Trump Nominates Neil Jacobs to Lead NOAA

President Donald Trump nominated Neil Jacobs to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The nomination, now officially submitted to the US Senate, paves the way for Jacobs to return to the helm of NOAA, a role he held on an acting basis during Trump’s first term.

Since Trump's return to office, the future of NOAA has been a hot-button topic. Project 2025, a policy roadmap frequently linked to the Trump administration, calls for the breakup of NOAA, while another Republican proposal pushes to make NOAA a standalone agency, as the...

Lobster Size Rule Reversed: Industry Concerns Prompt ASMFC to Repeal Gauge Increase

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) repealed a controversial proposal to increase the minimum catch size limits for lobsters in the Gulf of Maine.

The ASMFC said its decision stems from “fervent industry concerns about the potential economic impacts” of the increased minimum gauge size in the Gulf of Maine and possible trade issues with Canada.

The rule was set to go into effect on July 1, 2025.

“Rolling back resiliency measures is not at all what I wanted to have happened. After multiple zone...

Body Recovered from Sunken Scallop Boat Off Maine Coast Was Father Chester Barrett

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) released a bulletin today confirming the identity of the recovered body from the fishing vessel Sudden Impact, which sunk off the coast of Maine in mid-January.

Per the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, the body recovered from the wreckage on Sunday, February 2 was confirmed to be Chester “Chet” Barrett of South Addison.

The search for Barrett and his son, Aaron, began on January 19, after the two men failed to return home from a fishing trip the day...

Grieg Seafood Names Magnus Johannesen as New CFO

Yesterday, Grieg Seafood ASA announced that Magnus Johannesen would be transitioning from the role of Global Finance Officer to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective February 5, 2025.

As part of the planned transition, Atle Harald Sandtorv is stepping down from his role as CFO, which he has held since 2009.

CEO Andreas Kvame expressed gratitude for Sandtorv’s leadership and commitment to Grieg Seafood over the course of his tenure.

"Atle Harald has played an instrumental role in the shaping of Grieg Seafood for more than 15 years, having secured the financing and..."

Red Lobster Engages Middle School Students with New Ocean Sustainability Challenge

National seafood restaurant chain Red Lobster recently announced the launch of its new program, the Red Lobster Ocean Sustainability Challenge.

The initiative, which begins on February 5, invites teams of middle schoolers across the United States (with up to five people) to submit three-minute video presentations of innovative solutions that improve the world’s oceans and waterways.

The program aligns with Red Lobster’s Seafood with Standards initiative, which outlines the company’s commitment to protecting the ocean and sourcing foods that are high-quality, traceable, and sustainable...

What Trump Tariffs Mean for Food and Agriculture Trade

US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China.

Tariffs for Canada and China are in effect as of February 4, while the tariffs on Mexico have been delayed for one month following negotiations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to send 10,000 members of her country’s national guard to the border to address drug trafficking... 

Commerce Nominee Lutnick Pledges to Keep NOAA Intact

President Donald Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary said he would not attempt to dismantle the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) during his confirmation hearing last week.

The Hill reported that Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) asked Lutnick if he wanted to break up NOAA, which falls under the Commerce Department.

“I have no interest in separating it. That is not on my agenda,” Lutnick said. 

Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) asked Lutnick a similar question. Lutnick answered “no” when asked about NOAA’s future in relation to the...

Genetic Testing Uncovers Shrimp Fraud in New Orleans Before Super Bowl LIX

Super Bowl fans may be considering the odds of a Chief’s three-peat prior to kick off this Sunday, but thanks to SEAD (Seafood Development) Consulting, they’ll know for sure where to find authentic Gulf shrimp while visiting New Orleans. 

SEAD has conducted a study of Gulf states seafood restaurants to verify the “Gulf” or “authentic” shrimp advertised on menus is, actually, wild Gulf of Mexico shrimp. Their results have been eye-opening. As reported in Expana, SEAD used mobile genetic testing to verify ...

Photo Courtesy of SEAD

The California Hatcheries That Are Helping Oysters Pass the Acid Test

Enjoyed at raw bars across the world with a squeeze of lemon, nearly every farmed oyster starts its journey the same way: in a hatchery.

“When hatcheries make baby oysters they start with the moms and pops and they end up with billions of tiny, microscopic oyster larvae that hang out in suspension for a couple of weeks in the seawater, feeding on phytoplankton,” explains Gary Fleener, a scientist-turned-director at Hog Island Oyster Co. Based in California, Hog Island is one of the largest oyster businesses in...

Russia Sets 20-Year Record for Pollock Consumption

Russia set a 20-year record for pollock consumption in 2024 thanks to a significant increase in the volume of supplies to the domestic market.

According to the Russian Pollock Association (ADM), last year, the per capita consumption amounted to 4 kg per person, ending the existing Soviet image of pollock among Russian customers.

Currently, pollock remains one of the main products in the “fish basket” of Russians. According to the Russian RBC business paper, citing ADM, pollock consumption in 2014-2024...

Starkist Appoints Eunhong (Edward) Min as New CEO

Yesterday, StarKist Co. announced its new President & CEO, Eunhong (Edward) Min.

Min holds a business degree from Yonsei University and completed the Advanced Management Program at Seoul National University. His career is also decorated with nearly 30 years at Procter & Gamble, where he held various leadership positions across Asia, including Senior Sales Director and Commercial Leader.

Before arriving at StarKist, Min also held the position of Executive Vice President at both Dongwon Industries (the parent company of StarKist Co.) and Dongwon Systems, as well as the position of CEO at Dongwon Industries...

Supreme Crab and Seafood, Inc. Appoints Alyssa Chowdhury as Manager of Brand Assurance

Supreme Crab and Seafood, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Alyssa Chowdhury as Manager of Brand Assurance. Alyssa has over 15 years of experience in marketing and design, making her an asset in strengthening the company’s brand presence.

In this role, Alyssa will oversee branding, marketing, and quality assurance, ensuring Supreme Crab and Seafood maintains its reputation for excellence. Her expertise in brand strategy and visual identity will play a key role in enhancing customer engagement and product integrity...

Trudeau: Trump Will Pause Tariffs on Canada for 30 Days

As of Monday evening, US President Trump will postpone 25% tariffs on Canada, Reuters reported after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote an X post about the matter.

After the day's second conversation with Trump, Trudeau wrote:

"I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting..."

New Bedford Mayor Pushes to Repeal ASMFC’s Lobster Catch Size Restrictions

In a letter yesterday to Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Executive Director Robert Beal, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell advocated for the repeal of Addendum 27 (XXVII) to the ASMFC’s lobster fishery management plan.

According to the addendum—which will increase the minimum catch size for lobsters effective July 2025—US lobstermen will soon be limited in the size of lobsters they can catch, thereby impacting total haul sizes. Meanwhile, Canadian lobstermen will continue harvesting and selling the same sized lobsters in the US market...

Japan: 88% of Supermarkets and Consumer Co-ops Raise Surimi Product Prices

According to a survey on sales trends of surimi products conducted by the Minato Shimbun at the beginning of the year, targeting 25 major supermarkets and cooperatives nationwide, when asked about this year's price policy for fish paste products, amid the continued rise in costs such as labor and logistics for manufacturers, 22 of the 25 retailers that responded, or 88%, indicated their intention to either raise prices or raise prices effectively due to changes in specifications or both...

Atlantic Sapphire to Rent-Out Danish Facility; Feed Costs Impacted by Trump’s Tariffs

Land-based salmon farmer Atlantic Sapphire announced that it has entered into a short-term lease agreement with Maiken Foods AS to rent out its Danish facility.

Maiken will facilitate a pilot for its fish farming solution as its time as a tenant. During the lease period, Maiken will have a purchase option for the entity which will allow the company to create a large-scale land-based salmon farming operation.

In 2021, Atlantic Sapphire was hit with a major fire at its...

Steakholder Foods Shares Letter from CEO Arik Kaufman

Dear Shareholders,

As we commence 2025, I am writing to share our progress during what was both a demanding and transformative year for Steakholder Foods. Despite challenging local circumstances and global market uncertainties, we have achieved significant milestones in our commercialization journey and laid important groundwork for our future growth.

Commercial Progress

I am pleased to report that we have made substantial progress in our commercialization strategy. We secured our first purchase order from Bondor Foods for our SH(TM) -- Fish premix blends in September, followed by an order from Wyler Farm...