Seafood Industry Urges Biden to Halt Marine Monument Expansions

A group of 150-plus fishing and seafood industry associations, business and other stakeholders sent a letter addressed to President Joe Biden urging him to halt the creation or expansion of any Marine National Monuments in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) before he leaves office.

In the letter, the seafood coalition warned against “potential negative impacts such actions could have on the fishing sector and highlights the significant contributions of U.S. fisheries to the economy, environment, and food security,” per a press release from Saving Seafood.

Breakthrough Achieved in ICCAT’s Challenging Negotiations to Manage Atlantic Tuna, Swordfish

At long last, new management measures for Atlantic tropical tunas and North Atlantic swordfish have been adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) that will apply to all Atlantic tropical tunas, including bigeye, skipjack, and yellowfin tuna. The negotiations involved a diverse set of parties from around the world with widely divergent fisheries, conservation, and development interests. 

One result of the newly adopted control measures and allocation decisions is that the United States has solidified its current level of access to the fishery and ...

Photo of tunas: NOAA Fisheries

Ecuador Dominates Skipjack Tuna Landings in the EPO

Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) are crucial species in tropical tuna fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO).

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) has estimated that Ecuadorian skipjack tuna catches increased by 69.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) from Jan-Sep 2024, reaching 49,351 metric tons. In contrast, the catches for yellowfin tuna fell by 3.6% over the same period. Meanwhile, total tuna catches in the EPO increased by 32.0% y-o-y from Jan-Sep 2024...

Two Men Caught Trafficking Juvenile Eels From Puerto Rico to Asia, Both Now in Jail For 2 Yrs.

In an ambitious plan that didn’t get very far, two men from the Dominican Republic spent months last year harvesting juvenile American eels (Anguilla rostrata), also known as glass eels, in the rivers around Levittown, Puerto Rico on the island’s north coast.

According to court documents, “Once they caught the eels, the defendants kept them alive with an oxygenation system while a boat was built to travel back to the Dominican Republic. 

“On Feb. 21, both defendants left Puerto Rico bound for ...

Trace Register Partners with Raw Seafoods to Enable Full Chain Traceability and Compliance

Trace Register, a seafood traceability solutions company, recently announced its partnership with Raw Seafoods, a wholesale seafood supplier based out of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

As part of its partnership, Raw Seafoods has rolled out Trace Register’s TR5 platform, which focuses on full chain traceability, product quality, and regulatory compliance through continuous monitoring and analysis capabilities.

For over 15 years, Trace Register has served clients in more than 50 countries. The traceability company utilizes GDST and GS1 databases and focuses on proactive compliance measures with key regulatory...

41 Taiwanese Tuna Longline Vessels Now Seeking Marine Stewardship Council Certification

Ocean Outcomes (O2) and the Taiwan Tuna Longline Association (TTLA) just implemented its first Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), which involves 41 tuna longline vessels with a combined catch of 3,500 metric tons of Albacore, Bigeye, and Yellowfin tuna.

As part of the FIP, vessel owners will work with the TTLA and various stakeholders to advance sustainability initiatives in the fishery while also working towards achieving Marine Stewardship Council Certification by October 2029. Sustainability initiatives will include advocating for and supporting the development of science-based fishery management strategies, expanding...

ReposiTrak Welcomes 50 New Seafood Suppliers to Rapidly Expanding Food Traceability Network

ReposiTrak, the world’s largest food traceability and regulatory compliance network, leveraging its established inventory management and out-of-stock reduction SaaS platform, is proud to welcome 50 new seafood suppliers to the ReposiTrak Traceability Network® (RTN). These new members will efficiently exchange intricate, FDA-required Key Data Elements (KDEs) for each Critical Tracking Event (CTE) in their supply chains, ensuring proactive compliance well before the January 2026 deadline.

Among the 50 new seafood suppliers are companies with rich histories...

Thai Union North America CEO Bryan Rosenberg to Step Down

The Thai Union Group announced that Bryan Rosenberg will step down from his role as CEO of the Thai Union North America (TUNA) region, effective January 1, 2025.

Rosenberg will remain with the company as Executive Director and Founder. Thai Union said he will work to support the company’s frozen business, manage key customer relationships, work in a coach/mentor role and support strategic interest in the North American market.

Rosenberg is credited with co-founding Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods (COSFF) with Thai Union in 2006...

Domoic Acid, Meat Recovery Delays Oregon Crab Season

As if some seriously stormy ocean weather wasn't enough, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Wednesday a delay in the primary commercial Dungeness crab season off Oregon until at least Dec. 16.

Pre-season testing showed Dungeness crabs are too low in meat yield in some ocean areas and have elevated domoic acid levels in crab viscera in two areas on the South Coast.

Viscera from two crab in Area K, Cape Blanco to Gold Beach, landed on Nov. 16, showed levels of 38 and 39 parts ...

Soccer Phenom Erling Haaland Touts Norwegian Seafood in New Commercials

The Norwegian Seafood Council showcased new commercials featuring Norwegian soccer superstar Erling Haaland.

The new project features Haaland in a series of commercials that highlight origin and craftsmanship. The videos cut back and forth from Haaland on the pitch to various shots of the Norwegian seafood industry at work.

The Council explained that clipfish and stockfish in Portugal and Italy played the leading role in the premiere of the new films. The goal of the new campaigns in these markets was to inspire consumers and spread awareness and preference...

2024 Seabank Annual Report Links Natural Environments and Human Economies in SE Alaska

On Monday the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust (ASFT), released the 2024 SeaBank Annual Report that includes, among other facts about the value of the SE Alaska ecosystems, the $1 billion annual contribution to regional economies in jobs and resources to over 72,000 residents in 33 communities.

“We can look at Southeast Alaska as a bank of forest and sea,” says ASFT board member Linda Behnken, “one that supports the entirety of our collective economic, social, cultural, and physical well-being. If we steward this natural bank ...

Acme Smoked Fish Joins 1% For the Planet

The family-owned and operated Acme Smoked Fish Corporation joined 1% For the Planet, a nonprofit entity started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, that utilizes a global network of thousands of businesses and environmental partners to raise money and implement environmentally focused initiatives across the world.

All partners are vetted and approved based on referrals, track record, and environmental focus. As a member of this effort, Acme commits to donating 1% of its cold smoked salmon retail sales to support verified...

Long John Silver's Celebrates 55 Years with Chance to Win $55,000

Long John Silver's is celebrating 55 years of serving golden seafood treasures by offering customers a chance to win a treasure trove of prizes this holiday season. From now until Dec. 15, dive into the Long John Silver's Holiday Sweepstakes for a chance to win $55,000 or one of several weekly bounties like cash rewards and Long John Silver's gift cards.

Entering the sweepstakes is smooth sailing! Follow these three steps: first, download the Long John Silver's app, available in both Apple iOS and Android app stores...

ANALYSIS: Fresh Farmed Salmon Market Up 7 Percent; AK 2024 Wild Salmon Harvest off 39 Percent

The market on fresh Chilean salmon fillets has been acting contra-seasonally for the last several weeks. Typically, what is observed on a seasonal basis, is the fresh salmon fillet market exhibits a slowdown or cyclical dip in the marketplace during the month of October and November. From a historical standpoint, these months, along with the summertime, are not viewed as higher demand periods for fresh salmon fillets. However, this year as of this writing, 3–4-pound fresh Chilean salmon fillets advanced 7...

2024 Alaska Symphony of Seafood Announces Award Winners

The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) announced the winners of the 2024 Alaska Symphony of Seafood, an event highlighting innovative products featuring Alaska’s seafood.

The winners this year are:

- Best New Retail Product: Teriyaki Salmon Jerky by Fable Fish Company

- Best New Foodservice Product: Miso Black Cod Deli Kits by Alaskan Leader Seafoods

- Beyond the Plate: Holdfast Kelp Vodka produced by Uncharted Distillery

- Most Innovative: Holdfast Kelp Vodka produced by Uncharted Distillery

The event also saw the People’s Choice Award go to Cold Smoked Salmon by M.I.F. Seafoods, which attendees selected during...

Fisheries Council of Canada Supports Swift Government Intervention in Port Disruptions

The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) supports the government’s decision to legislate port workers back to work. With disruptions from work stoppages at ports in both British Columbia and Montreal, FCC members are facing significant financial impacts, as critical freight remains stalled at docks or delayed in warehouses. This situation has broad implications, affecting not only the seafood industry but also the Canadian economy and consumers nationwide.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon’s intervention on Tuesday, directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the...

Steakholder Foods Signs Six Commercial LOIs with International Players

Steakholder Foods Ltd. (Nasdaq: STKH) (“Steakholder” or the “Company”), a leading innovator in alternative proteins production and 3D printing technologies, announced today the signing of six Letters of Intent (LOIs) with international companies marking another commercial achievement for the Company in its transition to revenue generation. These agreements, which are a result of the outstanding response the company received at the recent Plant-Based World Expo event in London, UK, reflect the strong market demand and commercial viability for Steakholder’s cutting-edge 3D printing systems and proprietary plant-based premixes for...

Holland America Line's New Onboard Cooking Shows Bring Regional Cuisine from Port to Stage

Holland America Line's renowned culinary program takes the stage onboard with new, cooking shows that spotlight regional culinary specialties and locally sourced seafood from the cruise line's Global Fresh Fish Program.

Co-hosted by each ship's executive chef and cruise & travel director, the demonstrations are fleetwide and occur at least twice per seven-day sailings and more often on longer itineraries.

Guests can learn cooking techniques and the culinary history of the region from the executive chef...

Maine Delegation Announces More Than $1.9 Million for Lobster Research in Maine

Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, are announcing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grant Office’s decision to award seven Maine projects with $1,941,692 in funding for the American Lobster Research Program. The grant program supports projects that address critical knowledge gaps about American lobster and its fishery in a dynamic and changing environment.

“Maine’s lobstermen and women have long demonstrated their commitment to maintaining and protecting a sustainable fishery in the Gulf of..."

Trump's Commerce Nomination Sparks Questions on NOAA and Tariff Agenda

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Howard Lutnick as his Commerce Secretary. He will be tasked with leading 13 bureaus under the Department of Commerce, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Lutnick is the CEO of financial services giant Cantor Fitzgerald and has worked as the co-chair of Trump’s transition team.

In a statement posted to Trump’s Truth Social platform, he said that Lutnick “…will lead our Tariff and Trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative...

Trident Seafoods, Channel Fish Land USDA Pollock Contracts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded over $2 million in contracts for various Alaska pollock products for use in Child Nutrition and other Domestic Food Distribution programs.

In total, contracts for 920,000 pounds of Alaska pollock products were awarded for $2,052,149.

Trident Seafoods took home most of the purchase, with the USDA purchasing 730,000 pounds of product for over $1.6 million. The USDA will buy 190,000 pounds of product for just over $448,000 from Massachusetts-based Channel Fish Processing...

Japan: Q1-Q3 Surimi Product Exports up 12%, Surging to the Middle East

According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, the cumulative export volume of fish paste products (excluding fish sausages) such as kamaboko from January to September 2024 was 7,522 tons, up 12% from last year. The increase was due to a significant increase in exports to the emerging Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which tripled; Saudi Arabia, which nearly doubled; and the United States, the largest export destination, which grew 1.5 times. However, this was down 17% compared to the...

Salmon Shortfall Threatens Russia's Red Caviar Supply

Russia may face a shortage of red caviar this year due to a sharp drop of its production, according to latest data of the Russian National Center for the Safety of Aquatic Products and Aquaculture.

According to its data, the production of natural red caviar in Russia in 2024 decreased by threefold to 10,000 tons, compared to 29,000 tons for the same period last year. The reason for such a decline is an unsuccessful fishing season.

If in 2023 608,000 tons of salmon were caught, then in 2024 - only 230,000 tons...

Wild Tide Seafoods Joins Foraged.com

In the world of seafood, quality and sustainability are paramount. Wild Tide Seafoods, known for its commitment to these principles, has recently made a significant move.

They've joined Foraged.com, a platform marketplace that connects consumers with artisanal food producers. This collaboration aims to bring Wild Tide Seafoods' premium offerings to a wider audience just in time for the Holidays.

"Foraged empowers small-scale food producers and we empower fishers of sustainable seafood from the ocean's bounty, we are completely aligned with our missions, and we are thrilled to join the...

RODA Announces Leadership Change

Johnston will succeed Annie Hawkins as Acting Executive Director.

Six years after its launch, RODA said the change will “maintain its ability to continue RODA’s ambitious mission through our research and advocacy programs.”

Johnston has been involved with RODA almost since its inception. She has worked as Programs Manager, and the group praised her “powerful record of steadfast commitment to our membership and the fishing industry.”

“I am excited about this new chapter and look forward to working with our members and partners to continue to advocate...

USITC Finds Imported Shrimp Harmful to U.S. Industry, Duties Imposed

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that the U.S. shrimp industry was “materially injured” by imported shrimp that was sold at less than fair value or gained an advantage via subsidies.

The USITC affirmed the Department of Commerce (Commerce)’s determination that frozen warmwater shrimp from Indonesia was sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. It also affirmed Commerce's findings that imports of shrimp from Ecuador, India, and Vietnam were subsidized by the respective governments.

This decision paves the way for the Department of Commerce to issue...

American Seafoods Names Inge Andreassen as New Chief Executive Officer

American Seafoods Company, a top at-sea processor of Wild Alaska Pollock and Pacific Hake, announced that Inge Andreassen, the current Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President, has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Einar Gustafsson.

Andreassen said:

 “Leading American Seafoods is a privilege and a responsibility that I hold with great pride and profound respect. This company has been at the core of my professional journey, and I am deeply honored to continue building upon its legacy. Our success...

The Retail Rundown: Turkey Takes the Spotlight

According to Circana data, fresh whole turkeys were featured at an average discounted price of $1.48 per pound last week, up from $1.27 per pound during the same period last year.

The most popular turkey sizes, 10–15 and 16–24 pounds, averaged $1.34 per pound, compared to $1.00–$1.10 per pound last year. These prices reflect pre-promotion rates and do not account for additional discounts or free turkey offers.

Whole turkeys are often used as loss leaders to increase holiday store...

FDA Seeks Data on PFAS Contamination in Seafood

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a request for information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seafood.

Per a November 19 Constituent Update, the FDA is seeking scientific data and information from the seafood industry, academia, state and federal agencies, and other interested entities on PFAS concentrations in seafood, the surrounding environment, and processing water, as well as mitigation strategies for reducing exposure to PFAS in seafood.

The request comes as the FDA works to improve its understanding of PFAS exposure from seafood...

Price Setting Changes and Strike Options Highlight NL’s Snow Crab Fishery Reform

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has mapped out 10 decisions and directions that pave the way for sweeping changes to the massive snow crab fishery. This includes notable changes to the price-setting process and the potential for lockouts and strikes.

Gerry Byrne, NL’s Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture, said the plan to overhaul the fishery would ensure “management, efficiency, and fairness” in a statement released ahead of his appearance at the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) union Triannual Convention on November 18...