Good discussion.
evll_z - I have no idea of the quality of seafood you have at your disposal. I live near the U.S. gulf coast and flash frozen seafood is often fresher than seafood bought off a boat. When you buy frozen make sure it is labeled FLASH FROZEN. Check the country of origin. Not all countries have proper food inspection. Frozen shrimp can be washed and wiped dried. Fish, scallops, crab, crawfish, bivalves do not take well to washing,
All saltwater seafood will have briney smell. I should not be overwhelming. It should smell like the sea. Lovely.
Living in a region with a wealth of fresh seafood I have learned how to spot what is really fresh and what is being sold as fresh (never frozen) but actually not as fresh as some flash frozen products.
If the seafood is handled properly it should have a mild fishy, briny smell. Nothing strong or offensive.
The problem may be your source.
Good luck.