Now steps are underway to find a retailer to partner in the tuna traceability project. (Photo: (Photo: WWF-Australia / Shiri Ram)

'Revolutionary' traceability technology implemented in Pacific tuna industry

The conservationist organization WWF, in partnership with several companies, will introduce into the Pacific Islands tuna industry, a revolutionary technology that can help eradicate illegal fishing and human rights abuses.

The project, which is the first of its kind in the region, involves WWF New Zealand, WWF Australia and WW Fiyi, together with the technology innovation company ConsenSys, the information and communications technology (ICT) implementer TraSeable and the fishing and processing company of tuna Sea Quest Fiji Ltd.

The Blockchain Traceability Project traces fish from fishing vessels to supermarkets using digital technology in the fresh and frozen tuna sectors of the western and central Pacific region. This way, it helps to strengthen the supply chain management.

According to the executive director of WWF New Zealand, Livia Esterhazy, this project will drastically improve people`s lives and protect the environment through smart and sustainable fisheries.

Using a smart phone application, consumers will be able to scan tuna packaging to find out where the fish was caught, what fishing vessel did it, and what methods of capture were employed. The "Blockchain" technology will ensure that people buy legally caught tuna, which is not the product of slave labor or oppressive conditions.

Currently, the purchase and sale of Pacific tuna is tracked through paper records or not registered at all. Now, on the other hand, fishermen can register their catch on the blockchain through radio-frequency identification (RFID) e-tagging and scanning fish.

Now steps are underway to find a retailer to partner in the project and use blockchain to complete the tuna’s traceability story. 

ConsenSys, one of the leaders in the development of blockchain technology, is working with WWF and Sea Quest to test and implement the traceability tool of the Viant platform in the supply chain of the Pacific tuna industry.

Tyler Mulvihill, co-founder and head of business development at Viant.io, said that they are interested in supporting technology applications that offer an opportunity for a positive social impact. He also emphasized his enthusiasm to continue working with WWF and Sea Quest Fiji.

For his part, Brett Haywood, CEO of Sea Quest Fiji, said that this project provides a unique opportunity to take the industry to higher levels, and highlighted his satisfaction to work with the three WWF offices.

TraSeable Solutions CEO, Ken Katafono, also expressed his enthusiasm to provide technical support to this project, given that he considers that it will transform the traceability of the seafood supply chain in the Pacific and also around the world. 

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