Institute of Food Technologists

Abstract Market-based voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) that aim to incentivize sustainable practices in fisheries - such as certifications, improvement projects, and ratings - have proliferated over the past decade. However, with an explicitly narrow focus on environmental outcomes, it is unclear how these programs have affected social equity, and where, and to whom, the costs and benefits of participating in these initiatives accrue. In this project, we conduct a comparative case study using an empirical, mixed methods approach combining interviews, group discussion, and quantitative supply chain analyses to better understand how some VSS (Marine Stewardship Council, Fair Trade, Fishery Improvement Projects) enable, or hinder, equitable outcomes in seafood production. We examine three small-scale fisheries (SSF) in India, Maldives, and Indonesia that differ in size, species focus, and supply chain characteristics, to identify key equity issues (both perceived and realized) and ways in which they can be addressed. For each fishery, we focus on understanding how different dimensions of social equity are impacted by VSS and their interaction with a) international market dynamics and other regional fisheries, b) government policy and contextual or structural issues (e.g., debt, poverty), c) engagement with fishers and fishing communities, and d) the values of seafood organizations operating in a place as they relate to equity. For each fishery and supply chain, we discuss how these dynamics challenge the VSS theory of change and implications for equity. As VSS grow in small-scale fisheries in low-and middle-income countries, it will be crucial for these models to learn from successful strategies and respond to place-specific equity concerns if they are to result in fair and durable conservation outcomes in the long term.

The safe production and trade of food is a crucial underpinning of the global economy. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is a UN mandated institution under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) whose purpose is to protect the health of global consumers and enable fair trade by developing harmonized standards and practices for member countries to implement. Codex has been in existence since 1963 and involves 188 countries representing over 98% of the global population.

The seafood sector faces both socioeconomic and environmental sustainability challenges, as well as pressure to demonstrate progress from governments, NGOs, retailers, and consumers. To document data elements necessary in verifying key sustainability attributes and fishery progress, the sector needs to implement traceability systems accessible to fishers and other vulnerable near-shore actors. Implementation must overcome a suite of technological, social, and economic barriers. We assessed and reviewed the efficacy of several approaches attempted in a Philippines yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) fishery. The current prevailing approach is a centralized, analog method of catch recording, both broadly across the Philippines and specifically in this MSC-certified fishery, where they have implemented enumerator-facilitated catch certificate recording. The fishery has begun developing, testing, and piloting new decentralized digital models, including NFC cards, RFID tags, and an app-based smartphone catch data capture. All approaches encountered barriers to uptake, and the most recent estimates suggest up to 44% of the catch in the Philippines remains unreported. We discuss additional systemic considerations necessary to advance sustainability outcomes and their documentation through traceability systems in the seafood sector originating with small-scale fishers.

The accomplishments of previous award recipients are recognized, and some of the research and outreach activities that lead to this recognition are described. Finally, I pose a challenge for the future for fellow nutrition and food science professionals.

Food Traceability is the systemic ability to trace the history, application, or location of a traceable food item, which is under consideration. Trace requests often start with a trace backward from one or more locations related to a foodborne illness or other type of contamination. Supply chain partners respond to trace requests by providing internal traceability data from their operations as required by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, often called, "one-step-down and one-step-up." Since the 2006 North American E. coli O157:H7 spinach outbreak, the food industry has been working to link internal traceability with external tracing systems utilizing global standards to speed up whole chain traceback investigations. In addition, the digitization of food supply chain records continues to increase with the proliferation of novel technologies as well as investment in traceability systems as means to mitigate risk, improve supply chain efficiencies, and underpin sustainability initiatives.