USDA Works to Update Contingency Plans Ahead of Possible Partial Government Shutdown

Time is rapidly winding down for Congress to avert a partial government shutdown, which will begin on Sunday if lawmakers fail to reach an agreement on spending legislation or approve a stopgap bill known as a continuing resolution (CR), to extend funding through November 17. 

As the Democratic-led Senate and House Republicans continue to work at odds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is preparing for a potential partial shutdown that could cause widespread disruptions for millions of Americans and impact key reports that protein traders rely on to conduct their day-to-day businesses...

GAPP Annual Meeting Panel Talks about How to ‘Bring Sexy Back’ to Surimi

Linking surimi seafood to Japanese culture and Asian flavors and tapping into trendy, affluent and ‘foodie’ consumers with innovation and new messaging will be the key to increasing consumption of Wild Alaska Pollock surimi seafood, say expert panelists this morning at the fifth Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting hosted by the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) at the Four Seasons, Seattle, today. Panelists from Aquamar, Angulas Aguinaga and the University of Oregon, moderated by Urner Barry’s Angel Rubio, talked of the opportunity to overcome consumer perceptions...

GAPP Announces New 2023-2024 Partnership Program Funding Recipients at Annual Meeting

At its fifth-ever Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting, the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced today the names of the companies who have been awarded fiscal year 2024 Partnerships.  The more than 200 attendees were the first to hear the news about which programs are funded for the coming round of partnerships and heard from current partners about the programs that are currently underway.  

“The Partnership Program is one of the most important ways GAPP builds demand and awareness of Wild Alaska Pollock and...

Japanese Market Stumbling in Purchasing New Season’s Chilean Coho

The procurement activities for frozen Chilean coho salmon remain calm, pending new product arrival. While the production volume is almost fixed, and there is no longer any concern about the supply of new products, the fate of the domestic market is still uncertain. The mainstay dressed fish in 6 to 9 pounds suggests a wholesale price of less than 900 yen/kg ($6.02/kg) in some cases, according to Suisan Keizai Shimbun.

According to Chilean producers, the number of coho salmon stocked in ponds for...

As Millennials Turn 40, ‘Provenance’ of Wild Alaska Pollock Matters Greatly

In a shocking statistic, the oldest millennial turned forty this year and shifting how we view this demographic will be critical to converting seafood-aware consumers to seafood-craving consumers, said data experts from Ketchum Analytics at the Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting this morning in Seattle.  During the fifth-ever meeting, hosted by the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP), experts Mary Elizabeth Germaine and Lauren Hasse discussed how provenance, sustainability and affordability are key in targeting both millennials and the multicultural consumer and shared that...

Russian Fishing Sector Continues to Move Towards Consolidation

The Russian fishing sector continues to move towards consolidation as leading local players expand their fleets and increase the volume of quotas under control.

One of such companies is Norebo, one of Russia’s leading fish producers, which may become a new owner of unfinished trawlers along with fishing quotas of its local rival The Murmanseld-2 fishing company.

According to the Russian Vedomosti business paper, the company is currently negotiating the “transfer” of a series of four unfinished trawlers.

Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program 2024 Funding Opportunity Open

NOAA Fisheries announces the availability of about $2.3 million for collaborative bycatch reduction projects. We invite non-federal researchers working on the development of improved fishing practices and innovative gear technologies that reduce bycatch to apply and encourage applicants to include and demonstrate principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We’re looking for proactive, meaningful, and equitable community engagement in the identification, design, and/or implementation of proposed projects...

Oceano Seafood Acquires Sea Fresh USA

Peru-based Oceano Seafood has acquired Sea Fresh USA, a processor of wild-caught Loligo Squid in the U.S. Antarctica Advisors LLC, a seafood industry-focused M&A advisory firm, acted as the exclusive banking advisor to Sea Fresh USA.

Sea Fresh operates out of Rhode Island, with docking operations in Galilee, as well as a BRC-certified processing facility in North Kingstown. The company has been in business since 1981, providing fresh and frozen squid products that are distributed through both retail and foodservice. Antarctica Advisors Managing Partner Ignacio Kleiman says that...

LocalCoho Secures Funding From Cuna del Mar; Plans Expansion In New York

Land-based aquaculture start-up LocalCoho announced this week that they have secured significant new funding from Cuna del Mar, a company that invests in businesses that have the potential to create disruption in aquaculture.

“Cuna del Mar is a pioneer in supporting aquaculture companies helping to preserve the health of our oceans by using innovative approaches to growing fish,” commented CEO Michael Fabbro. “That such an industry leader vetted us thoroughly and believes in our strategy and team truly validates what we are doing...

Western Pacific Council: Status Quo Regs Preferable for Proposed Pacific Remote Islands Sanctuary

Sanctuaries happen. That doesn't mean fisheries regulations should change within their boundaries, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council said.

At its September meeting, the Council reviewed data on current fishing in the proposed Pacific Remote Islands sanctuary and the multitude of fishing regulations that govern the area. It concluded that the regulatory scheme in place may already satisfy the proposed goals and objectives presented by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

The NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center shared data with the Council that ...

The Retail Rundown: Pork and Seafood Share the Spotlight Next Month

Pork and seafood will share the spotlight next month, as October is recognized as both National Pork Month and National Seafood Month. Retailers are expected to increase feature volume for the two proteins in the weeks ahead to promote spending this fall. 

October is reserved for National Pork Month to help move product when hog supplies are large. While a seasonal expansion in supplies typically takes place around this time of year, ongoing liquidation efforts may keep a lid on supplies this fall and winter.

Weekly hog slaughter levels...

Russian Government Tightens Pressure on Domestic Fisheries Sector

A new flexible export duty on fish and fish products, that will be officially imposed in Russia on October 1 will increase financial pressure on the country’s fish sector and lead to the growth of costs of local fishermen.

According to recent calculations of German Zverev, head of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers, the rate of duty will vary in the range of 4-7%, depending on the product. Its overall financial impact on the industry is estimated at RUB 10-12 billion...

Uber Eats and The Fresh Market Partner for On-Demand Grocery Delivery

Uber Technologies and Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market, Inc. have partnered to provide on-demand and scheduled delivery to customers throughout The Fresh Market's operating areas in the eastern U.S.

All 161 of The Fresh Market locations will be available to shop through Uber and Uber Eats. Customers will be able to use Uber's apps to order from Fresh Market’s highly curated and European-inspired selection. 

To celebrate The Fresh Market's debut on Uber... 

Oregon, Washington Again Face Incongruent Columbia River Salmon Gillnet Management

As the fall salmon season on the Columbia River winds down, gillnet fishing policy between Oregon and Washington is once again in conflict.

Earlier this month, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind issued a statement about Washington's plans to comply with a 2022 Legislative budget proviso related to a voluntary permit buyback and impacts to Endangered Species Act-listed fish.

"In 2022, the Washington State Legislature approved a commercial license reduction program that saw the number of commercial Columbia River fishing licenses reduced from ...

The trū Shrimp Companies Names Brian Knochenmus President and CEO

The Board of Directors at The trū Shrimp Companies, Inc. appointed Brian Knochenmus to lead the company as President & CEO last week. The new post for Knochenmus is in addition to his current role as Chairman of the Board. 

Knochenmus has been tasked with reaching the company’s next milestone — launching a commercial-scale production facility in Madison, SD. Knochenmus is the third-generation of the family that owns Ralco Nutrition, Inc. and has spent 25 years of his career there, in roles ranging from production...

Southern Shrimp Alliance Sends Letter to Encourage Inclusion of Seafood Under USDA Programs

Yesterday, the Southern Shrimp Alliance sent a letter to the leaders of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and U.S. House Committee on Agriculture to encourage the inclusion of seafood under USDA programs.

The letter highlights the dire circumstances facing the US shrimp industry and lends unequivocal support for and strong endorsement of the seafood industry's call to focus on practical steps that can provide critical support for America’s seafood producers in drafting the Farm Bill. Specifically, we urge the... 

Island Fin Poké Co. Offers IncrediBOWL Deal on International Poké Day: BOGO 50% Off

As poké sweeps the nation, Island Fin Poké Co. is celebrating the beloved Hawaiian dish on International Poké Day this Thursday, September 28th with a Buy One Poké Bowl, Get One 50% Off.

This Poké Day promotion is meant to be shared with friends and loved ones, echoing the brand's philosophy of ‘Ohana’, the Hawaiian word for ‘family.’

Island Fin Poké’s reputation rests on an “unwavering commitment to excellence and an a...

Photo courtesy of Island Fin Poké.

Photo courtesy of Island Fin Poké Co. 

PODCAST: Alaska King Crab Update; The Caviar Co. Partners With Pringles; And More!

Join SeafoodNews co-hosts Amanda Buckle and Lorin Castiglione as they give an update on Alaska's King Crab fishery; plus learn about a collaboration between The Caviar Co. and Pringles; and much more!

This episode of the SeafoodNews Podcast is brought to you by Urner Barry’s GLOBAL PROTEIN SUMMIT, the premier conference for education in the poultry, red meat, and seafood sectors. Gain insight into protein market demand, global issues affecting the market, and tools to prepare for the next fiscal year. Plus connect with hundreds of buyers and sellers during high-end networking events. The Global Protein Summit will take place from October 9th through the 11th in Chicago. For more information, please visit urnerbarry.com/globalproteinsummit.

Coast Guard Rescues 2 from Water 50 Miles Offshore Savannah

A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah aircrew rescued two men, Thursday, after their 34-foot fishing vessel sank 50 miles offshore Savannah, Georgia.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston watchstanders received a report from Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders of an emergency position indicating radio beacon activation from the fishing vessel Lady Diane plotting 50 miles offshore Savannah. District Seven watchstanders contacted the vessel’s registered owner who stated the vessel was offshore fishing with approximately two people aboard...

ANALYSIS: Ecuador Shrimp Producers Strengthen Position in Europe

As shrimp producers suffer from sluggish demand this year, and high inventories in Western markets, Ecuador continues to sell more shrimp abroad. According to CNA data released this week, Ecuador's shrimp exports from January to August climbed 15.4 percent year-on-year. This represents 804,713 metric tons of vannamei shrimp sent around the globe, 94 percent of which went to China, Europe, and the U.S. While European imports progressed by 8.3 percent and 1.2 percent for the U.S., Ecuador increased sales to China by 29.0 percent, which boosted the overall percentage...

Japan: August Sales of Ikura and Pollock Roe Increased, Herring Roe Price Highest in Recent Years

According to a report by the Suisan Keizai Shimbun, sales of salted fish roe at the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market in August increased slightly for Ikura salmon roe due to the arrival of new products, and for Pollock roe, which also increased despite the increase or decrease in unit prices. Herring roe also had a noticeably high price.

Sujiko salmon roe

The sales volume is low as it is pending the arrival of the new North American product, and the unit sales price...

Washington Rep. Introduces Safety Bill Aiming to Protect Washington’s Fishermen

Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the Bryson Fitch Fisherman Protection Act, a bill that honors missing Pacific County crabber Bryson Fitch and aims to improve safety measures aboard fishing vessels.

“Fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, and it’s our responsibility to make sure these hard working men and women are protected on the job,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “This bill will help ensure more fishermen are equipped with the personal safety equipment they need to be located during an emergency. I’m continuing to keep...

Ocean Quahog Growing Quicker Thanks to Climate Change, According to New Study

The Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) said a pair of recent studies indicate that climate change has changed the life cycle of ocean quahogs, one of the longest-living species under the sea.

The pair of studies, funded by SCEMFIS, found that the species is growing “much faster and maturing much earlier” with global temperatures rising over the past 200 years, which SCEMFIS said is “one of the clearest examples yet on how climate change is affecting marine life...

What the Potential Government Shutdown May Mean for Agricultural Price Reporting 

A potential government shutdown is just days away, raising concerns among those who depend on critical data to make timely market assessments and business decisions. A shutdown will begin on October 1 at 12:01 a.m., the start of the federal fiscal year, if Congress does not pass a funding plan that President Biden signs into law.

The Senate is currently preparing its own bipartisan plan for a stopgap measure to keep offices funded after Saturday’s deadline. Failure to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal...

Cultivated Protein Firm UPSIDE Foods Chooses Chicago as Home for Commercial-Scale Plant

UPSIDE Foods, a company in the cell-cultivated meat and poultry space, has selected the greater Chicagoland area for its first large-scale commercial facility.

The plant is expected to be 187,000 square feet, located in Glenview, Illinois and will first focus on creating cultivated chicken products, with plans to expand to other species and whole-textured formats in the future.

Initially, the facility will be able to produce millions of pounds of cultivated meat products annually, with the potential to expand to over 30 million pounds...

Everything You Need To Know About Alaska’s Red King Crab Fishery In 2024

There are a lot of questions surrounding Alaska’s lucrative red king crab fishery. And because there are four stocks, news of closures or openings can become confusing.

The fishery is managed by NOAA Fisheries, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). Management is based on the size, sex, and the season, meaning that only male crabs of a certain size can be harvested, and that fishing can not take place during mating and...

VARPE Proposes Developing Pollock Roe Market in China 

According to the Hokkaido Trawl Fisheries Cooperative Federation, Russia's production of marine products from January to July this year was approximately 2.6 million tons, an increase of 9% compared to last year. Minato Shimbun reported that factors contributing to the increase include good fishing at home and abroad this fishing season and increased demand for products in the domestic market.

By product, frozen fish accounted for 1.82 million tons, 372,000 tons of fish roe and canned fish, 60,000 tons of frozen fish meat (including mince), 91,000 tons of frozen and cooked invertebrates...

Iceland Seafood International Names Ægir Páll Friðbertsson As New CEO

Iceland Seafood International (ISI) announced this week that Bjarni Ármannsson is stepping down as CEO after five years with the company. ISI has also confirmed Ármannsson’s successor. Ægir Páll Friðbertsson has been appointed the new CEO.

“I’m very pleased to take the helm at Iceland Seafood,” said Friðbertsson. “I believe the company has a good potential and I look forward to work with its employees, suppliers and customers to further develop the company. The company has built up a leadership position in Europe and has...

China Fisheries & Seafood Expo Prepared To Return To Qingdao Next Month

The show organizers of the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo are expecting to break records next month when the event kicks off at Qingdao's new Hongdao International Convention and Exhibition Center on October 25.

The 2019 expo was a big one for organizers Sea Fare Expositions. That year the annual show sold out all 10 exhibit halls at the Qingdao International Expo Center, bringing together about 1,700 companies from 52 countries. However, COVID-19 has disrupted the event in recent years. The expo in 2022 was initially...

Win Endless Shrimp for a Year at Red Lobster with the Limited-Time Scratch & Sea Game

Red Lobster just announced the launch of Scratch & Sea, “a mouth-watering limited-time instant win game for all seafood lovers!”

Now through October 29, the folks at the world’s largest seafood restaurant invite you to visit your local Red Lobster to play Scratch & Sea for a chance to win free Ultimate Endless Shrimp for a year, and other prizes.

Eligible players will have the chance to win one of the following “shrimply awesome” prizes...