Decide on the seafood processing services you require

Fish processing is the act of treating and preserving the fish and other seafood for longer shelf life and expanded uses. This includes increasing your product line to meet customer needs and increase your business. To decide on the seafood processing services you need, ask your customers, look over past orders and make some decision for your menu.

I recommend: Check out Alaska Seafoods Direct to get an idea of the processing applications available. They specialize in both wild game and sport fish processing in a variety of applications, including freezing, smoking and canning. Bella Coola Fisheries, Ltd. offers a wide selection of seafood treated in all the major methods and offers gift packs, fresh fish and other goods, like fish fertilizers.

Compare seafood processing companies

Check up on any fish processing company with which you wish to work to make sure they are part of an association. Another great way to learn more about a seafood processing plant is to ask for references or call around to other seafood distributors to see who they trust and use.

I recommend: Visit the Pacific Seafood Processors Association (PSPA) for the listing of members, both corporate and associates, to find a reputable, successful fish processor on the Pacific Coast. You can also use Manta to get company profiles by entering the name of the seafood processor in which you're interested.

Learn where to buy processed fish and seafood products

Fish processors are found along all the US coasts and some are even floating processing plants, which ensures you are getting the freshest product that's been processed quickly. To find fish processing companies to fit your business needs, make sure the company you are considering offers the products you want.

I recommend: Golden Ocean Seafood, Inc., located in Chicago, Illinois, offers a large selection of processed seafood in a variety of applications. This includes frozen fillets, smoked fish, baked, roasted and canned. American Trading International offers a large selection of processed seafood specifically for retail businesses.