NOAA Grants Swimming Crab Import Access to Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka After Court-Ordered Review

NOAA Fisheries has granted comparability findings to swimming crab fisheries in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, allowing continued US imports from these countries while maintaining import restrictions on Philippines fisheries following a court-ordered reconsideration process.

The agency announced May 11 that it granted comparability findings to swimming crab fisheries in the three Asian nations after reviewing additional information submitted as part of the legal proceedings with the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and other industry groups that challenged...

ANALYSIS: Chilean Mussel Sector Adapts to Constrained Supply Environment

The Chilean mussel market is experiencing notable supply chain challenges, with availability constraints affecting multiple product categories throughout the current season. The industry is facing raw material shortages that have impacted market conditions across whole shell, half shell, and meat products.

Production schedules have been disrupted, with processors reporting extended lead times that exceed typical seasonal patterns. The situation has been particularly pronounced for...

Kodiak’s Early Season Salmon Fishing Curtailed to Protect Expected Low Return of Reds and Kings

Projected extremely low returns of both sockeye (red) and king (Chinook) salmon to the Karluk River on Kodiak Island’s west side are expected to keep the area closed from June 1 to July 5, 2026.  

“The Karluk River early-run sockeye salmon forecast is estimated to be 115,000 fish, which falls significantly below the established Biological Escapement Goal (BEG) of 150,000 to 250,000 fish,” noted the May 6 announcement by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).

“Additionally, Karluk River Chinook salmon escapements...

Georgia Becomes Fifth State to Require Shrimp Origin Disclosure in Restaurants

Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp has signed legislation requiring foodservice establishments to disclose when they serve imported shrimp, making Georgia the fifth state to enact shrimp or seafood labeling requirements.

The new law, HB 117, mandates that restaurants "conspicuously display on their menus a disclosure by each menu item containing shrimp stating 'FOREIGN IMPORTED,' or on placards visible to the public 'FOREIGN IMPORTED SHRIMP.'" The requirement does not apply to food service establishments operated by state agencies.

The Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), representing the shrimp industry...

USDA Seeks 192,000 Pounds of Catfish Products for Government Food Programs

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting bids for nearly 192,000 pounds of catfish products through its domestic commodity procurement program, marking the agency's second major seafood purchase solicitation this month.

The May 7 solicitation seeks 152,000 pounds of unbreaded raw catfish fillets and 40,000 pounds of breaded oven-ready catfish strips for delivery between July 1 and November 30, 2026. Bids are due May 14 at 1:00 PM Central Time, with acceptances announced by May 22...

Shining Sea Fish Co. Recalls Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring Over Botulism Risk

Shining Sea Fish Co. of Detroit has recalled its “Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring” smoked fish because the product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause life-threatening illness or death.

The company said the recalled fish consists of “uneviscerated fish longer than five inches,” which can create conditions for botulism contamination. Consumers are warned not to eat the product “even if it does not look or smell spoiled.”

Botulism symptoms may include weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or...

European Tuna Industry Warns Against Indonesian Free Trade Deal Tariff Cuts

European fishing representatives are raising alarms over proposed tariff eliminations in the EU-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement, arguing that duty-free access for Indonesian tuna fillets could flood European markets with products from poorly regulated fisheries.

Europêche officials met with European Commission representatives for trade and maritime affairs on May 7 to voice concerns about the agreement's current draft, which would eliminate the existing 18% tariff on tuna fillets from Indonesia, the world's leading tuna producer.

The tariff removal targets what Europêche calls the "most strategic future-oriented segment...

Canada to Invest $957.8 Million Over 5 Years in Small Craft Harbors Program

As part of Canada’s Spring Economic Update 2026, the Carney administration proposed $957.8 million over five years, to be dedicated to small harbors across the nation. The funds will be used for ongoing repairs and enhancements. The money is in addition to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) existing annual program budget of approximately $90 million. 

"Small craft harbours are the working backbone of coastal communities in Canada,” noted Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries. “This is the largest investment ever made in small craft harbours...

The Compression Phase: Alaska Reclaims Strength as Global Crab Markets Diverge

The global crab market is entering a more compressed and strategically uneven phase in 2026, where timing, access, and inventory positioning are becoming more important than production alone. Alaska has re-emerged as a major force in the premium frozen market following a third consecutive year of higher quotas, while Norway’s sharp reduction in king crab supply has materially tightened global availability of premium product. At the same time, Russia continues to consolidate its dominance in the live trade into Asia...

Middle East Conflict Drives Surimi Price Hikes for 93% of Japanese Kamaboko Makers

According to a survey released on April 7th by the Japan Kamaboko Association, when member surimi product manufacturers were asked about the impact of the Middle East conflict on raw material procurement, 42 out of 45 companies (93%) responded that they had been asked to raise prices for frozen surimi sourced from Southeast Asia and other overseas regions, excluding Alaska pollock. 

According to a report by the Minato Shimbun, the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, a major oil-producing region, is spreading to the...

Russia Eyes Busan as Distribution Hub for Southeast Asian Fish Exports

Russia plans to use the South Korean port of Busan as a hub for distributing Russian fish products to Southeast Asia as well as supplying fish directly to the South Korean market.

These plans were recently confirmed by German Zverev, president of the All-Russian Association of Fishery Producers (VARPE).

According to Zverev, Russian fish exports to South Korea increased 5% in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching US$1 billion. However, South Korean customs statistics show that not all products remain in the country...

Sustainable Tuna Becomes Mainstream on UK Supermarket Shelves, MSC Report Finds

Sustainable tuna is rapidly becoming the standard choice for UK shoppers, with nearly half of all supermarket tuna products now carrying the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ecolabel, according to new industry figures.

The MSC UK Tuna Shopper Report 2026 found that 49% of tuna products sold in UK supermarkets are MSC certified, a sharp rise from 18% in 2021. In volume terms, the shift is even larger, with 65% of all supermarket tuna sales now coming from MSC labelled products.

The report, released ahead...

Samjin Frozen Fish Cake Recalled Nationwide in Canada Over Undeclared Allergens

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a nationwide recall of Samjin brand Frozen Fish Cake (with Sauce & Shrimp) after CFIA testing found the product may contain egg, gluten and milk that are not declared on the label.

Although no allergic reactions have been reported, the product was distributed nationally. The CFIA advises consumers who are allergic or sensitive to egg or milk, or who have celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders, not to consume the product...

Applebee’s Brings Back All You Can Eat Menu Alongside New Don Julio ‘Poolio’ Margaritas

Applebee’s is bringing back its traffic-driving promotion disguised as abundance with the return of its All You Can Eat menu this summer.

The limited-time offer features Applebee’s signature Boneless Wings, Riblets, and Double Crunch Shrimp, all served with bottomless fries for $15.99 when dining in.

“It’s a saucy, savory, All You Can Eat American summer at Applebee’s with the return of our fan-favorite All You Can Eat Boneless Wings, Riblets, and Double Crunch Shrimp,” said Michelle Chin...

Alaska Halibut Fisherman Receives Fishing Ban, $15,000 Fine for Lacey Act Violations

Southeast Alaska halibut fisherman Vincent Jacobson, 52, was sentenced on Wednesday to five years’ probation, a $15,000 fine and a worldwide fishing and hunting ban during his probation for his part in a conspiracy to illegally harvest halibut with another commercial fisherman. That conspiracy violated the Lacey Act. 

Timothy Ross, 58, of Washington, pleaded guilty to one count of Lacey Act conspiracy on Sept. 8, 2025, and was sentenced to five years’ probation and a $15,000 fine on Dec. 10, 2025... 

Premium Brands Holdings Posts Record Q1 Results Despite Clearwater Seafoods Challenges

Premium Brands Holdings Corporation reported record first-quarter revenue of $2.1 billion, up 24.6% year-over-year, though its Clearwater Seafoods investment continued to face headwinds from asset divestitures and lower scallop catch rates.

The Vancouver-based specialty food company posted adjusted EBITDA of $171.2 million, a 26.7% increase, and adjusted earnings per share of $0.83, up 18.6% from the prior year. Premium Brands maintained its 2026 guidance ranges and reaffirmed its expectation to exceed its five-year sales targets of $10 billion...

Fishmeal Output Slides in Early 2026 as China Demand Signals Soften

Global fishmeal production started 2026 on a weak footing, with cumulative first‑quarter output down 28% year on year and March production alone falling 38%, according to IFFO‑compiled data. The figures reflect reports from member countries accounting for around 40% of global fishmeal output and half of fish oil production.

Fish oil production also declined, though less sharply. First‑quarter output was down 12% year on year, with relative resilience in Denmark/Norway and Spain helping to limit the overall...

Mexico Secures US Shrimp Export Certification Renewal Through Sea Turtle Protection Compliance

Mexico has successfully renewed its certification to export shrimp to the United States, following a positive determination by the US State Department that the country's fishery meets comparability standards for sea turtle bycatch prevention programs.

The renewal, published in April's Federal Register, was based on March 2026 technical evaluations by NOAA staff who found 93% proper use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) aboard shrimp vessels in Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, and Campeche. The certification ensures continued access to a crucial market worth $142.8 million annually...

Japan's POP Imports from the US Plummeted 57% in 2025 amid China's Sharp Import Increase

According to trade statistics from the Ministry of Finance, the average price of frozen Pacific ocean perch imports in 2025 was 491 yen/kg ($3.13/kg), an 18% increase from the previous year, while the quantity was down 42% to 10,067 tons. From January to March of this year, the price was 550 yen/kg ($3.51/kg), a 10% increase from the same period last year, while the quantity was down 26% to 1,439 tons. This is attributed to "strong buying from China...

Bioriginal Names Randy Fournier President and CEO Amid Growth Push

Saskatoon-based Bioriginal Food & Science Corp. has appointed Randy Fournier as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, marking a planned leadership transition as the company builds on recent growth and expansion initiatives.

Bioriginal, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cooke Inc., operates globally across the food, nutraceutical, and animal nutrition sectors. Fournier brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, including managing complex multi-site manufacturing and processing organizations. His background includes leading operational transformations, scaling businesses, and driving disciplined growth across North American...

Seafish Appoints Barry Harland as Director of Operations

Seafish has announced the appointment of Barry Harland as its new Director of Operations, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience across the UK seafood and wider food sectors to the role.

Seafish Chair Mike Sheldon said, “Barry brings great commercial experience, extensive knowledge of the seafood sector, proven leadership and a whole lot of energy and good humour,” adding that the team is “delighted that he will be joining.”

Harland said he is looking forward to getting started and working closely with...

ANALYSIS: Norwegian Salmon Harvest Down YOY in March as Water Temperatures Rise

Norwegian Atlantic salmon harvest fell 4.6% year-over-year (YOY) in March 2026, according to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. The harvest level through March was 6.0% higher year-to-date (YTD). However, a continued seasonal decrease in biomass has developed, with the volume of Atlantic salmon 3.5% lower YOY (Figure 1). This current trend of lower YOY harvest in March and downward biomass trends does not seem to be of significant note to market participants, as the availability of salmon during April was reported as adequate...

Fishing and Farm Groups Voice Concerns Over New USDA Seafood Office Direction

Two advocacy organizations representing small-scale food producers are raising red flags about the newly launched USDA Office of Seafood, warning that without proper safeguards, the office could serve corporate interests rather than fishing communities.

The North American Marine Alliance (NAMA) and National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC) released a joint statement welcoming the inclusion of fishing communities in USDA programs but expressing serious concerns about the office's potential direction. The groups worry the office could replicate what they see as USDA's historical pattern...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

Expana’s Weekly Top 10 this week highlights the crosscurrents shaping global food and beverage markets, from shifting trade policy and Middle East volatility to seasonal demand trends, corporate earnings and supply chain investment. The latest list spans key developments in meat exports, seafood, retail, foodservice, dairy and beverages, offering a quick look at the stories driving conversation across the industry. This list is in no particular order.

10. Australia has expanded meat export access to Indonesia, with five processing establishments newly approved to supply the market, including...

US Virgin Islands Seeks Federal Support for Aquaculture Development Through Farm Bill Amendment

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) has secured language in the House version of the Farm Bill directing USDA to conduct a comprehensive study identifying suitable aquaculture sites in the US Virgin Islands, marking a potential breakthrough for the territory's blue economy ambitions.

The amendment requires the US Department of Agriculture to complete the study within 180 days of enactment, in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. The assessment will evaluate water quality, coastal access, infrastructure needs, and applicable environmental and regulatory...

Conxemar Takes “Twice as Easy, Twice as Good” Campaign to 50+ Supermarkets Across Spain

Spain’s frozen seafood sector is giving its consumer campaign a bigger in‑store push this year. Conxemar, the Spanish Association of Wholesalers, Importers, Exporters and Processors of Fisheries and Aquaculture Products, is relaunching its “Twice as easy, twice as good” initiative in mid‑May, expanding it to more than 50 supermarkets nationwide.

A year after its debut, the campaign—fronted by comedian Leo Harlem—aims to raise awareness of the safety, quality and nutritional value of frozen seafood. For the...

Aurora and McLane to Launch Driverless Trucking Operations in Texas

Aurora Innovation and McLane Company are expanding their autonomous trucking partnership with plans to begin driverless freight operations in Texas.

The companies announced an agreement to launch driverless hauls using the Aurora Driver, an SAE Level 4 self-driving system built for long-haul trucking. McLane, one of the largest distributors in the US serving chain restaurants, convenience stores, and mass merchants, will use the technology to move supplies and perishable food more efficiently across the state.

The move builds on a supervised autonomy...

Conservation Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Northeast Canyons Monument Fishing Access

Three conservation groups and a naturalist filed a lawsuit on May 4 challenging the Trump administration's decision to reopen the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.

The Conservation Law Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Biological Diversity, and naturalist Zack Klyver argue that allowing commercial fishing in the 4,900-square-mile monument off New England's coast would "inflict long-term damage to precious natural resources without meaningful economic benefits."

The plaintiffs contend Trump lacks legal authority to abolish or diminish national monuments established by...

North Pacific Fisheries Commission Addresses IUU, Bottom Fishing Among Regional Issues Last Month

Although the full report of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) has not been released from its April meeting, NOAA Fisheries has issued a press release about achievements there.  

Three primary topics addressed during their 10th NPFC annual meeting, which took place in Osaka, April 14-17, were IUU fishing, bottom trawls used in the Emperor Seamounts, and management of the commercial species in the Convention area. 

The United States does not have fishing vessels active under NPFC but shares objectives...