The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC) and Trace Register on Tuesday announced that the initial phase of an enhanced traceability pilot program for Gulf of Mexico oysters is under way.
The goal of the project is to design a new electronic tagging method using cutting-edge technology to track oysters from harvest to the end point of sale. The system will be available to all Gulf oyster businesses and will deliver vital information about the authenticity, quality and safety of Gulf oysters to buyers and consumers.
If the project is approved, the next step will involve running a pilot of the new system with a select group of businesses through the entire supply chain.
“Fresh oysters from the Gulf are an exceptional delicacy that can benefit from an enhanced electronic traceability system for a variety of reasons,” said Alex Miller of GSMFC. “The leaders of the Gulf oyster industry understand the importance of this effort, and they are eager to participate.”
