Chile Government, Salmon Industry Back Plan to Fast-Track 200 Aquaculture Relocations

Authorities in Chile's Los Lagos region and salmon industry representatives have endorsed the new Kast administration's plan to expedite 200 pending aquaculture relocations, according to reports from Chilean media outlets.

BioBioChile reported March 16 that regional authorities and the salmon sector backed the government's project to "unblock" the 200 aquaculture relocations that have been stalled in the regulatory process.

The initiative represents a key component of President José Antonio Kast's efforts to reduce regulatory bottlenecks constraining Chile's aquaculture sector, according to SalmonExpert...

McIlroy's Masters Champion’s Dinner Menu Highlights Premium Seafood Selections

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy's highly anticipated 2026 Masters Champions Dinner menu features multiple premium seafood courses, underscoring the continued prominence of high-end seafood species in one of golf's most prestigious culinary traditions.

The 2026 Champions Dinner takes place during Masters week at Augusta National Golf Club, where only past Masters winners are invited to attend this tradition that has evolved into one of golf's most closely watched culinary events.

The Northern Irishman's menu centers around a first course of yellowfin tuna carpaccio, an homage to a signature dish from...

Canadian Fisheries Minister Champions $6.1B Trade Partnership with US Market

Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson led a multi-provincial delegation to Seafood Expo North America, emphasizing the strength of North American seafood trade relationships while addressing industry concerns about evolving trade dynamics.

Thompson's delegation included representatives from Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and British Columbia, reflecting the national scope of Canada's seafood export priorities. The minister used the Boston platform to reinforce Canada's commitment to what she called "fair, stable, predictable, and rules-based trade," supporting both Canadian and American coastal communities...

SENA 2026: Mowi Unveils Unified Booth Design, Expands Flavor Innovation and Digital Marketing Push

Mowi Consumer Products is using SENA 2026 to debut its most ambitious booth presence yet, combining a unified brand concept with expanded flavor innovation and a comprehensive digital marketing strategy targeting younger salmon consumers.

Diana Dumet, senior director of category and marketing for CP Americas, said the new booth design at #217 reflects the company's evolution from operating separate brand presentations to a cohesive approach. "Before we had this concept where Mowi was on one side, Ducktrap was on another side, and it was...

SENA 2026: Vičiūnai Group Targets Major US Retail and Foodservice Growth with Market Entry Push

Vičiūnai Group is leveraging a landmark $100 million salmon processing investment to accelerate its US market expansion at Seafood Expo North America, with production capacity tripling to over 110 million pounds annually as the European processor targets American retail and foodservice growth.

CEO Egidijus Stankus, leading the company's new US subsidiary VG Trading Inc, described the strategic shift from the Lithuanian company's traditional Central and Eastern European focus toward what he called "the biggest seafood market across the world." Building on years of SENA...

Study Finds Salmon Lice Struggle in High-Density Fish Farm Environments

Researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway have found that salmon lice may struggle in fish-dense environments similar to modern aquaculture farms, growing smaller, producing fewer eggs, and dying more often.

Scientists recreated two types of environments, natural ocean conditions and high-density fish farm environments, to study the parasites. "Even though there were many salmon and plenty of food available, there were not more parasites per fish. The lice didn't reproduce faster either. Those that survived to adulthood...

Culinary Delights Featuring Alpine King Salmon at Kura Sushi USA

US revolving sushi restaurant pioneer, Kura Sushi USA, has unveiled four exclusive Kura Reserve menu options that spotlight the delicate umami flavors of Alpine King Salmon, sourced from the natural currents of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Kura Reserve offers a limited-time culinary experience platform featuring seasonally inspired creations alongside Kura Sushi’s regular menu. These unique dishes are available for dine-in only starting March 13, while supplies last.

US revolving sushi restaurant pioneer, Kura Sushi USA, has unveiled four exclusive Kura Reserve menu...

Chile’s Sernapesca Raids Illegal Processing Plant, Seizes 6 Tons of Salmon

Another illegal seafood processing plant in Chile was raided by authorities, according to a March 11 update from Chile’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca).

Sernapesca said the processing facility was discovered during an inspection in the BioBio region of the country, in the commune of Talcahuano. A summons was issued to the courts for those running the illegal operation, the plant was shuttered, and six tons of Atlantic salmon were confiscated.

Ana María Fernández, regional director of Sernapesca Biobío, highlighted the work carried out in this operation...

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...

Mowi Consumer Products to Unveil Redesigned Booth, New Packaging at SENA 2026

Mowi Consumer Products (Mowi CP) of Americas, a subsidiary of salmon farming giant Mowi, said its presence at Seafood Expo North America (SENA) 2026 will be its most ambitious yet (Booth #217). The company is gearing up to showcase its redesigned booth, new innovations, and to preview its major packaging transformation across its MOWI, Ducktrap, and Marine Harvest by Mowi brands.

“The new space brings Mowi's brand vision to life with interactive features to explore, expanded seating for deeper conversations, and dedicated areas highlighting retail...

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...

Chile’s Sernapesca, Carabineros Shut Down Illegal Seafood Processing Plant

Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA), working with the Carabineros police, shut down an illegal seafood processing facility after a probe triggered by a citizen complaint, the agencies announced Feb. 27.

The regional prosecutor’s office in La Araucanía asked the Police Investigation Section (SIP) of the Carabineros’ 2nd Police Station in Temuco to investigate a processing plant in the city’s eastern sector. During a joint inspection, Carabineros and Sernapesca personnel found and seized large quantities of marine resources of illegal origin and operating without the permits required to run...

Alaska Board of Fish Charged with Conflict of Interest in Area M Chum Salmon Issue

The Aleutians East Borough and regional tribal governments filed a formal ethics complaint against members of the Alaska Board of Fisheries last week. The complaint was centered on a 4-3 vote that dismantled the Area M adaptive management program aimed at avoiding migrating chum salmon that spawn in the Yukon and Kuskokwim River systems. The complaint calls the program “the most successful in-season salmon conservation program in Alaska history.”

The vote was taken at the February 18-25, 2026, Board of Fisheries meeting...

Silver Bay Seafoods Pauses Processing in Cordova, AK, Blaming Low Salmon Forecasts in 2026

Last Friday, Silver Bay Seafoods, a leading processor in Alaska, announced that it will not be processing fish in Cordova, home port for the fleet of more than 800 gill netters and seiners that harvest salmon from the Copper River and Prince William Sound, due to low forecasted returns in both areas.  

But the Sitka, AK and Seattle, WA-based processor will be buying fish from the Cordova fleet, transporting the catch to either Valdez or Seward for processing at Silver Bay's facilities there...

Chile's SMA Issues Preventive Notifications to 263 Salmon Farming Centers on Production Limits

Chile’s Superintendency of the Environment (SMA) has sent its first mass preventive notification of 2026 to 263 salmon farming centers, advising operators on current production levels against the maximum authorized in their environmental permits.

The notifications — part of SMA’s Environmental Compliance Strategy for Salmon Farming Centers launched in September 2023 — aim to help companies take early action to avoid overproduction at the end of their production cycles. According to SMA, the reports provide owners with estimates of their present output compared to their Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA)...

Iceland Seafood International Achieves Notable Success in 2025 Across All Divisions

Iceland Seafood International announced its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results late Thursday afternoon, showcasing robust performance across all divisions and surpassing projected profit expectations.

"The year 2025 was a strong operating year for Iceland Seafood, building on the turnaround achieved in the previous year. All divisions within the Group delivered strong results during the year despite various external challenges, highlighting the business's resilience and competitiveness. This performance strengthens my belief that there are opportunities ahead that...

Ireland's Salmon, Spiny Lobster Regain US Export Eligibility After MMPA Review

Ireland's farmed salmon and spiny lobster will be eligible for export to the United States after NOAA Fisheries found the country's fisheries meet US standards, according to a March 16 announcement.

The export ban took effect on January 1, 2026, and was first confirmed by Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Sea‑Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) in November 2025, as Expana reported.

The ban was tied to National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) comparability findings under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)...

Norwegian Food Safety Sets a Restricted Zone for ISA North of Trondheim

For the second time in five months, infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) has been found in several Mowi aquaculture sites in Trøndelag county, about 240 miles north of Oslo. On 17 March 2026, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority adopted regulations on a restricted zone for the control of ISA in aquaculture animals in the municipalities of Nærøysund and Namsos, Trøndelag. 

The tick disease ISA has been detected in fish at the sea locality 31357 Geitryggen (Barenswatch) in Nærøysund municipality, Trøndelag county. The site is operated by Mowi Seawater Norway...  

Norwegian Seafood Navigates Changing Tides in the French Market

In recent years, French consumers' shopping habits have shifted dramatically, posing both opportunities and challenges for Norwegian seafood exporters.

The backdrop of political unrest, rising prices, and strained household budgets has impacted the way French people consume fish and other seafood. “That is why we have commissioned a comprehensive report on the French seafood market,” notes Sigrid Louise Philippart, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s Country Director in France.

The report paints a detailed picture of the current trends and future priorities within the French market...

Collaborative Conservation Efforts Aim to Secure Future of Atlantic Salmon in Canada

Wild Atlantic salmon holds profound cultural and economic significance in Atlantic Canada and Québec, symbolizing an integral part of Canada's heritage. This iconic species is interwoven with the nation's history and identity, representing a shared legacy for generations.

On Friday, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced new projects dedicated to advancing the Strategy's vision for Atlantic salmon conservation, aiming to create conditions that allow this vital species to thrive. "Atlantic salmon are woven into the identity of Atlantic Canada...

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...

Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Support Hits Record High at 85% in Industry-Commissioned Survey

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers' Association (ACFFA) commissioned a survey showing 85% regional support for aquaculture, representing a four-point increase from 2024 and the highest level on record.

Narrative Research Associates conducted the telephone survey of 1,450 Atlantic Canadians aged 18 and older from February 4-23, 2026, as part of its Atlantic Quarterly Survey. Results are accurate to within ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Support reached record levels in Nova Scotia at 83%...

Olav Holst-Dyrnes to Lead Hofseth International AS

Hofseth International AS, the vertically integrated seafood group, has announced the appointment of Olav Holst-Dyrnes as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective in the third quarter of the company’s fiscal year 2026.

In this role, Holst-Dyrnes will lead the company’s development, focusing on sustainable salmon farming and processing, and will draw on the extensive experience he has gained through various executive positions held throughout his career in the industry.

Previously, he served as CEO of the listed seafood company Havfisk ASA from 2012 to 2014 (now...

Enhancing Sustainability and Resilience in Scottish Salmon Farming

The Marine Directorate's research report has determined that persistent elevated mortality in salmon farming in Scotland isn't a widespread issue. The report indicates that no new regulation is necessary, as the industry is actively implementing measures to minimize mortality to the lowest levels possible. It highlights the use of specially tailored seal nets, bespoke vaccines, and breeding programs designed to ensure fish are well adapted to Scottish conditions.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon outlined additional Scottish Government initiatives over the past year to modernize...

Mowi to Acquire Torghatten Aqua’s Seawater Salmon Assets in Northern Norway

Mowi has embarked on a strategic expansion by entering into a Transaction Agreement to acquire the entirety of Torghatten Aqua AS's salmon farming seawater business situated in production area 8 in Northern Norway. This business currently focuses on leasing salmon licenses and seawater sites, contributing to educational activities and offering consulting for land-based salmon farming.

Under this agreement, Mowi will obtain a total of 3.37 licenses, encompassing a maximum allowed biomass of 2,628 tonnes. The portfolio includes 1.37 commercial licenses, 1 exhibition license...

Norwegian Seafood Exports Slip in February; Salmon Rises but US Demand Falls Sharply

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 13.8 billion ($1.4 billion) in February, a 2% decline from the same month a year earlier, the Norwegian Seafood Council reported on March 4. Exports for January–February totaled NOK 28.5 billion, down NOK 777 million (2.7%) versus the same period in 2025.

“Lower supplies of shellfish and wild-caught fish due to quota reductions, combined with a still troubled world and trade barriers, are affecting the market, product flows and prices even more strongly than we have experienced before...

Mowi Partners with Culinary Expert Alex Trim to Transform Home Dining

Mowi has entered a  partnership with Michelin-trained Chef Alex Trim.

Alex began his career at Alinea in Chicago and advanced to Sous Chef at Tru, both renowned for their Michelin stars. He then joined the LEYE Restaurant Group, significantly contributing to menu development and launching high-profile concepts. In 2021, Alex transitioned to private dining, offering Michelin-level cuisine in personalized settings.He is now celebrated for making fine dining accessible and holds a reputation as Naples, Florida's premier private chef...

Judges Order Columbia and Snake River Dams to Help Salmon Migrate Through the Rivers This Year

Last week, a federal judge in Oregon issued a decision that essentially reversed President Trump’s June 2025 withdrawal from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement.  

Although the agreement has not been reinstated, U.S. District Judge Michael Simon ordered a series of emergency operations at eight dams on the Lower Columbia and Snake Rivers to aid in salmon and steelhead passage. 

In his decision, he also noted that the current case had its origins thirty years ago...

BioMar Expands Wuxi Facility with New Production Line

BioMar is expanding its production footprint in China, announcing plans to add a second production line at its Wuxi facility in 2026. The move follows several years of growth in partnership with joint venture partner Tongwei.

The expansion will increase capacity at Wuxi by 50,000 tonnes and introduce new technological capabilities, allowing the facility to produce specialty products for early growth stages and additional high-end species. Today, the Wuxi site primarily serves farmers producing trout, salmon, sturgeon, largemouth bass, turbot and yellow croaker. With the...

Proximar Seafood's 2025 Results Highlight Steady Operational Progress and Stability

Proximar Seafood reported its fourth quarter and preliminary full-year 2025 results, pointing to continued operational improvements, stable biology and normalized feeding across its facility.

The report highlighted significant performance improvements after AI fish cameras were brought into use in December, verifying standing biomass and monitoring growth performance, which is showing solid gains. The company ended the year with close to 2,000 tonnes in standing biomass, providing a strong base for higher harvest weights and better price achievement in 2026.