In order to enhance product quality management in fresh fish supply chains through improved logistics management and ensured traceability effectiveness, we investigate and discuss the underlying nature of the requirements traceability problem. We introduce the distinction between pre-requirements specification (pre-RS) traceability and post-requirements specification (post-RS) traceability, to demonstrate why an all-encompassing solution to the problem is unlikely, and to provide a framework through which to understand its multifaceted nature.