Traceability and certifications in aquaculture and fisheries (TCAF)

Welcome to the TCAF PhD-course - see the introduction to the course with the lecturer, Mari Johannessen Walquist, here.

The concept of traceability encompasses multiple interpretations but has commonly been described as the capability to retrieve any or all relevant information regarding a subject throughout its entire life cycle using recorded identifications. In aquaculture and fisheries traceability refers to the ability to track a seafood product from its point of origin to the final destination. This includes tracing the entire production process, from feed production, hatchery, or fish farms to the processing factory and lastly to the consumer. The purpose of traceability is to provide the consumers with information about origin, quality, and safety of their seafood products. Aquaculture and fisheries certifications play a crucial role in endorsing sustainable and responsible practice in the aquaculture industry, and to meet the traceability requirements. These certifications provide a framework for assessing and promoting practices in aquaculture and enable consumers to make informed choices, support sustainable producers, and contribute to the long-term viability of the aquaculture industry.

In this course, you will learn about traceability and certifications related to aquaculture and fisheries. The course will be given digitally and will include both synchronous and non-synchronous components. The first part of the course gives basic information on traceability, why it is important and the most common used tools. The second part of the course gives an overview of common certifications in aquaculture and fisheries, their meaning for consumers and sustainability, how to achieve these certifications, and the pro and cons of implementing them. In the end of each part of the course there is a mandatory multiple-choice test that needs to be passed before you are allowed to proceed with the final assignments. The course is designed for participants who have little to no prior knowledge of traceability and certifications in aquaculture and fisheries, or for those who need a refresher.

Before you start the course, it is recommended to reflect over the intended learning outcomes, read the preparatory readings and the instruction for the assignments.

At the end of this course, you will be able to describe traceability in aquaculture and fisheries, including how traceability is different from the Chain of Custody procedure used in certification, and have insight into some certifications available and were to find the detailed information on how to be a certified producer.

Course content

• Introduction to traceability in aquaculture and fisheries
• Common tools used in traceability.
• Certifications of aquaculture and fisheries.

Objectives of the course

The main aim of this course is to provide participants with basic insights into traceability and certification in aquaculture and fisheries. It aims to elevate their understanding of the importance and complexity of traceability and certification in the industry.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate:

• has basic understanding of traceability and certification in aquaculture and fisheries.
• knows common tools used in traceability.
• can differentiate between traceability and the Chain of Custody procedure used in certification.

Skills

The candidate:

• can navigate webpages of certifications of aquaculture and fisheries and use such information.
• can analyze basic traceability-related data.
• can discuss the pro and cons of certifications used in aquaculture and fisheries in relation to customer satisfaction, sustainability, and responsible aquaculture production.

Competence

The candidate:

• can engage in self-study and self-evaluation through multiple-choice questions.
• can create, design, and give a presentation on a given topic.
• can communicate results and write a reflection note.

Language of instruction and examination

English

Requirements

Completed master’s degree or equivalent. The course is open for students admitted to a PhD program in any institution.

​English level B2

​Internet connection

Teaching methods

This course is organized in a one-week-module and consists of lectures, short videos, readings (mandatory and recommended), group work, group presentation, and an individual examination report. The learning outcomes can only be achieved through active student participation and engagement.