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Final Report • 2021-12-31 • 742.64 KB

Policy

Conference

Need

FRDC have identified this topic is gaining momentum across the food industry including seafood, and this proposal will support FRDC to be prepared for future discussions and potential industry changes and support.

Objectives

1. What is traceability

2. Understand the current Australian legal requirements for seafood traceability and labelling

3. Understand current seafood traceability methods available including any in development

4. Traceability impacts on product categories

5. Identify improvement areas

Report

Author: Ewan Colquhoun

Report • 2021-10-25

Summary

All food sold in Australia must comply with the Food Standards Code. Food label claims are subject to Australian Consumer Law, prohibiting false, misleading or deceptive behaviour.

Australian seafood consumers face existing risks and confusion regarding species, nomenclature, and product misrepresentation.

The imminent launch of cellular meat and seafood, now being debated globally by producers and regulators, will offer new benefits to consumers. But there are risks. If the Australian seafood industry mishandles these challenges, we will compound existing product misrepresentation and seafood fraud. A Senate Committee is currently assessing the risks and options across meat and seafood consumer products.

This discussion paper updates the issues, challenges and relevant laws, to suggest options and risks going forward. It is a living document which attempts to reflect a very dynamic food labelling environment. This report is to be used as a first version working document, with further updates to occur every 12-18 months.

2020-093-DLD-Part A-Seafood Traceability Discussion Paper.pdf

Summary

There are two parts to project 2020-093: Discussion Papers on seafood traceability and labelling

TRACEABILITY – PART A
Seafood is one of the most traded food commodities in the world, and has a complex supply chain not just domestically, but globally with further pressures due to COVID-19 impacts. As such, traceability can be a minefield to navigate, but is necessary to build customer and end consumer trust while protecting your brand.

Within Australia, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), the regulatory body, requires a ‘one up and one down’ approach of tracing food products. ‘One up’ is where the business sold its outward goods to (a customer), and ‘one down’ is where the inward goods came from (a supplier). Internationally, there has been a shift in this approach towards ‘end-to-end’ supply chain traceability, with some calling it ‘bait to plate’.

Traceability has become a fundamental part of Australian Government policy, with the newly published National Agricultural Innovation Policy Statement October 2021 detailing four priority focus areas. In particular, priorities one, three and four focus on building world-class traceability systems that provide confidence and assurance of Australian product(s) sold from catch/farm through to the end consumer both domestically and internationally.

A discussion paper has been compiled by Ms Meaghan Dodd (Innovative Food Solutions) that defines traceability; explains why it is important; identifies barriers to adoption; documents laws, standards and guidelines; describes traceability element, systems and technologies; and suggests recommended actions and associated risks going forward. This paper is a living document that attempts to capture the complex and dynamic traceability environment.

LABELLING – PART B
All food sold in Australia must comply with the Food Standards Code. Food label claims are subject to Australian Consumer Law, prohibiting false, misleading or deceptive behaviour.

Australian seafood consumers face existing risks and confusion regarding species, nomenclature, and product misrepresentation.

A discussion paper (with summary) has been compiled by Mr Ewan Colquhoun (Ridge Partners Consultants and Advisers) that updates the issues, challenges and relevant laws, to suggest options and risks going forward. It is a living document which attempts to reflect a very dynamic food labelling environment.

The two discussion papers will be used as first version working documents, with further updates to occur every 12-18 months.

Final Report • 2021-12-31 • 2.94 MB

2020-093-DLD-Part B-Seafood Labelling Discussion Paper.pdf

Project products

Report • 2021-12-31 • 179.10 KB

2020-093-DLD-Part B-Seafood Labelling Discussion Paper-SUMMARY.pdf

Phase 2: Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobster, via Sense-T and Pathways to Market

Project number: 2016-177

Project Status:

Completed

Budget expenditure: $265,000.00

Principal Investigator: Laurie B. Bonney

Organisation: University of Tasmania (UTAS)

Project start/end date: 31 May 2017 - 16 Jul 2019

Contact:

FRDC

TAGS

SPECIES

Southern Rock Lobster

Need

The need for traceability was first prioritised in strategic planning by SRL because of a bloom in harmful algae (HABs). These events in 2013 occurred during a closed season but highlighted the vulnerability of the industry to the lack of traceability - a bloom in the open season and subsequent recall would have led to all. Australian product being recalled, not just lobsters from affected areas. The impact would have been catastrophic. The need is now recognised to be wider than HABs and includes risk management options for food safety incidents beyond toxic algal blooms, compliance with changes to requirements of importing countries, business-to-business and business-to-consumer verification of food safety, quality, and sustainability credentials. Traceability also enables the industry to look back at harvesting operations - what locations and practices led to the best product delivered to consumers?

Seafood is the most highly traded food commodity globally, and yet there is very little traceability in any seafood supply chain, or country of origin labelling at the point of market, including those used for live Australian Southern Rock Lobster (ASRL). A successful project will lead the seafood industry in traceability, providing a lead for other seafood industries. Improved technical traceability may also open up new markets such as the European Union - currently no SRL operators are accredited for lobster export to the EU.

The main need at present is the Chinese market by the introduction of a tagging/traceability system to clearly identify and differentiate ASRL in the China market from other imported lobster. Indeed, actions to address traceability forms part of the first priority issue within Objective 1 (“Add value along the supply chain from fisher to customer”) within SRL’s SRL’s Strategy 2022, and previously Strategic Plan 2011-16. These type of requirements are increasingly being applied for traded food and are evolving. A traceability system for ASRL would also facilitate compliance with the Global Seafood Sustainability Initiative (GSSI) emerging.

Objectives

1. Traceability/sensor technologies integrated in chains

2. Traceability system validated

3. Traceability system value proposition(s) determined.

Final report

ISBN: 978-0-646-81652-4

Authors: Laurie Bonney Luke Mirowski Ryan Day Mikaela Seabourne Shayden vanWinden Sumit Verma Son Anh Vo Caleb Gardner Paul Turner

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Background
The project ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobster, via Sense-T and Pathways to Market’ aims to contribute to improving traceability and product provenance within the wild caught Southern Rock Lobster supply chain. The project was divided into two phases:

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

The overall project arises from changes to international and national settings relevant to the SRL industry. In particular, the China Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) is a key driver, as changes in the Chinese market will continue to impact on the way lobster are traded to China into the future. In designing the overall project, the research team considered earlier FRDC/ASCRC (Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Centre) project reports and these included: 2012/704, 2012/705, 2012/741, 2010/716, CRC Supply Chain Technology Report. Other project reports the team were aware of prior to conducting this research proposal included: 2012/702, 2011/748, 2012/703, 2008/790, 2007/700, 2007/708.

Methodology
Using the framework developed in Phase One (FRDC 2016-228), Phase Two was designed to accommodate differential levels of existing traceability amongst businesses of different sizes along the rock lobster supply chain. As a consequence, the investigation and enhancement of traceability was conducted at three different levels reflecting differential needs/capacity of industry participants:

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

Results and Outputs
Through engagement with the industry the team have developed a tailored approach to SRL traceability systems supported by policies and procedures, data models and a series of benchmarking checklists.

The research has also produced several digital tools and techniques that have been deployed as part of the trial and evaluation work conducted with industry. These trials and their evaluation are presented as a series of case studies presented throughout this section of the report. The case studies provide standards and practical advice on how to implement and achieve defined levels of traceability. This work is based on the globally recognised GSM1 standards and was customised for the SRL industry through survey and engagement with the industry across South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Conclusions
This project has raised awareness of the importance of traceability within and along the southern rock lobster supply chain. The research team have engaged with the industry on their current practices and identified and demonstrated through trial and evaluation a range of mechanisms, tools and techniques to enhance SRL traceability systems. The production of a ‘Traceability Implementation’ guide provides the SRL industry with a genuine opportunity to take a step forward to ‘better traceability practises’ and it opens up the possibility for the industry to consider the development of an industry traceability platform for coordination and integration of an industry-wide traceability system built on GS1 standards.

Recommendations
Based on the results and outputs from this project it is evident that there are still several challenges to the implementation of standard industry-wide traceability practises. However, this project has raised awareness and demonstrated a way forward to achieving this goal. To that end, the following recommendations can be made:

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Project Extension
Building on these recommendations is the idea of developing a traceability software platform which could integrate batch and item level technologies along the supply chain and underpin SRL quality and safety auditing programmes. The key elements of this platform have been trialled as part of this existing project so there is a genuine opportunity to significantly extend this platform to all industry participants and to facilitate moving the whole industry forward in its adoption of traceability better practises.

Another important area for consideration for project extension results from on-going doctoral research that has been aligned to this research project. This PhD research is continuing to explore new technologies using digital image processing to develop approaches for ‘tagless’ hybrid traceability solutions integrating automatic grading with biometric identification through use of computer vision and AI for use along the rock lobster supply chain including for providing provenance authentication information to end-consumers.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

Final Report • 2009-10-31 • 1.50 MB

Summary

This document is the final report of the project (FRDC 2016-177) ‘Traceability Systems for Wild Caught Lobsters’. It has been prepared by researchers from University of Tasmania.

Phase One: a multidisciplinary scoping phase previously completed (FRDC 2016-228) and,
Phase Two: a system design and trial evaluation phase that is the focus of this final report (FRDC 2016-177)

Batch level;
Batch level with individual tagging;
Item level with individual tagging.

These different levels of traceability were then investigated and implemented using a variety of systems and technologies in six work programs structured as follows:

WP1 - Batch Level Traceability (boat/truck/processor)
WP2 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor)
WP3 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (boat)
WP4 - Batch Level Traceability with Individual Tagging (processor/overseas processor)
WP5 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (boat/truck/processor)
WP6 - Item Level traceability with individual tagging (processor/overseas processor)

The combined insights from this research work have also been integrated into two standalone guides for on-going use by the SRL industry:

The traceability implementation guide aims to directly support industry to improve their traceability practises:
The traceability systems and technology products guide provides insights into suitable tools to support traceability at different levels and at different points along the supply chain.

Continued consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen the desire and willingness to progress traceability improvements across the industry. The benefits of traceability and the value it adds to the fishery are well recognised, indicating that further research into the development and implementation of specific, actionable traceability system elements will likely be well received.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Alexandrium tamarense, which cause the build-up of paralytic shellfish toxin, will force the industry to adopt some system of traceability or face closures and brand damage. As blooms have been limited to Tasmania thus far, this segment of the SRL industry is at particular risk. The implementation of at least batch level traceability with evidence of where lobsters were caught will help to mitigate this risk.
Further research into the development of tagging approaches and alternatives should be a priority. Tagging lobsters with unique identifiers is a critical element of any highly precise traceability system. Unfortunately, it is also labour intensive and time consuming and represents a barrier to acceptance and uptake by the industry. The development of a new tagging approaches or even ‘tagless techniques’ hold promise and should continue to be investigated.
Brand differentiation between rock lobsters is a potential area of growth for the SRL industry. Although the SRL industry considers itself to be producing a premium product, the reality is that there is currently no differentiation between SRL and other rock lobsters at markets and wholesalers in China. Further development of the SRL brand and provenance can take advantage of this and position SRL as a prestige product.
Industry members expressed enthusiasm for the development of water quality monitoring devices that can be incorporated into traceability systems. The understanding and management of water quality is variable across the industry, so tools that assist the measurement and recording of water quality will help to improve holding practises as well as provide evidence of good care of stock along the supply chain.

PROJECT NUMBER • 2012-702

PROJECT STATUS:

COMPLETED

Seafood CRC: innovation in traceability for the Australian seafood industry” Austral Fisheries/Northern Prawn fishery case study

Austral fisheries have identified the need for establishing the efficacy and efficiency of establishing an electronic traceability system for their seafood products. An ideal system would also provide real time monitoring of temperature and location from point of harvest to retail sale and...

ORGANISATION:

Curtin University

TAGS

SPECIES

Seafood CRC: new directions in Australian seafood whole of chain traceability and supply chain technologies

Project number: 2015-711

Project Status:

Completed

Budget expenditure: $96,384.66

Principal Investigator: Janet Howieson

Organisation: Curtin University

Project start/end date: 31 Aug 2015 - 27 Feb 2017

Contact:

FRDC

TAGS

SPECIES

Need

Global seafood trade increased to 160 million tonnes per annum in 2013, with 37% of this being
traded internationally. Traceability of seafood has become a hot topic, with the EU and US bringing in
new regulations recently. In 2015 Food Standards Australia New Zealand will be examining
traceability issues in Australia. The FAO Committee of Fisheries is also currently developing
international best practice guidelines. SafeFish has listed traceability through chain as an
emerging issue that industry needs support to address.

There are many different drivers for traceability, often determined by the product type and destination
market. Internally companies use traceability as a production/management tool, or to simplify record
keeping, and hence increase efficiencies. It may also provide a mechanism for fast and efficient recall of
contaminated product. This internal financial benefit to business operations has been well
demonstrated in case studies undertaken by the Global Chain Alliance. Traceability also enables
manufacturers and growers to interface directly with their end users. Markets and regulators are
increasingly demanding through chain traceability as a means of assurance of food safety, sustainable
fishing practices (eg MSC "chain of custody" requirements, and product integrity (including protection against substitution).

In Australia’s seafood industry, paper traceability systems are the norm in most of the catching and
harvesting sectors, despite the fact that the catch sector uses many sophisticated electronic
instruments and devices in their operations and that electronic communications and computer use are
wide spread on board, dockside and in processors. Whilst paper based systems can work, they are
inherently inefficient and offer no scope for improvement.

However, with the learnings from 2012/702 informing this proposed project and increasing interest in electronic traceability systems, this project can assist
Australian seafood companies to choose and implement traceability systems appropriate to their internal and external needs.

Objectives

1. Development and extension of Seafood Traceability toolbox and decision tree (with case study examples) (in collaboration with SAFEFISH).

2. Undertake Full RFID/barcoding trial with at least two interested businesses and repeat of cost benefit analysis (as per 2012/702).

PROJECT NUMBER • 2007-710

PROJECT STATUS:

COMPLETED

Seafood CRC: review of traceability and freshness indicator technologies

This project is a desk top study to critically evaluate the traceability and freshness indicator technologies that are relevant to the Australian seafood industry. This report will serve as the foundation for future studies within the Seafood CRC that will integrate relevant technologies, foster...

ORGANISATION:

University of Tasmania (UTAS)

TAGS

SCRC: CoolFish - Traceability and product sensor technologies to manage seafood cool chains APPROVAL FOR PHASE 1 ONLY FOR $14,600

Project number: 2008-790

Project Status:

Completed

Budget expenditure: $0.00

Principal Investigator: Paul Turner

Organisation: University of Tasmania (UTAS)

Project start/end date: 30 Apr 2009 - 29 Jun 2011

Contact:

FRDC

TAGS

Need

There is a need to integrate both traceability and freshness technologies into a single platform, so that all pertinent information can be collected as the product moves through the supply chain from processing to wholesale/retail, and to remedy unnecessary costly project rejection. Real research developments are occurring in the integration of sensor technology (which has a microbiological focus, and includes developments in food hygiene indexes for predicting the degree of seafood spoilage on the basis of time-temperature data), and traceability technology (which has a spatial focus and includes developments in geographic information systems).

The real questions for seafood producers, processors and sellers are ones of data management – what does an operator do with the data generated by devices such as temperature loggers and global traceability devices? The linkage between this information and protocols, guidelines and standards for seafood export, food safety or authenticity is not yet fully developed or tested.

Final report

ISBN: 978-1-925983-23-4

Author: Mark Tamplin

2008-790-DLD.pdf

Summary

This report constitutes the completion of Phase 1 of the CoolFish Project. The overall objective of the CoolFish project is to utilise commercial traceability and product sensor technologies to address current business impediments and business opportunities in cool chains to support increased sustainability and profitability in seafood supply chains. Phase 1 provides information to support the decision-making process on progress of the CoolFish Project into Phases 2 and 3.

This project provides a baseline information about logistics issues and challenges in Tasmanian salmon cool chains. Reviews were established and commercially available traceability and sensor technologies with the most potential for deployment in Phases 2 and 3 of the CoolFish project were identified.

Final Report • 2009-10-31 • 1.50 MB

2008-790-DLD.pdf

Summary

PROJECT NUMBER • 2018-026

PROJECT STATUS:

COMPLETED

e-fish - An Integrated Data Capture and Sharing Project

The e-fish project provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges currently experienced by fisheries agencies in data integration and sharing. The project, led by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in consultation with Australia’s State and NT fisheries jurisdictions,...

ORGANISATION:

Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)

TAGS

SPECIES

Australian Agrifood Data Exchange (OzAg Data Exchange): Deliver an interconnected data highway for Australia's AgriFood value chain - Proof of concept

Project number: 2020-126

Project Status:

Completed

Budget expenditure: $344,500.00

Principal Investigator: Irene Sobotta

Organisation: Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)

Project start/end date: 23 Sep 2021 - 30 May 2024

Contact:

FRDC

TAGS

Experiment 4 Demo – compliance and traceability for rock lobster quota in Western Australia by Telstra IBM.pdf

Digitisation

Data

Need

Although the use of data and analytics is becoming more widespread across agricultural industries and institutions, the sector is held back by the lack of a consolidated data platform that combines multiple data sets from multiple data sources in real time. Other technology
and data challenges compromising the strength of the Australian agriculture industry include:

Businesses often need to access multiple data systems/datasets which are stored across various platforms and functions and are not well integrated. Aggregating and reconciling these datasets require manual intervention, is rife with errors/duplication and require significant effort to ensure uptake across the business in order to lead to tangible analytics outcomes. This interoperability challenge is commonplace across the industry today.

Data is not shared between the various stakeholders within the industry at times leading to analysis been taken place with incomplete datasets and other times for duplication of efforts with varying results. Data sharing/collaborating culture which would be backed by an established data governance framework including protocols/policies for data access, privacy, definition and standards, would uplift the industry analytical capabilities.

Challenges in understanding where to prioritise efforts to best support the industry. With significant opportunities for data-driven use cases across the value chain, defining the prioritisation of funding and efforts to build capabilities is a critical challenge for industry bodies and governments. The OzAg DX could enable consolidated, integrated and standardised data, to help reduce the labour intensive effort of collecting and analysing data to make better informed prioritisation decisions on deployment of limited support resources and capabilities.

A slow take up of digital technologies is slowing agricultural productivity growth. As Australia looks to achieve the target of $100 billion farm gate output by 2030, digital agriculture is expected to contribute up to an additional $20 billion annually to the gross value of agricultural production.

Objectives

1. Exchange data efficiently on agreed terms with trusted service providers or other interested parties such as government and researchers

2. Enable Australia's agrifood sector to access and take full advantage of the huge amounts of data that is being generated and efficiently transfer their data across the value chain

3. Reduce costly inefficiencies, poor collaboration, wasteful use of critical managerial time and loss of opportunities caused by disparate, siloed and proprietary data systems

Presentation

Presentation • 14.10 MB

Summary

Pain point:
The delay in exchange and reconciliation of catch data by fishers and processors means that there is a delay in quota accounting which impacts planning due to lack of timely information. Furthermore, with no access to pre-fishing information data to the processors means they are unable to plan logistics for efficient transportation. In addition, longer term ambitions of an end-to-end product traceability system will require a reliable data exchange between inputs, production and logistics.

Experiment:
To demonstrate the timely flow of pre-fishing information, quota accounting data, and product (catch) data from WA DPIRD (Fisheries management agency) to Fishers and Processors in a secure and permissioned manner to allow for better logistics planning, and data from Fishers and Processors to DPIRD to enable timely quota consumption accounting.

An investigation of the trace elements present in bronze whaler sharks and rock lobsters

Project number: 1978-003

Project Status:

Completed

Budget expenditure: $0.00

Organisation: University of Western Australia (UWA)

Project start/end date: 28 Dec 1981 - 31 Dec 1981

Contact:

FRDC

TAGS

Objectives

1. Isolate mercury & selenium present in the flesh of bronze whaler sharks

2. explore the nature & concentration of metallic trace elements in the offal of rock lobsters, particularly those present in the hepatopancreas of the western rock lobster

Final report

Final Report • 947.28 KB

1978-003-DLD.pdf

PROJECT NUMBER • 2021-142

PROJECT STATUS:

COMPLETED

Australian Prawn Farmers Association Prawn Provenance - Assessing options for commercialisation through a service agreement analysis

ORGANISATION:

Ridge Partners

TAGS