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A recent update in our research (which resulted in Deliverable 1.3) identifies new insights based on stakeholder surveys, highlighting both key impediments and incentives for blockchain adoption in fisheries and aquaculture. Building on previous research for Deliverable 1.2, this report incorporates feedback from 36 key stakeholders across Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece, including producers, processors, distributors, policymakers, and researchers. The surveys were conducted to assess industry perspectives on the feasibility and impact of blockchain-based traceability solutions. The results complement earlier literature reviews and case studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities.
Key Insights from Stakeholder Surveys
Survey participants reinforced the potential benefits of blockchain, citing improved traceability, regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and consumer trust as major incentives. Many viewed blockchain as a critical tool for ensuring transparency in seafood supply chains and enhancing sustainability practices.
However, several significant barriers were emphasized, including the high cost of implementation, technological complexity, and the lack of standardized digital systems. Small-scale fisheries and businesses expressed concerns about accessibility, training requirements, and the interoperability of blockchain with existing traceability methods.
Stakeholders identified key information for seafood traceability, prioritizing catch zone, fishery details, species data, and sustainability aspects, among others. Food safety and quality emerged as primary drivers for traceability advancements, followed by environmental concerns, certification requirements, and consumer interest, highlighting the evolving priorities in seafood transparency. Stakeholders identified blockchain, QR codes/RFID codes, mobile/web apps, and certification schemes as the preferred methods for enhancing seafood traceability across different value chains. These methods were favoured for their ease of use and efficiency, though blockchain was noted as potentially more complex and costly to implement.
While previous studies focused on theoretical and case study-based evidence, the stakeholder surveys provided real-world perspectives. The results align closely with the literature review on blockchain traceability in seafood value chains and indicated strong interest in digital traceability, while highlighting a need for clear regulatory guidance, financial incentives, and user-friendly technology solutions to facilitate wider adoption.
Conclusions and Future Steps
For blockchain to gain traction in seafood traceability, strategic collaboration between industry players, regulatory bodies, and technology providers is essential. Increased investment in digital infrastructure, tailored training programs, and incentives for smaller operators will be key to overcoming adoption barriers.
Contributor: University of Aveiro