Andfjord Salmon Secures $42 Million in Funding, Reports Strong Biological Performance

Norwegian land-based salmon farmer Andfjord Salmon announced a strategic partnership with Eidsfjord Sjøfarm and is raising a minimum NOK 300 million through a private placement at NOK 27.50 per share, with Eidsfjord committing an additional NOK 100 million investment.

The partnership includes substantial post-smolt deliveries from Andfjord to Eidsfjord in 2026 and 2027, with approximately 1 million planned for 2026 alone. The agreement also secures Andfjord's smolt sourcing and processing capacity through Holmøy Havbruk.

Andfjord reported excellent biological and operational metrics... 

For 2026 Norway is Turning its Marketing Focus Away From the US to China. Here’s Why.

At their annual meeting last January, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) announced a shift in their marketing focus away from the United States and towards China, supported by a new Trends Report.  

The next few months' export data illustrated the new policy. NSC released their report, “The Year of China” recently with detailed demographics and trends that support the new policy. 

The report notes that China’s four tier-one cities — Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen — each with populations in excess of 18 million people...

Mowi Reports Record Q1 Harvest of 136,000 Tonnes, Beats Guidance by 6%

Norwegian salmon giant Mowi posted record first-quarter harvest volumes of 136,000 tonnes gutted weight, representing 26% growth from 108,000 tonnes in Q1 2025 and exceeding the company's guidance of 128,000 tonnes.

The harvest beat Bloomberg consensus expectations of 128,118 tonnes, marking Mowi's strongest Q1 performance on record.

Norway led regional production with 75,500 tonnes, followed by Chile at 21,000 tonnes and Scotland at 20,500 tonnes. Canada contributed 8,000 tonnes, while Ireland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland (Arctic Fish) added 2,000, 3,000 and 6,000 tonnes respectively...

BC's Walcan Quinsam River Pink Salmon Fishery Becomes Province's Only MSC-Certified Salmon Operation

The Walcan Quinsam River Pink Salmon Fishery has earned Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, making it the only salmon fishery in British Columbia to feature the blue label.

The April 15 announcement was hailed by Cameron Pirie, President of Walcan Seafood, who said the certification reflected decades of stewardship and collaboration.

"Working alongside the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Nations to harvest only surplus salmon, we're able to protect the resource while bringing a premium product to market," Pirie said...

ACFFA Opposes Funds to Atlantic Salmon Foundation in Canada’s New Force of Nature Plan

At the end of March, Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney launched  A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature, investing $3.8 billion to protect and restore critical habitats, promote natural biodiversity, and mobilize “new capital for nature.” 

The news was welcomed by conservation groups across Canada, including one with headquarters in New Brunswick and an office in Maine — the Atlantic Salmon Foundation.  

Now the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association has sent an urgent objection to Carney and Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, saying unequivocally...

Isfjord Norway Drops Mowi Salmon Over Russian Feed Ingredients

Isfjord Norway, a company behind various private-label salmon brands in the country, stopped sourcing raw materials from salmon giant Mowi after local news outlets found that Mowi was using feed ingredients from Russia four years after the country launched its invasion of Ukraine.

Norwegian news outlet E24 reported that Mowi, along with Skretting, a major fish feed company, is importing raw feed materials from Russia despite the ongoing conflict.

Isfjord Norway CEO Liv Randi Sira told Norwegian media that the company "clearly distances itself from all trade with Russia...

Chile Coordinates Salmon Industry Response as Harmful Algal Blooms Affect 11 Farms

Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) met with salmon farming companies and service providers this week to coordinate response efforts as harmful algal blooms continue impacting operations in southern Chile.

The blooms, caused by the Heterosigma akashiwo species detected since March, have affected 11 fish farms primarily in Salmonid Concession Groups 1 and 2 in the Reloncaví Sound area. All affected facilities have activated their preventative action plans in response to the harmful algal bloom (HAB) conditions...

Vital Pet Life Brings First ASC-Certified Pet Supplement to US Market Through Walmart Launch

Vital Pet Life has launched what it calls the first ASC-labeled pet supplement in the US market, rolling out "Only Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats" across more than 1,600 Walmart stores nationwide this spring.

The move marks a significant expansion for the Aquaculture Stewardship Council into North America's pet sector, as the certification body seeks to build on growing consumer demand for traceable, responsibly sourced ingredients in pet products.

Only Salmon Oil features responsibly farmed salmon oil...

Mersey Seafoods Acquires Nova Scotia's Comeau's Sea Foods

Nova Scotia-based Mersey Seafoods has struck a deal to acquire fellow provincial seafood firm Comeau's Sea Foods, the companies announced April 8.

Comeau's said day-to-day operations will remain unchanged, and the company will continue operating from its Southwest Nova Scotia locations under the same name. The scallop and herring processor serves foodservice and retail sectors and also handles Atlantic salmon, haddock, halibut, and Alaska pollock.

"We have a strong foundation in the Clare community and have been a staple employer in the region," Comeau's stated. "We believe this...

Canada Commits $1.1 Billion to Renew Pacific Salmon Recovery Strategy

The Government of Canada has released results from the first phase of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) alongside announcing a major renewal of the program under Canada’s Nature Strategy.

Phase 1, from 2021–2026, of the PSSI focused on protecting, conserving, and restoring wild Pacific salmon across British Columbia and Yukon through broad collaboration with Indigenous partners, governments, scientists, and local communities. The initiative laid "the foundation for long-term recovery" by advancing habitat restoration, improving fishery management, and expanding...

Aquaculture Tech Giant AKVA Group Considers Sale Following Strong Growth

AKVA Group, an aquaculture tech group, announced that its board of directors has initiated a strategic review to maximize shareholder value, which could lead to a potential sale or “value creative business” combinations.

AKVA Group said today that, after years of investments in technology, operational scale and system integration, the firm has entered a period of “strengthened commercial momentum” across all of its business segments.

Revenues have increased from NOK 3.4bn ($357 million) in 2023 to NOK 4.4bn in 2025, representing a CAGR of 13.7%, accompanied...

Ikura Price Reached a Record High in 2025 Amid a Drastic Reduction in Hokkaido

The record-low fall chum catch has led to an unprecedented decline in Hokkaido-produced ikura salmon caviar, driving prices to record highs. According to estimates by the Hokkaido Fisheries Cooperative Association, last year's supply of Hokkaido-produced ikura (salted, soy sauce-marinated, and green frozen) is projected at around 440 tons, a 70% decrease from the previous year.

"Domestic fall chum ikura, specifically soy sauce-marinated ikura, is ultimately trading at around 20,000 yen/kg ($125.33/kg). Imports...

Ventisqueros Joins Chile’s Salmon Council Strengthening Industry Collaboration

Productos del Mar Ventisqueros S.A. announced that it has accepted an invitation to join Chile's Salmon Council, an assembly of the country’s main producers—representing nearly 60% of the industry in Chile.

The company is recognized both nationally and globally as a leading producer in the industry. It is made up of nearly 1,300 workers and is part of a European holding company with an international presence. Its inclusion strengthens the Salmon Council as a space for unions to help shape long-term government policy supporting sustainable aquaculture.

Erling Haaland Renews Norwegian Seafood Ambassador Deal Until Autumn 2028

Norwegian football (soccer) star Erling Haaland has signed a new contract, and no, not for a new team in the Premier League.

Haaland has extended his partnership with the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), where he will continue to serve as an ambassador and partner for Norwegian seafood.

Haaland’s work alongside the council began in 2024, and the new agreement will see Haaland work alongside the council through autumn 2028.

“I’m very happy to continue the partnership with Norwegian seafood. It feels natural to me, and it’s something...

Southeast Alaska Troll Chinook Limit Jumps 57% to 146,000 Fish for 2026

Yesterday, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced that the annual all-gear allowable catch limit for Southeast Alaska/Yakutat (SEAK) is 207,400 treaty Chinook salmon, or non-Alaska hatchery-produced Chinook salmon.  

This year’s all-gear catch limit includes a 1% reduction that will serve as a buffer to avoid exceeding the all-gear limit and payback provisions within the treaty.  

The resulting preseason troll treaty harvest allocation for 2026 is 146,000 Chinook salmon, which is 53,200 fish above the preseason limit available in 2025...

Kaldvik Secures Financing Relief as Losses Mount

Kaldvik, the fully integrated company which controls the value chain from hatchery to sales, said in an Oslo Stock Exchange statement that it had successfully concluded negotiations with its lenders, who accepted several measures for the current fiscal year.

In the last quarter reported, it revealed a loss of €10.6 million (£9m) following a lackluster winter. 

The company said its lenders agreed to increase availability under the revolving facility for 2026 by applying a less conservative borrowing-base calculation, though the facility...

Salmar Founder's Firm Takes 8.7% Måsøval Stake Ahead of Potential Sale

The Witzøe family has acquired an 8.7% stake in Norwegian salmon farmer Måsøval for NOK 374 million, purchasing the shareholding from Odin Fondene through its Kverva investment firm, according to Norwegian financial newspaper Dagens Næringsliv.

The move makes Kverva the second-largest shareholder in Måsøval, behind the founding family's 70% controlling interest, and has fueled analyst speculation that Gustav Witzøe-controlled Salmar may be positioning for a full acquisition of its regional competitor.

"Many are probably interested in the company...

Japan's Salmon Imports Increased 18% to 24,987 Tons in February, 15% to JPY 33.5 Billion

According to trade statistics from the Ministry of Finance, February imports of fresh and frozen salmon and trout increased by 18% year-on-year to 24,987 tons, and their value increased by 16% to 33.5 billion yen ($211.5 million). Imports of key items, such as frozen Chilean coho salmon and frozen Russian sockeye salmon, increased, Minato Shimbun reported.

February imports of frozen Chilean coho salmon increased by 11% year-on-year to 13,541 tons. While imports have been on an upward trend since last...

Politis Steak & Seafood Partners with Q Plus Foods to Expand Specialty Seafood Reach

Politis Steak & Seafood and Q Plus Foods have announced a strategic partnership that brings together two South Florida foodservice specialists. The deal pairs Politis’ operational scale and customer-service capabilities with Q Plus Foods’ specialty seafood sourcing program and global supplier relationships, expanding access to high-end seafood for chefs and operators across the region.

Q Plus Foods has built a reputation as one of South Florida’s premier specialty seafood purveyors, renowned for curating an exceptional selection of seafood from around the world. The company is...

CAVA Introduces Glazed Salmon in First Seafood Menu Expansion

Mediterranean fast-casual brand CAVA is introducing seafood to its menu for the first time with the launch of Glazed Salmon, available starting April 20.

The new offering reinforces the company’s Mediterranean roots with bold, vibrant flavors while expanding options for health-conscious consumers. The salmon is marinated in a house-made pomegranate glaze featuring pomegranate molasses—a tangy-sweet staple of Levantine cuisine—then roasted to achieve a caramelized exterior and flaky texture.

“At the Mediterranean table, seafood is enjoyed everyday, it’s not...

California Commercial Salmon Fishing Reopens After Three-Year Closure as Populations Recover

California's commercial ocean salmon fishery will reopen in 2026 after a three-year closure, while recreational anglers will see significantly expanded opportunities following dramatic improvements in key Chinook salmon populations, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized season recommendations during its April 7-12 meeting in Portland, Oregon, with the National Marine Fisheries Service expected to implement the measures into federal regulations.

Significant improvements in Sacramento River fall-run Chinook and Klamath River fall-run Chinook stocks enabled expanded...

SalmonChile and ProChile Join Forces to Strengthen Chilean Salmon in US Market

SalmonChile and ProChile are teaming up to boost Chilean salmon in international markets, with a new focus on the United States.

Both organizations met to strategize and define collaboration lines in a session led by SalmonChile president Patricio Melero and ProChile directors. They agreed to expand the Sectoral Brand’s work and make the U.S. a strategic axis for promoting national salmon.

“We have defined a very clear roadmap with ProChile that will allow us to strengthen our presence...

Salmon Evolution Holds Q1 Steady, Eyes Stronger Volumes After Operational Reset

Salmon Evolution reported a solid first quarter, with results in line with expectations and early signs of improved biological performance following operational changes.

The company harvested 1,765 tonnes of HOG salmon during Q1, achieving an all-in price realization of around NOK 84 per kilogram.

Biomass growth during the quarter was temporarily affected by an adaptation period linked to the introduction of new feed and adjustments to operating protocols. However, performance improved as the quarter progressed, with management highlighting a "step-change ...

Norway's Seafood Exports Rise 3% Despite Continued US Decline

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 15.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in March, up 3% from the same month last year, despite a third consecutive month of declining US shipments exceeding NOK 500 million.

The US market share fell to 9% of Norwegian exports, down 4 percentage points from March 2025, as increased tariffs and a weaker dollar against the Norwegian krone continued to impact trade. Salmon fillets bore the brunt of the US decline, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council.

"The main reason for the decline to the US is increased...

Alaska Peninsula Communities File Suit to Void Conflicted Fisheries Regulations 

Russia-Japan Salmon Agreement Points to Expanded Fisheries Cooperation

Russia and Japan plan to continue cooperation in fisheries in the coming years, despite existing political tensions between the countries.

In late March, the two sides reached an agreement on salmon fishing quotas for 2026, and further expansion of their fisheries cooperation is possible.

Representatives from Japan and Russia agreed on salmon fishing quotas that will apply to Japanese fishermen in Japan's 200-mile exclusive economic zone in 2026...

AquaBounty Eyes Final Asset Sale After Exiting Salmon Operations

AquaBounty Technologies has received a non-binding purchase offer for its incomplete Ohio recirculating aquaculture system facility, marking a potential conclusion to the company's transformation from salmon farmer to asset liquidator.

The genetically modified salmon pioneer disclosed in its annual report that it received a Letter of Interest to purchase its Ohio subsidiary, which houses the company's last significant asset after systematically divesting all operational farms. The $145 million Ohio facility has sat incomplete since construction was paused in June 2023 due to escalating costs...

Quinlan Brothers Plans Fish Waste-to-Value Facility at Bay de Verde Operations

Quinlan Brothers Ltd. wants to build a new facility at its Bay de Verde plant to convert crab shells, salmon scraps, and other seafood waste into fish oil and meal products, rather than dumping the materials at sea or sending them to landfills.

The Newfoundland processor plans to convert the waste materials into ingredients for fish feed, pet food, and human consumption products at the facility adjacent to its existing crab and salmon operations.

Construction would begin in fall 2026, with the facility expected to be fully...

Sernapesca Hosts FDA and Mattilsynet to Showcase Chile’s Salmon Farming Standards

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) recently carried out a series of initiatives, including meetings and field visits with international delegations, to showcase the high standards of Chile’s salmon farming industry.

The visit brought together representatives from Sernapesca, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.

"We held a series of meetings to strengthen our strategic alliances that go beyond our borders, such as the FDA of the United States and Mattilsynet of Norway, to learn about the high...

Pure Salmon Japan Secures $180 Million Fortress-Led Funding for Land-Based Salmon Facility

Pure Salmon Japan, previously known as Soul of Japan, announced the completion of a $180 million funding round led by a Fortress Investment Group fund on April 1.

This transaction completes the preferred note financing for this project, marking a significant milestone in the development of the land-based salmon farming facility currently under construction in Japan. The company comprises a group of firms under the 8F Asset Management umbrella.

"Pure Salmon Japan is one of the key projects in our global Pure Salmon platform...