Quality and Traceability

The science behind traceability: A Danish Benchmark

Denmark is internationally recognized for its leadership in quality assurance and traceability within the fishmeal and fish oil sector. Central to this reputation is its robust independent third-party control system, which ensures that every industrial landing is measured, monitored, and documented according to the highest standards of transparency.

Since 2021, Denmark has operated a legally mandated control program for unsorted landings (Sagsnr.: 19-4000-000459), which requires randomized sampling procedures verified by accredited third-party inspectors. You can read the regulation here (in danish). These inspectors operate under ISO/IEC 17020 standards and are authorized under Regulation (EU) 2023/2842 to provide independent oversight of pelagic landings at Danish ports.

For each landing—often exceeding 1,000 tons—samples are drawn at intervals across the entire offloading process. This randomized and statistically structured approach ensures an accurate picture of the species composition, including bycatch. Typically, 20 or more samples of 10 kg each are collected and weighed, providing detailed insight into both target and non-target species present in the landing. The entire process is financed through a levy system paid by the fishmeal factories themselves, ensuring both independence and financial sustainability of the control scheme. In 2024, over 500,000 tons of industrial fish were verified through this system, providing unparalleled quality assurance in the sector.

Importantly, this system also supports science. Through the MID Code of Conduct, Danish fishmeal producers commit to sharing landing data with DTU Aqua, the national marine research institute. This data-sharing agreement enables DTU Aqua to incorporate verified, high-resolution landing data directly into stock assessment models and biodiversity evaluations. It improves the accuracy of scientific advice used for quota setting and helps identify trends in recruitment and ecosystem health. The Danish third-party control system goes beyond regulatory compliance—it’s a cornerstone of responsible marine resource management. By combining independent verification, scientific collaboration, and real-time transparency, Denmark is setting the standard in how to align industry, science, and sustainability.