Domoic Acid, Meat Recovery Delays Oregon Crab Season

As if some seriously stormy ocean weather wasn't enough, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Wednesday a delay in the primary commercial Dungeness crab season off Oregon until at least Dec. 16.

Pre-season testing showed Dungeness crabs are too low in meat yield in some ocean areas and have elevated domoic acid levels in crab viscera in two areas on the South Coast.

Viscera from two crab in Area K, Cape Blanco to Gold Beach, landed on Nov. 16, showed levels of 38 and 39 parts ...

Japan: Q1-Q3 Surimi Product Exports up 12%, Surging to the Middle East

According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, the cumulative export volume of fish paste products (excluding fish sausages) such as kamaboko from January to September 2024 was 7,522 tons, up 12% from last year. The increase was due to a significant increase in exports to the emerging Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which tripled; Saudi Arabia, which nearly doubled; and the United States, the largest export destination, which grew 1.5 times. However, this was down 17% compared to the...

2024 Seabank Annual Report Links Natural Environments and Human Economies in SE Alaska

On Monday the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust (ASFT), released the 2024 SeaBank Annual Report that includes, among other facts about the value of the SE Alaska ecosystems, the $1 billion annual contribution to regional economies in jobs and resources to over 72,000 residents in 33 communities.

“We can look at Southeast Alaska as a bank of forest and sea,” says ASFT board member Linda Behnken, “one that supports the entirety of our collective economic, social, cultural, and physical well-being. If we steward this natural bank ...

RODA Announces Leadership Change

Johnston will succeed Annie Hawkins as Acting Executive Director.

Six years after its launch, RODA said the change will “maintain its ability to continue RODA’s ambitious mission through our research and advocacy programs.”

Johnston has been involved with RODA almost since its inception. She has worked as Programs Manager, and the group praised her “powerful record of steadfast commitment to our membership and the fishing industry.”

“I am excited about this new chapter and look forward to working with our members and partners to continue to advocate...

USITC Finds Imported Shrimp Harmful to U.S. Industry, Duties Imposed

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that the U.S. shrimp industry was “materially injured” by imported shrimp that was sold at less than fair value or gained an advantage via subsidies.

The USITC affirmed the Department of Commerce (Commerce)’s determination that frozen warmwater shrimp from Indonesia was sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. It also affirmed Commerce's findings that imports of shrimp from Ecuador, India, and Vietnam were subsidized by the respective governments.

This decision paves the way for the Department of Commerce to issue...

American Seafoods Names Inge Andreassen as New Chief Executive Officer

American Seafoods Company, a top at-sea processor of Wild Alaska Pollock and Pacific Hake, announced that Inge Andreassen, the current Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President, has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Einar Gustafsson.

Andreassen said:

 “Leading American Seafoods is a privilege and a responsibility that I hold with great pride and profound respect. This company has been at the core of my professional journey, and I am deeply honored to continue building upon its legacy. Our success...

The Retail Rundown: Turkey Takes the Spotlight

According to Circana data, fresh whole turkeys were featured at an average discounted price of $1.48 per pound last week, up from $1.27 per pound during the same period last year.

The most popular turkey sizes, 10–15 and 16–24 pounds, averaged $1.34 per pound, compared to $1.00–$1.10 per pound last year. These prices reflect pre-promotion rates and do not account for additional discounts or free turkey offers.

Whole turkeys are often used as loss leaders to increase holiday store...

FDA Seeks Data on PFAS Contamination in Seafood

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a request for information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seafood.

Per a November 19 Constituent Update, the FDA is seeking scientific data and information from the seafood industry, academia, state and federal agencies, and other interested entities on PFAS concentrations in seafood, the surrounding environment, and processing water, as well as mitigation strategies for reducing exposure to PFAS in seafood.

The request comes as the FDA works to improve its understanding of PFAS exposure from seafood...

Price Setting Changes and Strike Options Highlight NL’s Snow Crab Fishery Reform

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has mapped out 10 decisions and directions that pave the way for sweeping changes to the massive snow crab fishery. This includes notable changes to the price-setting process and the potential for lockouts and strikes.

Gerry Byrne, NL’s Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture, said the plan to overhaul the fishery would ensure “management, efficiency, and fairness” in a statement released ahead of his appearance at the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) union Triannual Convention on November 18...

Wild Tide Seafoods Joins Foraged.com

In the world of seafood, quality and sustainability are paramount. Wild Tide Seafoods, known for its commitment to these principles, has recently made a significant move.

They've joined Foraged.com, a platform marketplace that connects consumers with artisanal food producers. This collaboration aims to bring Wild Tide Seafoods' premium offerings to a wider audience just in time for the Holidays.

"Foraged empowers small-scale food producers and we empower fishers of sustainable seafood from the ocean's bounty, we are completely aligned with our missions, and we are thrilled to join the...

Acme Smoked Fish Joins 1% For the Planet

The family-owned and operated Acme Smoked Fish Corporation joined 1% For the Planet, a nonprofit entity started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, that utilizes a global network of thousands of businesses and environmental partners to raise money and implement environmentally focused initiatives across the world.

All partners are vetted and approved based on referrals, track record, and environmental focus. As a member of this effort, Acme commits to donating 1% of its cold smoked salmon retail sales to support verified...

Long John Silver's Celebrates 55 Years with Chance to Win $55,000

Long John Silver's is celebrating 55 years of serving golden seafood treasures by offering customers a chance to win a treasure trove of prizes this holiday season. From now until Dec. 15, dive into the Long John Silver's Holiday Sweepstakes for a chance to win $55,000 or one of several weekly bounties like cash rewards and Long John Silver's gift cards.

Entering the sweepstakes is smooth sailing! Follow these three steps: first, download the Long John Silver's app, available in both Apple iOS and Android app stores...

ANALYSIS: Fresh Farmed Salmon Market Up 7 Percent; AK 2024 Wild Salmon Harvest off 39 Percent

The market on fresh Chilean salmon fillets has been acting contra-seasonally for the last several weeks. Typically, what is observed on a seasonal basis, is the fresh salmon fillet market exhibits a slowdown or cyclical dip in the marketplace during the month of October and November. From a historical standpoint, these months, along with the summertime, are not viewed as higher demand periods for fresh salmon fillets. However, this year as of this writing, 3–4-pound fresh Chilean salmon fillets advanced 7...

2024 Alaska Symphony of Seafood Announces Award Winners

The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) announced the winners of the 2024 Alaska Symphony of Seafood, an event highlighting innovative products featuring Alaska’s seafood.

The winners this year are:

- Best New Retail Product: Teriyaki Salmon Jerky by Fable Fish Company

- Best New Foodservice Product: Miso Black Cod Deli Kits by Alaskan Leader Seafoods

- Beyond the Plate: Holdfast Kelp Vodka produced by Uncharted Distillery

- Most Innovative: Holdfast Kelp Vodka produced by Uncharted Distillery

The event also saw the People’s Choice Award go to Cold Smoked Salmon by M.I.F. Seafoods, which attendees selected during...

Fisheries Council of Canada Supports Swift Government Intervention in Port Disruptions

The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) supports the government’s decision to legislate port workers back to work. With disruptions from work stoppages at ports in both British Columbia and Montreal, FCC members are facing significant financial impacts, as critical freight remains stalled at docks or delayed in warehouses. This situation has broad implications, affecting not only the seafood industry but also the Canadian economy and consumers nationwide.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon’s intervention on Tuesday, directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the...

Steakholder Foods Signs Six Commercial LOIs with International Players

Steakholder Foods Ltd. (Nasdaq: STKH) (“Steakholder” or the “Company”), a leading innovator in alternative proteins production and 3D printing technologies, announced today the signing of six Letters of Intent (LOIs) with international companies marking another commercial achievement for the Company in its transition to revenue generation. These agreements, which are a result of the outstanding response the company received at the recent Plant-Based World Expo event in London, UK, reflect the strong market demand and commercial viability for Steakholder’s cutting-edge 3D printing systems and proprietary plant-based premixes for...

Pacific Seafoods’ Eureka Plant Still Buying Fish, But Shipping Deliveries to Oregon

Pacific Seafoods Group issued a statement last week to "pause" groundfish processing at their Eureka, CA seafood plant, but will continue to accept deliveries and ship the product to Oregon for processing. 

The company has nearly 40 locations across the country — from Kodiak, Alaska, to Miami, Fla. — and employs thousands of people nationwide. There are four plants in Oregon, located in Brookings, Charleston, Newport, and Warrenton.

"Our Eureka facility has historically processed groundfish, crab, and oysters," said Lacy Ogan, Pacific Seafoods ...

Caption: Pacific Seafood's booth at SENA 2022.