The Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA PNG) became a GDST Partner in October 2022, joining as a frontliner in the effort to digitalize data transfer within the seafood industry. The decision was driven by the board members, which include eight tuna fishing companies and six tuna processors. The aim was to improve their traceability platform, the Fishery Industry Management System (FIMS), which is currently being tested for the latest version of the interoperability test. As part of their commitment to transparency, FIA PNG has developed a Responsible Sourcing Policy (RSP) since 2018, which incorporates GDST elements to strengthen governance, ensure compliance, and build consumer trust.
Why Digital Seafood Traceability Matters
For FIA PNG, digital seafood traceability is essential to ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance within the tuna supply chain. Their Responsible Sourcing Policy (RSP) is built around these values, and digital traceability helps reinforce these commitments. By integrating GDST standards into their traceability system, FIA PNG is working toward improving governance in the fisheries sector, ensuring they meet international standards and gain a competitive advantage in the market. Traceability also plays a key role in building consumer trust, helping the organization maintain its social license to operate and ensuring responsible sourcing practices.
Supporting the Seafood Sector
FIA PNG is actively working to improve seafood traceability within the tuna industry. While their platform, FIMS, is already capable of capturing and transmitting GDST Key Data Elements (KDEs), the association aims to expand the initiative by encouraging more players in the tuna supply chain, such as tuna processors, European retailers, and distributors, to join the GDST movement. FIA PNG’s goal is to see the entire global tuna supply chain interconnected and interoperable, with fully digitalized processes that optimize quality, food safety, sustainability, and compliance.
Contributing to the GDST Standard
FIA PNG is committed to improving the digital traceability of the tuna supply chain through their participation in GDST. The association’s platform, FIMS, has been recognized for its interoperability and is undergoing testing for the latest GDST interoperability version. FIA PNG’s contribution to the GDST movement is centered on ensuring their traceability system aligns with global standards and is capable of sharing data seamlessly across the entire supply chain.
Impact of GDST on the Business
While FIA PNG has seen internal improvements in their traceability systems, the broader impact on the global market is still in progress. The partnership with GDST has already helped enhance their traceability capabilities, positioning FIA PNG as a leader in responsible sourcing within the tuna industry. However, they are still working on ensuring that their system reaches its full potential by encouraging more industry participants to adopt GDST standards and further improve interoperability.
Long-Term Goals
FIA PNG’s long-term vision is to create a fully interconnected and interoperable global tuna supply chain. Success for FIA PNG means having a digitalized tuna supply chain that optimizes all processes, including quality, food safety, sustainability, and compliance. The association is focused on making this vision a reality by continuing their partnership with GDST and encouraging other stakeholders to embrace digital traceability.
Advice for Potential GDST Partners
At this stage, FIA PNG does not have specific advice for other businesses considering becoming GDST Partners, but they are committed to continuing their journey to improve digital traceability in the tuna supply chain and sharing their experiences as they progress.