the importance of traceability is increasing; partly it relates to the internal need for internal documentation and industrial statistics, and partly it is to meet customer and consumer requirements and preferences both in relation to product characteristics (species, feed type and ingredients, production parameters, ingredients, origin, processes undergone, etc.) and in relation to so-called secondary characteristics (certification, sustainability, emissions, eco-label status, ethics, fair trade, etc.). Traditionally these characteristics are recorded, stored in relational databases, and transmitted in the chain using some form of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). In recent years building a traceability system on blockchain technology has become a viable alternative, and this presentation attempts to highlight the strengths and weaknesses associated with each option, and in particular to evaluate to what degree and under what circumstances a blockchain based traceability system is suitable for the aquaculture industry.
This presentation outlines applications, limitations, costs, and benefits related to the use of blockchain technology in the aquaculture industry, and in particular evaluates the pros and cons of having a blockchain-based traceability system compared to a traditional electronic traceability system. The core principles of blockchain technology are outlined, as well as the fundamental requirements and drivers relating to an electronic traceability system. The presentation compares traditional vs. blockchain-based food traceability systems in terms of database structure, data quality and veracity, immutability, integrity, transparency, confidentiality, trust, robustness, speed, efficiency, and interoperability.