Create a program that is electronic, interoperable, and data secure

Increase alignment across the seafood sector by prioritizing the seamless exchange of digital data with existing traceability systems. Choose technologies that meet needs for data analysis, security, and worker confidentiality.

Full description

Identify eCDT technologies that efficiently and effectively share data to fulfill data collection, analysis, and security needs. Prioritize interoperability with existing traceability systems and data formats.

APPLY THE PRINCIPLE

There are three main phases to building an electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT) program:

Initiate—Includes conducting early research, setting goals, and engaging stakeholders.
Design—Includes identifying technology, assigning responsibilities, and creating systems to support the program.
Implement—Includes piloting the program, adaptively managing it, and scaling it.

Here you can see how this principle manifests throughout each phase:

Initiate
Design
Implement

Facilitate interoperability (when technology systems are able to exchange information or data seamlessly) by identifying labor and product data requirements already in place in key markets and across relevant agencies (e.g., import rules, food safety)

Relevant Guidance

SALT Feature

Overcoming Barriers: Speaking a Common Language Through Interoperability

Seafood Alliance for Legality and Traceability (SALT)

2020

SALT has distilled lessons from existing traceability pilots to provide potential solutions to overcoming the challenges a company might face when adopting eCDT. This is the 3rd in the “Overcoming… Read More about Create a program that is electronic, interoperable, and data secure

Report

Compliance of Imports of Fishery and Aquaculture Products with EU Legislation

European Parliament Directorate-General for Internal Policies

2013

The study estimates the compliance of fisheries and aquaculture products imported into the EU with the current quality safety EU legislation, and with the regulation on IUU fishing. It investigates… Read More about Create a program that is electronic, interoperable, and data secure

Report

Towards Interoperable Fisheries Data Systems in the U.S.

MRAG Americas

2017

The range of fisheries data users globally has increased, so the ability for these systems to communicate and transfer data seamlessly proves to be of importance, as it aids the… Read More about Create a program that is electronic, interoperable, and data secure

Find More Relevant Resources

Seek to minimize costs of compliance
- Require only the minimum technology adoption and data collection needed to meet eCDT program objectives. Identify technology that adds value to businesses’ bottom line; ensure there is a built-in cost-recovery scheme
Avoid creating trade barriers
- Ensure that the program is compatible with the traceability requirements of major importers (e.g., SIMP, European Union)
Identify eCDT technologies to fulfill data collection and analysis needs
- Let data collection, program objectives and user need drive eCDT tool selection
Develop eCDT programs and technologies with “human-centered design” approaches
- Consult with technology users before and during implementation. Use site-specific approaches or designs where possible, but customization should still support interoperability
Prioritize interoperability with existing traceability programs and data
- Use standardized data formats (i.e., Key Data Elements (KDEs)). Consider alignment with industry data standards (e.g., GDST Version 1.0) and import data requirements of market states (e.g., U.S. SIMP)
Ensure data security protocols