As European consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their food choices, particularly when it comes to seafood, the demand for more comprehensive sustainability information grows. However, understanding seafood sustainability requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the environmental impact but also socio-economic factors and the entire production chain. Transparency in labelling, as mandated by EU policies, helps provide consumers with clearer information on the environmental impact of seafood, but mainly addresses ecological concerns and falls short of capturing the full dimensions of sustainability.
The VeriFish project, launched in May 2024, aims to bridge a significant gap in the current EU regulations regarding seafood sustainability by offering a comprehensive approach to seafood sustainability by integrating environmental, social, and nutritional factors into a single framework.
Since its launch, the VeriFish project has made significant strides. One of the key milestones in the first seven months is the completion of the first draft of its Indicator Framework. This framework is designed to provide a structured approach to assessing seafood sustainability, incorporating environmental, social, and nutritional dimensions. The first draft is shared with an expert group of professionals from various international and European organisations, such as the FAO, EATiP, GDST, and ASC, among others. Their feedback helps refine the framework, ensuring it is comprehensive, practical, and effective in promoting sustainable practices across the sector.
“Making complex matters more simple for consumers and people who work with seafood is the real challenge We like to challenge, and we're slowly progressing with it."
Michelle Boonstra, Clupea consultancy and partner of the VeriFish project.
European audience. Stakeholders from across the region will be invited to provide feedback, ensuring that the framework evolves in line with the needs and concerns of the industry. Key events such as Aquaculture 2025 in New Orleans, Seafood Expo in Barcelona, and AQUA25 in Valencia will provide platforms for further engagement feedback and discussion.
Another development in 2025 will be the launch of the VeriFish mobile app prototype. This user- friendly tool aims to empower consumers to make informed and responsible seafood choices by providing easy access to information about the sustainability of different seafood products. VeriFish will also introduce a series of media products aimed at promoting sustainable seafood practices to raise awareness encouraging more responsible consumption habits across Europe.
Simplifying seafood sustainability with VeriFish: video trailer
As part of these efforts, Trust-IT has produced the first video trailer of the project: “Simplifying seafood sustainability with VeriFish”, which serves as a compelling introduction to the goals, vision and mission of VeriFish. The video trailer highlights the importance of sustainable seafood choices and the role the VeriFish work plays in helping consumers and industry stakeholders assess the sustainability of seafood products. This trailer, along with other planned media materials, will be used to engage a wide range of audiences, from consumers to industry professionals, ensuring that the message of sustainable seafood reaches as many people as possible.
Our role
Trust-IT Services, as the coordinator of the project, is instrumental in ensuring its success through effective project management, it is actively involved in the development of the Indicator Framework and in contributions to the development of communication tools, such as the VeriFish video trailer. Through its coordination efforts and focus on engaging key stakeholders, Trust-IT is driving the project’s goal of fostering a more sustainable and transparent seafood industry across Europe.
COMMpla, Trust-IT affiliated entity, plays a key role in prototyping the VeriFish web app. This app is designed to simplify the dissemination of important information about seafood and aquaculture consumption choices by presenting the VeriFish Indicator Framework in a user-friendly format.
