Russia, India Set Ambitious Fisheries Cooperation Agenda Post-Putin Visit

Russia plans to expand cooperation with India in the fisheries sector, following agreements made during Russian President Putin's recent visit to India.

The plans include establishing joint ventures focused on maritime logistics, deep-sea fishing, and fishing port automation.

Russia is especially optimistic about increasing Indian seafood imports, with particular emphasis on shrimp supplies. According to Russia’s Agriculture Minister Oksana Luth, India remains a leading shrimp supplier to Russia and imports are expected to grow further in 2026.

“India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of shrimp...

2026 Pollock TAC Steady for Bering Sea, Aleutians, Bogoslof with Revised Regional Allocations

The 2026 total annual catch (TAC) for pollock has been set at the same level as last year — 1.394 million metric tons (mmt) in the Bering Sea (BS)/Aleutian Islands (AI) and Bogoslof area. The difference is how the TAC is allocated this year, with the biggest change in the AI, although at a much smaller scale than the Bering Sea's pollock TAC. 

In the Bering Sea, the 2026 TAC dropped from 1.389 mmt last year to 1.375 mmt in 2026...

Alaska Pollock Biomass Drops 30%, But Federal Shutdown Delays Stock Assessment Process

A summer survey of the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) showed a 30% drop in the biomass of Walleye pollock in the area compared to a 2024 survey. 

Results of the 2025 Eastern and Northern Bering Sea Bottom Trawl Survey, which were released to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s groundfish plan team in September, showed a drop from last year’s 5.5 million metric tons to a current 3.8 million metric tons of pollock in the area. 

Other species also showed drops in biomass: Pacific cod dropped...

Failed Norway Talks Could Trigger Cod Shortage, Price Spike in Russia

The situation for cod in Russia could worsen quickly if Moscow and Oslo fail to reach an agreement on Barents Sea cod quotas.

Norwegian and Russian media report that negotiations are ongoing but have made little progress. If talks collapse, Russia’s cod sector could face shortages and a sharp rise in prices.

Since the start of the Russia‑Ukraine war, Norway has generally supported EU sanctions packages, while seeking to maintain fisheries cooperation with Russia. In August, however, Oslo restricted two Russian fishing companies on state‑security grounds...

Rosrybolovstvo Forecasts 5% Decline in Catch; Exports Still Eye US$6 Billion in 2025

Russia expects fish catch to fall up to 5% this year, mainly because Iwashi sardine migrations bypassed traditional fishing grounds, Rosrybolovstvo head Ilya Shestakov said.

VARPE (All‑Russian Association of Fishery Producers) earlier reported that oceanographic conditions in the northwest Pacific in late spring and summer 2025 caused Iwashi sardines to move away from customary Russian fishing areas.

“Right now, three trawlers—our research vessels—are searching for Iwashi. If we find them, the catch will be about...

VARPE, VASEP Pact Aims to Expand Russian Seafood Exports to Vietnam 

Russia and Vietnam have agreed to significantly expand joint fish trade under a memorandum signed by the Russian fish association VARPE and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) during an international forum in St. Petersburg.

The memorandum commits both sides to expand trade volumes, simplify cross-border procedures, and develop scientific cooperation in the fisheries sector. For Russia, the agreement opens greater access for Russian fishermen and processors to Vietnam’s large and growing seafood market.

Herman Zverev, head of VARPE, said Vietnam...

Norwegian Exports Climb in September as China Buoys Salmon Demand, US Fresh Sales Slip

Norwegian seafood exports posted robust numbers in September, buoyed by both rising prices and strong demand, particularly for salmon shipped to China, according to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council, credited higher prices for mackerel, cod, saithe and king crab to go along with the strong growth in the Chinese market.

"The EU is still our largest overall market, but Norway is now taking an increasing share of the growing Chinese salmon and prawn market...

Aquaculture Stewardship Council Welcomes Atlantic Cod to Sustainability Program

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) announced that it will add Atlantic cod to its program in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The decision followed a 30-day stakeholder consultation period that garnered feedback and input from numerous stakeholders, including producers of the species.

Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO, said, “The certification of Atlantic cod marks an important milestone for ASC, demonstrating our ability to respond quickly to market demand for new species.

“Demand for ASC certified Atlantic cod is growing among both farmers and retailers...

Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo Promotes Farmed Atlantic Cod for Sashimi Consumption

According to a Minato Shimbun column, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Norway's "Project Japan," which cultivates the Japanese market for Norwegian salmon. It introduced the culture of eating raw salmon to Japan and remains widely recognized as a successful example of exports to Japan. Used in sushi, its deliciousness has spread worldwide. 

The Norwegian Embassy Fisheries Section will continue the project's story and know-how and propose new sushi toppings and sashimi to Japan. Recently, at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, it promoted farmed seafood products that...

Japan's H1 Frozen Black Cod Imports Down 3%; Import Price of US Black Cod Up 25%

According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, frozen black cod imports in the first half of this year (January to June) totaled 3,379 tons, a 3% decrease from the same period last year. The average price rose 27% to 1,321 yen/kg ($8.93/kg). The 3,117-ton imports from the United States accounted for 92% of the total. Of this, the import price for American products was 1,316 yen/kg ($8.90/kg), representing a 25% increase...

Samherji Reports Lower Profits In 2024, Maintains Strong Investment in Operations

Icelandic seafood company Samherji hf. reported a decrease in operating and net profit in 2024. Still, CEO Baldvin Thorsteinsson said the company would continue to invest in its fishing, processing, and land-based aquaculture operations.

The company said it saw its operating profit drop year-on-year by EUR 12 million ($14 million) to EUR 42.4 million ($49 million). Net profit, including the share of profit from associated companies and financial items, amounted to EUR 45.6 million after taxes, compared to EUR 58.7 million in 2023...

The Retail Rundown: Summer’s Last Stretch Drives Seasonal Promotions

August has arrived, bringing a sense of urgency to make the most of summer’s final weeks. With Labor Day fewer than four weeks away and just seven weeks remaining until the season’s official end, retailers are already diving into back-to-school promotions.

Seafood claims the top spot among protein features again this week, making up 30.3% of all retail ads, followed by beef at 26.2%, pork at 20.8%, and chicken at 18.9%. Egg promotions remain minimal, comprising less than 1% of features—consistent with last week’s light showing. The Midwest led in egg advertising, while the Northeast and South Central regions showed more moderate activity...

Japan’s Frozen Cod Imports from Russia Plunge 80% from January–May 

Japan’s imports of frozen cod from Russia dropped by 80% from January–May, according to Minato Shimbun. While imports hovered around 15,000 metric tons annually until 2017, they declined to roughly 10,000 metric tons between 2018 and 2021. Since 2022, though, annual volumes fell even further to around 5,000 metric tons. 

Rising prices played a key role in this trend. Since 2022, the per-kilogram cost of cod increased significantly, prompting a shift from US to Russian imports. However, in 2024, prices for Russian cod surged, narrowing the...

Russia Looking to Increase Fish Catch in Arctic Region in Coming Years

Russia plans to continue increasing its fish catch in the Arctic region, despite a substantial decline in fish stocks in the region of late.

According to data from some Russian fishermen, in recent years, the stocks of cod and other white fish species in the Karelia, Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions have seriously declined, which has led to a decline in their catch.

In addition to cod, there is a significant decline in haddock catch, while the current stock of cod in the Northern basin is at a historic low...

Norway Exports NOK 85.2 Billion in Seafood in First Half of 2025, Increases 6% YOY

According to a recent news release from the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), Norway's seafood exports increased by NOK 4.6 billion (USD $ 454.46 million), or 6%, during the first half of 2025, when compared to the same period last year, thus signifying the best first half to date for the European country.

From January to June of this year, Norway exported a total worth of NOK 85.2 billion (USD $8.4 billion) and a total volume of 1.3 million tonnes of seafood, with June alone...

Russian Authorities Tighten Control Over Domestic Fish Prices 

Russian authorities plan to significantly tighten control over domestic fish prices. According to official data from the Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rostat), fish prices in Russia have increased by roughly 8% since the start of 2025, attracting attention from local regulators.  

The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) has requested information from 37 domestic fish producers and processors regarding their price increases. The FAS has also inquired about actual volumes of production and the cost of fish products.  

The requests have raised concerns from a variety of...

Norway’s November Seafood Exports Fall as Asia Gains Share While US, Europe Lose Ground

Norway saw its seafood exports fall from a value standpoint for the second month in a row, as US tariffs led to market shifts, and the increased value of the Norwegian krone has made the country’s seafood products more expensive, according to the latest update from the Norwegian Seafood Council.

“This is the second month in a row that seafood exports have fallen in value compared with the same month last year. In November, even historically high prices were unable to compensate...

Scott & Jon's Expands Presence with Launch at Whole Foods Market

Scott & Jon's is expanding its brand presence in grocery stores nationwide following a recent partnership announcement.

The frozen meal manufacturer is bringing four of its seafood bowls to Whole Foods Market.

The lineup includes three of the brand's most popular recipes and a new flavor.

• Honey Sesame Salmon: A company bestseller featuring salmon, rice and vegetables, and dressed with a sweet and savory sauce.
• Lemon Butter Dill Salmon: A fresh take on a seafood classic, featuring salmon with al dente penne pasta...

US Share of Norwegian Salmon Slips as Tariffs Push Growth Toward Asia in 2025

The United States has become a smaller share of the Norwegian salmon market in recent months as tariffs play a significant role in the market shift.

In its monthly Norwegian seafood export update, the Norwegian Seafood Council said that salmon export growth to the US has slowed down in recent months. Over the last three months, only 8% of Norwegian salmon exports were destined for the us. That number was as high as 11.5% in the first quarter of 2025. Despite this, the US remains among...

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...

Norcod Extends Sales, Distribution Partnership with Sirena Group

Norwegian cod farmer Norcod AS extended its strategic sales and distribution partnership with Sirena Group as it focuses on future growth.

Sirena Group will handle Norcod’s sales, marketing and logistics for its farmed cod and Snow cod. Norcod stated that this will enable the company to concentrate on enhancing its production efforts.

CEO in Norcod, Christian Riber, said:

"Working with Sirena Group gives Norcod a decisive advantage. Their global network and proven strength in seafood markets give us direct access to the right

Amazon Rolls Out Private Label Grocery Brand with Seafood Range

Amazon has entered the private label space with a splash. The company debuted Amazon Grocery, a private label brand featuring over 1,000 food items, including seafood, at the start of the month.

The company said the new private label brand will unite customer favorite Amazon Fresh and Happy Belly brands into one collection, available on both Amazon.com and Amazon Fresh stores.

"With Amazon Grocery, we're simplifying how customers discover and shop our extensive private label food selection while maintaining the quality and value our customers expect and deserve...

Japan: Frozen Cod Imports from January to July Fell 67%; Prices Soared, Mainly Due to Russian Fish

Prices for imported frozen cod soared early this year due to a global catch shortage. According to trade statistics, the total volume from January to July was 690 tons, representing a 67% decrease from the same period in the previous year. Of this, 262 tons were shipped from the United States, down 44% from the same period last year, at an average price of 828 yen/kg ($5.60/kg), up 16%, while...

Norway’s August Seafood Export Value Falls; US Values Decline Amid New 15% Tariff

The Norwegian Seafood Council said Norway's seafood exports witnessed a 2% decline in value in August, compared to the same month a year ago. The council highlighted a drop in exports to the US amid increased tariffs of 15% on seafood from Norway and its European Union neighbors.

"The summer of 2025 has been marked by considerable turmoil in the markets. Changes in customs duties on exports to the US are affecting Norwegian seafood exports and posing challenges for the global seafood trade. In addition, increased competition...

Baltic Nations Raise Concerns Over Potential Stock Drops of Baltic Sea Species

The volume of catch in the Baltic Sea may significantly decline in years to come, mainly due to the ongoing reduction of local fish stocks, which is observed by fishermen from Russia and the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.  

According to earlier statements, made by scientists of the Atlantic branch of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) - one of Russia’s leading research institutions in the field of fisheries – perhaps the most complex situation is observed in case of cod, which...

Russian Fish And Seafood Exports Surge 13% Through Seven Months

Russian fish and seafood exports increased by 13% in value terms in the first seven months (Jan-July) of the year, exceeding $3 billion. The increase in shipments is observed after a steep decline caused by sanctions. Positive changes are explained by the growth of production in the Far East and the expansion of the geography of deliveries.  

According to official data of the Russian analytical center "Agroexport," Russian fishermen in January-July exported 1.2 million tons of fish and seafood for a total of $3.1 billion, which...

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Push Protein as July Wraps

As July comes to a close and summer heat intensifies, retailers are pushing protein promotions to attract shoppers and encourage at-home grilling and cooking.

Seafood reclaimed the top spot in protein ad share this week, accounting for nearly 27% of all features. Pork followed at 24%, while beef and chicken trailed close behind at roughly 23% each. Egg promotions dipped slightly to around 1%.

Expana notes that retail egg demand has softened—typical for summer, when hot weather reduces in-home usage. Shelf prices are holding near $3.00 per dozen, well below early-year highs, but lighter consumption has dampened order volumes...

The Retail Rundown: Beef Edges Out Seafood in Weekly Protein Features

Beef narrowly edged out seafood for the top spot in retail protein promotions this week, making up 25.9% of all featured items. Seafood was a close second at 25.3%, while pork and chicken each accounted for about 23%. Eggs represented roughly 2% of ads, and turkey dipped below 1%.

Beef steaks remained a premium grilling choice, averaging $14.21 per pound last week. Seafood also led on price, with fresh salmon reaching as high as $17.24 per pound in some regions...

The Winding Glass: Seafood Trade Disruptions Reappear While Economic Headwinds Drive Prices Down

The economic collapse that many of us feared from the chaotic tariff policies of the Trump administration has not materialized—at least not yet. The seafood industry has shown a remarkable degree of resilience in the face of disruptive trade policy. But this should not be mistaken for invulnerability. The more pressing issue now is not tariffs but weakening consumer demand.

There are three reasons the anticipated tariff-induced disaster hasn’t occurred. First, there’s a deep political bias baked into how people perceive economic risks...

New Zealand Fishermen Fined for Selling Black Market Seafood 

Three fishermen from New Zealand have been fined for selling thousands of dollars of black market seafood, including, crayfish, oysters and cod.  

Michael Hawke, Stuart Ryan, and Peter Fletcher pleaded guilty to several charges under the Fisheries Act, including failure to possess a permit to sell fish.  

Duncan Davis, who is not a commercial fisherman, was also fined for reselling blue cod that he had bought from Ryan.  

The four men were hit with a total of $36,900 in penalties.  

The fines stem from...