Nordic Aqua Partners Completes First Harvest of Atlantic Salmon At Gaotang, China Facility

Nordic Aqua Partners confirmed on Friday that it has completed its first harvest of Atlantic salmon from its facility in Gaotang, China.

“Our first harvest confirms the high-quality of our farmed Atlantic Salmon, achieving an average weight of approximately 5.7 kilograms LW, with morta;ity rates of below 2%, no signs of maturation issues and a superior rate of 99%,” commented CEO Ragnar Joensen. “These excellent biological results underscore Nordic Aqua’s capability to maintain superior fish health and welfare standards...

Russian Salmon Sector Booming These Days

The Russian salmon sector is booming these days despite a significant drop of imports and maintaining stable domestic demand for salmon, according to recent statements made by representatives of producers and some local media reports.

According to latest data of the Russian Fisheries Union, imports of Atlantic salmon to Russia have declined by almost half over the last five years and amounted to 44,000 tons in 2023. At the same time, since last year, the supplies of chilled salmon products have completely stopped: both headless salmon and fillets. Prior to introduction of sanctions...

Peter Pan Halts Operations For Summer And Winter Production Cycles For The “Foreseeable Future”

Peter Pan Seafood’s fate has been up in the air since the company announced in January that it would be closing its King Cove plant for the winter fisheries of cod, whitefish and crab. Now, the company has confirmed that it will be “halting operations at its processing plants, leading to the discontinuation of both summer and winter production cycles for the foreseeable future.”

The decision to halt operations comes just a few weeks after Peter Pan...

ANALYSIS: Farmed Salmon at Retail Wanes

The market conditions in the farmed salmon complex post-Easter appears to be highly dependent on country of origin.

On the Chilean side, with Easter behind us, retail demand has dwindled. Retail buying opportunities or promotions were down significantly the week after Holy Week. The amount of buying opportunities recorded was the lowest number of promotions the market has seen in two years outside of the week of Thanksgiving in the United States. When retail demand wanes, the fresh spot market feels it, almost instantaneously. Fresh Chilean fillets moved lower both Tuesday and...

Europe’s BLUU Seafood Opens First Pilot Plant For Cultivated Fish

BLUU Seafood announced this week that they have opened the doors to their first pilot plant in Europe. 

Founded in Germany in 2020 as BLUU Biosciences, the company quickly expanded in 2021 after raising €7.2 million in funding. That year, the company also established a lab in Lübeck, Germany, as well as co-founded CellAg Europe. In 2022 the company rebranded as BLUU Seafood and presented its first products to the world: fish balls, fish fingers and caviar. Each of these products are...

Blue Star Foods Lands Supply Agreement With U.S. Military Meal Kit Company Eagle Rising

Blue Star Foods has entered into an agreement with Eagle Rising Brand, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business that produces meal kit solutions for members of the U.S. military.

According to Blue Star Foods, the agreement encompasses the rollout of 13 “meticulously crafted meal options, each designed to meet the rigorous nutritional standards and diverse preferences of military personnel.”

“We are honored to work with the team from Eagle Rising and admire their dedication to our nation,” commented...

Japan: Fresh Salmon Imports by Air Recovered in February, Procurement Costs Highest Ever

According to Japan’s Ministry of Finance's import customs statistics, the quantity of fresh salmon and trout transported by air in February increased for the first time in six months. However, this is a reactionary increase from the sharp decline in fillets in the same month last year. The imports of mainstay head-on, gutted fish are still sluggish, and procurement costs have reached their highest levels.

The air transportation result in February was 2,297 tons and 5,127.49 million yen ($33.62 million). This was an...

Federal Funding Allocated for California 2023 Salmon Fishing Disaster; CDFW Seeks Public Input

The $20.6 million check is almost in the mail for California salmon fishermen who didn't have a season in 2023.

On April 6, 2023, the Pacific Fishery Management Council acted unanimously to recommend a full closure of California’s 2023 commercial and recreational ocean salmon seasons due to extremely low population estimates for Sacramento and Klamath river fall Chinook salmon. Within hours of the recommendation, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his administration’s request for a federal fishery disaster declaration to...

Silver Bay Seafoods and Peter Pan Seafood Reach Deal For Valdez Plant

After months of talks, Silver Bay Seafoods and Peter Pan Seafood have finally come to an agreement. The companies announced in a joint press release on Thursday that Silver Bay will acquire Peter Pan’s Valdez processing plant. In addition, Silver Bay will also operate Peter Pan’s facilities in Port Moller and Dillingham for the upcoming salmon season.

Peter Pan’s Valdez plant, which operates from April through September, is the only fresh/frozen/cannery operation in that part of Prince William Sound. The operation employs 350 workers who process salmon...

SBA Offers Loans For Small Aquaculture Businesses Impacted By Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

Aquaculture businesses affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore, Maryland can now receive financial assistance. The Small Business Association (SBA) has announced that Mid-Atlantic small businesses impacted by the collapse can apply for low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster loans (EIDLs). 

"The SBA joins the entire federal family in grieving for the lives lost in the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge," said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. "As Baltimore and the wider community mourn and...

Russia Plans to Accelerate Fight Against Salmon Poaching in Years to Come

Russia plans to accelerate its fight with poaching in years to come, according to recent statements made by senior state officials in the field of fisheries and local media reports.

As part of these plans, a particular attention will be paid in the fight against salmon poaching.

According to recent statements, made by the head of Rosrybolovstvo Ilya Shestakov, poaching remains a problem for Russia, but tightening of control measures leads to its reduction.

Ilya Shestakov comments: “Of course...

NASEM Committee Announces Findings Between Seafood Consumption and Child Growth 

A committee with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) hosted a webinar this week, examining the connection between seafood consumption — particularly in women of a child bearing age, pregnant and breastfeeding women — and child growth and development. 

The Committee on the Role of Seafood Consumption in Child Growth and Development looked at finfish, shellfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and marine and freshwater fish. The aim of this research was to better understand the nutritional benefits of seafood consumption weighed against the health risks. The group found that...

Poseidon Ocean Systems Secures $20.75 Million in Series B Funding For New Aquaculture Technology

Salmon aquaculture company Poseidon Ocean Systems has secured $20.75 million in Series B financing. This second round of financing is through the Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF), InBC Investment Corp., and Export Development Canada. 

The funding will allow Poseidon to broaden relationships with farmers in Canada, Chile, and the UK, while also providing the Vancouver-based company with the ability to explore new markets. 

The goal is to boost Poseidon’s manufacturing capacity and grow its Hybrid Sea Cage Systems, which are designed for...

Norwegian Food Safety Authority Conducts Audit of SalMar; Here’s What They Found

This year the Norwegian Food Safety Authority is carrying out audits on some of the larger farming companies in the country following the death of 62.8 million salmon in Norwegian farms in 2023. The goal of the audits is to not only improve risk management, but also improve animal health and welfare. 

Salmon farmer SalMar ASA was one of the first audits conducted by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in 2024. The government agency investigated “whether the company’s risk management and internal control related to welfare in...

SENA 2024: ProChile’s Andrea Sapag Highlights Importance of Events In Promoting Chilean Seafood

Earlier this week Diversified Communications hosted the 42nd edition of Seafood Expo North America (SENA) in Boston, welcoming thousands of attendees who walked through 249,665 net square feet of exhibit space. And amongst that exhibit space was the sleek and eye-catching Chilean Pavilion, which was occupied by 10 companies, as well as representatives from ProChile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs institution responsible for promoting the supply of Chilean goods and services.

Chile is a major seafood exporter to the U.S. Last year Chile exported...

SENA 2024: Acme Smoked Fish’s New Lox in a Box Snack Kit Marries Convenience And Luxury  

“I’m hungry, but I also don’t have a lot of time and I don’t want to eat something unhealthy.” 

This is a frequent thought in a post-COVID world where everyone is a little more health conscious but once again on the go. The seafood industry has been targeting these consumers with pre-marinated, ready-to-heat dinner options. But Acme Smoked Fish is coming hard for the snack and lunch category with their new Lox in a Box Snack Kit...

@FAN Spa Executive Director Explains the Latest Harmful Algal Bloom in Chile

Chilean salmon farmers are currently dealing with a new harmful algal bloom threat. 

The harmful algal bloom — identified by marine biologists @FAN spa. as Heterosigma akashiwo, a ichthyotoxic microalgae — was first detected in the Los Lagos region on April 1 in the area of Hornopirén and its surroundings. Fabiola Villanueava, a marine biologist/ phytoplankton analyst and executive director @FAN spa., told Seafoodnews that this specific algal bloom can cause irritation of the gill tissue, which could potentially lead to mortality. 

Mortality is not necessarily guaranteed with this type...

ANALYSIS: Navigating Shifts in the 2024 Sockeye Season

The 2024 sockeye season presents notable changes compared to recent years. In 2022, there were record landings in Bristol Bay, resulting in a robust frozen supply leading up to the 2023 season.

At this time last year, talk of frozen 2022 product in the millions of pounds, coupled with another strong forecast, created uncertainty heading into the fresh season. Prices on frozen sockeye fillets, for example, saw a steep decline as many sellers reduced prices to stimulate sales and maintain product flow in an effort to...

California Gov. Newsom Wastes No Time in Requesting Federal Aid for Salmon Fishery

In the wake of last week's Pacific Fishery Management Council decision to close California's sport and commercial salmon seasons for the second year in a row, Gov. Gavin Newsom immediately followed up with a request to the federal government for aid.

The April 11 letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo requests an expedited determination of a fishery resource disaster determination for Sacramento River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook salmon fisheries.

"A host of factors have...

Recall Issued In Canada For Mowi Cold Smoked Norwegian Atlantic Salmon

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a recall on Wednesday for Mowi brand cold smoked Norwegian Atlantic salmon. The products in question were distributed in Ontario from March 27, up to and including April 10. The government agency noted that the product is being recalled because it may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum.

Clostridium botulinum can cause some serious health risks, including facial paralysis or loss of facial expression, unreactive or fixed pupils, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking and...

PFMC Sets West Coast Salmon Seasons: California Seasons Closed Again

The good news for West Coast fishermen includes salmon seasons in Oregon and North of Cape Falcon, Ore., including Washington and tribal fisheries.

The bad news is no commercial or recreational salmon seasons in California for the second year in a row, out of conservation concerns related to both Chinook and coho salmon stocks.

“While incredibly painful to fishing families and fishing communities, the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations supports the closure,” PCFFA President George Bradshaw said. “We all need to be doing everything we can to... 

Nova Austral Hit With $950,000 By Chilean Authorities

An issue nearly two years old is back in the headlines. Chile’s Superintendence of the Environment (SMA) confirmed late last week that the Illustrious Court of Appeals of Valdivia has confirmed the sanction imposed on Nova Austral. But before we get to the whopping $950,000 fine, let’s backtrack to 2022.

In July of 2022, Chile’s SMA announced that they had revoked environmental permits for three of Nova Austral’s farming centers following the discovery that the company “widely exceeded the maximum authorized production limits, generating environmental damage in the...

Norway Is Proposing A New Tax For Offshore Fish Farms; Here’s What You Need To Know

Last year Norway’s government introduced a resource tax rate on aquaculture. Now, in 2024, a new tax is being introduced for offshore fish farms. 

On April 2 the Ministry of Finance held a hearing on the “authority to tax foreign companies’ and employees’ income and assets related to aquaculture etc. in the economic zone and on the continental shelf.” 

According to a hearing report, the country’s current tax law has “no authority to tax foreign persons and companies that have...

Disrupting the Breakfast Space With E&E Foods

Move over, lox. E&E Foods is looking to disrupt the breakfast space with a new salmon offering ...in sausage patty form.

In late February the winners of the 2024 Alaska Symphony of Seafoods were announced, with E&E Foods’ Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon Breakfast Sausage winning second place in the Foodservice Category, as well as the Bristol Bay Choice award, presented by the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA). Seafoodnews met up with Peter Wakeman, the Vice President of Value-Added Products at E&E Foods, on the...

Norwegian Seafood Council Partners With Soccer Star Erling Braut Haaland 

Norwegian soccer star Erling Braut Haaland has signed a 2.5-year deal to promote Norwegian seafood. The collaboration with the Norwegian Seafood Council — which went into effect April 1st — includes farmed salmon. 

The partnership comes as the country aims to boost global salmon production in 2024, breaking a two-year trend of negative growth. The key driver behind this potential resurgence is the expected 4-5% growth in Norway's supply, fueled by enhanced productivity and an increased fish harvest.

“Seafood has been a part of my upbringing and my...

Home Chef Partnership With "Bluey" Offers New Way To Introduce Healthy Seafood To Kids

For real life?! A new partnership between meal solution company Home Chef and BBC Studios’ Emmy Award-winning animated series “Bluey” is introducing healthy seafood to kids. 

“Partnering with ‘Bluey’ is a celebration of the happiness and quality time that defines both ‘Bluey’ and Home Chef,” said Home Chef Brand Director Raquel Brown. “Through this partnership, we aim to turn every meal into a moment of shared delight and make family mealtime truly special.”

“Bluey,” which is available on Disney...

Pacific Salmon Commission Selects Projects for Funding in 2024

Projects relating to salmon management, enhancement and habitat restoration in the Pacific Northwest, Canada and Alaska will get a funding boost totaling more than $9 million thanks to Pacific Salmon Commission funds for 2024. The projects are aligned with the Pacific Salmon Treaty and include projects led by First Nations and Tribes, non-profit organizations, researchers, U.S. states and both U.S. and Canadian federal management agencies, the Commission said in a news release.

The Northern Fund is supporting 40 projects with ...

Gigante Salmon CEO Exits Company As Norwegian Farmer Faces Rising Costs; Acting CEO Named

Norwegian salmon farmer Gigante Salmon confirmed Tuesday that they have named an Acting CEO after the Board adopted a resolution to terminate the employment agreement with current CEO Helge E. W. Albertsen.

The company made headlines this week after a notice was posted on the Oslo Stock Exchange revealing the suspension of trading “in anticipation of an announcement.” The mysterious announcement came through Gigante’s annual report, which revealed not only challenges with mortality related to the first release of smolt, but also cost increases for...

ANALYSIS: Chinook Fishery Yields High Landings in Southeast Alaska/Yakutat for 2024

As the winter troll chinook or king fishery in Southeast Alaska/Yakutat (SEAK) nears its conclusion for the season, it's evident that 2024 has been robust, boasting some of the highest landings in a decade. According to the latest figures from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), the total count stands at 38,735 chinook or king salmon. This represents a remarkable 133 percent increase over the same period in 2023, when landings totaled 14,887; and a...

Fifax Reports No Revenue in 2023 After IHN Outbreak at Finland Facility

Fish farming company Fifax has released its 2023 financial results after a difficult year. The company reported no revenue last year due to a June 2022 infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) outbreak — a disease that affects salmon and trout — at its Eckerö facility in Finland. The facility was immediately emptied of fish and decontaminated based on a decision by the Finnish Food Authority. As a result, Fifax spent a majority of 2023 rebuilding a new fish stock solely from eggs. 

“The restart of aquaculture operations at the...