Trace and Taste: actions to improve seafood literacy and responsible consumption

As marine ecosystems face mounting pressures from overfishing and climate change, promoting sustainable seafood consumption has become essential for ocean conservation. The SEA2SEE project, co-funded by the European Union, aims to foster responsibility and respect for ocean resources by integrating multiple knowledge systems to build a comprehensive seafood literacy program that engages and informs consumers, using blockchain technology to trace the seafood products. Using traditional and digital learning tools, we connect citizens, educators, scientists, and digital innovators to bridge knowledge gaps and encourage sustainable choices rooted in scientific understanding and cultural appreciation. Key activities in this project include interactive, community-based seafood literacy sessions. These encompass collective intelligence workshops, where participants co-create solutions and discuss responsible seafood consumption practices. In addition, experiential seafood show-cooking sessions allow participants to explore seafood preparation techniques, origins, and ecological impacts in a hands-on way. Museum visits with scholars further enrich this experience, connecting historical perspectives on seafood consumption with contemporary conservation issues. Finally, guided fish tastings emphasize mindful consumption and help participants develop awareness of the variety and seasonality of seafood in a sustainable context.

To extend the reach of these initiatives beyond local communities, we have developed a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) dedicated to improving seafood literacy. This course provides accessible educational resources for a global audience, covering topics such as sustainable fishing practices, ocean governance, how aquaculture systems work, ocean literacy and guides for responsible seafood consumption. Through this digital platform, we aim to create a lasting impact by equipping individuals with knowledge that enables informed, responsible consumption choices on a larger scale. In parallel, we organized a hackathon that focused on enhancing the quality and accessibility of seafood data for consumers. This event gathered students from a wide range of fields (biology and technology, data science, economy, amongst others) to develop adaptable tools to improve transparency and knowledge of seafood value chains using blockchain technology. 

This ongoing project highlights the importance of integrating diverse knowledge systems, from local and experiential insights to cutting-edge digital innovation. By bringing together multiple perspectives, we create a holistic approach to seafood literacy that encourages individual responsibility and collective action. As we continue the project, we seek to inspire a more profound respect for marine biodiversity and build a committed community of informed seafood consumers. The outcomes of this project demonstrate the potential for knowledge systems integration to support ocean conservation efforts and contribute to a sustainable future for seafood resources.