Quinlan Sues Newfoundland Government Over 2024 Seizure of $500K Worth of Crab

Canadian seafood processor Quinlan has filed suit in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador against the province's Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, seeking damages from the seizure and destruction of snow crab in July 2024.

The lawsuit alleges government officials acted "without lawful authority" when they seized and destroyed approximately 52,000 pounds of processed crab ready for market, causing substantial financial losses estimated at $500,000 and significant harm to the company's reputation.

"This action is not about the current government, and it should not come...

Oregon Coastal Lawmakers Urge DEQ to Ease Pressure on Pacific Seafood Amid $3.2M Fine

A bipartisan group of Oregon coastal lawmakers is asking the state's Department of Environmental Quality to ease regulatory pressure on Pacific Seafood, which faces a near-record $3.2 million fine for alleged wastewater violations.

In a May 20 letter to DEQ Director Leah Feldon, seven members of Oregon's Coastal Caucus expressed support for Pacific Seafood's appeal of the April penalties and requested that DEQ stay enforcement while the company challenges the fines.

The enforcement action targeted three Pacific Seafood facilities: $2.9 million against the Charleston...

USTR Proposes 25% Tariff on Brazil, Sparking Seafood Industry Concerns

The US Trade Representative (USTR) proposed a 25% tariff on Brazil, citing a Section 301 investigation that found unfair trade practices have burdened US businesses.

"Over the past year, President Trump and I have had several constructive meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his cabinet, which have accelerated in recent weeks," said Ambassador Jamieson Greer. "However, we continue to have substantial differences in resolving the issues identified in this investigation."

The announcement sparked immediate concern from Brazil's Peixe BR, the Brazilian Association of Fish Farming...

Japan's Import of Norwegian Mackerel Plummets 83% in April

The price of Norwegian mackerel continues to soar. Minato Shimbun reports that, according to domestic processing sources, "The price in Japan has exceeded 1,000 yen/kg ($6.25/kg). The new catch, which will be caught from August, will likely see further price increases," they warn. 

According to the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), mackerel exports in April continued their sharp decline, down 60% year-on-year to 3,952 tons and 34% to 217 million NOK ($23.35 million). The largest export destinations are the United States, Ukraine, and Vietnam...

National Fisheries Institute Expands Pipeline of Board-Ready Seafood Leaders

The nation's leading trade association for the seafood industry completed its second year of a visionary program to prepare seasoned seafood professionals to serve on corporate, nonprofit, community or national boards.  

Launched in 2025 as part of the National Fisheries Institute’s Strategic Plan, the program brought seafood leaders into boardrooms to help shape policy conversations, guide organizations, and advocate for the future of the industry,  all while bringing their expertise to the boardroom.  

“This program is developing a strong pipeline of leaders for the seafood ecosystem,” said Lisa Wallenda Picard...

USTR Proposes Sweeping Tariffs on Global Food Suppliers Over Forced Labor

The US Trade Representative (USTR) announced late Tuesday that the Trump administration will impose additional tariffs on imports from 60 key US trading partners, citing failures to prohibit goods produced with forced labor that create an "unlevel playing field" for American agricultural and food producers.

USTR proposed 10-12.5% additional duties on products from major food suppliers, including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, the European Union, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Australia, and China, following Section 301 investigations initiated in March 2026.

"The failure of our most important...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Models Recalibrated as Market Conditions Shift

Country-level import estimates utilize low, mid, and high ranges based on standard errors from each modeling approach. Given market softness observed since April and weakness emerging in late May through June, Expana's estimates have been recalibrated using different scenario settings to better align with current conditions.

Modeling scenarios and accuracy framework

Based on customs official data and a model with greater than 96% accuracy, the seasonal export-led model has been adjusted to "high" settings for closer alignment with observed patterns. Previously, mid or low settings were utilized, but...

Senators Question Seafood Certification Programs Over Safety Failures

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) are demanding answers from major seafood certification programs about recurring safety failures among certified processors, according to a May 27 letter campaign targeting industry leaders.

The senators sent letters to the Global Seafood Alliance, Marine Stewardship Council, and Aquaculture Stewardship Council, questioning how these programs address food safety gaps in certified supply chains. The inquiry stems from mounting evidence that certified processors continue shipping unsafe products to US consumers.

"Between August and October 2025, the FDA issued eight safety alerts on imported...

Peru Fishing Restrictions, China Supply Constraints Shape Marine Ingredients Market

Peru's anchoveta season continues to progress slowly under Coastal El Niño conditions, with authorities extending fishing bans in the north-central region through June 10 due to high juvenile abundance and warm sea temperatures.

The country, which accounts for 20% of global fishmeal and fish oil production in normal years, implemented the precautionary measure on May 27 as part of ongoing efforts to manage anchovy biomass, according to IFFO Market Research Director Enrico Bachis.

Meanwhile, China's domestic marine ingredients production remains constrained following fishing bans implemented on May 1...

ANALYSIS: Vietnam Shrimp Exports Rebound in Q1, Driven by China Demand and Seasonal Recovery

Vietnam’s shrimp exports delivered a solid performance in the first quarter, with volumes rising 11.4% year‑on‑year to 66,890 metric tonnes and export value increasing 8.7% to USD 534.4 million.

Growth was driven primarily by China, where Vietnamese shrimp demand surged 42.4% year‑on‑year over the quarter. In March alone, shipments to China nearly doubled, climbing from 2,639 MT last year to 5,724 MT (+46.1%). China accounted for 19% of Vietnam’s total shrimp exports in Q1. The EU‑UK market represented...

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Boston Importer and Georgia Processor Over HACCP Violations

The FDA has issued warning letters to two seafood companies, citing violations of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations that could result in product seizures and facility shutdowns.

Stavis Seafoods Cited for Import Verification Failures

Boston-based Stavis Seafoods, LLC received an April 15 warning letter following February inspections that found the importer failed to implement required verification steps for ensuring imported frozen aquaculture salmon fillets comply with HACCP regulations.

The FDA determined that Stavis lacked "affirmative steps...

Brim Sells Polar Seafood Denmark Stake for $144M

Iceland's Brim sold its 50% stake in Polar Seafood Denmark A/S to co-owner Polar Seafood Greenland for DKK 925 million ($144 million), the company announced June 3.

Brim initially purchased the stake in the Danish seafood sales, processing and export company in 2022 for DKK 625 million, generating a DKK 300 million gain on the sale. The companies will continue working closely together despite the transaction, Brim said.

Separately, Brim sold its 43% stake in Icelandic fishing company Melnes in Rif on the Snæfellsnes peninsula to KG Fiskverkun...

Elspeth Macdonald to Retire as Chief Executive of Scottish Fishermen's Federation

The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) has announced that its chief executive, Elspeth Macdonald, will retire from the organisation in March 2027 after a distinguished career representing Scotland's fishing industry.

She took up the role in 2019 and quickly became one of the most influential and respected voices in the UK seafood sector, representing the interests of Scotland's fishermen through a period of profound change and challenge.

Her time in the role has spanned major developments including the UK's departure from the European Union, the negotiation and implementation of new...

Agricultural Coalition Urges USMCA Renewal as Trade Negotiations Begin

As trade negotiations between the US, Canada, and Mexico begin, the Agricultural Coalition for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) organized a letter to trade leaders in all three countries urging renewal and strengthening of the trade pact.

The letter, signed by nearly 160 organizations in the agri-food sector, was sent to Ambassador Jamieson Greer at the Office of the US Trade Representative, Canada-US Trade Representative Dominic LeBlanc, and Mexico's Secretary of the Economy, Marcelo Ebrard.

"[USMCA] strengthens the resilience of our integrated agricultural markets...

CDFW Investigation Nets Major Penalties for Restaurant's False Seafood Sourcing Claims

An upscale restaurant, part oyster bar, part local seafood advocate, a coffee cafe during the day, and a wine bar at night, complete with their own wine subscription service, was investigated for fraud, false advertising, and fishing violations, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated in a bulletin released yesterday.

The investigation led by CDFW resulted in charges of unlawfully selling seafood while advertising its products as traceable, sustainable and lawfully sourced. The investigation found repeated violations of state and federal commercial fishing laws in 2020 and 2021...

California Senate Advances Dungeness Crab, Steelhead Reforms in McGuire's Fisheries Omnibus

California State Senator Mike McGuire's comprehensive fisheries legislation, SB 1393, cleared the California Senate on May 28 with bipartisan backing, advancing key reforms for the state's commercial fishing industry.

The omnibus bill targets three priority areas: strengthening steelhead trout fishing restoration programs by increasing habitat funding, modernizing Dungeness crab fishery management regulations, and establishing clear vessel transit rules within closed crab fishing areas.

California's commercial and recreational fishing sectors support over 100,000 jobs and generate hundreds of millions in annual economic activity. The Dungeness crab fishery alone, concentrated...

The Retail Rundown: Post-Holiday Reset Brings Value Back to the Center of the Case

Grocery merchandising is settling into a post-holiday rhythm as promotional activity shifts back toward value, versatility, and the everyday traffic drivers following the Memorial Day push.

Staples such as bacon, chicken breasts, and ground beef continue to anchor store traffic, reinforcing the meat case’s role in everyday meal planning. While current merchandising remains focused on routine household needs, retailers are expected to increase seasonal promotions and feature activity as Father's Day and the Fourth of July draw closer.

In beef, chuck cuts posted the...