Coast Guard Removes Press Release on American Seafoods Pollock Roe Seizure

The US Coast Guard removed a press release from its website detailing the seizure of $65,000 worth of Alaska pollock roe from American Seafoods' catcher-processor Northern Eagle.

The Coast Guard told Alaska's NBC-2 KTUU that it removed the posts to prevent "unintended consequences, distractions from NOAA's ongoing investigation, or confusion about the compliance record within the Alaska pollock fishery."

The USCG said it pushed back on the case's conclusions, noting the issue shouldn't be viewed as evidence of illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing in one...

Sea of Okhotsk Pollock Catch Down 3.5% but Revenue Hopes High on Pricing

Russian pollock fishermen have completed the winter-spring pollock fishing season in the Sea of Okhotsk, the center of Russian pollock production.

According to the Russian Pollock Association, the total catch in all Far East areas during the first part of Russia's pollock fishing season reached 1.021 million tons. The result is 3.5% below 2025 levels but 6% higher than the five-year average.

Alexey Buglak, head of the association, told Russian media that unfavorable weather conditions were the main reason...

Center for Biological Diversity Sues NOAA Over Northern Fur Seal Protection, Targets Pollock Fleet

In late 2024, NOAA Fisheries finalized the Conservation Plan for the Eastern Pacific Stock of Northern Fur Seal in an effort to conserve and restore the stock to its optimum sustainable population. The Eastern Pacific (formerly Pribilof) stock of northern fur seals was designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act on June 17, 1988, because the population had declined by over 50 percent from the highest population levels of the 1950s. NMFS first published a Conservation Plan in 1993, followed by a revised version...

Coast Guard Seizes $65K in Unreported Pollock Roe from American Seafoods Vessel

In a collaboration between the US Coast Guard and NOAA Fisheries office of Law Enforcement (OLE), federal officers seized 5.4 metric tons of unreported pollock roe, valued at over $65,000, from the catcher-processor Northern Eagle, owned by American Seafoods, in late March. 

The Northern Eagle was approximately 15 nautical miles north of Dutch Harbor, AK on Thursday, March 26, when the crew of the US Coast Guard Cutter Waesche boarded the trawler/processor. 

In a statement yesterday, the Coast Guard described the boarding as being...

BC Groundfish Trawl Fishery Receives Marine Stewardship Council Certification 

Last Friday, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) announced that the  British Columbia Groundfish Trawl fishery has achieved certification as a fishery that is sustainably fished.  

The fishery, which includes 28 vessels using both mid-water and bottom trawl gear targets hake, pollock, rockfish, cod, rockfish, and flatfish (like sole and flounder.) It has undertaken a series of transformative improvements including one of the most comprehensive stock management and quota allocation programs, and the precedent-setting Pacific Groundfish Trawl Habitat Conservation Agreement which addresses concerns about...

SENA 2026: Trident Seafoods and Icy Waters Claim Top Honors at Seafood Excellence Awards

Trident Seafoods and Icy Waters took home the top prizes at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Awards on Sunday, with products that judges said exemplified innovation, market relevance and culinary versatility in their respective foodservice and retail categories.

Trident Seafoods captured the Best New Foodservice Product award for its Crispy Battered Sauceable Wild Alaska Pollock Nuggets, while Icy Waters won Best New Retail Product for The Good Fish Co. Coconut Margarita Haddock. Both winners were selected from more than 100 entries in the New Product Showcase...

Russia’s Per‑Capita Fish Consumption Falls to 24 kg as Exports Rise

Per‑capita fish consumption in Russia remains below government targets and shows little sign of near‑term recovery. State plans set a target of 28 kg per person for 2025, but consumption fell to about 24 kg in 2025 — a 2.4% decline year‑on‑year and roughly 11% below 2023 levels. Industry analysts say producers still find it more profitable to export catch than to supply the domestic market.

Retail demand softened in 2025. Analytics firm NTech estimates retail fish sales fell about 1% by volume...

Russian Fish Exports to China Reach 1.9M Tons Amid Persistent Tariff Barriers

China continues to maintain tariffs on key Russian fish export products despite growing fisheries trade between the two countries. 

Official data shows that Russian fish exports to China reached 1.91 million tons, worth US$3.4 billion, in 2025. Exports could have been higher if not for tariff restrictions limiting supply. 

Updated tariffs that took effect January 1, 2026, are set at 5% on a wide range of products, including frozen pollock, herring, cod, and blue whiting. In 2025, these species accounted for 71% of the...

Surge in Surimi Production Supports Russia’s Export Push to Asia

The Russian surimi sector is booming, with strong growth in both value and volume.

Analysts at the Russian Pollock Association forecast that production could rise another 20–25% in 2026, exceeding 100,000 MT and setting a national record. In 2025, surimi production increased 25% to 89,000 metric tons (MT), following a 47% expansion in 2024.

The surimi segment is one of the few in the Russian seafood market showing simultaneous growth in volume and value. The sector has expanded rapidly since 2020...

Hokkaido December Surimi Production up 20%, 2025 Production up 12%

According to member reports compiled by the National Surimi Association, Hokkaido's frozen surimi production volume in December 2025 increased 20% year-on-year to 756 tons, marking the first year-on-year increase in four months, driven by higher production of the main species, Alaska pollock.

According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, Alaska pollock increased 21% to 755 tons, the first increase in four months. According to a manufacturer source, while raw fish landings in Hokkaido were sluggish in Funka Bay, down...

Japan: 2025 Fishery Product Imports Fell by 3% in Volume; Pollock Surimi up 36% from Russia, Down 11% from the US 

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on January 29th, the volume of marine product imports in 2025 (preliminary figures, including seafood and seafood preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) decreased 3% from the previous year to 2,024,014 tons, while import value increased 4% to 2,381,400,000 yen ($15,175,740.60). Fresh and frozen tuna increased 6% to 186,362 tons, fresh and frozen salmon and trout remained the same as the previous year at 219,397 tons, and sea urchin...

Russia Warns of Possible Bering Sea Pollock Catch Decline Amid Stock Concerns

Russia is expressing concern about a potential decline in pollock catch in its part of the Bering Sea due to reduced stock levels.

According to the Russian Association of Fishing Fleet Owners (ASRF), a recent assessment by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found a 30% decline in pollock biomass in the eastern Bering Sea within US fishing zones.

ASRF notes these findings are significant for the outlook of the pollock fishery in the Russian Western Bering Sea (WBS)...

GSMC 2026: Whitefish Panel Discusses Reshuffling Supply Amid Cod Decline, Growing Pollock Momentum

At GSMC 2026, the Whitefish Panel, led by Expana’s own Angel Rubio and Paul Jewer, CEO of High Liner Foods, underscored a major reshuffling underway in whitefish supply as cod availability tightens globally. Panelists highlighted pollock's rising prominence, greater familiarity, and growing integration into consumer-facing menus, as cod faces persistent supply constraints and higher prices.

Rubio set the stage with data showing continued declines in global Atlantic and Pacific cod harvests over the past decade, driven by strong ongoing demand and constrained supply...

High Liner Foodservice Launches Fully Cooked Whitefish Line Targeting C-store, QSR Operators

Value-added frozen seafood company High Liner Foods has debuted a brand-new portfolio of fully cooked offerings via its Foodservice division.

The new product line includes fully cooked whitefish items, providing solutions for foodservice operators and distributors.

“High Liner Foods has over a century of expertise in seafood excellence, and innovation is at the forefront of everything we do,” said Anthony Rasetta, Chief Commercial Officer at High Liner Foods. “Our new line of responsibly sourced, fully cooked products opens up opportunities for operators and distributors...

Russia Eyes Haddock and Pollock as Alternatives Amid Cod Decline

Russia continues to face declining cod catches due to low stock levels and changing climatic conditions, adversely affecting production.

To compensate, local analysts suggest increasing haddock and pollock catches as possible replacements for cod.

German Zverev, head of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers (VARPE), told Kommersant that cod has an unfortunate history—200–250 years ago, it was the main commercial target for Russian fishermen. However, high demand combined with natural factors has led to overexploitation of cod populations in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans...

GAPP Taps Jim Johnson as New Chairman of the Board, Adds New Board Members for 2026

The Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced new Board leadership and a continuation of its work expanding demand for wild Alaska pollock.

“Significant resources will be dedicated to both building demand for Wild Alaska Pollock around the world and protecting the reputation of the fishery in the coming year,” the group said in a statement released today. 

At its annual Board and Membership meetings, the GAPP members voted to maintain its current assessment rate to support broader demand-building work...

US Extends Russian Seafood Ban as Alaska Pushes for Continued Restrictions

The US has renewed its national emergency declaration targeting Russian activities, effectively extending the ban on Russian seafood imports that has benefited Alaska's fishing industry since 2022.

President Donald Trump signed a continuation of the national emergency on March 24, extending Executive Order 14024, which underpins the prohibition on Russian seafood imports. The order was published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2026.

The extension comes just days before Alaska lawmakers passed House Joint Resolution 29 on March 30, urging federal authorities to maintain and strengthen the Russian...

American Seafoods Refutes Federal Seizure of Pollock Roe, Calling it a Paperwork Discrepancy

American Seafoods is taking issue with the US Coast Guard and the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) of the NOAA Fisheries Service within the Department of Commerce. In response to a USCG press release last Monday, the Seattle-based owner of seven vessels, some of which harvest and process pollock in the Bering Sea, issued a press release the next day saying the investigation of, as the Coast Guard press release said “major discrepancies between the vessel’s production reports and electronic logbook” is nothing more...

Alaska Pollock Fishery Recertified as Sustainable by Marine Stewardship Council For Next Five Years

The nation’s largest fishery, and the second largest volume fishery in the world, Alaska pollock was certified for the fifth time by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) yesterday. Alaska pollock, caught primarily in the eastern Bering Sea, was first certified in 2005 and has now been recertified until 2031, following a comprehensive, independent assessment. 

“We are proud that the Alaska pollock fishery continues to meet the rigorous, science-based standards of the Marine Stewardship Council,” Matt Tinning, CEO of the At-sea Processors Association (APA), which...

ANALYSIS: Salmon and Pollock Dominate EU‑US Seafood Flows as Trade Balance Shifts

At a time when US tariff policy reflects both commercial and geopolitical considerations of its partners, and given the temporary halt to the US‑EU trade agreement reached last summer, it is especially relevant to review the seafood trade relationship between the United States and the European Union...

Salmon Surges While Shrimp Slips in NFI's Top 10 US Consumption Rankings

Salmon emerged as the standout winner in US seafood consumption patterns for 2023, while the traditionally dominant shrimp category showed signs of vulnerability, according to the National Fisheries Institute's annual top 10 species list.

Salmon consumption surged 0.29 pounds to 3.51 pounds per capita, reinforcing its position as America's second-most consumed seafood. The growth contrasts sharply with shrimp's performance, despite maintaining its No. 1 ranking at 5.10 pounds per capita; shrimp consumption declined by a notable 0.40 pounds from 2022 levels...

EU Continues Importing Russian Fish Despite Sanctions

The European Union continues to import fish from Russia despite sanctions. In the first half of 2025, Russian fish exports to the EU rose to 122,000 tons, driven mainly by pollock fillets, whose supply more than doubled.

While official figures for the full year 2025 are not yet available, most analysts expect growth to continue at a similar pace.

In 2024, the EU imported fish and seafood from Russia for $751.74 million, with comparable figures expected for 2025.

The EU primarily imports white fish...

GAPP Seeks Market Research Proposals for Surimi Market Assessment in India

The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP), who for years have been looking at India as a possible market for Alaska pollock surimi,  took an important step today by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to study the potential market for Wild Alaska Pollock surimi in the sub-continent.   

The research, which is funded in part by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Emerging Markets Program and partly by industry funds, will identify both barriers and opportunities for the consumption of surimi seafood made from Alaska pollock...

High Liner's Sea Cuisine Debuts Guinness Battered Fish and Shrimp in 1,500 Kroger Stores, Costco

Bringing pub classics to the frozen aisle, Sea Cuisine, one of High Liner Foods’ retail brands, introduced Guinness Battered Fish Strips and Shrimp made from wild-caught Alaska pollock and tail-off shrimp coated in a Guinness-infused batter.

The products are now available in roughly 1,500 Kroger-family stores and in Costco club-size packs as the brand eyes broader North American expansion.

Expanding on its existing portfolio of Guinness Foodservice options, High Liner unveiled the Sea Cuisine Guinness Battered Fish Strips and Shrimp...

NPFMC Sets New Measures to Reduce Western Alaska Chum Bycatch During Pollock B Season

History was made at last week’s North Pacific Fisheries Management Council meeting convened to address the chum salmon bycatch in the pollock trawl fleets during the summer “B” season.

First, Western Alaska residents who rely on chum salmon as a keystone food in their culture and way of life described their loss to the Council and industry stakeholders who attended the meeting or listened online. Over 200 individuals submitted written comments, testified orally before the 11-member panel, and spoke...

White Castle Gears Up for Lent with its Return of Buttermilk Shrimp Nibblers

As the foodservice industry gears up for Lent, it is introducing special offers to cater to customers observing the occasion. This initiative aligns with White Castle's longstanding tradition of providing a variety of delicious, high-quality seafood options during a time when consumers seek non-meat alternatives.

In its latest offering, White Castle is bringing back Buttermilk Shrimp Nibblers. Available through April 5, this limited-time offering features butterfly shrimp that are battered and fried to perfection...

2025 Survey: Pollock Biomass Down by 30%, Snow Crab Up by 51% in Eastern Bering Sea

The walleye pollock biomass dropped by 30% from 2024, according to results of the annual eastern Bering Sea trawl survey, but a much smaller portion found in the northern Bering Sea rose by 50.6% YOY. 

Pollock is the largest contributor of biomass in both the eastern and northern Bering Sea. It accounts for 28% of the EBS and 23% of the NBS, making it the largest US commercial fishery.  

Even with a 30% drop in biomass, there is enough for the conservation-led...

Russia Plans to Turn South Korea into One of its Major Destinations for Seafood Supplies

Russia plans to turn South Korea into one of major trade destinations for the supplies of its fish and seafood in years to come.

That will be achieved by the increase of supplies in both volume and value terms.

In recent years, imports of Russian fish to the South Korean market have already exceeded some historic highs, while the growth is currently ongoing. This is also confirmed by some latest official statistics of the Korean Statistical Service, according...

Russia Continues Supplies of its Cod and Pollock to EU Despite the Existing Restrictions and Duties

Russia continues the supplies of its cod and pollock to the EU despite the existing restrictions and duties although this does not lead to decline of fish prices in the European market.

In fact, the European Union banned imports of caviar from Russia after the beginning of Russian-Ukranian war, but other fish products, including cod, still remained on the market being not a subject of bans. In 2024, the EU revoked Russian fisherman their tariff exemptions, but purchases of Russian

USDA Purchases $13.7M in Pollock, Catfish and Canned Salmon for Domestic Programs

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchased roughly $13.7 million worth of pollock, catfish and canned salmon products for use in domestic food distribution programs.

The USDA initially released a solicitation to sell various salmon, pollock and catfish products on November 25. In the end, the USDA bought 1.75 million pounds of seafood for $13,694,519.36.

Specifically, the USDA purchased 1,8000 cases of frozen Atlantic pollock fillets for $500,400; along with various frozen Alaska pollock products for a combined $2.3 million...