Commerce Sets Preliminary Antidumping Margins for Indian Shrimp at 2.36-4.30%

The US Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined that Indian frozen warmwater shrimp producers sold products below fair value during the February 2024-January 2025 review period, setting dumping margins ranging from 2.36% to 4.30% for individually examined companies in the 20th administrative review of the longstanding order.

Commerce assigned a 2.36% margin to the Devi Group companies (Devi Fisheries Limited, Satya Seafoods Private Limited, Usha Seafoods, and Devi Aquatech Private Limited) and 4.30% to Sandhya Aqua Exports Private Limited...

US House Approves Farm Bill Amendments Expanding USDA Role in Seafood Sector

The US House of Representatives passed its version of the farm bill (Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 [H.R. 7567]) early Thursday morning, delivering significant wins for the seafood industry.

The legislation includes several industry-focused amendments that would fundamentally expand USDA involvement in the seafood industry, marking what advocates call a new era of federal recognition for American fishermen and processors.

The bill codifies the Trump administration's newly created USDA Office of Seafood, established through an executive order...

Ecuador Shrimp Industry Faces Export Bottleneck from Container Shortage

Logistical headwinds are affecting the export capacity of Ecuador's massive shrimp industry, according to a notice published by the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) on April 28.

The CNA explained that various shrimp packing plants are operating their cold storage facilities at maximum capacity due to the limited availability of refrigerated shipping containers. This has led some exporters to halt shrimp purchases from producers amid shipment delays.

"International logistical difficulties, including reduced container availability and disruptions in global trade, have reduced the sector's shipping capacity at a time...

COSFF Taps Drew Watts as Foodservice VP, Expands National Broker Network

Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods (COSFF) announced April 30 that it has appointed Drew Watts as Senior Vice President of Foodservice & Wholesale and is expanding its national network of foodservice brokers as part of strategic investments to strengthen its presence in foodservice and wholesale channels.

The moves are designed to increase in-market coverage nationwide and deliver focused support for distributors and foodservice operators, the company said.

"These investments reflect our long-term commitment to building a stronger, more responsive foodservice and wholesale business...

Court Rejects Conagra Bid to Dismiss Seafood Mislabeling Lawsuit

A federal judge in Illinois has denied Conagra Brands' motion to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit challenging the company's labeling of frozen fish products as "100% Whole Fish Fillets," despite the addition of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and water during processing.

The April 29 ruling by US District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. allows consumers from California, New York, Massachusetts, and potentially nationwide to proceed with claims that Conagra's Van de Kamp and Mrs. Paul's branded products constitute deceptive labeling under various state consumer protection laws...

BC Coastal First Nations Tell Ottawa to Reverse Trudeau-era Net Salmon Pen Ban

At a press conference on Wednesday from Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, Chiefs from the BC coastal First Nations Finfish Stewardship Coalition (FNFFS) unveiled a plan for greater Indigenous equity and leadership in salmon aquaculture.  Reversing the 2029 net pen ban is essential for sustainable financial growth.  

The FNFFS welcome the federal government’s $1.3 billion investment in wild Pacific salmon conservation, adding that support for aquaculture aligns with the Carney government’s federal priorities: attracting investment, creating jobs - including for youth, improving affordability, strengthening food security...

Special BOF Meeting Addresses Gear Switch in Cook Inlet, Traditional Knowledge Reg Language

A Special Meeting of Alaska’s Board of Fisheries will be held today, online only, to address four proposals, one adding regulatory language for the use of Traditional Knowledge (TK) in Fish and Game processes, and three regarding salmon fisheries in Western Alaska and Upper Cook Inlet.  

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Alaska Standard Time (AST) and will not include public testimony. However, written testimony can be submitted until 5 p.m. AST today. Comments can be submitted submitted online at https://boardoffisheries.adfg.alaska.gov/...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Price Spreads Near Historical Thresholds Amid Incomplete Tariff Pass-Through

Price differential analysis across key shrimp segments reveals a market under structural pressure, with several critical spreads approaching historical support and resistance thresholds. While US wholesale prices have risen 15.8% since tariff implementation, this increase represents only a fraction of the 16-37% cost escalation driven by tariffs alone, indicating significant margin compression throughout the supply chain.

Tariff impact and market absorption

Comparison of current pricing to April 1, 2025 — when tariffs were first enacted — and year-over-year data shows that approximately five percentage...

Consolidated Catfish Producers Named to Worker Safety 'Dirty Dozen' List

Mississippi-based Consolidated Catfish Producers was named to the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) 2026 Dirty Dozen report. The report highlights 12 companies that the group says have "put workers' lives at risk" through unsafe practices, subpar protections and neglect.

"Every year, we honor workers who have lost their lives on the job, and every year, we see the same pattern: companies prioritizing profit over people," said Jessica E. Martinez, MPH, Executive Director of National COSH. "The Dirty Dozen 2026 makes clear that these tragedies are...

Japan's Marine Product Exports Rose 16% in Value in March, Volume Fell 20%

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, exports of marine products (fish and shellfish and their preparations, and fish meal) in March were down 20% year-on-year to 45,779 tons in volume, but up 16% in value to 38.446 billion yen ($240.02 million). Scallops were down 22% to 3,364 tons and down 10% to 7.436 billion yen ($46.43 million). Yellowtail exports were up 61% to 3,804 tons and doubled to 8.941 billion yen...

Norcod Secures $11 Million Funding Package to Target H2 2026 Profitability

Norcod announced a new funding plan on April 30 to scale up biomass and target profitable operations during the second half of 2026.

The funding package includes NOK 100 million ($10.7 million) via a private placement of new shares, along with NOK 170 million in new debt financing secured through existing credit facilities with DNB Bank ASA and a new NOK 50 million loan from Innovation Norway.

"Overall, the updated funding plan positions the Company for scaling up...

ASC Gains Industry Traction at Seafood Expo Global 2026

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) used Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona to highlight growing industry engagement with its updated certification approach, as adoption of its new label and Farm Standard continues to build across the global seafood supply chain.

ASC drew steady traffic to its booth throughout this year's event, where partners from multiple markets showcased products carrying the newly launched label. The visibility reflected wider industry alignment around certification focused on transparency, credibility and consumer trust.

The organization also hosted a side event, “Proving...

Proposed NOAA Budget Cuts Face Bipartisan Congressional Resistance

Bipartisan congressional leaders are mounting opposition to the Trump administration's proposed $1.6 billion reduction to NOAA's budget for fiscal year 2027, expressing particular concern about cuts that could severely impact fisheries management and oversight of marine commerce.

The $4.54 billion budget request represents a significant reduction from current funding levels, including proposed cuts of more than 40% to the National Marine Fisheries Service and nearly 60% to the National Ocean Service. The reductions have drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers during an April 28 House Science, Space...

Australian Processor Expands West Coast Rock Lobster Operations, Doubles Capacity

Australian seafood company KB Seafood Co. will assume operations of the Indian Ocean Rock Lobster processing facility in Cervantes, Western Australia, beginning July 1, 2026, effectively doubling the company's processing capacity in a major expansion of its West Coast Rock Lobster operations

The takeover represents a significant consolidation in Western Australia's rock lobster processing sector, with KB Seafood absorbing the entire Indian Ocean Rock Lobster processing team as part of the transition. The company emphasized retaining existing relationships with fishermen, customers, and suppliers built by the facility's previous operators...

The Retail Rundown: Grilling Season in View as May Retail Demand Builds

May is approaching, bringing the unofficial start of grilling season alongside major retail drivers like Mother’s Day, graduations, and Memorial Day.

Search Underway for Missing Man Who Fell Overboard From Fishing Vessel Near Hawaii

Hawaiian news outlets and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) have announced search-and-rescue efforts for a man who went overboard from a fishing vessel.

The 59-year-old man was aboard the Republic of Korea-flagged fishing vessel Oryong 355 and fell overboard at 12:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

According to the USCG's report Monday, the incident took place approximately 1,200 miles southeast of the Big Island.

After issuing a SafestyNet broadcast to all ships in the area of the...

Clearwater Seafoods Fined $150,000 Following Fatal Workplace Incident

Nova Scotia shellfish giant Clearwater Seafoods has been hit with a $150,000 penalty following the death of crew member Scott Dicks aboard the company's clam vessel Anne Risley in 2024, according to CBC reporting.

The 36-year-old fisherman from Grand Bank, N.L., was electrocuted after touching a 440-volt space heater that had been improperly rewired by an unnamed employee, CBC's Tom Ayers reported. The heater's original five-prong plug had been cut and replaced with a four-prong plug to fit cook room outlets, where Dicks...

Federal Bill Targets Tire Chemical Linked to the Population Decline of Coho Salmon in Pacific NW

A long-standing mystery behind mass die-offs of coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest has led to new federal legislation aimed at curbing a toxic chemical linked to urban runoff.

After two decades of research, scientists from the Center for Urban Waters and Washington Stormwater Center identified 6PPD-quinone—a byproduct of tire additives reacting with ozone—as the culprit behind the deaths. The chemical washes into waterways during rainfall, entering salmon bloodstream and...

Russian Far East Origin Spiny Snow Crab and Red Snow Crab Prices up by 30% in the Japanese Market

According to a report by the Minato Shimbun, the price of spiny snow crab and red snow crab from the Russian Far East has risen sharply due to the increasing demand for all-you-can-eat crab in Japan, particularly from inbound tourists.

As of late March, the domestic selling price (trading company price) for both species was ¥2,600-2,800/kg ($16.25-17.60/kg) for large-sized animals, a 20-30%...

Cousins Maine Lobster Launches Statewide Food Truck Tour in New Mexico

Cousins Maine Lobster is once again expanding its reach, this time delivering its Northeast flavors to the Southwest.

From May 5 to May 17, the food truck known for its Maine lobster will launch a multi-city tour across New Mexico, traveling from Dallas.

The move is part of the brand’s broader national expansion strategy, leveraging its fleet of food trucks to bring Cousins Maine Lobster’s iconic menu to new markets.

The tour kicks off in Clovis and concludes in Santa Fe...

ASMI Lands $10.7M in USDA Funding to Expand Global Marketing for Alaska Seafood

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) has secured more than $10.7 million in federal funding to expand international marketing efforts for Alaska seafood, including more than $4.7 million through the Market Access Program (MAP) and $6 million through the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP) .

Both programs are administered by the US Department of Agriculture and support global marketing and promotion aimed at growing US exports. AFTPP is the newer of the two programs and is...

Lund’s Fisheries Names Kimberly Moore Director of Retail Sales

Family‑owned and vertically integrated Lund’s Fisheries has appointed a new director of retail sales.

Headquartered in Cape May, New Jersey, the company has welcomed Kimberly Moore to the role. Moore will focus on strengthening retail relationships, driving growth, and expanding the company’s retail strategy across national and regional accounts. She will also support the development of new value‑added innovations.

"Joining Lund's Fisheries at this stage of their journey is an incredible opportunity," Moore stated. "By combining a legacy of sustainability with our seamless...

Brinker Sales Rise as Chili’s Extends Same-Store Growth Streak

Brinker International posted higher third-quarter fiscal 2026 sales, powered by continued momentum at Chili’s, while Maggiano’s remained under pressure.

Company sales rose to $1.46 billion from $1.41 billion a year earlier, while comparable restaurant sales increased 3.3%. At Chili’s, same-store sales climbed 4.0%, marking its 20th straight quarter of growth.

"Chili's delivered its 20th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth, up 4%, lapping a 31% increase a year ago," said Kevin Hochman, President and CEO of Brinker International. "Guest demand...

Kaldvík Appoints New CFO After Extended Search

Kaldvík AS announced Tuesday that Þórunn Ragnarsdóttir has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective July 1, 2026, concluding a search that began in late 2025.

Ragnarsdóttir brings extensive international finance experience, having served as CFO at the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and as Director of Administration overseeing finance operations across EFTA's Brussels, Geneva, and Luxembourg offices. She previously held finance roles at Icelandair Ground Services and Icelandair.

The incoming CFO holds an MSc in Finance and International Business from Aarhus University and is completing an MPA in Public Administration at the University...

Blueyou Launches Fair Trade Tuna Program in Maldives 

Ahead of World Tuna Day on May 2, Swiss seafood company Blueyou is expanding its work in the Maldives with the launch of a Fair Trade Certified™ tuna program in partnership with Fair Trade USA. The initiative aims to link sustainable fishing, marine restoration, and community development within a broader seafood supply chain effort.

The program will span 25 island communities across eight atolls and is expected to benefit about 30,000 people, including 2,500 tuna fishers and 500 women involved in sea cucumber farming tied...

House Rules Committee Set to Act on Farm Bill This Week with Major Seafood Provisions at Stake

The 2026 Farm Bill is set for a full House of Representatives vote this week, with the Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) highlighting multiple amendments that could deliver significant wins for the US shrimp industry and broader seafood sector, including commercial fishermen and processors.

The House Rules Committee is working with leadership to determine which of the 362 filed amendments will reach the floor for consideration and under what conditions.

Core Seafood Amendments

Amendment 13 – Buy American Seafood Act...

Asda Launches New Sustainable Mussel Product With Scottish Shellfish

According to research from Scottish Shellfish, consumers are looking for approachable, convenient, restaurant-quality seafood that addresses some of the barriers preventing them from buying more. In response, Asda has launched a new product aimed at meeting demand for seafood that is convenient, healthy, and a little more adventurous.

Derek Sharp of Scottish Shellfish said, “Consumers told us they thought of mussels as messy and inconvenient and lacked confidence in how to cook them. We believe Asda has created a product that combines convenience with quality that means shoppers can enjoy an exceptional quality product that’s also affordable and sustainable and doesn’t have to be seen just as an occasional treat.”

Washington State Classifies Golden Mussels as Prohibited Invasive Species

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has implemented emergency rules classifying golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei) as a Prohibited Level 1 invasive species statewide, responding to threats the species poses to the state's marine ecosystems and water infrastructure.

The action follows Oregon's April 9 interception of a watercraft fouled with golden mussels at the Ashland Boat Inspection Station, confirming an active pathway for the invasive species to spread northward through recreational boating equipment.

Golden mussels pose significant risks to Washington's seafood industry infrastructure and ecosystems...

Indonesia Shrimp Exports to US Recover from Cesium-137 Crisis, Reach $639 Million

Indonesia's seafood exports to the United States have fully recovered from the cesium-137 contamination crisis that disrupted trade at the end of 2025, with 3,400 containers worth Rp11 trillion ($639 million) shipped as of April 26, according to the country's Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.

Speaking at Food Summit 2026, Acting KKP Secretary General Andy Artha Donny Oktopura said Indonesia has implemented comprehensive improvements to its fisheries quality system covering production, processing, and distribution to ensure compliance with both domestic and international standards...

New Zealand Secures Tariff-Free Seafood Access to India Under New Trade Agreement

New Zealand and India signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement on April 27, with seafood exports playing a central role in the "once-in-a-generation" deal that will eliminate tariffs on key fish and seafood products over seven years.

Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay signed the agreement in New Delhi before a gathering of business leaders from both countries.

Under the FTA, New Zealand will see tariffs on its key fish and seafood exports...