Sapporo Company Sells Fall Chum and Sockeye Salmon After Aging it 50 Days in Snow

Japanese company Sato Suisan of Sapporo, Hokkaido, began selling "snow matured salmon" on March 15 at eight directly managed stores in Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, as well as online.

Snow matured salmon (SMS) is a seasonal product that has been sold by Sato Suisan every year since 2011. This year’s SMS was made from salted Hokkaido fall chum salmon that was caught last fall, salted, and then buried in snow that had accumulated on the roof of the company's factory in Ishikari City on...

Silver Bay Partners with BBEDC to Purchase Former Icicle Stake in OBI Seafoods

Silver Bay Seafoods is set to acquire a stake in Alaska seafood processor OBI Seafoods, purchasing the share previously owned by Icicle Seafoods, a subsidiary of Canadian seafood giant Cooke.

The deal involves a partnership between Silver Bay and the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation (BBEDC), which acquired a 50% stake in OBI (previously Ocean Beauty Seafoods) in 2007. Silver Bay will also garner more processing power within the wild Alaska salmon sector.

BBEDC and Silver Bay said that the partnership...

Cooke Aquaculture Chile Challenges Court-Ordered Production Suspension

Cooke Aquaculture Chile, the Chilean salmon farming arm of Canadian seafood company Cooke, was ordered to suspend operations at nine of its farming sites for one production cycle, per various local media reports.

The company rejected the fine and said that the roughly $37,000 penalty was “disproportionate” as it stemmed from an alleged delay of providing statistical information by one or two days, according to the publication Salmonexpert.

Cooke clarified that the authority's requirement that the data be submitted weekly was fulfilled, as established by current regulations...

US, Canada West Coast Fisheries Get Boost from Pacific Salmon Funding

The Pacific Salmon Commission’s Northern and Southern Funds committees recently finalized project selections for 2025, awarding a total of $9.5 million USD to support Pacific salmon conservation and management efforts. 

The Northern Fund awarded $5 million to 37 projects; the Southern Fund awarded $4.5 million to 46 projects. 

Funded projects align with the Pacific Salmon Treaty, and involve a wide range of partners, including First Nations and Tribal organizations, non-profit groups, U.S. state, federal, and Canadian federal salmon management agencies, the Commission said...

West Coast Salmon Season Alternatives Set; PFMC to Finalize in April 

It was a tough week for salmon fishermen and salmon managers as the Pacific Fishery Management Council crafted three alternatives for 2025 ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California.  

The Salmon Technical Team, which includes state, federal and tribal fishery managers, had to deal with limited access to federal partners, corrupted data files, limited times to run models and more. But in the end, the Team, advisers and Council established three commercial and recreational alternatives for review. 

The Council will make a final decision...

SalMar Takes Full Control of Offshore Aquaculture Venture SalMar Aker Ocean

Salmon farming giant SalMar announced that it has agreed to purchase Aker Capital (Aker)’s 15% ownership stake in offshore aquaculture firm SalMar Aker Ocean (SAO) for one million SalMar shares and a cash consideration of NOK 76 million ($7 million).

SalMar said it views offshore aquaculture as an opportunity for growth both in Norway and abroad. After long evaluations and discussions, the two partner companies, SalMar and Aker, agreed that SalMar can more effectively manage the offshore aquaculture segment of the business...

US Seafood Targeted in Canada’s Proposed Retaliatory Tariff List

Canada wasted no time hitting back at new U.S. tariffs, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing immediate 25% retaliatory duties on C$30 billion ($20.9 billion) worth of American imports after the levies took effect on March 4.

“Canada is being needlessly and unfairly targeted by these tariffs – and the US' decision leaves us with no choice but to respond to protect Canadian interests, workers and businesses. Working with provincial, territorial and industry partners, our singular focus is to remove these tariffs as quickly as possible...

Grieg Seafood Completes Successful Placement of Perpetual Green Hybrid Bond

On February 27, 2025, British Columbian (B.C.) salmon farmer Grieg Seafood ASA announced the successful placement of a new perpetual green hybrid bond issue of NOK 2 million ($177.6 million) with a first call date after four years.

Bond details

Proceeds for the bond—which has a coupon, or interest rate, of three months at a Norwegian Inter-Bank Offer Rate (NIBOR) of 5.75%—will go towards financing Grieg’s green projects, as further defined by the Green Bond Framework.

Among its financial activities will be the refinancing of existing...

Bakkafrost Q4 Results Indicate Stalled Revenue Stream Amid Strong Smolt Production

On February 17, 2025, Faroese salmon farmer Bakkafrost released its Q4 2024 financial results, indicating stalled quarterly revenues for the company amid strong overall smolt production and a decreased mortality rate.

In total, Q4 revenues totaled DKK 1,470 million ($207.28 million), amounting to DKK 12 million less than the same period last year. The Faroe Islands operations carried the majority of revenues, reaching DKK 1,184 million (a decrease of 294 million from Q4 2023), while Scotland operations reached DKK 286 million (an increase of 282 million from Q4 2023)...

Alaska House Leaders Oppose Governor’s Plan to Allow Fish Farms, Dunleavy Responds in Video

The debate over whether to lift a 35-year ban on fish farms in Alaska continued yesterday. On Friday, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy proposed HB111, which would keep the ban on salmon farming but allow Alaskans to raise other finfish, in closed water systems, potentially for sale. 

Yesterday, Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, issued a written statement after reading the bill.

“Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, our coastal communities, and fishing families across the state are suffering through historically...

Scottish Salmon Exports Increased 45% in 2024, Reaching Record High of £844 million

Scottish salmon was exported to 48 countries in 2024, with the total export value reaching an all-time high of £844 million. This marks a 45% increase from 2023 to 2024 and a record-breaking increase of £226 million compared to Scotland’s 2019 record of £618 million.

“These exceptional figures clearly demonstrate the surging global demand for Scottish salmon, which is rightly recognized as a premium high-quality product,” said Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.

According to HMRC figures published on February 13...

Russia’s Kamchatka Krai Experiences Serious Problems with Salmon Stock, Catch

The Kamchatka Krai, one of the centers of fish catch in Russia, has been experiencing serious difficulties lately, mainly due to the decrease in salmon stock, according to recent statements made by Vladimir Solodov, the governor of the region.

Vladimir Solodov comments:

"It is a difficult situation in the Kamchatka fisheries complex at present, because several factors have come together. The most important is low salmon runs."

The low salmon run means a decrease in the number of fish returning to spawn. As the governor has also added...

Landmark California Agreement Focuses on Removing Eel River Dams

First, Klamath River dams were removed in 2024, giving salmon miles more habitat on an important watershed. And soon, salmon will have roughly 300 new miles of river open on the Eel River in California. A new agreement last week between fishing industry groups and county, state and tribal officials will remove dams on the Eel River while still providing water for agriculture. 

California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham joined the Round Valley Indian Tribes...

SalMar Reports Satisfactory Q4 Results, Shares Acquisition Plans

It was a challenging year for SalMar, one of the largest farmed salmon producers in the world, with farming operations in Central Norway, Northern Norway and Iceland. Last year they were hit with string jellyfish during harvest along with weather delays.

"Throughout the quarter, we have seen good biological development in the sea,

especially in Northern Norway,” said Frode Arntsen, CEO of SalMar ASA. “Together with the solid structure we have in SalMar, and thanks to our employees who have handled a challenging year in an impressive way, we delivered...

Mowi to Appeal Fine for Salmon Escape to Chile’s Supreme Court

Mowi will appeal to Chile’s Supreme Court after an environmental court confirmed sanctions imposed by Chile’s Environmental Superintendency (SMA) linked to a 2018 escapement.

On February 10, a ruling from the Third Environmental Court confirmed the 5.3 billion Chilean pesos (US $5.1 million) fine levied on Mowi Chile linked to a major salmon escapement at its CES Punta Redonda fattening center in the Los Lagos region.

“The court's response comes within the framework of the claim of illegality...

Salmon Giant Mowi Breaks Records in 2024, Raises Harvest Guidance for 2025

Mowi said that in 2024, the company reached a litany of records for Q4 and the full year. The largest fish farming company in the world said it had its highest turnover and harvest volumes last year, with revenue at EUR 5.62 billion ($5.8 billion) on 502,000 metric tons of salmon.

“I am extremely pleased that we have continued to deliver on our strategy and our goals, and I am impressed with the way the organisation was once again able to produce both record volumes and record...

Russia Planning to Increase Total Fish Catch to 5 Million Tons in 2025

Russian fishermen plan to catch 5 million tons of fish in 2025. However, according to recent statements made by the head of Rosrybolovstvo, Ilya Shestakov, that will largely depend on the results of this year's salmon fishing season.

The planned catch will be higher than that in 2024, which was at the level of 4.9 million tons. Compared to 2023 (5.3 million tons), the decline in catch last year was mainly due to a significant drop in salmon catch (to 235,000 tons from 609,000 tons in 2023 and 272,000 tons in 2022).

As Shestakov has also added, there are currently some problems with pollock catch in the Russian Far East due to the poor ice conditions in the region; however, such a situation may soon stabilize.

SeaBear to Recall Smoked Salmon & Clam Chowders Due to Seal Defect

Washington-based SeaBear Company recalled two varieties of its seafood chowder, Smoked Salmon Chowder & Alehouse Clam Chowder because the products could potentially be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.

A notice on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website warned consumers not to use the product even if it doesn’t look or smell spoiled.

The Smoked Salmon Chowder and Alehouse Clam Chowder were distributed through physical retail stores in Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington and direct home delivery via SeaBear’s website nationwide between 10/1/2024...

Russia and Japan Agree on 2025 Salmon Catch Quotas, Same as 2024

Russia and Japan have reached an agreement on 2025 salmon catch quotas for Japanese fishermen in the Japanese exclusive economic zone. According to the Japanese Fisheries Administration, the quota is set at 2,050 tons, which is the same as last year.

The parties agreed that Japanese fishermen will be able to catch salmon that migrate from Russian rivers. Currently the sides are also conducting talks on the 2025 salmon catch quotas for Japanese fishermen in the 200-mile exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation.

Last year, Russia and Japan agreed...

Chile’s Salmon Council Signs 50-Year Plan to Promote the Salmon Farming Development Board

The signing took place within the framework of the first session of the 50-year Salmon Plan.  

The Salmon Council participated in the formation and signing of the commitment of the "Table for the Development of Salmon Farming".  

The author of the initiative is the mayor of Puerto Montt, Rodrigo Wainraihgt. His plan, with many others in the area as well as public agencies, private companies, and NGOs, is to establish a strategy for the sustainable development of salmon farming in the future...

US Demand Helps Fuel Record Norwegian Seafood Exports in February

Norway experienced its highest export value for the month of February. While there were a multitude of factors at play, trade with the US was a key factor. A similar story was the case in January as the US was the largest market for Norwegian seafood on a value basis to start 2025, as Expana reported.

According to the council, the USA had the highest value growth in February, witnessing an export value increase of NOK 548 million ($50 million)...

Japan: January Frozen Sockeye Imports Increased 40% While Bluefin Tuna Fillet Volume Doubled

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on February 27, Japan’s January fishery product imports (including preliminary figures, fish and shellfish and their preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) increased 5% from last year, amounting to 181,946 tons. The following species exceeded their import levels from January 2023: fresh and chilled tuna, salmon, trout, herring, octopus, and sea urchin. According to Minato Shimbun, Japan’s total import value reached 184.04 billion yen ($1.22 billion), which marks an increase of 19% compared to same time last year...

Iceland Seafood Int’l Releases Positive Q4 Financial Results, Exceeding 2024 Outlook

On February 26, 2025, Iceland Seafood International (ISI) published its fourth quarter financial results for 2024, reflecting overall success in sales for Q4 and the year as a whole.

The seafood company saw a lot of increases in 2024, with sales soaring 16% in Q4 2024, amounting to €129.2 million more than the same period last year. Meanwhile, sales for the year increased by 3% compared to 2023, amounting to a total of €443.2 million.

Net margin was also up this year, amounting to...

UK’s Largest Retailer Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Norwegian Salmon Companies

Tesco, the largest food retailer in the United Kingdom (UK), has filed an antitrust lawsuit against several Norwegian salmon producers, alleging the firms engaged in a price-fixing conspiracy.

The suit filed on February 18, lists eight salmon farmers as defendants, including Cermaq Group AS, Lerøy Seafood Group ASA, Scottish Sea Farms Limited, Bremnes Seashore AS, Grieg Seafood ASA, Grieg Seafood UK Limited, SalMar ASA, and Sjor AS. The suit also includes other retailers as claimants alongside Tesco, including Booker Limited and Budgens Stores...

Russian Salmon Fishermen to Pay Hefty Bill for Catch Rights Over Next Two Decades

Russia may face a decline in its salmon catch in the short term amid state plans to make domestic fishermen re-register their catch rights for the next two decades.

According to data from the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers (VARPE), there are 2,175 salmon fishing sites in Russia, while their lease terms range from 10 to 25 years and, in most cases, expire in 2027–2028. That means that fishermen's existing rights to use these sites should be extended already this year...

Dunleavy Proposes New Legislation to Allow Finfish Farming in Alaska

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy introduced legislation that, if passed, would allow finfish farming in inland, closed-system bodies of water. The move would end, at least in part, the state's 35-year ban on fish farming.

The bill, HB 111, doesn’t allow salmon farming and prohibits the cultivation of pink, chum, sockeye, coho, chinook, and Atlantic salmon. It also requires that all finfish be sterilized so they wouldn’t be able to reproduce if an escape occurred.

Furthermore, the legislation requires any potential farm to be enclosed within a natural...

Japan's 2024 Salmon and Trout Imports Increased 8%, Driven by 20% Increase in Frozen Coho

In 2024, Japan's total salmon and trout imports increased 6% year-on-year to 294.40 billion yen ($1.94 billion), as total import volume increased 8% to 230,879 tons, and the total average unit price fell 2% to 1,275 yen/kg. Frozen coho salmon led the overall import.

Meanwhile, frozen imports increased 6% to 214.03 billion yen ($1.41 billion), with quantity increasing by 9% to 189,877 tons. Sockeye salmon decreased by 40% to 15,955 tons, but coho salmon increased by 18% to 99,127 tons...

Alaska Salmon Fishery Meets MSC Requirements Following Hatchery Audit

On Friday, February 14, 2025, the Alaska salmon fishery met the full extent of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Standard requirements related to hatcheries.

This comes after a recent audit was performed by independent assessment body MRAG Americas, which determined that the fishery was in compliance with MSC requirements. Per the audit, wild salmon populations continue to thrive while also maintaining the genetic integrity needed for future fishery success.

Audits such as this are performed annually, and MSC recertifications are achieved every five years to meet MSC standards...

Nordic Aqua Resumes Sale of Atlantic Salmon at Facility in Ningbo, China

On February 13, 2025, salmon aquaculture company Nordic Aqua announced the resumption of Atlantic Salmon sales at its facility in Ningbo, China.

This marks a big step in the land-based salmon farmer’s Chinese market presence, as Nordic Aqua is once again capable of producing Atlantic salmon for China. With a population of more than 1.4 billion people, China remains a significant salmon customer with a robust growth potential, according to Nordic Aqua.

Nordic Aqua went on to explain that its Ningbo facility is situated within five hours...

North Council Sets Options for Reducing Chum Salmon Bycatch in the Bering Sea