Key Principles: - The Program is purely voluntary. Only those who wish to adopt the quality system are participants. - All participating fishermen, tender operators, buying stations and processors must follow handling procedures designed to produce the maximum amount of top quality fresh or frozen fish. - The system is designed not only to identify the highest grade of seafood, but also to improve quality and consistency within each grade. - As harvesting areas adopt the Program, third-party inspections are conducted for all certified fish. Once the Program is established, a self-certification program for AQS Certified Processors with periodic third-party auditing is instituted. - The Program adds real value to the product by increasing buyer confidence, improving shelf life and decreasing waste. - AQS is actively marketing the AQS Program to retailers and foodservice operations, and educating buyers about the advantages of top quality Alaska seafood. - AQS Program is designed to expand statewide and serves as a model for other species.