Why is seafood not inspected when is is caught and why is the inspection program voluntary?

Seafood is often not inspected at the point of catch due to logistical challenges, resource limitations, and the vastness of fishing areas, making it difficult to monitor every catch effectively. Additionally, the inspection program for seafood is voluntary because it allows fishers to choose whether to participate, which can encourage compliance without imposing mandatory regulations that might burden small operators. This approach aims to balance industry flexibility with the need for food safety, although it can lead to inconsistencies in seafood quality and safety standards.