Collaboration seeks to implement interoperable, digitized traceability systems and encourage the adoption of the GDST standard across both public and private sectors.
FishWise, a sustainable seafood consultancy, and the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST), the industry standard for digitally interoperable traceability in seafood, have formed a partnership aimed at promoting the widespread adoption of traceability best practices in seafood supply chains.
The collaboration seeks to implement interoperable, digitized traceability systems and encourage the adoption of the GDST standard across both public and private sectors. This initiative aims to empower regulators and governments to support more standardized, transparent, and responsible seafood supply chains.
FishWise and GDST bring complementary strengths to this partnership. The GDST standard, developed through collaboration between civil society and industry, has been voted into practice solely by industry stakeholders and is now considered the “gold standard” in seafood traceability. The GDST Foundation focuses on expanding the adoption of this standard through a multi-stakeholder dialogue process. FishWise, on the other hand, implements traceability best practices by verifying data, assessing risks, and developing due diligence programs with seafood businesses, governments, and NGOs worldwide.
“Our new partnership with FishWise will allow us to make advances in the adoption and evolution of the Standard,” said Greg Brown, Executive Director of GDST. “FishWise’s deep involvement with its partners, combined with the GDST’s Standard and technical resources, will bring traceability into many conversations and assist the industry and regulators in meaningfully adopting digital interoperable traceability in seafood.”
The partners acknowledge the roles of both the private sector and governments in adopting and promoting traceability best practices. “Standardizing data formats in both the public and private sectors, and making electronic information sharing more seamless between traceability systems, is crucial,” said Sara Lewis, Director of Programs at FishWise. “This collaboration will also explore the connections between GDST adoption and regulatory compliance, aiming for greater uptake of the standards through government engagement.”
By strengthening traceability commitments, encouraging private sector investment in robust data systems, and engaging regulators and policymakers to support stronger data practices, GDST and FishWise believe their partnership will help achieve fully traceable global seafood supply chains.
