ANALYSIS: Atlantic Cod Prices Surge 26% Year Over Year as Catch Limits Tighten Supply

The price for head and gutted (H&G) Norwegian cod reached a historic high in December 2025 at NOK 103.2 per kg, but has declined since then to NOK 89.2 per kg in March 2026. In April, the price recovered to NOK 92.9 per kg, representing a 4.2% month-over-month (MOM) increase and 26.1% year-over-year (YOY) gain. The firm market sentiment for H&G cod has extended to the fillets market, where...

ANALYSIS: US Retail Shrimp Prices Hit Decade Highs Amid Consumer Pullback

Retail shrimp market data reveals significant shifts in consumer purchasing patterns, with prices reaching levels unseen since 2015 while promotional activity has fallen to decade lows. The current market environment shows parallels to historical periods that required extended timeframes for demand recovery, though multiple factors continue influencing consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Consumer prices have reached levels not observed since 2015, occurring during a period where affordability has been a central economic focus for American households. This pricing environment has produced measurable demand responses...

Alaska Seafood Gains Expanded QSR Visibility During Lent 2026 Promotions

Alaska seafood saw expanded menu penetration and brand visibility during Lent 2026 promotions, with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) reporting strong participation from national and regional quick-service and fast-casual chains across the US.

The Alaska seafood logo was featured prominently throughout seasonal promotions, reflecting continued operator interest in seafood-driven limited-time offers and value positioning during the Lenten period.

New partner Burger King drove broad consumer reach through a direct mail coupon campaign distributed across its 6,400...

Chilean Salmon Council Joins Industry to Celebrate 50 Years of Salmon Farming May 28

Later this month, the Chilean Salmon Council will co-sponsor the 50th anniversary of the salmon aquaculture industry in Chile with a conference, awards, and other events that honor the history and meet the challenges ahead.

The conference, organized by the magazine Mundo Acuícola, and taking place on May 28 in Puerto Montt, will bring together authorities, companies and key actors in the sector to discuss the future of the industry.

The sustainability, competitiveness and international marketing of Chilean salmon...

US Shrimp Industry Applauds House Passage of the Save Our Shrimpers Act

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan Save Our Shrimpers (SOS) Act by an overwhelming 391 to 18 margin. Today’s vote delivers a clear message: the U.S. government should actively oppose funding of foreign shrimp competitors that are driving U.S. shrimpers out of business.

The Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) extends its deepest gratitude to Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX), who has championed this legislation with remarkable persistence through two Congresses, since first introducing the bill in the 118th Congress in...

Kodiak’s Early Season Salmon Fishing Curtailed to Protect Expected Low Return of Reds and Kings

Projected extremely low returns of both sockeye (red) and king (Chinook) salmon to the Karluk River on Kodiak Island’s west side are expected to keep the area closed from June 1 to July 5, 2026.  

“The Karluk River early-run sockeye salmon forecast is estimated to be 115,000 fish, which falls significantly below the established Biological Escapement Goal (BEG) of 150,000 to 250,000 fish,” noted the May 6 announcement by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).

“Additionally, Karluk River Chinook salmon escapements...

Mexico Secures US Shrimp Export Certification Renewal Through Sea Turtle Protection Compliance

Mexico has successfully renewed its certification to export shrimp to the United States, following a positive determination by the US State Department that the country's fishery meets comparability standards for sea turtle bycatch prevention programs.

The renewal, published in April's Federal Register, was based on March 2026 technical evaluations by NOAA staff who found 93% proper use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) aboard shrimp vessels in Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, and Campeche. The certification ensures continued access to a crucial market worth $142.8 million annually...

Canada to Invest $957.8 Million Over 5 Years in Small Craft Harbors Program

As part of Canada’s Spring Economic Update 2026, the Carney administration proposed $957.8 million over five years, to be dedicated to small harbors across the nation. The funds will be used for ongoing repairs and enhancements. The money is in addition to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) existing annual program budget of approximately $90 million. 

"Small craft harbours are the working backbone of coastal communities in Canada,” noted Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries. “This is the largest investment ever made in small craft harbours...

The Retail Rundown: Memorial Day Promotions Heat Up as Shoppers Focus on Value

Memorial Day weekend, arriving May 25, signals the unofficial start of summer and stands as one of the grocery industry’s most significant merchandising events of the year.

As grilling season ramps up, retailers are promoting meat, charcoal, and convenience-oriented foods. Cross-merchandising remains a key strategy, with buns, condiments, beverages, and grab-and-go entertaining solutions positioned throughout stores to encourage larger basket sizes and drive incremental purchases.

At the same time, inflation and rising fuel costs continue to influence consumer behavior heading into the holiday...

NOAA Fisheries Finds Gulf of Alaska Chinook Salmon “Not Warranted” for ESA Listing 

In a final decision announced yesterday, NOAA Fisheries found that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon are “not warranted” for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The announcement and a more detailed Federal Register notice were the result of a January 11, 2024 petition from The Wild Fish Conservancy to list one or more evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  

On May 24, 2024, NMFS published an initial...

Pokeworks Accelerates Greater Boston Expansion With Multi‑Unit Franchise Growth

Pokeworks is building momentum across Greater Boston as the fast‑casual poke brand expands under a seven‑unit development agreement with franchise partners Rong Cong and Lelin Kandel.

The group recently opened a new Pokeworks in February at 60 First St. in Cambridge, located at the entrance of the CambridgeSide Galleria, and reopened the brand’s Somerville restaurant at 261 Elm St. Additional locations are in development, including Burlington (opening Q2) and Hanover Crossover (opening this summer). Cong and Kandel are also actively...

Future Market Insights Projects Plant-Based Fish Market to Reach $3.6 Billion by 2036

Future Market Insights projects the global plant-based fish market to grow from $0.8 billion in 2025 to $3.6 billion by 2036, representing a 14.9% CAGR as sustainable seafood alternatives gain traction across retail and foodservice channels.

Growth is being driven by rising demand for sustainable proteins, expanding plant-based adoption among Gen Z and Millennials, and broader commercialization across supermarkets, frozen foods, and restaurants. Manufacturers are investing in texture innovation, algae- and seaweed-based ingredients, and advanced extrusion technologies...

ANALYSIS: March US Mahi Imports Improve, but Supply Remains Historically Tight

US frozen mahi import data through March indicates that the 2025–2026 season has improved from last year’s exceptionally weak pace, though overall supply conditions remain tight by historical standards. Total imports reached 18.5 million pounds year to date, up 43.4% from 12.9 million pounds during the same period in the 2024–2025 season. The increase confirms that supply is no longer tracking near the extreme lows experienced last season...

USDA Seeks 192,000 Pounds of Catfish Products for Government Food Programs

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting bids for nearly 192,000 pounds of catfish products through its domestic commodity procurement program, marking the agency's second major seafood purchase solicitation this month.

The May 7 solicitation seeks 152,000 pounds of unbreaded raw catfish fillets and 40,000 pounds of breaded oven-ready catfish strips for delivery between July 1 and November 30, 2026. Bids are due May 14 at 1:00 PM Central Time, with acceptances announced by May 22...

Russia Expands Fish Export Geography to Africa, Middle East, Latin America

Russia is increasing fish exports this year as demand for its fish and seafood remains strong in major export markets.

According to the Russian Federal Center for Fish and Seafood (Agroexport), fish exports from Russia rose 19% in value year-on-year in Q1 2026 to US$1.7 billion.

Growth was observed in most key export categories. Frozen fish shipments increased 26% year-on-year to US$944 million. Within that category, frozen pollock exports rose 45%, cod by 58%, and haddock by 63%. Crustacean shipments...

Ecuador’s President Noboa Completes MOU with Morocco to Strengthen Bilateral Trade

In a milestone agreement yesterday, Ecuador and Morocco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The agreement was signed by Minister Luis Alberto Jaramillo and Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour.

The two countries agreed to create a formal framework for cooperation, through the creation of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), a permanent mechanism for dialogue that will identify business opportunities, diversify trade and strengthen economic ties between the two...

Venezuela Adds First ASC-Certified Feed Mills as Aquafeed Program Expands

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council said momentum is building for its Feed Certification Program after Venezuela added its first two ASC-certified feed mills, expanding the supply of certified shrimp feed in a key Latin American aquaculture market.

Agropecuaria Nivar became the first feed mill in Venezuela to earn ASC Feed Certification, with Proporca following soon after. Both facilities produce shrimp feed, giving the country its first approved capacity to supply ASC-conforming feed into the market.

The move is significant for the shrimp...