NOAA Releases 2023 Fisheries of the US and Economics Reports; Seafood Consumption Dips

NOAA Fisheries' two flagship reports — 2023 Fisheries of the United States and 2023 Fisheries Economics of the United States — were released yesterday, presenting data and trends from 2023. 

Key takeaways from the report include: 

- In 2023, U.S. commercial fishing, seafood, and recreational fishing supported 2.1 million full- and part-time jobs, generated $319 billion in sales impacts, and contributed $148 billion to gross domestic product.

- Total landings revenues in 2023 decreased 16 percent to $5.1 billion in inflation-adjusted 2023 dollars, primarily...

Ag Coalition Highlights USMCA Strength in New Report, Sees Big US Economic Benefits

The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA has released a new report underscoring the pact’s importance to the US farm and seafood sectors. The analysis positions the USMCA as a stabilizing force for rural economies amid rising input costs and volatile markets, noting that exports to Canada and Mexico generated significant US economic activity in 2024.

The report found that agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico produced $149 billion in total US economic output in 2024, supporting about 493,000 full-time jobs and $36 billion...

ANALYSIS: Europe’s Frozen Squid Imports Increase on Robust Peru and China Output

Frozen squid imports into Europe (EU and UK) grew 7.5% year-to-date (YTD) for January–November. This increase was mainly driven by Peru, which rose 6.0% YTD, followed by China, up 34.0%.

Peru had a successful 2025 season for Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas), with the total allowable catch (TAC) set at 609,935 mt. At the beginning of 2026, the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE) reported that oceanographic conditions remain favorable, leading the Peruvian Ministry of Production to set the initial maximum permissible total catch limit (LMCTP)...

Trump Order, US‑India Statement Lock in 18% Tariff on Indian Shrimp Imports

Further details of President Trump's announcement of a US-India trade deal were revealed through a February 7 Executive Order and a joint statement confirming the removal of the 25% ad valorem tariff on India‑origin goods and an Indian reciprocal tariff of 18%.

In the EO, US President Donald Trump confirmed that, effective February 7, 2026, products imported from India will no longer be subject to the additional 25% ad valorem tariff, which was imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil...

Northern Wind to Roll Out Bon Cuisine Frozen Seafood Line at SENA

Northern Wind will introduce Bon Cuisine, a retail-focused frozen seafood line, at Seafood Expo North America in Boston next month, positioning the line as a ready option for retailers targeting protein-driven shoppers.

The Bon Cuisine range pairs premium shrimp and wild-caught scallops with chef-crafted butter sauces designed for consistent flavor and quick preparation. Northern Wind said the SKUs are built for freezer-case visibility and repeat purchase, delivering restaurant-style results from freezer to plate in about 10 minutes...

Captain D's Debuts Crispy Crunchy Shrimp for Lent

Captain D's introduces its new wonton-coated Crispy Crunchy Shrimp to cater to customers seeking meat alternatives during Lent. Available for a limited time until April 5, these shrimp can be enjoyed as part of the Crispy Crunchy Shrimp & Fish Meal, priced at $5.99 as part of Captain D's Full Meal Deals. These meals include hush puppies and a choice of classic side.

Guests can also opt for the 8 Pc Crispy Crunchy Shrimp & 2 Pc Fish Meal or the Ultimate Seafood Platter featuring Crispy...

Proximar Seafood Projects Solid 2026 Outlook Amid Initial Q1 Size Distribution Challenges

Proximar Seafood said it has seen “positive biological developments” across most of its production, with the company expecting increased harvest weights and a solid 2026 outlook, according to a February 9 production update.

Proximar is a Norwegian land-based salmon farmer with a production facility in Japan. The company estimated harvest volumes of 3,500-4,5000 metric tons HOG in 2026.

“We are encouraged by the performance we are seeing, and the improvements we have made are clearly showing positive effects on growth...

Recall Alert Following Illness Linked to S&M Shellfish Co Oysters

The California Department of Public Health announced a recall initiated by S&M Shellfish Co on February 3 due to a reported illness following the consumption of their product.

The recall affects Kusshi, Chrome Point, Stellar Bay, and Stella Bay Gold Oysters harvested on January 26 and January 29. These oysters were distributed to retailers across several states, including California.

The Shellfish Tag ID provides the following details: the original harvester/producer is BC 0741 SS, with a WS Certification Number 1D47, and the...

SalMar Achieves Record Harvest and Cost Efficiency in Q4 2025 Amid Strong Operational Performance

SalMar delivered strong operational performance in the fourth quarter, setting a record harvest of 300,900 tonnes and achieving lower costs across its value chain, driven by continued solid operational and biological performance in Norway. Results were partly offset by a weak contribution from Scottish Sea Farms.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, Norway achieved an operational EBIT of NOK 1,843 million with a harvest of 80,300 tonnes, resulting in an operational EBIT of NOK 23.0 per...

Access, Concentration, and Risk: The New Structure of Global Crab Trade

The 2026 global crab market is increasingly defined by concentration and control. Two dominant poles now shape global trade flows: the United States, which has consolidated its position as the world’s premier destination for king and snow crab, and China, which continues to absorb the majority of Russian live production at record levels. In this environment, competitive advantage is no longer driven by tonnage alone, but by secure access, disciplined inventory management, and credible supply chains.

This concentration has left secondary markets—particularly in Asia—more exposed to currency...

President Trump Restores Commercial Fishing Access to Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Monument

Just before the weekend, President Trump signed a proclamation restoring commercial fishing access to all 4,913 square miles of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, which is located off the New England coast.

The President is committed to removing what he describes as "unnecessary restrictions" on American fishermen. He says this move will strengthen the US economy, support coastal communities, and restore fairness in the industry.

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was established in 2016 by President Obama, banning commercial fishing...

Boston Sword & Tuna, Vikenco Settle Litigation, Confirm Ongoing Partnership

Boston Sword & Tuna (BST) resolved its litigation against the Norwegian salmon company Vikenco AS, the companies announced in a joint statement on February 5.

The resolution will see the long-standing partnership between the two firms remain in place. The settlement will resolve all claims between the parties, with no admissions of liability or wrongdoing by either party.

In April 2025, BST and its parent company, Fortune International, filed a lawsuit against a former employee and Vikenco North America.

The legal complaint, filed on April 29, 2025...

Norway's Annual Salmon Mortality Rate Dips Below 15% for First Time in Several Years

The annual mortality rate (mortality risk) for farmed salmon in Norway finished 2025 at an estimated 14.2%, down from 15.4% a year ago and 16.7% in 2023, according to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. This marks the first time the rate has fallen below 15% in several years.

The calculations were based on monthly records of the number of dead and live fish that farmers reported to Norwegian authorities, the institute explained.

“Several players have reported lower loss figures in 2025 and the Veterinary Institute's calculations support...

Atlantic Sapphire Seeks Up to $25 Million to Sustain Phase 1 Turnaround Toward EBITDA Breakeven

Atlantic Sapphire ASA outlined a financing plan to support its ongoing Phase 1 turnaround and target EBITDA breakeven, according to a February 5 update. The company says it is evaluating funding options of roughly USD 15–25 million to underpin continued execution across production, processing and commercial operations and to ensure liquidity headroom through the planning horizon.

Over the last 18 months, Atlantic Sapphire has pursued a broad-based operational overhaul, reporting tangible gains in harvest biomass (4,365 tons HOG in 2024 to...

ANALYSIS: US Groundfish Imports Show November Gains but Yearly Deficits Keep Prices Firm

November import data reveals a groundfish market marked by uneven month-over-month gains and persistent structural supply constraints. While cod and pollock experienced monthly increases in shipments, year-to-date volumes remain significantly lower than 2024, reinforcing upward price momentum in twice-frozen Atlantic and Pacific cod loins...

New Coalition Calls on Administration to Safeguard USMCA, Highlighting Ag and Seafood Stakes

The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA, backed by 40 farm and agricultural groups, launched today with a new website and an ad blitz in Washington DC as it pushes to defend and strengthen the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of the Trump administration's July 2026 review.

The new coalition aims to highlight the USMCA's critical importance to the US farm economy and to call for its renewal with ag-targeted improvements.

“USMCA is one of President Trump’s...

Rabobank: Salmon Supply Growth to Stall, Tariffs, Trade Shifts to Drive Shrimp Volume

Resilient consumer demand is keeping prices firm across major aquaculture species as 2026 gets underway, even with constrained supply, shifting trade flows, and geopolitical uncertainty continuing to test seafood markets around the world, according to Rabobank’s latest Global Aquaculture Update.

“While inflation has eased in major economies, supporting demand, the industry still faces headwinds from macroeconomic uncertainty, evolving tariff regimes, and climate‑related pressures,” said Novel Sharma, Seafood analyst at RaboResearch.

Farmed salmon input is expected to largely stall in 2026, with a potential...

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun Named to Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026

Red Lobster's CEO, Damola Adamolekun, has been named to the Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026. The list highlights 50 individuals who are “reshaping how America thinks, works, connects and creates.” The publication said those included will define the stories of 2026.

Adamolekun, 36, has already made a significant impact at Red Lobster. He spearheaded a major menu update, including a renewed focus on seafood boils and revamped promotions. He was first named CEO in September 2024, ushering in a new era for the seafood...

Safe Catch Makes its Way to the Freezer Aisle with New Fish Nuggets

Safe Catch is expanding its footprint beyond shelf-stable seafood and into the freezer aisle with the launch of frozen seafood nuggets, marking a new chapter for the brand known for its focus on purity and transparency.

"This launch is a significant milestone for Safe Catch," said Sean Wittenberg, Safe Catch co-founder and CEO. "Bringing our first frozen product to Sam’s Club nationwide allows us to meet families where they already shop, while maintaining the standards that have defined our...

Russia Maintains Crab Exports to China as US Market Remains Closed

Russia continues to supply crab to China from its Northern Basin amid limited export options, particularly to the US and the EU.

According to the Russian agricultural regulator Rosselkhoznadzor, in January 2026, about 27 tonnes of live crab from the Murmansk region were shipped to China. For the entirety of 2025, approximately 530 tonnes of live crab were exported to China from the Russian North, with a significant portion transported by air due to the long distance.

These volumes are significantly lower...

Icelandic Salmon Finishes 2025 With Q4 Operational Profit, Full-Year Loss Narrows

Icelandic Salmon reported improved operational performance in Q4 2025, delivering an operational EBIT of EUR 2.6 million ($3.1 million) on a harvest of 3,800mt (gwt), helping the group finish the quarter in positive territory after a challenging year. Harvest for 2025 totaled 12,700 mt, versus guidance of 13,000 mt (300 mt moved into Jan 2026). Full‑year EBIT remained negative at EUR -18.1 million.

Operational cost cuts implemented in Q3 helped reduce cost levels in Q4, while biomass in sea reached an all‑time high of about 18,000mt...

MSC: 90 Percent of US Fisheries Meet Sustainable Standards; Highlights MSC-Certified SCEMFIS Members

Last week, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) highlighted the sustainability of U.S. fisheries with new data from 2025 showing that, by volume, 90 percent of the U.S. catch is MSC-certified and meets the organization’s sustainability guidelines. Among the organizations highlighted are industry members of the Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS).

SCEMFIS, a member of the National Science Foundation's Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers program, brings together marine scientists and members of the commercial fishing and wind energy...

ANALYSIS: US Squid Imports Plunge in November as Buyers Await Indian Tariff Clarity

The U.S. squid market maintains a full steady to firm undertone, with elevated tariff structures across all major origins continuing to constrain supply channels and support pricing. The confirmation of Indian squid tariff reductions from 50% to 18% has introduced substantial change to the industry's competitive landscape, with India positioned to regain more competitive pricing against competing suppliers...

New York Man Charged in Snow Crab, Blueberries Heist After Allegedly Hacking Trucking Company Emails

A New York man was arrested and charged with allegedly hacking into the email accounts of trucking companies and using them to book cargo shipments containing snow crab, blueberries, and designer cologne and selling them for profit

Romoy Forbes, a Jamaican National residing in Deer Park, NY, was charged with interstate transportation of stolen goods and conspiracy to commit that offense, according to the US Attorney's Office of the District of Massachusetts. He was arrested in Long Island, NY and...

Japan: 2025 Fishery Product Imports Fell by 3% in Volume; Pollock Surimi up 36% from Russia, Down 11% from the US 

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on January 29th, the volume of marine product imports in 2025 (preliminary figures, including seafood and seafood preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) decreased 3% from the previous year to 2,024,014 tons, while import value increased 4% to 2,381,400,000 yen ($15,175,740.60). Fresh and frozen tuna increased 6% to 186,362 tons, fresh and frozen salmon and trout remained the same as the previous year at 219,397 tons, and sea urchin...

Bakkafrost Reports Financial Pressures in Q4 2025 Linked to Salmon Oversupply

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Bakkafrost demonstrated solid operational resilience despite confronting unsatisfactory financial results driven by a substantial increase in the global salmon supply. This oversupply affected market prices, further complicating financial performance. The group's focus on biological control and strategic investments has strengthened its operational groundwork, allowing it to weather these challenging market conditions.

Performance across regions indicated mixed results. The Faroe Islands saw notable financial growth with revenues reaching DKK 1,544 million, a significant increase from the previous...

Kroger Names Ex-Walmart Executive as its New CEO

Kroger has announced the appointment of Greg Foran as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Ron Sargent, who has been serving as interim CEO since March of last year.

"Greg is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large-scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution, and lead high-performing teams," said Sargent. "His leadership style, focus on the customer, commitment to associates, and disciplined approach to execution are the perfect fit for Kroger. The Board is confident Greg is the right leader to guide Kroger into its next chapter."

Ecuador Pushes US Negotiations Amid Potential Shrimp Shift Back to India After Tariff Cut

Following the recent India-US trade agreement lowering shrimp tariffs, Jose Antonio Camposano, head of Ecuador's National Aquaculture Chamber, urged renewed trade negotiations with the US to safeguard the country's position in its top shrimp export market.

“This is crucial for shrimp, which accounts for 30% of our non-oil exports to that market. Taking full advantage of all negotiation opportunities is key to consolidating and expanding the space gained in that strategic destination,” Camposano wrote on social media platform X on February 2...

Surimi Producer Trans-Ocean Products Appoints Chris Cameron as President

Trans-Oceans Products, a US-based surimi producer, announced the appointment of Chris Cameron as its new President.

Cameron assumed the role of head of the firm, which is owned by the Japanese seafood giant Maruha Nichiro, on January 1, 2026. Cameron succeeds Murry Park, who served as President and CEO of the company since 2014.

"I'm honored to step into the role of President and build on the strong foundation that has made Trans-Ocean a leader in the surimi seafood category," said Cameron...

The Curse and the Blessing of Diverse Fisheries For Communities that Rim Alaska’s Bering Sea

In Anchorage this week and next, the federal, state, and local fisheries managers, industry stakeholders, and scientists are addressing ways to reduce chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea trawl fishery. Hundreds of miles away in communities that rim the Bering Sea from Bethel to Nome, and along the two river systems that feed the Bering Sea, the Yukon and Kuskokwim, residents are also grappling with chum bycatch off their shores, and how much it may be impacting the disappearance of chum from the rivers...