Project type: Pilot project for FRIPRO application
Duration: April–September 2025
Amount: 40 000 NOK
This pilot project explores how digital technologies and biotechnology can contribute to enhance trust in global seafood supply chains. Recent reports, including a 2025 review article by Cromwell et al. i Marine Policy have documented widespread fraud and irregularities in global seafood supply chains.
Establishing traceability and transparency is especially challenging across complex global value chains. To address this, the pilot combines DNA analysis of seafood with Digital Product Passports (DPPs) stored on a public blockchain, enabling customers, authorities, and NGOs to verify seafood authenticity at the point of sale contributing to enhanced trust.
Pilot Activities
The project involves sampling and analyzing DNA from seafood in Norway, transporting the seafood to China, and then conducting a second DNA analysis upon arrival. The first DNA profile is stored in a blockchain-based DPP, allowing the second analysis to be compared with the original read from the DPP stored in the blockchain. If identical, this will verify the authenticity of the seafood which will contribute to building trust in in global seafood supply chains.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The pilot serves two purposes:
- Strengthen the upcoming FRIPRO application by testing core concepts and
- Improve understanding technical, logistical, and cost-related factors associated with DNA traceability and blockchain integration.
Expected insights include
- What are the required accuracy and costs of DNA analysis,
- What are the main logistical challenges when executing cross-border DNA verification by separate laboratories, and
- What is the feasibility of combining DNA-analysis, DPP and blockchain technologies.
