Fujitsu Limited and Umios Corporation have completed a pilot project for an electronic traceability system designed to track and visualize seafood distribution information. The initiative, conducted on February 1, 2026, focused on bluefin tuna farmed by the Umios Group in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. This system allows consumers to verify distribution details from farm to retail via smartphone, aiming to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The project demonstrated the system's effectiveness, with plans to implement it for select fish species by fiscal year 2027. As global demand for seafood rises, driven by population growth and health trends, the need for sustainable marine resources has become urgent. The system offers a mechanism to prove non-involvement with IUU fishing, a critical issue as countries tighten marine resource management.
During the pilot, consumers could access the production history of bluefin tuna at Okuwa Co., Ltd. Izumi-Oda Store in Osaka Prefecture. A survey of 35 participants revealed that 91% would consider this information when purchasing, 77% felt it increased trust, and 77% were willing to pay more for traceability. These findings suggest that electronic traceability adds value to seafood products.
Fujitsu and Umios plan to expand the system to other fish species and enhance its capabilities across the supply chain. This effort is part of Fujitsu's broader strategy to enhance corporate value and ensure resource sustainability through cross-industry traceability solutions.
Comments are closed.