NL and Seafood Industry Seeks Federal Support to Maintain Marine Atlantic's Essential Service Status

The Newfoundland and Labrador provincial government has called for federal help to ensure the Marine Atlantic ferry service remains an "essential service" within the province.

NL Premier Tony Wakeham wrote to the federal Minister of Transport to express concern over an application currently before the Canada Industrial Relations Board that would reconsider Marine Atlantic's "essential service" designation.

"Marine Atlantic is more than a ferry service. It is a critical supply chain and transportation link for Newfoundland and Labrador, and the primary means of moving essential...

Norwegian Seafood Exports Face Continued US Market Pressure in May

Norwegian seafood exports declined 1% in May to NOK 13.4 billion, marking the fourth month of value decline in 2026 as US market losses and quota-driven volume reductions continue to pressure the industry.

US Market Losses Mount

The United States remains Norway's most challenging export market, with May exports falling NOK 363 million to NOK 992 million, a 27% decline from May 2025. The US has now become Norway's third-largest market, down from previous rankings.

"The US market has seen the sharpest decline...

ANALYSIS: Copper River Sockeye Prices Decline Faster Than Last Year

Early Copper River market behavior continues to follow a familiar seasonal path, with initial scarcity-driven premiums giving way to lower pricing as additional fish enter the pipeline. Last week’s trade already showed the market beginning to normalize after the opening rush, and the latest quotations suggest that the correction has continued as expected.

For 4–6 lb. whole Copper River sockeye, the reported average price moved from $16.00/lb on 26-May to $12.00/lb on 28-May, before falling again to $10.00/lb on...

Trump Customs Order Tightens US Import Scrutiny as Tariff Fight Broadens

On June 3, US President Trump signed an executive order on customs enforcement that broadens the US trade crackdown beyond tariff rates and into the mechanics of how goods enter the country, according to the White House document.

The US President signed the order while all eyes were watching USTR Section 301 announcements, checking tariff exceptions, and anticipating the US tariff schedule as the trade team readies to switch from current Section 122 duties to Section 301 measures aimed to bring “reciprocal” tariff rates back to life.

Chile Posts 13% Fisheries Growth in 2025 as Jack Mackerel, Sardine Surge; Salmon Dominates Farming

Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) reported total sector landings of 4.51 million tons in 2025, marking a 13% increase from the previous year as both wild-capture and farmed production expanded across major species categories.

The annual statistics, released on June 3, show that industrial fishing contributed 1.27 million tons, while artisanal operations landed 1.72 million tons. Aquaculture harvests reached 1.53 million tons, with the combined sectors reflecting broad-based growth across Chile's fishing regions...

USDA Awards $848,160 Catfish Contract to Single Mississippi Producer

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded its 192,000-pound catfish procurement to Consolidated Catfish Producers LLC of Isola, Mississippi, for $848,160, following a solicitation that drew seven bidder responses.

The May 21 award covers 152,000 pounds of unbreaded raw catfish fillets at $4.08 per pound and 40,000 pounds of breaded oven-ready catfish strips at $5.70 per pound. Deliveries will run from July 1 through November 30, 2026, serving domestic food distribution programs across multiple states...

Nissui Raises Shipping Prices Up to 30% on Frozen Foods, Fish Products

Japanese seafood giant Nissui announced June 1 that it will increase shipping prices on household frozen foods, processed fish products, and commercial frozen foods effective September 1, 2026.

The price increases range from 2% to 30%, depending on product category, with household processed foods, including chikuwa, crab-flavored kamaboko, and fish sausage, seeing 5-17% increases. Household prepared frozen foods and frozen agricultural products will increase 2-17%, while some commercial frozen foods face increases of up to 30%...

Industry Applauds FDA Approval of "Golden Sea Bream" Marketing Name for Rhode Island Scup

The US Food and Drug Administration will allow scup caught in Rhode Island waters to be marketed as "Golden Sea Bream," a change expected to boost marketability and profitability for local fishermen.

Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) secured the approval through language included in the FY26 Agriculture appropriations bill signed into law earlier this year. The FDA subsequently confirmed "Golden Sea Bream" as an acceptable market name, with the update reflected in the July 2026 Seafood List publication...

Russia's Pacific Capelin Catch Surges 62% Above Entire 2025 Total

Russia is experiencing a Pacific capelin catch boom this year, with January–May catches exceeding 2025 totals by more than 62%.

Catch volumes reached 13,000 tons, according to the All-Russian Association of Fishery Producers (VARPE). By comparison, 2025's total catch was 7,600 tons, down 23% year-on-year and marking a ten-year low.

Aleksandr Savelyev, head of the Russian Fisheries Information Agency, told Russian business paper Kommersant the catch increase stems primarily from growing capelin stocks. He noted that capelin populations fluctuate annually depending on natural and...

Fresh Promotions Power Summer Traffic Push Across Foodservice

Summer marketing is heating up across foodservice, with major chains leaning into value, nostalgia, loyalty and limited‑time offers to drive traffic amid cautious consumer spending. This week’s roundup highlights gamified rewards programs, family‑focused promotions and global sports tie‑ins, alongside notable menu upgrades centered on sourcing and sustainability. The update also covers strategic moves shaping the industry, from franchise expansion and new delivery integrations to heightened regulatory scrutiny and potential M&A activity as restaurant operators navigate shifting demand and competitive...

Quinlan Sues Newfoundland Government Over 2024 Seizure of $500K Worth of Crab

Canadian seafood processor Quinlan has filed suit in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador against the province's Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, seeking damages from the seizure and destruction of snow crab in July 2024.

The lawsuit alleges government officials acted "without lawful authority" when they seized and destroyed approximately 52,000 pounds of processed crab ready for market, causing substantial financial losses estimated at $500,000 and significant harm to the company's reputation.

"This action is not about the current government, and it should not come...

ANALYSIS: Vietnam Shrimp Exports Rebound in Q1, Driven by China Demand and Seasonal Recovery

Vietnam’s shrimp exports delivered a solid performance in the first quarter, with volumes rising 11.4% year‑on‑year to 66,890 metric tonnes and export value increasing 8.7% to USD 534.4 million.

Growth was driven primarily by China, where Vietnamese shrimp demand surged 42.4% year‑on‑year over the quarter. In March alone, shipments to China nearly doubled, climbing from 2,639 MT last year to 5,724 MT (+46.1%). China accounted for 19% of Vietnam’s total shrimp exports in Q1. The EU‑UK market represented...

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Boston Importer and Georgia Processor Over HACCP Violations

The FDA has issued warning letters to two seafood companies, citing violations of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations that could result in product seizures and facility shutdowns.

Stavis Seafoods Cited for Import Verification Failures

Boston-based Stavis Seafoods, LLC received an April 15 warning letter following February inspections that found the importer failed to implement required verification steps for ensuring imported frozen aquaculture salmon fillets comply with HACCP regulations.

The FDA determined that Stavis lacked "affirmative steps...

Brim Sells Polar Seafood Denmark Stake for $144M

Iceland's Brim sold its 50% stake in Polar Seafood Denmark A/S to co-owner Polar Seafood Greenland for DKK 925 million ($144 million), the company announced June 3.

Brim initially purchased the stake in the Danish seafood sales, processing and export company in 2022 for DKK 625 million, generating a DKK 300 million gain on the sale. The companies will continue working closely together despite the transaction, Brim said.

Separately, Brim sold its 43% stake in Icelandic fishing company Melnes in Rif on the Snæfellsnes peninsula to KG Fiskverkun...

Elspeth Macdonald to Retire as Chief Executive of Scottish Fishermen's Federation

The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) has announced that its chief executive, Elspeth Macdonald, will retire from the organisation in March 2027 after a distinguished career representing Scotland's fishing industry.

She took up the role in 2019 and quickly became one of the most influential and respected voices in the UK seafood sector, representing the interests of Scotland's fishermen through a period of profound change and challenge.

Her time in the role has spanned major developments including the UK's departure from the European Union, the negotiation and implementation of new...

Agricultural Coalition Urges USMCA Renewal as Trade Negotiations Begin

As trade negotiations between the US, Canada, and Mexico begin, the Agricultural Coalition for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) organized a letter to trade leaders in all three countries urging renewal and strengthening of the trade pact.

The letter, signed by nearly 160 organizations in the agri-food sector, was sent to Ambassador Jamieson Greer at the Office of the US Trade Representative, Canada-US Trade Representative Dominic LeBlanc, and Mexico's Secretary of the Economy, Marcelo Ebrard.

"[USMCA] strengthens the resilience of our integrated agricultural markets...

CDFW Investigation Nets Major Penalties for Restaurant's False Seafood Sourcing Claims

An upscale restaurant, part oyster bar, part local seafood advocate, a coffee cafe during the day, and a wine bar at night, complete with their own wine subscription service, was investigated for fraud, false advertising, and fishing violations, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated in a bulletin released yesterday.

The investigation led by CDFW resulted in charges of unlawfully selling seafood while advertising its products as traceable, sustainable and lawfully sourced. The investigation found repeated violations of state and federal commercial fishing laws in 2020 and 2021...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending June 5, 2026

As the Iran war heads into its fourth month, Hezbollah rejected a US-brokered ceasefire proposal in Lebanon, while Israel said it would continue operations and not withdraw troops, despite Trump’s claims of progress toward a wider regional peace effort involving Iran.

Meanwhile, fighting and strikes continue across Lebanon, Gaza, and the Gulf region, with tensions persisting around key energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Below is Expana’s weekly summary of the war’s most significant effects on global commodities. For the latest real-time updates, follow the Middle East Conflict tag...

House Bill Would Subject Marine Monument Fishing to Magnuson-Stevens Rules

The House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries examined legislation on June 3 that would require fishing in marine national monuments to follow federal fisheries management standards, along with measures expanding Alaska Native sea otter harvesting rights and Gulf state waters.

Rep. Amata Coleman Radewagen's (R-American Samoa) H.R. 8904 would codify that fishing in marine national monuments designated under the Antiquities Act must be regulated under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The measure aims to maintain US fisheries management standards while ensuring responsible access to resources...

Japan: Alaska Black Cod Price Has Risen 22% Year-On-Year

The domestic market price of 4/5-pound black cod from Alaska rose from approximately 1,800 yen/kg ($11.25/kg) to 2,200 yen/kg ($13.75/kg) this spring. This is believed to be due to producers' demands for price increases in recent years, as well as the general rise in prices of fatty fish species. Looking ahead, "there are many uncertain factors, and it's impossible to predict until autumn deepens," according to a distributor, reported Minato Shimbun. 

Japan is a major consumer of US black cod...

Russia Targets US, China Market Share in Japanese Fish Imports

Russia hopes to further increase fish and seafood exports to Japan, aiming to overtake major rivals—the US and China—in the coming years.

For 2026, Russia's fish exports to Japan decreased by 4% in volume during the January–April period, while revenue from those exports increased by 2% to US$249 million. Export volumes totaled 32,000 tons, according to the Russian Fish Union based on Japanese customs statistics.

Surimi shipments rose 5% to 8,000 tons and increased 20% in value to US$20 million. Pollock fillet...

FAIRR Seafood Benchmark Exposes Industry ESG Weaknesses, Pollution Risks

The $95 trillion FAIRR Initiative launched its inaugural Coller FAIRR Seafood Index, revealing significant environmental and social risk management gaps across the world's 20 largest listed seafood companies that supply major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Ahold Delhaize.

The benchmark assessed companies on 16 financially material topics, including modern slavery, pollution, food safety, and climate impacts, challenging positive perceptions of sustainability in the seafood sector and revealing weak corporate preparedness for mounting regulatory and litigation risks.

Companies demonstrated stronger performance on social issues, averaging 39/100, compared to environmental topics...

America Turns 250. Shuckin' Shack is Throwing the Party.

America is turning 250, and Shuckin' Shack, the 18-unit oyster bar franchise, is celebrating the only way it knows how: with cold drinks, hot food, fresh oysters and absolutely zero interest in doing anything halfway. Packed to the brim with seafood, burgers, BBQ, beer buckets, American cocktails and enough "Red, White & Blooze" energy to make a bald eagle shed a tear, Shuckin' Shack's Summer 2026 Campaign, kicking off June 1, is making beach-loving, oyster-shucking American dreams come true...

Oregon Coastal Lawmakers Urge DEQ to Ease Pressure on Pacific Seafood Amid $3.2M Fine

A bipartisan group of Oregon coastal lawmakers is asking the state's Department of Environmental Quality to ease regulatory pressure on Pacific Seafood, which faces a near-record $3.2 million fine for alleged wastewater violations.

In a May 20 letter to DEQ Director Leah Feldon, seven members of Oregon's Coastal Caucus expressed support for Pacific Seafood's appeal of the April penalties and requested that DEQ stay enforcement while the company challenges the fines.

The enforcement action targeted three Pacific Seafood facilities: $2.9 million against the Charleston...

USTR Proposes 25% Tariff on Brazil, Sparking Seafood Industry Concerns

The US Trade Representative (USTR) proposed a 25% tariff on Brazil, citing a Section 301 investigation that found unfair trade practices have burdened US businesses.

"Over the past year, President Trump and I have had several constructive meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his cabinet, which have accelerated in recent weeks," said Ambassador Jamieson Greer. "However, we continue to have substantial differences in resolving the issues identified in this investigation."

The announcement sparked immediate concern from Brazil's Peixe BR, the Brazilian Association of Fish Farming...

Japan's Import of Norwegian Mackerel Plummets 83% in April

The price of Norwegian mackerel continues to soar. Minato Shimbun reports that, according to domestic processing sources, "The price in Japan has exceeded 1,000 yen/kg ($6.25/kg). The new catch, which will be caught from August, will likely see further price increases," they warn. 

According to the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), mackerel exports in April continued their sharp decline, down 60% year-on-year to 3,952 tons and 34% to 217 million NOK ($23.35 million). The largest export destinations are the United States, Ukraine, and Vietnam...

National Fisheries Institute Expands Pipeline of Board-Ready Seafood Leaders

The nation's leading trade association for the seafood industry completed its second year of a visionary program to prepare seasoned seafood professionals to serve on corporate, nonprofit, community or national boards.  

Launched in 2025 as part of the National Fisheries Institute’s Strategic Plan, the program brought seafood leaders into boardrooms to help shape policy conversations, guide organizations, and advocate for the future of the industry,  all while bringing their expertise to the boardroom.  

“This program is developing a strong pipeline of leaders for the seafood ecosystem,” said Lisa Wallenda Picard...

USTR Proposes Sweeping Tariffs on Global Food Suppliers Over Forced Labor

The US Trade Representative (USTR) announced late Tuesday that the Trump administration will impose additional tariffs on imports from 60 key US trading partners, citing failures to prohibit goods produced with forced labor that create an "unlevel playing field" for American agricultural and food producers.

USTR proposed 10-12.5% additional duties on products from major food suppliers, including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, the European Union, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Australia, and China, following Section 301 investigations initiated in March 2026.

"The failure of our most important...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Models Recalibrated as Market Conditions Shift

Country-level import estimates utilize low, mid, and high ranges based on standard errors from each modeling approach. Given market softness observed since April and weakness emerging in late May through June, Expana's estimates have been recalibrated using different scenario settings to better align with current conditions.

Modeling scenarios and accuracy framework

Based on customs official data and a model with greater than 96% accuracy, the seasonal export-led model has been adjusted to "high" settings for closer alignment with observed patterns. Previously, mid or low settings were utilized, but...

Senators Question Seafood Certification Programs Over Safety Failures

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) are demanding answers from major seafood certification programs about recurring safety failures among certified processors, according to a May 27 letter campaign targeting industry leaders.

The senators sent letters to the Global Seafood Alliance, Marine Stewardship Council, and Aquaculture Stewardship Council, questioning how these programs address food safety gaps in certified supply chains. The inquiry stems from mounting evidence that certified processors continue shipping unsafe products to US consumers.

"Between August and October 2025, the FDA issued eight safety alerts on imported...