Seafood Task Force

What Seafood Task Force does

Seafood Task Force (STF) is a US-incorporated, Delaware-based 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 2014 that convenes the world's largest retailers, seafood brands, processors, feed producers, fishers and farmers in pre-competitive collaboration to drive supply-chain oversight and continuous improvement across global tuna and shrimp supply chains. Its operational model is built around the proprietary 4C's methodology (Collaboration, Commitment, Confirmation, Continuous Improvement), eight member working groups, and a centralized STF Data Platform that aggregates supply-chain information for member reporting on due diligence and continuous improvement. STF delivers a portfolio of products and programmes including the STF Code of Conduct and Vessel Auditable Standards, Shrimp Traceability Protocol, Tuna Handbook, the recently launched Workers' Voice and Grievance Mechanism pilot (with Humantics and HRC), and a GIS-based farm-location tool co-developed with Thailand's Department of Fisheries to support US FSMA Section 204 compliance.

The organization generates revenue through annual commercial membership dues and donations, with vessels, feed ingredient suppliers, hatcheries and farms participating free of charge. STF maintains full-time staff on the ground in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan, and works in formal partnership with government agencies including India's MPEDA, Thailand's DOF, Indonesia's KP2MI and KKP, and Taiwan's TFA, alongside major funders such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and Humanity United. Its membership of more than 55 commercial entities collectively serves over 350 million customers globally and represents well in excess of $10bn in tuna and shrimp supply-chain revenue. In December 2025 the Board adopted a new strategic framework for 2026-2030 emphasizing governance reform, ISEAL Alliance alignment, distinct tuna and shrimp strategies, climate targets, and geographic focus on India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Ecuador.

Name

Seafood Task Force

Legal name

The Seafood Task Force, formerly the Shrimp Sustainable Supply Chain Task Force, Inc.

Website

https://seafoodtaskforce.global

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Seafood Task Force is a global nonprofit trade association that convenes retailers, seafood brands, processors, and producers in pre-competitive collaboration to deliver supply-chain oversight, traceability, and continuous improvement across global tuna and shrimp value chains.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Seafood Supply Chain Oversight and Compliance Services

NAICS

Aquaculture (11251), Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging (311710), Fish and Seafood Retailers (44525)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Seafood Wholesale (Fresh & Frozen) (AFAIADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Shellfish Processing (Shrimp, Crab, Lobster, Mollusks) (AFANADAC), Aquaculture Harvest, Processing & Packing (Farmed Finfish/Shellfish; On-Farm Plants) (AFANADAL)

Keywords

• Seafood supply chain oversight
• Responsible seafood sourcing
• Seafood trade association
• Ethical recruitment compliance
• Seafood traceability standards

Headquarters

HQ city

Mclean

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues paid by commercial members. Vessels, feed ingredient suppliers, hatcheries and farms are permitted to join for free. Fee covers twelve calendar months from individual date of membership approval.
2. Donations: The Seafood Task Force accepts donations to support its operations and programmes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Seafood Task Force is a global trade association that delivers supply chain oversight and continuous improvement services for the shrimp and tuna industries through its proprietary 4C's methodology. Members receive working-group collaboration, capacity-building programmes, data platform access, codes of conduct, traceability protocols, and on-the-ground implementation support across production geographies. The offering is funded primarily through annual membership dues from commercial members, supplemented by donations from foundations.

Product overview

The Seafood Task Force (STF) is a global trade association offering a comprehensive suite of supply chain oversight services rather than a traditional software product. The core offering consists of the Supply Chain Oversight & Continuous Improvement Programme using the 4C's model (Collaboration, Commitment, Confirmation, Continuous Improvement), supported by the STF Data Platform for data-driven decision making. STF provides Code of Conduct and Vessel Auditable Standards, Shrimp Traceability Protocols, and Tuna Handbooks as downloadable resources in multiple languages. Key programmes include the Risk Based Assurance Programme for tuna, Workers' Voice & Grievance Mechanism pilot, and capacity-building Train-the-Trainer programmes. Recent additions include the Thai DOF GIS Farm Location Tool for traceability compliance. All products and programmes are delivered through membership-based collaboration with annual assessments, government partnerships, and on-the-ground implementation support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Supply Chain Oversight & Continuous Improvement Programme (4C's Model) STF's annual oversight programme using the 4C's model (Collaboration, Commitment, Confirmation, Continuous Improvement) to drive supply chain improvements across shrimp and tuna supply chains from vessel to plate. For commercial members who must map supply chains within 6 months, have 50% sign STF Code of Conduct within 12 months, conduct internal risk assessments, and demonstrate traceability.
• STF Data Platform A secure, third-party centralized database enabling member companies to make data-driven decisions for reporting on oversight, due diligence, and progress to customers, stakeholders, and investors.
• Shrimp Traceability Protocol Standardized traceability protocol enabling members to demonstrate traceability from vessel to plate for Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese shrimp in line with STF Shrimp Traceability Code of Conduct.
• Tuna Handbook Comprehensive handbook for tuna supply chain oversight covering social accountability, vessel assessment protocols, and responsible recruitment practices. Available in multiple languages.
• STF Grievance Mechanism Procedure Standardized procedure for handling worker grievances in seafood supply chains, aligned with UN Guiding Principles Principle 31 effectiveness criteria.
• Risk Based Assurance Programme (Tuna) Comprehensive tuna supply chain assurance programme covering systematic on-board vessel assessments based on area coverage defined in STF Membership Agreement. Approved at 2025 Bangkok Summit for implementation.
• Workers' Voice & Grievance Mechanism Pilot Pilot grievance mechanism for tuna crew members enabling workers to safely report labor violations, wage theft, and unsafe conditions. Implemented with Humantics and Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) for Indonesian crew on Taiwan-flagged vessels.
• Thai DOF GIS Farm Location Tool Online GIS tool developed with Thailand's Department of Fisheries providing GPS coordinates and location information for licensed shrimp farms, helping Thai processors meet US FSMA Section 204 traceability requirements.
• India Train-the-Trainer Programme Train-the-Trainer programme in India focused on combating child labor and enhancing worker freedom of movement at dormitories, delivered to processors, feed mills, fishmeal plants, MPEDA, NaCSA, and NETFISH participants.
• STF Code of Conduct and Vessel Auditable Standards Comprehensive code of conduct with vessel auditable standards covering social compliance, health & safety, labor practices, and environmental requirements. Available in multiple languages.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 14,600 factory workers and 1,900 farm workers trained on worker rights in India
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and supporting.

• FCF Co., Ltd.majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026Taiwanese tuna company co-hosted 2-day vessel owner training session in Kaohsiung with STF. Training focused on health and safety practices for Taiwan's distant-water fishing fleet with 70+ vessel representatives attending.
• The British Standards Institution (BSI)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 April 2026BSI senior sustainability specialists delivered training on STF Code of Conduct and Vessel Auditable Standards in Taiwan, covering practical health and safety topics including risk assessment, PPE, first aid, and fire safety.
• Humantics and Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2025Selected to implement Workers' Voice & Grievance Mechanism pilot for tuna crew members. Over 18-month implementation, they will establish scalable grievance mechanism on Taiwan-flagged tuna vessels employing Indonesian crew, aligned with UN Guiding Principles Principle 31.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM) IndonesiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2025IOM Indonesia organized workshops with STF focusing on fair and ethical recruitment practices in Indonesia's fisheries sector. Workshop held November 10-12, 2025, in Tangerang, bringing together 40 officials from Indonesian ministries. STF served as central support mechanism coordinating with officials from both ministries.
• Impactt LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Specialist consultancy conducted groundbreaking research on Indonesian fisher recruitment practices for Taiwan's distant-water tuna vessels. Research revealed significant recruitment fees paid by Indonesian fishers and outlined steps for responsible recruitment.
• National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025MPEDA affiliate participating in STF Train-the-Trainer programme in Visakhapatnam focused on child labor and freedom of movement at worker dormitories.
• Network for Fish Quality Management and Sustainable Fishing (NETFISH)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025MPEDA affiliate participating in STF training programmes and discussing collaboration opportunities for capacity building with their officers.
• Food Marketing Institute (FMI)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2025STF presented condensed overview of shrimp and tuna supply chain initiatives to FMI member retailers during SENA Boston meetings in March 2025.
• National Fisheries Association of Thailand (NFAT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2025STF formally engaged with NFAT for the first time in 2025 for future collaborations in Thailand's fishing industry, providing suitable training facilities and supporting government cooperation.
• Clark UniversitysupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Clark University's geospatial mapping tool helps government and STF de-risk regions where no habitat conversion has occurred, allowing farms to bypass individual habitat conversion assessments.
• Dignity in Work for AllsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Global labor and human rights organization developing assessment protocols and tools to give visibility of STF members' approach. Pilot scheme identified over half of processors as 'low risk'.
• Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024Partnership reinforces growing collaboration aimed at building awareness while improving social accountability and traceability across India's seafood supply chain. Includes capacity building for MPEDA officers, strengthening Shaphari certification standards, and facilitating inter-governmental experience sharing on electronic traceability.
• SGScoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 May 2023Approved third-party audit company delivering Seafood Task Force Assessments. Part of STF's 3rd party annual audit companies network.
• IDFLcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 May 2023Approved third-party audit company delivering Seafood Task Force Assessments. IDFL logo displayed as approved auditor alongside SGS.
• National Fisheries Institute (NFI)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 April 2016NFI provides independent bookkeeping and accounting services including preparation of financial reports to meet all requirements and standards for the US-based trade association.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014WWF collaborated as environmental lead for NGO coalition working with STF for a decade. Helped reduce risks across Thai seafood supply chain and supported development of electronic traceability systems. WWF presented at UN Ocean Conference alongside STF.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP): Certification program for aquaculture covering environmental, social, food safety, and animal welfare standards, widely used by retailers. Comparable to STF as a third-party assurance provider serving shrimp and finfish supply chains with retailer-recognized certifications.
• Fair Trade USA: Leading third-party certifier of fair trade products including seafood (e.g., Fair Trade Certified shrimp). Comparable to STF given its retailer-facing model, social compliance standards, audit infrastructure, and supply chain transparency positioning.
• FishWise: Sustainable seafood consultancy working with retailers and suppliers on responsible sourcing, traceability, and social compliance. Comparable to STF as a partner to major retailers in addressing human rights and environmental risks in seafood supply chains.
• Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI): Multi-stakeholder platform benchmarking seafood certification schemes against the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Comparable to STF as a pre-competitive global collaboration body that aligns retailers, NGOs, and industry on seafood sustainability expectations.
• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC): Global seafood sustainability certification body that sets standards for sustainable fishing and chain-of-custody traceability. Comparable to STF as a multi-stakeholder standard-setter and assurance provider for the global seafood industry, though MSC focuses on fisheries whereas STF's remit is broader human rights and environmental oversight.
• Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC): International non-profit that manages standards for responsible aquaculture across multiple species including shrimp. Highly comparable to STF given overlapping shrimp aquaculture focus, third-party audit network, and retailer-facing assurance programmes.
• Global Fishing Watch: International non-profit providing open-access vessel tracking and fishing activity data to combat IUU fishing. Comparable to STF as a seafood transparency organization whose data tools (AIS monitoring) complement STF's social accountability and traceability efforts.
• International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF): Global non-profit coalition of scientists, tuna processors, and NGOs focused on tuna sustainability. Directly comparable to STF given its focus on tuna supply chain oversight, vessel compliance, and member-driven improvement programmes.
• Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP): NGO that engages seafood supply chains directly to improve fisheries and aquaculture practices, with tools like FishSource used by retailers for supplier assessments. Directly comparable to STF in working behind-the-scenes with retailers and suppliers to remediate supply chain risks.

Others

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Global Seafood: International conservation NGO with major seafood sustainability programmes including partnerships with retailers and improvement projects in source countries. Comparable to STF as a long-standing environmental NGO partner in Thai seafood reform and supply chain transformation, though WWF's role is broader than seafood alone.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/seafoodtaskforce
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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles25 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Seafood Task Force