Thai Union initiates the use of satellite technology to enhance the traceability and sustainability of seafood.

Figure 1 has been identified as showcasing aquaculture ponds through the application of Sea Warden's advanced object detection algorithm, powered by deep learning, as discerned from satellite images. Figure 2 illustrates the capability of satellite imagery to evaluate historical performance of farms and oversee current activities. BANGKOK – February 18, 2022 - Thai Union initiated a trial in the latter part of 2021, employing satellite imaging technology, also known as earth observation or remote sensing, for the management of shrimp farming operations. This was done in partnership with Sea Warden, a company specializing in satellite data analytics, and Wholechain, a firm focused on supply chain traceability. As a leading global seafood producer, Thai Union is committed to fostering the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance sustainable seafood production. The primary objective of this trial was to create automated, independently verifiable, and cost-efficient Key Data Elements (KDEs) for shrimp farms. By integrating these KDEs with traceability technology, there is a potential to bolster sustainable farming practices by providing insights into aspects such as shrimp populations, farm health, contamination, and more. For over five decades, satellite technology has been utilized to image the Earth, benefiting various sectors like agriculture, forestry, and wild capture fisheries. However, its application in aquaculture is still in the nascent stages. In recent times, the promotion of certain KDEs by sustainability and traceability advocates within the seafood industry has been significant. This is in response to the data scarcity faced by importers, retailers, and consumers, which hampers their ability to make informed purchasing decisions. Sea Warden and Wholechain have collaborated to compile a list of KDEs that not only align with those obtainable through satellite observation but also meet the requirements set by the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST), Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). Additionally, these KDEs offer opportunities to substantiate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals for stakeholders in the seafood industry. Thai Union views the insights gained from satellite observation of aquaculture as a promising avenue to mitigate risks and achieve sustainability objectives, a challenging endeavor for any entity sourcing shrimp from numerous farms across different countries. Adam Brennan, Group Director of Sustainability at Thai Union, stated, "Gathering reliable data for shrimp farms spread across vast geographies poses both a challenge and a significant expense. We are optimistic about the potential of satellite imaging to enhance our transparency, evaluate risks, and monitor the performance of our shrimp farms. We are committed to continuing our exploration of satellite technology as it evolves." Throughout the trial, Sea Warden employed machine learning and artificial intelligence to derive KDEs from 24 months of historical production data across various shrimp farms within Thai Union’s network (Figures 1 and 2). Demonstrating the integrated capabilities, Wholechain facilitated the transfer of KDEs through Thai Union’s supply chain, complemented by an insights report from Sea Warden. Zack Dinh, co-founder of Sea Warden, remarked, "KDEs derived from satellite data offer a straightforward and independent method for retailers, certifiers, and processors to enhance farm-level transparency. The utilization of satellite data amplifies investments in traceability systems like Wholechain’s blockchain technology, thereby effectively minimizing risk and bolstering confidence throughout the supply chain." Thai Union recognizes the value of satellite-derived aquaculture insights as a means to diminish risk and fulfill sustainability goals. The company considers satellite technology as a pathway to improve the sharing of farm-level data with certification bodies, retailers, and even consumers. Several supermarkets are already planning to incorporate these capabilities into their procurement processes and communication strategies with consumers. About Thai Union Thai Union Group PCL stands as a global leader in the seafood industry, delivering high-quality, healthy, tasty, and innovative seafood products worldwide for over four decades. Today, Thai Union is celebrated as a top seafood producer globally and ranks among the largest producers of shelf-stable tuna products, boasting annual sales surpassing THB 132.4 billion (US$ 4.2 billion) and employing a global workforce exceeding 44,000 individuals committed to pioneering sustainable and innovative seafood products. The company's global brand portfolio features leading international brands such as Chicken of the Sea, John West, Petit Navire, Parmentier, Mareblu, King Oscar, and Rügen Fisch, alongside Thai-leading brands SEALECT, Fisho, Qfresh, Monori, Bellotta, and Marvo, as well as ingredient and supplement brands UniQ™BONE, UniQ™DHA, and ZEAvita. As an innovator and advocate for globally responsible practices, Thai Union proudly participates in the United Nations Global Compact and is a founding member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). In 2015, Thai Union launched its SeaChange® sustainability strategy, further details of which