Frequently Asked Questions
What is electronic traceability?
Electronic traceability uses computer data systems to uniquely tie together the various parts of a supply chain so that information can be shared in a timely and efficient manner. The challenge is to link the supply chain together with information that already exists at different parts of the market (i.e., Gulf to plate). This information can be shared with buyers, consumers, and other stakeholders for the purposes of innovative marketing, communicating safety and quality, confirming regulatory and labeling compliance, and conveying sustainability, etc.
How can the complimentary Gulf Seafood Trace program be useful to my seafood business?
The Gulf Seafood Trace program offers electronic traceability, marketing, data quality, and data confirmation tools in order to empower Gulf seafood businesses with enhanced internal and external efficiencies. Participating in this program will, among other things, allow you to differentiate your products, give your buyers and consumers enhanced confidence, and tell the unique story about Gulf seafood!
How do I sign up for the program, and what does enrollment involve?
Signing up for the program is easy and involves the simple completion of the electronic form under the enroll tab on this website. Once you have enrolled, someone from the program will contact you, ask you a few questions, and begin the simple training process.
How much training will it take to become familiar with Trace Register?
Once you sign up for the program, a Trace Register representative will be in touch within three business days to set up training. Training will consist of 2-3 hours of electronic traceability software and approximately 2 hours of Marketing Module training with a customer service representative. Within the first few days, you should be fully up and running!
How much time will it take to enter data?
Entering data into Bluefin Data's e-Trip Ticket and the Trace Register platform is easy, and in many cases, takes less than 10-30 minutes a day (depending on the number and complexity of your shipments)! The program is designed to allow businesses to utilize and receive an automated feed from the e-Trip Ticket system directly into the Trace Register system, making the process even faster.
Who is the program designed for?
The components (tools) of this program are intended to be implemented and used by U.S. Gulf seafood industry first receivers and processors that are located within the five states of the Gulf and handle Gulf seafood from open waters and/or associated coastal areas of the five states of the Gulf (including the marine culture of species native to the Gulf). Harvesters may participate in the program through submitting e-Trip Ticket data with their respective first receivers and working with their first receivers and processors to share their stories and the stories about the seafood they catch!
Do I have to buy special equipment to participate, such as a bar coding system?
No. All that is needed is a basic computer and internet connection. A DSL or broadband internet connection is recommended. While bar coding systems and other types of electronic technology can be used with this program, it is not a requirement.
Do I have to use all of the components of the program if I enroll?
No. You are not required to use all of the components of the program (e.g. the marketing module) but must adhere to the commitments of the program (e.g. request e-Trip Ticket data, understand the data quality and confirmation commitments, etc.).
How long will the program be complimentary, and what will the future costs be?
The components of the program will be complimentary to the Gulf seafood industry through 2014. The costs for Bluefin Data, Trace Register, and MRAG will depend on the size of your business and the components and services you wish to purchase, ranging between hundreds to thousands of dollars per year.
If I am already a Trace Register customer, what happens to my account?
If you are already a Trace Register customer, your complimentary use of the Trace Register services for Gulf seafood will start when your current subscription ends.
Is the data and information that I enter into the components of the program secure, and who will have access to the information?
The information entered and shared through the components of the program are as secure as the online banking systems you use every day. Only shared information will be accessible to other members of the supply chain (e.g., buyers and consumers). Each business controls what is shared and what is not shared.
What information will be reviewed, and how will the data quality and confirmation components work?
The only information that will be reviewed and confirmed will be data and information that a business shares. A data quality component will be used in order to determine areas of potential risk. Data confirmation will build on the data quality component of the program and potentially trigger an onsite data and operational review.
What if I need technical support or have questions about the components of the program?
Please contact BlueFin Data at 225.744.0807 if you need help or have questions about the e-trip ticket component. Please contact Trace Register™ at 206.621.1601x2 or email support@traceregister.com if you need help or have questions about the electronic traceability platform, the marketing module, or the data quality components. Please contact MRAG at 727.563.9070 if you have questions about the data confirmation component.
Can a Gulf seafood business use the program for seafood originating from other parts of the United States or other countries?
No. Seafood must originate from open waters and/or associated coastal areas of the five states of the U.S. Gulf to be a part of the program. This includes the marine culture of species native to the Gulf. A Gulf seafood industry business may use the Trace Register system, however, for non-Gulf products to provide complete traceability. In this case, non-Gulf seafood is not part of the program and is only included for accounting purposes as it relates to Gulf seafood.
What happens if the commitments of the program are violated?
If it is determined that information has been intentionally falsified, the components of this program are used inappropriately, or the commitments of this program are violated, the complimentary use of the program will be terminated.
Is this program a type of seafood certification?
No. This program is not in any way a seafood certification such as those offered by Friends of the Sea or the Marine Stewardship Council. The components of this program, however, can be used to meet many of the chain-of-custody requirements for seafood certifications. This program is a set of tools for the industry to use in various ways as they deem appropriate for their specific business needs.
What if I try the components of the program and do not like my experience?
No problem. Just let us know, and we will be happy to turn off your complimentary use of the program.
Can you guarantee that all data entered and used within the program is completely legitimate, accurate, and valid?
No. While we have implemented two significant components to mitigate risk and make the program and information as strong as possible, there is always a chance that information may be falsified, inaccurate, or illegitimate. This program will not solve every problem, but it is a step forward in ensuring the quality of the information that is shared in order to increase confidence and demand for Gulf seafood.
Can I use the Gulf Seafood Trace logo on my seafood packaging?
No. Gulf Seafood Trace is a program, not a brand or logo to be used on packaging. The program is designed to empower Gulf seafood businesses with a set of electronic traceability and marketing tools to use in various ways as you deem appropriate for your specific business needs. You are more than welcome to link your website to the Gulf Seafood Trace website to educate buyers and consumers about the program.