A groundbreaking study has unveiled the key players behind the global transshipment of seafood, a practice long-shrouded in opacity. The research, published in Science Advances, identifies the owners of all reefer vessels used worldwide, shedding light on a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of the seafood supply chain. This unprecedented transparency could lead to significant improvements in the traceability and sustainability of the global fishing industry.
Shedding Light on Seafood Transshipment Opacity
Transshipment, the transfer of catches, people, spare parts, and fuel between fishing vessels and refrigerated cargo ships (reefers), has long been considered a weak link in the seafood value chain. This practice has been repeatedly associated with illegal activities, as it can enable the transfer of illegally caught species or obscure the origin of seafood.
Historically, fishing practices at sea have been largely out of sight and out of mind. However, recent advancements in satellite data collection and sharing at the vessel level have allowed researchers and the public to gain unprecedented visibility into where vessels operate.
Despite these technological advances, a crucial piece of the puzzle has remained elusive: the ownership of the reefer vessels used in seafood transshipment. “Understanding who the beneficial owner of a vessel is provides new leverage and opportunity for improved governance and oversight of this practice,” explains Frida Bengtsson, the lead author of the study.
Unveiling the Transshipment Ecosystem: Key Findings and Implications
The study, conducted by researchers from the Stockholm Resilience Center, the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, and the University of British Columbia, has identified 569 reefers currently in use in the fishing industry and their 324 beneficial owners.
The findings are truly remarkable: just 10 of these owners account for almost a quarter of all transshipment events globally. Considering the vast volumes of seafood that are transshipped, this is a surprisingly low and manageable number of actors. “If we work with these key players and get them to improve their operations, we could quickly improve the traceability and sustainability of seafood,” says Frida Bengtsson.
The study has also mapped the locations where reefer owners operate their vessels, the gear used by the fishing vessels they meet, and the flags involved. This unprecedented transparency can become a powerful tool for NGOs, insurance companies, and financial actors interested in creating stronger incentives for sustainable behaviors at sea.
Moreover, the researchers have found that China, Russia, and Greece play a significant role in the global transshipment of seafood, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to address the practices within these key regions.
Unlocking a More Sustainable Future for the Fishing Industry
The implications of this groundbreaking research are far-reaching. By shedding light on the previously opaque world of seafood transshipment, the study paves the way for more effective governance and oversight of this crucial aspect of the fishing industry.
With the new data and insights, stakeholders can now work directly with the key players identified in the study to implement more transparent and sustainable practices. This could include the development of enhanced traceability systems, the adoption of stricter regulations, and the promotion of more responsible fishing behaviors.
Moreover, the increased visibility and accountability provided by this research can empower consumers, NGOs, and other interested parties to demand greater transparency and sustainability from the seafood industry. As the public becomes more informed about the realities of seafood transshipment, they can make more informed choices and exert pressure on companies and governments to drive positive change.
