Ocean view from the boat — advocacy and action

Policy · Advocacy · Action

Take Action

The seafood system changes when people engage. Whether you're a producer navigating compliance, a consumer demanding transparency, or an advocate pushing policy — here's where to start.

Where to Start

Four Ways to Engage

Comment on FDA Rulemaking

FDA regulations affecting seafood traceability are shaped by public comment. The FSMA 204 rule on food traceability is actively being implemented — your input on record-keeping requirements for seafood directly influences enforcement priorities.

Submit a Comment →

Join Industry Groups

Organizations like GDST, Local Catch Network, and AMCC represent producers and advocates at the standards table. Membership gives you a voice in the frameworks that govern how seafood is tracked, labeled, and sold.

Find Groups →

Implement Traceability

Ready to start? Wholechain provides GDST-compliant traceability for independent harvesters. Start with a harvest record on your next trip — it takes less time than you think.

Get Started →

Tell Your Story

Pacific Cloud Seafood is looking for producers willing to share their traceability journey. Your experience can move policy and educate consumers about what accountability looks like in practice.

Active Policy

What's Happening Now

Legislation and regulatory actions currently shaping seafood traceability, labeling, and sustainability standards.

FSMA 204 — Food Traceability Rule

Implementation

FDA's final rule on additional traceability recordkeeping requirements for certain foods, including finfish and crustaceans. Compliance date: January 2026. Requires Key Data Elements (KDEs) at Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) throughout the supply chain.

Learn more →

SIMP — Seafood Import Monitoring Program

Active

NOAA program requiring importers to report catch and landing data for 13 at-risk species groups. Designed to combat IUU (Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated) fishing and seafood fraud in US imports.

Learn more →

Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management

Certified

Alaska's state-managed fisheries hold RFM certification — an FAO-based standard verifying sustainable management. This covers all major commercial species harvested in Alaska state waters.

Learn more →

GDST 1.0 — Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability

Adopted

The international interoperability standard for seafood supply chain data. Uses GS1 identifiers to create vendor-neutral data exchange between traceability systems worldwide.

Learn more →

Keep Finfish Free Act (S.1529)

Active

Bipartisan bill (Sullivan R-AK + Booker D-NJ) prohibiting finfish aquaculture in federal waters of the US Exclusive Economic Zone. Protects wild fisheries from industrial offshore fish farming.

Learn more →

FISH Act (S.688/H.R.3756)

Active

Strengthening enforcement against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Expands port state measures and improves traceability requirements for imported seafood.

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MARA Act (S.2586)

Oppose

The Marine Aquaculture Research and Advancement Act would open US federal waters to industrial offshore fish farming operations. Threatens wild fisheries, coastal ecosystems, and small-boat fishing communities.

Learn more →

Get Involved

Partner Organizations

These organizations are doing the work that shapes seafood policy, traceability standards, and producer advocacy. Join them.

AMCCAlaska Marine Conservation Council

Protecting the long-term health of Alaska's ocean ecosystems and sustaining fishing communities through prior research and advocacy.

Conservation · Alaska Policy

GDSTGlobal Dialogue on Seafood Traceability

Industry-led initiative creating international standards for interoperable seafood traceability data across supply chains.

Traceability Standards

Local Catch NetworkDirect Markets · CSFs

National network connecting consumers to Community Supported Fisheries and direct-market fishermen across the US.

Direct Markets · CSFs

WholechainTraceability Technology

Blockchain-based traceability platform providing GDST-compliant supply chain documentation for seafood producers and processors.

Traceability Technology

FishChoiceSustainable Sourcing

Online platform connecting sustainable seafood suppliers with buyers. Provides sourcing tools, supplier profiles, and sustainability ratings.

Sustainable Sourcing

NFINational Fisheries Institute

Trade association representing the US seafood industry — from the fishing vessel to the restaurant. Advocacy, education, and industry standards.

Industry Advocacy

DCO2Don't Cage Our Oceans

Coalition opposing industrial offshore aquaculture in US waters. Advocates for protecting wild fisheries and coastal communities from the impacts of ocean fish farming.

Anti-Aquaculture Advocacy

NAMANorthwest Atlantic Marine Alliance

Advocates for healthy marine ecosystems and fishing communities through community-based fisheries management, direct marketing, and policy reform.

Community Fisheries · Policy

Resources & Templates

Tools for Action

Practical resources to help you engage with policy, implement traceability, and advocate for better seafood systems.

Guide

Public Comment Guide

How to write an effective public comment on FDA rulemaking — structure, key points, and submission process for seafood-related regulations.

Checklist

FSMA 204 Compliance Checklist

Step-by-step checklist for seafood producers and processors preparing for FSMA 204 traceability record-keeping requirements.

Template

Letter to Your Representative

Template letter advocating for stronger seafood traceability requirements and IUU enforcement at the federal level.

Kit

Traceability Starter Kit

What independent harvesters need to begin documenting chain of custody — from harvest record templates to GDST data elements.

Want to contribute resources or suggest a policy topic? Get in touch.