A batch of deep-processed squid products made from catches off the waters of Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, has now reached the Japanese and South Korean markets, supported by a digital traceability system that records the product's entire journey from ocean to market.

A small chip embedded in the packaging stores key information, including the fishing area, catch data, vessel details, transport routes, and cold-chain conditions, creating a digital record for each batch of squid. The system has helped overseas buyers verify product quality and increase their confidence in Chinese seafood products.

The technology was developed through a research-industry collaboration involving Shanghai Ocean University, the China Overseas Fisheries Association, Zhoushan Hanyi Ocean Fisheries, and Dandong Yuanyi Seafood Precision Products. The project covers the full industrial chain from offshore fishing and cold-chain transportation to processing and export.

For years, the distant-water squid industry faced challenges in tracing raw materials. Squid caught in different waters and seasons can vary in freshness, texture, and processing suitability, but traditional sorting methods relied largely on manual expertise, making accurate classification highly challenging.

To address these issues, researchers developed a traceability system combining sensors, cloud-based data storage, and blockchain technology. The system allows fishing and processing information to be securely recorded and accessed throughout the supply chain.

In February, Zhoushan Hanyi Ocean Fisheries shipped its first batch of squid raw materials equipped with traceability chips. After arriving at the processing facility, the materials were classified according to origin, catch period, and quality, allowing processors to match products with suitable processing methods.