Transformation of Seafood Processing: Navigating Traceability, Compliance, and Future Opportunities
- Bluicity
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
The Changing Landscape of Seafood Traceability
Seafood processing and importing have long been plagued by complex and fragmented supply chains, new regulations and growing consumer concerns about where and how the seafood they consume has been produced and processed. In the meantime, as global trade and digitalization are affecting the industry, it is imperative for seafood processors to put in place effective traceability systems. Today, compliance with regulations such as the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204, the CATCH system of the EU and the SFCR of Canada is not a choice – it is critical for market entry and business sustainability [1][2].
Why Seafood Traceability Matters Now More Than Ever
Seafood traceability is not only about meeting regulatory requirements. It is also a competitive advantage that allows companies to prevent seafood fraud, guarantee the quality of their products, and enhance the resilience of their supply chains. A digital traceability system helps processors maintain food safety, sustainability, and efficient recall management by letting them track seafood from harvest to retail [3].
Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: The global seafood industry is also affected by major challenges from IUU fishing. FSMA 204 and CATCH are regulatory programs that mandate processors and importers to document seafood origins to lower the chances of fraudulent labeling and unverified sources [2].
Consumer Demand for Transparency: Consumers are more than ever interested in sustainable and ethically sourced seafood. Digital traceability assists processors to meet these expectations by giving detailed product sourcing data through QR codes, blockchain records, and digital platforms [3].
Regulatory Compliance and Market Access: Not adhering to the international traceability standards can result in penalties, restrictions on trade and damage to the company’s reputation. It is crucial for businesses to share data effortlessly between their supply chain partners in order to comply with the standards [1].
Key Regulations Reshaping Seafood Processing
1. FSMA 204 (United States)
Effective January 20, 2026, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 imposes more stringent standards on high-risk foods such as seafood. The regulation requires that businesses retain Key Data Elements (KDEs) at Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) for all foods in the supply chain. This means:
The use of digital record keeping is recommended to fulfill the 24-hour data retrieval requirement.
Non-compliance can keep businesses from exporting to the U.S., affecting a major seafood market [2].
2. CATCH System (European Union)
As part of the EU's fight against IUU fishing, CATCH will be mandatory from January 10, 2026. This is a fully digitalised system which imposes the obligation on importers and processors to upload information about catch certificates, species, vessel identity and landing data. Businesses exporting to the EU must:
Verify catch documentation via the CATCH portal.
Digitally transfer catch certificates through the supply chain [2].
3. Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)
Canada’s SFCR mandates traceability for all food products including seafood. Although it employs the conventional one-step-forward one-step-back system, the increasing global regulations may however dictate the need for digital reporting in the near future [1].
How Technology is Driving Traceability in Seafood Processing
Digital traceability systems are not a luxury, they are a necessity for modern day seafood businesses and various technologies are improving traceability which helps processors to meet regulatory requirements, improve operational efficiency and ensure food safety.
1. Barcodes and QR Codes
These cost-effective technologies allow processors to track what is happening to their products in the supply chain by being able to identify each batch through the use of unique identifiers. They are widely used in FSMA 204 compliance and GS1 standards [3].
2. RFID and IoT Sensors
For real-time monitoring of the business, RFID tags and IoT sensors offer continuous temperature logging of the products, their tracking and updates of the inventory. The technologies assist in achieving the cold chain compliance standards [3].
3. Blockchain for Immutable Traceability
With Blockchain technology, it is now possible to have a digital ledger that is immune to tampering. This makes it possible to document every step of the seafood supply chain, from the fishing vessel to the processing plant to the retailer, in a secure manner [1].
4. Cloud-Based Data Management Systems
Integration of ERP systems with traceability software is seamless due to the use of cloud-based platforms that provide easy access to data, automated compliance checks, and real-time tracking of products [2].
The Future of Seafood Processing: Beyond Compliance
As regulatory pressures increase, seafood processors must actively invest in digital transformation. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements digital traceability can help to create new business opportunities:
Enhanced Brand Reputation: Those companies that show commitment to transparency and sustainability consequently gain consumer trust and premium market positioning. [1].
Increased Market Access: Adherence to FSMA 204, CATCH, and SFCR guarantees the continued availability of high-value seafood markets in the U.S., EU, and Canada.
Operational Efficiency: Digital systems enhance inventory control, minimize product losses, and simplify the recall process. By implementing these technologies, the effectiveness and profitability of seafood businesses can be enhanced [3].
Conclusion: Future-Proofing Seafood Processing with Bluicity
As seafood processors and importers face the industry’s evolving market, digital traceability is not merely an option, but an absolute necessity to ensure food safety, compliance and operational efficiency. Implementing this transition requires seamless integration of smart technology, real-time monitoring, and supply chain transparency.
Bluicity is at the forefront of this transformation. We offer advanced, automated solution tailored to the needs of seafood processors and importers. With IoT-driven monitoring, AI-powered insights, and automated compliance tracking, Bluicity helps businesses:
Strengthen traceability systems for FSMA 204, CATCH, and SFCR compliance.
Optimize cold chain management to reduce spoilage and food waste.
Enhance inventory control with real-time date insights.
Streamline recall processes, ensuring rapid response and brand protection.
Bluicity’s industry-leading technology can help seafood businesses future-proof their operations, improve supply chain visibility, and maintain a competitive edge in this evolving market. The future of seafood processing is digital—and Bluicity is here to make it seamless and scalable.
Contact us today at info@bluicity.com or call +1 (778) 779-3603.
You can also schedule a consultation to assess your facility’s needs below (learn more at www.bluicity.com/assessment).
We’re here to help you enhance your seafood traceability and compliance.
References
Seafood Traceability in Canada Report [Magera & Beaton, 2009].
Future of Seafood Processing Report [Industry White Paper, 2024].
FSMA 204 Compliance Guidelines [U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024].
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