Critical traceability point analysis in a Catalan fresh seafood supply chain: implications for sustainability certification

Abstract

Sustainability certification schemes of wild caught seafood like that of the Marine Stew-ardship Council (MSC) are market-driven tools of fisheries management which are ought to reduce overfishing of fish stocks. Being able to trace the seafood to its certified source is vital for guaranteeing that only seafood certified as sustainably caught bears an eco label. This is assured by seafood supply chains´ compliance with a chain of custody standard and by documenting full traceability of the product. This study analyses the traceability performance of a supply chain of a decapod crustacean, blue and red shrimp (A. antennatus, RISSO 1816) in a case study of a harbour in North-Eastern Spain, Palamós. A quality label (“Marca de Garantía de la Gamba de Palamós”) and its chain of custody standard serve as a reference for traceability in this study. The main objective was to find out if the supply chain was ready for a certification against the MSC Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard. Traceability was examined using Process Mapping and Critical Traceability Point Analysis (CTPA), a combination of the qualitative methods structured interview, observation and documentation analysis. The results show that there are deficiencies that could hamper a potential certification. This is mainly due to a lack of unique identifiers on the traceability documentation, potential origin fraud and undocumented sales. Traceability performance was found to be better at companies with a wider distribution range. While some businesses seem to be ready to get certified, the majority does not. Potential improvements include the implementation of a central traceability model, product packing and organisation of the buyer collective. Recommendations focus on enhanced traceability controls by authorities and fishermen´s association and correct multiplication of commercial labels when splitting occurs. More research about traceability performance of non-industrialised supply chains is needed.