ANALYSIS: MMPA and Its Implications for US Crab Meat Supply and Pricing

Regulatory uncertainty and shifting supply dynamics are reshaping the US seafood market, with the blue and red swimming crab meat segments at the forefront. NOAA Fisheries’ comparability findings under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), paired with an upcoming enforcement window for January 1, 2026, have created a near-term regulatory backdrop that could materially affect access to foreign crab meat supplies. The ruling requires foreign fisheries to meet US marine mammal protection standards or risk losing export access. That framework places significant pressure on exporters to demonstrate...

FISH Act Passes in Senate, Will Strengthen US Policy Against Illegal Foreign Seafood Harvests

Last Tuesday, Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) saw their legislation against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing pass the full Senate as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) introduced last July.

The Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act, co-sponsored by Sens. Murkowski (R-AK), Wicker (R-MS), Graham (R-SC), Merkley (D-OR), Blunt (D-DE), Coons (D-DE), and Kennedy (R-LA), would combat foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing...

Rapid Biomass Drop Triggers Interim TAC Cut for Georges Bank Scallops

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)’s stock assessment for sea scallops in Scallop Fishing Area 27A (Georges Bank) paints a cautious picture for one of the region’s higher‑value shellfish resources.

The species has shown signs of decline due to natural predators (sea stars and crabs), with the species' fully-recruited biomass at 13,570 metric tons (mt) in 2024, down by over half of 2023’s 31,095mt.

The assessment, therefore, places the stock in the “healthy” zone on the reference point scale; however, the rapid single-year decline...

ASMFC Lobster Stock Assessment: Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank Not Depleted but Overfishing Rising

A stock assessment found that the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank (GOM/GBK) is not depleted but has dipped 34% since peak levels in 2018, and overfishing is taking place. Meanwhile, the Southern New England (SNE) stock remains “significantly depleted,” with record-low abundances for all life stages in recent years.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)’s American Lobster Management Board received the results this week.

“The Benchmark Stock Assessment is a considerable advancement in our understanding US American lobster resource...

Japan: September Imports up 15% to JPY 169.5 Billion; Frozen Coho Surged 51%, Sockeye Dropped by 46%

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on October 30, Japan's imports of fishery products (preliminary figures, including fish and shellfish and their preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) in September decreased by 2% year-on-year to 161,274 tons, while the value increased by 15% to 169.494 billion yen ($1.1 billion). Imports of fresh and frozen tuna increased by 34% to 18,330 tons, and salmon and trout increased by 4% to 13,839 tons, but shrimp decreased by 12%...

Stolt Sea Farm Plans New 21,500‑sqm Facility in Spain to Expand Processing, R&D

Land-based aquaculture firm Stolt Sea Farm announced that it will build a food processing and research and development center in Rianxo, A Coruña, Spain on October 29. 

The start of construction on the new centre was officially celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony on the site last week, where the team welcomed guests including the President of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, alongside key representatives from Rianxo and Galicia’s local government, the company shared in a press release. 

Stolt Sea Farm, known for farming...

Russia, Japan Log Progress on Fisheries Cooperation Amid Ongoing Tensions 

Two delegations recently discussed joint catch and management of fish and seafood resources, with particular attention paid to studying existing stocks of salmon, saury, mackerel, sardine, and several other species.

According to Alexey Baitalyuk, PhD, Deputy Director of VNIRO, one of Russia’s leading research institutions in fisheries, the planned expansion of cooperation will involve mutual data exchange, with a focus on the North Pacific region.

Russia has confirmed plans to observe the moratorium on pollock fishing in the central Okhotsk and Bering Seas to help restore fish stocks...

Hofseth has Successfully Issued a EUR 300 Million Senior Secured Green Bond

Hofseth has today achieved a transformational refinancing of its capital structure through the issuance of a EUR 300 million 1st lien senior secured green bond with a 5-year tenor (the "New Bonds") to institutional investors.

The net proceeds from the issuance of the New Bonds will be applied for eligible green projects in accordance with the Company's Green Financing Framework.

This strategic refinancing contributes towards a reduction in the Group’s average interest cost, extends the average maturity of its long-term interest-bearing debt, improves it’s interest...

Atlantic Menhaden Board Cuts Catch Limits 20% on Declining Stock 

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Menhaden Board met yesterday to address a 30% decline in the Atlantic menhaden population and to set reduced catch limits for 2026. The board voted to reduce 2026 commercial catch by 20%, not the 50% advocated by hundreds of stakeholders or the “no more than 10%” advocated by members of the reduction fleet. 

Atlantic menhaden is a forage fish that feeds half a dozen species of commercial or recreational importance, chief among them striped bass, but also osprey, bluefish, spiny dogfish, whales, and bait...

Publix Advances Ocean Stewardship with Milestone Donation to SFP 

Publix demonstrated its continued support of environmental stewardship through its latest actions. The company is celebrating National Seafood Month alongside reaching a donation milestone to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), which aims to protect ocean systems, rebuild fish populations, and support commercial fishers.

"Publix is proud to support SFP to bring sustainable seafood options to our customers while protecting the ecosystem and supporting those who fish,” said Guy Pizzuti, Publix Business Development Director of Seafood. “We look forward to our continued collaboration to make a difference in seafood sustainability."

Gopuff Eases SNAP Strain with $10 Million Relief Initiative

According to NBC News on October 28, over 40 million people in the United States rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Amid the Government Shutdown, the US Department of Agriculture has indicated that millions face suspension of these payments starting November 1.

In response, Gopuff is stepping in to provide relief to those affected. The company is dedicated to combating food insecurity and improving access to essential food items. Since 2019, Gopuff has partnered with Feeding America, contributing over 1.1 million pounds of...

ANALYSIS: Ecuador Shrimp Exports Hold Firm as US Share Climbs; Tariff Developments in Focus

Ecuador’s September export data shows a continued rebalancing of global demand. The US has grown its share to roughly 19–23% depending on the measure, with Europe also advancing into the low- to mid‑20% range, while Asia’s portion has contracted compared to last year. On a commercial‑weight basis, September volumes are strong, and yield‑adjusted figures could make this the highest September on record. The US presence is even larger when peeled product is factored in, adding an estimated 25–30% to official figures...

ASMFC Elects Daniel McKiernan as Chair

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) expressed gratitude to Joseph Cimino of New Jersey following his successful two-year term as Chair. Member states have elected Daniel McKiernan of Massachusetts as his successor. McKiernan is a dedicated advocate for conservation and responsible fisheries management across commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as the broader seafood industry.

"I’m honored to be chosen by my fellow Commissioners to lead our efforts for the next two years. One of my priorities will be to work with my colleagues in the...

Russia to Deploy Modern Crab Catchers as It Expands Domestic Crab Production

Russia plans to increase its crab catch in the coming years using the most modern crab catchers, the construction of which is currently underway. Despite current difficulties with building new ships for Russian crab producers, the work is proceeding, primarily at domestic shipyards.

During the Soviet era, the fleet relied heavily on foreign technology, but in recent years Russian shipyards specializing in crab-catching vessels have significantly improved their capabilities. Western sanctions have disrupted supplies of some key technologies and equipment used in fleet construction, but progress continues...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Rush Builds Amid Tight Turkey Supplies

As November approaches, the holiday retail rush is underway, and all eyes are on the season’s centerpiece: turkey. Tight supplies and near-record wholesale prices have shaped this year’s turkey market, stirring concerns about Thanksgiving availability.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, has intensified supply pressures, with cold storage inventories at near historic lows. Many processors are reporting major production shortages heading into the holiday season as the number of turkeys harvested year-to-date hovers at an all-time low, according to Expana's market reporters...

Cuba Mobilizes Agriculture Sector as Hurricane Melissa Hits

Cuba’s Ministry of Agriculture ordered emergency measures on Tuesday for farms in the Guantánamo to Camagüey regions to protect food supplies, livestock and infrastructure as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall today (October 29).

The ministry said emergency measures include moving animals from low-lying areas, safeguarding feed, fertilizers and pesticides, harvesting at-risk crops, and protecting tobacco production, and beehives. Authorities will prioritize water, food, and primary health care access, and maintain milk collection and distribution. Drones will be used for reconnaissance in low-visibility or hard-to-reach areas.

Sysco Posts Mixed Q1 Results, Reiterates Full-Year Guidance

Today, Sysco Corp. posted mixed results in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Its report showed an increase in sales while several GAAP profitability measures slipped and adjusted results improved.

For the 13 weeks ended Sept. 27, 2025, sales increased 3.2% to $21.1 billion. Gross profit rose 3.9% to $3.9 billion and gross margin widened 13 basis points to 18.5%. Sysco said product cost inflation was about 3.4%, driven largely by meat and seafood.

GAAP operating income fell 1.0% to $800 million, while adjusted operating...

State Pushes Ahead With North Yuba Salmon Reintroduction in Second Year of Effort

The only thing scary about reintroducing salmon in a historic river system habitat is whether it will work. So far, efforts to do just that in the North Yuba River have succeeded. 

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and its partners have initiated a second year of spring-run Chinook salmon in the North Yuba River. 

Roughly 350,000 spring-run Chinook salmon eggs were collected and fertilized recently at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville. The eggs will be hydraulically injected into...

FFAW‑Unifor Urges Federal Aid for Sea Cucumber Harvesters Hit by China’s 25% Tariff

The Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor) urged fisheries minister Joanne Thompson and Sean Fraser, the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), to provide support for sea cucumber harvesters impacted by China’s 25% tariffs on Canadian seafood.

The union said that the ACOA needs to adjust its parameters for support eligibility for harvesters that lost “the bulk” of their 2025 fishing season due to the tariffs.

“Current tariff relief programs for businesses inexplicably exclude owner-operator fish harvesters...

Canada Presents Scientific Insights On North Atlantic Right Whales and Their Potential for Recovery

On October 29, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) scientists presented a comprehensive update of the latest scientific knowledge of North Atlantic right whales (NARW) and their potential for recovery to stakeholders and interested Canadians.

This review was conducted by DFO as part of a Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) for NARW, assessing a broad range of topics including population status, abundance and distribution, habitat requirements, threats, and recovery targets.

The research found:

• Known feeding areas for NARW have expanded to as far...

ANALYSIS: Indonesia Shipments Ease Supply Risks; Retail Shrimp Sales Flat Despite Tariffs

The release of Indonesian containers bound for the US offers short-term relief from anticipated Q4 supply constraints, though incomplete August import data leaves some uncertainty about overall availability. If volumes prove lighter once data is finalized, tightening could still occur and influence procurement strategies late in the year.

Circana’s retail data indicates sales have remained statistically flat since the first tariff announcement in April, with no significant change in unit movement over the past three years. Revenue gains recorded in 2025 are primarily price‑driven...

AquaBounty Posts Q3 Loss, Secures Ohio RAS Farm Permits

Land-based salmon farmer AquaBounty Technologies reported continued losses during the third quarter in its latest financial results. At the same time, the company landed approval for its Ohio facility.

AquaBounty, which produces genetically modified salmon, continued to face financial headwinds, as the company hasn’t operated a farm since December 2024. The firm reported a net loss of $1.4 million in Q3, compared with $3.4 million in Q3 2024.

The company said it received a wastewater discharge permit for its Ohio farm, along with additional approvals...

Congress Unveil the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act 

In a bipartisan effort to enhance marine conservation, Congressmen Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Mike Ezell (R-MS), and Marc Veasey (D-TX) unveiled the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act (H.R. 5745). This legislation encourages the protection of the environment and the careful dismantling of offshore oil and gas platforms. This legislation will provide further federal assistance to help transform more decommissioned oil rigs into artificial reefs, conserving marine ecosystems and benefiting the fishing sector.

"The Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act is a smart, science-backed solution...

The Winding Glass: Alaska Fisheries Face Crisis due to Gov’t Shutdown

December is the most important meeting of the year for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Quotas are set for all Alaskan species under federal management, with the pollock and cod fisheries beginning the following month. Federal staff are furloughed, data work has stopped, and NMFS warns that a shutdown lasting more than two weeks could force precautionary quotas or missed deadlines for next year’s TACs. The shutdown is now approaching 30 days.

This disruption comes on top of the already severe erosion of NOAA personnel...

ANALYSIS: Rising Prices Amid Declining Quotas for Norwegian Cod 

The Norwegian cod price continues to trend higher at the end of 2025, as previous analyses indicate that one of the main drivers of this historic price level is the reduced quotas in Norway, Russia, and Iceland.

Historically, the price peak has occurred in October, and this year is no exception. Currently, Norwegian cod is valued at NOK 89.74 per kilogram ($8.97/kg, €7.70/kg) (Figure 1). The October level reflects a year-on-year (YOY) price increase of 27.2% and a...

Pacific Seafood Appoints Matt Clark Vice President of Finance and Administration

Pacific Seafood has appointed Matt Clark as Vice President of Finance and Administration. In this role, Clark will oversee finance and administrative functions for the company’s vertically integrated business and provide strategic leadership to support growth and efficiency.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the Pacific Seafood leadership team,” said Frank Dulcich, president and CEO of Pacific Seafood. “His decades of financial leadership experience, combined with his strategic vision and deep Pacific Northwest roots, make him the ideal leader to help...

2025 Maine Scallop License Lottery Winners Announced

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) has announced the latest winners of the state’s scallop license lotteries. The winners include the following:

• Drag Licenses
• Maxmilian Bogdanovich, Scarborough
• Morgan Wood, Marshfield
• Logan Alley, Jonesport
• Jared Taylor, Cutler
• Mccabe Burch, Thomaston
• Phillip Spearing, Owls Head
• Tyler Sukeforth, South Thomaston
• Geoffrey Barrett, North Haven
• Travis Atwood, Orland
• Joseph Locurto, Steuben
• Christopher Mcintire, Orrs Island
• Timothy Morgan, Pembroke
• Justin Wright, Machiaspoprt
• Jeffrey Conant, Harpswell
• Dive Licenses
• Matthew Garvey, Surry
• Joseph Baranello, Seal Cove
• Chris Burke, Ellsworth
• Nathan Matthews, Trescott...

Grubhub Partners with Instacart to Expand Grocery Options on Its Platform

Grubhub and Instacart are teaming up to bring a wider selection of grocers, greater convenience, and even better value to Grubhub's customers. Through this new partnership, Grubhub customers can order from Instacart's network of more than a thousand national, regional, and local grocery retailers directly through Grubhub's app and website.

The experience is hosted on Grubhub's platform, and orders are fulfilled and delivered by Instacart shoppers. To start shopping, customers tap the Grocery icon in the Grubhub app, select a nearby store, add...

2025 Alaska Symphony of Seafood Announces Award Winners

Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) hosted the 2025 Alaska Symphony of Seafood, its annual competition highlighting creativity and excellence in product development and innovation.

"It’s inspiring to see the creativity and innovation shown by this year’s winners,” Kristy Clement, CEO of AFDF, said. “Each product carries the spirit of Alaska — one built on community, pride and excellence."

The event reflects the organization’s commitment to quality and sustainability and was made possible by sponsors including: Captain Sponsor Marine Stewardship Council; Spotlight Sponsor Holland America Line; and Highliner Sponsors Alaska...

Russian PCA Exported 500 MT of Pollock Roe to China Under MOU with China’s CAPPMA

The Russian Pollock Fishermen's Association recently announced that this year's exports of pollock roe to China have exceeded 500 tons. Since China has virtually no culture of eating pollock, the association is actively working to develop the Chinese market, Minato Shimbun reported.

According to the Hokkaido Trawl Fisheries Cooperative Federation, the 2024 export volume of Russian pollock roe is approximately 37,000 tons, roughly the same level as the previous year. The majority is destined for Japan and South Korea...