Seafood Souq and MOCCAE Sign Landmark Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Sustainable and Transparent Seafood Supply Chains in the UAE

Abu Dhabi, October 2025 – Seafood Souq is proud to announce the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) during the first day of the IUCN Congress 2025. The agreement marks a significant step forward in the UAE’s mission to foster sustainability, innovation, and transparency across its seafood industry.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of MOCCAE, and H.E. Sheikh Fahim Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Seafood Souq. The collaboration centers on the SFS Trace project — an innovative, digital traceability system developed by Seafood Souq to track marine catch data and provide full visibility across the seafood supply chain.

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Driving Transparency Through Technology

The SFS Trace system leverages proprietary digital technology to ensure end-to-end traceability of seafood products from the moment of catch all the way to delivery. By connecting fisheries, aquaculture farms, artisanal fishers, and suppliers, SFS Trace builds a comprehensive and verifiable record of each product’s journey.

This technology enables businesses to access reliable data about the provenance of their seafood, supporting compliance with sustainability standards while enhancing consumer confidence. For consumers, it means knowing exactly where their seafood comes from, how it was caught, and that it meets the UAE’s high standards for quality and environmental stewardship.

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A Partnership for Progress

Under the MoU, MOCCAE and Seafood Souq will collaborate to create an integrated fisheries catch registry and share expertise and data to improve national fisheries management. The partnership will also include specialist workshops and training programs designed to promote sustainable fishing practices across the UAE.

Together, the Ministry and Seafood Souq will explore smart applications and advanced technological solutions to further strengthen traceability, improve product quality, and build consumer trust. This cooperation aligns with the UAE’s broader vision for a sustainable blue economy, emphasising responsible resource management and innovation in food systems.

For Seafood Souq, this MoU reinforces the company’s role as a pioneer in digital transformation for the seafood industry. It reflects years of innovation focused on building smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable supply chains.
Being chosen as a technology partner by the UAE’s leading environmental authority is both an honor and a responsibility — one that underscores Seafood Souq’s commitment to advancing global standards for sustainability, traceability, and transparency in seafood trade.

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A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future

The initiative supports national priorities under the UAE’s Climate and Food Security strategies, contributing to the protection of marine biodiversity while strengthening economic growth and consumer confidence.

The signing of this MoU reflects the UAE’s continued dedication to innovation-driven sustainability and demonstrates the country’s leadership in using technology to safeguard marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of its seafood sector. By integrating digital traceability into national fisheries management, the UAE sets a global benchmark for sustainable seafood governance and positions Seafood Souq at the forefront of shaping a more responsible and resilient seafood industry for generations to come.

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