Forrer Loses Final Appeal on Mismanagement of Yukon-Kuskokwim Chum and King Salmon

Last Friday, the Alaska Supreme Court upheld a lower-court decision that dismissed a case brought by Juneau resident and longtime Yukon and Kuskokwim River fisherman Eric Forrer in 2023. 

Forrer, a long-time Alaska resident, brought the suit in 2022, charging the Alaska Department of Fish and Game of violating the state Constitution’s mandate that “Fish, forests, wildlife, grasslands, and all other replenishable resources belonging to the State shall be utilized, developed, and maintained on the sustained yield principle, subject to preferences among beneficial uses...

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...

Sea Lice Outbreak Strikes Mowi Newfoundland Farms Again, 470,000 Fish Die 

Salmon farming giant Mowi, and its Mowi Canada East arm, said that it lost another 470,000 fish due to sea lice infestations in Newfoundland and Canada, roughly a month after the company reported a similar sized die-off at other farms in the province. 

Mowi Canada East’s Friar Cove and Chaleur Bay farms were impacted by the die-offs. According to notices published on the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association’s online portal for public reporting of fish health issues, Friar Cove saw 236,569 fish...

Chilean Salmon Trade Group Works With Authorities to Avert Russia Seafood Export Clash

Consejo del Salmón, a salmon trade association, has begun working with both Chilean and international authorities to resolve export challenges threatening seafood shipments to Russia. The move follows a warning from Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) to Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) last month regarding several regulatory violations.

Russia has stated that, unless the issues are addressed, it will restrict Chilean seafood imports starting September 20. The trade group highlighted the potential impact, noting that Russia is Chile's fourth-largest destination...

Japan: August Fishery Products Imports Down 5% to 147,875 MT, the Value Increased 4% to JPY 151.5B

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on September 26, preliminary figures for August fishery product imports (including seafood and seafood preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) showed a 5% year-on-year decrease to 147,875 tons, while the import value increased by 4% to 151.569 billion yen ($1.02 billion). Fresh and frozen tuna imports increased 4% to 16,643 tons, while salmon and trout imports increased 7% to 12,589 tons. However, shrimp imports were down 7%, crab imports were down...

Nova Scotia Approves 10-year Renewal for Cooke’s Kelly Cove Salmon License

Cooke Aquaculture’s Kelly Cove Salmon subsidiary has received approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) to renew its Aspotogan Harbour fish farming license for another 10 years.

The salmon farm located near Saddle Island offshore from Bayswater Beach has been in operation for 30 years for the cultivation of Atlantic salmon, Cooke shared in a news update.

Cooke said the NSDFA underwent an extensive performance review, based on technical and biological assessments of the salmon farm, in line with regulations...

Quick Response During Storm Saves Circle Seafood’s Processing Barge in SE Alaska

During an intense storm last Monday, the Circle I, a freezer barge owned by Circle Seafoods of Aberdeen, WA, broke its mooring shortly after noon Alaska time. Within four hours, the 382-foot barge was secured and towed to a more sheltered location. Tuesday, less than 24 hours later, the barge was being towed to Ketchikan for repairs.  

The first notice from the Metlakatla Indian Community was sent by Mayor Albert Smith at 1:45 p.m. on Monday...

Kaldvik Lands ASC Certification for Pair of Salmon Farms; All Farming Sites Now Certified

Kaldvik, an Icelandic salmon farmer, announced that it has achieved Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for two of its farming sites.

The company said the move confirms that its operations meet “the strict ASC requirements for social responsibility, animal welfare, and environmental protection.” The two additions bring the company’s ASC-certified sites total to seven.

“Achieving ASC certification for our final two sites is an important milestone,” said Sandra Eiðsdóttir, Quality Manager at Kaldvík. “ASC is about farming in a way that is good...

SalmonChile Represented in Chilean Capitol Hill Delegation to Advance Trade Talks

SalmonChile, a Chilean salmon industry association, visited Capitol Hill in the United States to discuss trade relations, tariffs, and other issues with US representatives.

The Chilean delegation was led by the Industrial Development Association (SOFOFA), and its president, Rosario Navarro, and its secretary general, Rodrigo Yáñez. The group met with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), where parties discussed the negotiation of a free trade agreement and the current tariff status. The delegation was also received at a reception by the Chilean ambassador to Washington...

Landslide Disrupts Norway’s Salmon Supply Chain

A landslide in Norway has led to disruptions in salmon shipments, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK Nordland. 

The landslide occurred earlier this month in the town of Levanger in Trøndelag county. 

The publication reported that the landslide would have “major consequences” for businesses that transport goods to and from Northern Norway.

Daniel Bjarmann-Simonsen, director of communications for salmon farmer Nova Sea, which is majority-owned by salmon farming giant Mowi, explained the landslide has thrown a wrench in its logistics.

Bjarmann-Simonsen explained...

Alaska Salmon Landings Now at 84 Percent of Forecast, Due to Lower Pink and Chum Harvests

In an odd but true moment, the only species of Alaska salmon that is currently exceeding pre-season predictions is the extremely scarce Alaska Chinook salmon. As of earlier this week, Chinook landings statewide were nearly 15% above forecasts of 165,000 fish.  

Total landings as of September 2 were 180 million fish, compared to a pre-season estimate of 214 million. 

Actual landings include 52.06 million pounds of sockeye, less than .9 million pounds of the 52.9 million predicted...

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...

Bakkafrost Sees Q2 Earnings Pressure Amid Rising Global Salmon Supplies

Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen said the company was “not satisfied” with its second-quarter financial results. He added that a “significant increase” in salmon supplies globally led to lower prices, impacting its earnings.

The company reported its operational EBIT for its Faroe Islands operations at DKK 211 million ($32.8 million), slightly below the Q2 2024 mark. However, its operational EBIT for its Scottish operations fell into the red, to DKK -146 million, compared to DKK 113 million seen last year...

The Retail Rundown: Labor Day Protein Promotions at a Glance

Seafood leads Labor Day protein promotions, accounting for 27.1% of total ad volume. Pork follows at 23.2%, with beef and chicken each capturing about 22%. Retail buying opportunities for turkey held steady at 3.5%, while promotional activity for shell eggs remained limited.

Back-to-school demand has provided fair to fairly good retail support for eggs, according to Expana, with shelf prices holding mainly steady across most areas in the past month. Last week, white large Grade A eggs were advertised at $4.49 per dozen discounted, nearly $1...

Chile’s Environmental Agency Forces Cooke to Shutter Salmon Farms Over Production, Permit Infraction

Chile’s Environmental Superintendency (SMA) ordered Cooke Aquaculture SA, seafood giant Cooke Inc.’s aquaculture segment, to shut down a pair of its salmon farms located inside a Chilean national park, citing various violations on August 22.

The SMA’s sanctions will force Cooke to shutter its facilities at Huillines 2 and Huillines 3, both located in the Laguna San Rafael National Park. The SMA said its closure decision will now head to the Environmental Court for consultation.

Cooke was hit with eight environmental violations at three of...

Atlantic Sapphire CEO Announces Clear Line of Sight to Profitability

The CEO of land-based salmon farmer Atlantic Sapphire said the company has a “clear line of sight to profitability” in the company’s H1 2025 operational and financial update on August 20.

The company, known for its Bluehouse land-raised salmon farming method, said it harvested 2,486 tons (HOG) in the first half of 2025, up from 2,384 tons in H1 2024. Harvest weights almost doubled compared to the same period last year, reaching 2.86kg in H1 2025 and 3.1 kg in Q2 2025...

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: August Fishery Products Exports Surged 57%, Value Increasing 25%

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on September 26, August's fishery products exports (fish, shellfish, seafood preparations, and fish meal) increased 57% in volume to 50,267 tons compared to the same month last year. They increased 25% in value to 26.754 billion yen ($182.16 million). Scallop exports decreased by 18% to 5,982 tons, but increased by 28% to 8.673 billion yen ($59.04 million). Both shelled and unshelled exports experienced a decrease in volume but an increase in value, resulting in a rise in unit price. Yellowtail exports were down 16% in volume but increased 44% in value. Both volume and value of frozen yellowtail fillets increased, Minato Shimbun reported...

Salmon Bycatch Reduction Efforts Use AI in Bering Sea Pollock Fishery

Meet YOLOv11, a model used to detect and identify salmon bycatch in the pollock trawl fishery in the Bering Sea. YOLOv11, which stands for You Only Look Once, version 11, was highly accurate and accomplished it more quickly than humans can.

Scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center customized it to detect and identify both pollock and salmon in fishing nets. This allows scientists to semi-automate the video review process used to evaluate the effectiveness of bycatch reduction devices. They can also observe fish behavior to improve...

Trident Launches wellFURst, a Wild-Caught Alaska Pet Wellness Brand

Trident Seafoods is extending its legacy of innovation with wellFURst pet supplements, carefully crafted made from wild-caught fish, sourced from Alaska. 

The supplements are made in the U.S. and feature wild-caught Alaska pollock and salmon. Every step of the harvesting and manufacturing process is traceable and takes place in sustainably managed fisheries.  

"Trident’s wellFURst brand is leading the future of pet wellness by offering a long-desired product for the right situation made the sustainable way," said Analise Gonzales...

Japan: July Chilean Coho Imports Plummet 80%, Russian Sockeye Spike 80%

According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, July imports of salmon and trout, fresh and frozen combined, were down 31% year-on-year to 9,026 tons, and the value was down 23% to 14.553 billion yen ($98.4 million). Imports of frozen Chilean coho salmon, the primary product, declined sharply, leading to higher unit prices. Imports of frozen Chilean trout also decreased.

Looking at the breakdown of imports by Minato Shimbun, July imports of frozen Chilean coho salmon were down 84% year-on-year to 734 tons...

Echo Falls Expands Salmon Caviar Line with New Wasabi Flavor and Retail Packaging

Smoked salmon brand Echo Falls announced a significant expansion to its salmon caviar product line.

Echo Falls announced that the expansion will feature new retail packaging and a new flavor.

The company said its new wasabi-flavored salmon caviar capitalizes on current flavor trends. The new flavor is designed for “consumers who enjoy complex and bold flavors” and can be used as a complement or garnish in a variety of appetizers and entrees...

Chile Supreme Court Upholds Ruling, Fines Caleta Bay Mar for False Salmon Harvest Information

Chile’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of its National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca), ordering salmon farmer Caleta Bay Mar to pay a fine for providing false information about one of its harvests.

Sernapesca stated that irregularities were detected during its inspection process. It said the quantity of fish harvested didn’t match the amount reported at the time of stocking or the mortality rate recorded during harvest. Sernapesca reported the incident to the First Civil Court of Puerto Montt as a result. Sernapesca also noted that...

Chile’s Seafood Exports at Risk as Russia Threatens Restrictions for Documentation Violations

Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) warned Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) that Chile may be barred from importing seafood into Russia due to various violations.

"The Service has repeatedly recorded discrepancies in the accompanying documentation for these products from Chile," Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement. "Discrepancies have also been noted in the information indicated on the labels and stated in the veterinary certificates...

Global Seafood Faces "Perfect Storm" of Tariffs and Risk, Rabobank Warns

The global seafood industry is amidst a period of profound disruption, according to the latest Rabobank report.

Seafood producers and exporters are being impacted by tariffs and geopolitical tensions, notably in Asia. Meanwhile, consumers in the Western part of the globe are facing increased prices and reduced availability of seafood staples.

“The seafood industry is navigating a perfect storm of trade barriers, geopolitical risk, and supply chain fragility,” said Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Global Specialist Seafood at RaboResearch. “Strategic diversification—both in sourcing and market access—is no longer optional...

Cermaq Canada Completes Full Salmon Cycle in Ahousaht Territory with Zero Mechanical Lice Treatments

Cermaq Canada said its operations in Ahousaht First Nation territory completed a full salmon production cycle without a mechanical sea lice treatment.

Cermaq Canada, the Canadian arm of major salmon farmer Cermaq, said it conducted 56 mechanical sea lice treatments in 2022 to keep a 1.93 annual lice level. In the past 12 months, the company has conducted zero treatments with a lice level of 0.30.

David Kiemele, Managing Director, Cermaq Canada said:

“This phenomenal result has been the culmination of joint efforts... 

Blue Star Foods Q2 Revenue Jumps 85% as Losses Narrow

Blue Star Foods reported a return to growth, marked by a strong revenue increase and a 68% reduction in net loss during the second quarter of 2025.

John Keeler, Chairman and CEO of Blue Star Foods, commented, “Over the past several months, we have right-sized our operating expenses to match our revenue levels, resulting in a reduction in losses. We have re-positioned and re-focused our sales team with new hires who have assisted in our return to revenue growth..

Grieg Streamlines Around Rogaland, Names Nina Willumsen Grieg as CEO

Grieg Seafood, a Norway-headquartered salmon farmer, appointed Nina Willumsen Grieg as permanent CEO and unveiled its financial results for Q2 as the company began a new chapter after it sold a large amount of its assets to Cermaq in July.

Since March 30, Willumsen Grieg has worked as Grieg’s interim CEO. After leading the way with the nearly $1 billion deal with Cermaq, Willumsen Grieg now holds the role permanently. In July, Grieg sold its operations in Finnmark, Norway, and British Columbia and Newfoundland, Canada, to Cermaq...

Fraser River Salmon Return Now at 9.1 Million Sockeye, 27M Pink Salmon

No one yet knows why, but the predicted return of sockeye salmon in British Columbia’s Fraser River rose from 2.94 million in early July to 10.2 million sockeye on Tuesday, August 19, and is now down to 9.1 million as of last Friday, August 22. This is the largest return to the Fraser, which has historically been Canada’s most productive watershed, since 2018. 

Catches as of August 22 for the Fraser alone are 651,626 sockeye landed in Canada and 298,587 sockeye landed in the US. Of those, US...

USDA Picks Silver Bay for Canned Salmon Contract

Silver Bay Seafoods won a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) contract for 100 metric tons of canned pink salmon for $877,000.

The product will be destined for Sri Lanka via the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program that supports education, child development, and food security in low-income, food-deficient countries around the globe.

The rest of the contract included corn-soy blend, lentils, vegetable oil and rice to go along with the canned salmon...