Information system for a marine environment

Norut IT has completed a project that resulted in a report that describes a concept for an integrated information system for surveillance of the marine environment and safe seafood.

A possible application area for the information system is to document a competitive advantage. In a relatively short period, traceability may be a factor that decides if an importer chooses to buy seafood from Norway or from somewhere else. It is likely that climate, water quality, forage, and vaccination routines can play a role in a purchase decision and price negotiations. By documenting the criteria that affects the quality of the final product, it is easier to defend a price premium. Further, if one succeeds in maintaining the perception that Norway is a clean country with very little pollution, and at the same time can demonstrate the good water quality around the fish farms this can contribute to a better price on the products.

The conceptual idea of an integrated information system was presented in a seminar for the national marine research community in Bergen, October 29, 2002. During the project, Norut IT has communicated closely with Institute of Marine Research, Norwegian Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Norwegian Seafood Export Council, and NIFES.

The report describes a concept that is not feasible to implement in a short period. Accessability and collocation of the vast amount of information is a real challenge both for the producer and consumer of the information. If the information is too detailed, it might scare the population or reveal research information prematurely. And if it is too general it might add no value.