This research project aims to assess the state of traceability in the fishery industry in the UK. The project aims to conduct a survey of governmental organizations in the UK by applying a questionnaire to understand the control systems implemented to comply with regulatory requirements on fish traceability. The survey will examine data collection, IT structure, IT standards, level of automation, and exchange of information between systems.

The project is a research cooperation between the University of Cranfield (UK), Iceland University (Iceland), and Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) and is financed by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. The results of the survey will contribute to improving the control systems and information exchange between governmental authorities in European countries to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

At a glance

  • Dates6th February to 30th April 2023
  • SponsorChalmers University of Technology, Sweden
  • Funded£11,356
  • PartnersChalmers University of Technology, Sweden

For the past three decades, traceability requirements for fish have increased to ensure safety, quality, and sustainability throughout the supply chain, from production to end-sales. To ensure the safety and quality of food and feed, the European Union has implemented mandatory traceability requirements as outlined in the EU's general food law and its implementing regulation for the traceability of animal foodstuffs. Traceability requirements have also been established in the fisheries control regulation to ensure sustainable fishing practices. To comply with these requirements, authorities and organizations in the supply chain have established routines for collecting and registering information to be stored in control systems. This project aims to explore the control systems implemented by governmental authorities in seven European countries involving UK to comply with regulatory requirements on fish traceability, including data collection, IT structure, IT standards, level of automation, and exchange of information between systems. The project is a research cooperation between the University of Cranfield (UK), Iceland University (Iceland), and Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), financed by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management.

Principle-Investigator/s

Banu Ekren - Cranfield School of Management
Hendrik Reefe - Cranfield School of Management