The role of blockchain on transparency and animal welfare
The European Union (EU) has a set of standards in place to ensure the welfare of animals raised for food, including fish. These standards are outlined in EU legislation and regulate key aspects of fish farming such as:
- Housing and Environment
EU regulations require that aquatic animals be raised in environments that meet their biological and behavioral needs. This includes providing them with sufficient space, proper water quality, and suitable habitat features.
- Handling and Transport
Guidelines are in place for the humane handling and transport of aquatic animals. These guidelines aim to minimize stress and injuries during these processes.
- Health and Veterinary Care
Aquaculture facilities must provide proper health monitoring and veterinary care to prevent and treat diseases and injuries among farmed fish.
- Slaughter Practices
The slaughter of aquatic animals must be as humane as possible. These regulations specify proven methods and procedures that minimize pain and suffering.
Blockchain technology can play a significant role in bridging the legislation compliance throughout the seafood value chain until the product reaches the final consumer, thus improving transparency and accountability within the aquaculture industry. Here’s how:
- Traceability: Blockchain can be used to create a secure and transparent record of each stage in the aquaculture supply chain, from hatcheries to processing plants. This record can include data on feeding practices, water quality, and environmental conditions. By having access to this data, stakeholders can verify that animal welfare standards are being met.
- Certification and Compliance: Smart contracts can be programmed to enforce compliance with animal welfare regulations. When certain pre-determined conditions are met (e.g., proper housing, humane handling), transactions or certifications can be automatically triggered on the blockchain. This can provide consumers and regulatory bodies with assurance that the fish they are consuming was raised according to ethical standards.
- Consumer Empowerment: Blockchain-enabled platforms can allow consumers to access detailed information about the welfare practices used in the production of the seafood they purchase. This transparency can empower consumers to make informed choices and support ethical aquaculture practices.
- Supply Chain Management: Blockchain technology can streamline supply chain management in aquaculture. By securely recording data on a blockchain, the risk of fraud or mislabeling of seafood products can be reduced.
SEAentia’s production method always prioritized animal welfare, since we strongly believe it’s not only the humane thing to do, but one of the keys to fast-track growth and increase the nutritional qualities of the fish.
Through the SEA2SEE project we are exploring ways to improve our traceability and make use of the technological tools at our disposal to increase consumer trust in aquaculture products.
For more information check our website or go to https://sea2see.eu/
