ANALYSIS: Diving into Tuna Landings, Price Trends in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2024-2025

The Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) total catches for tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in 2024 displayed a significant increase, accounting for a growth of 60.5% year on year (y-o-y). In contrast, the catches for yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) declined by 0.3% y-o-y in the EPO.

In 2024, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) estimated that the total landings of skipjack tuna were 623,650 metric tons (mt). Ecuador had the highest share of this species at 56%, followed by Panama with 16%...

Over 21 Million Pounds of Alaska Pollock Among USDA’s Latest Seafood Purchase Requests

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking bids on various seafood products, including catfish, shrimp, and Alaskan pollock, through Section 32.

The USDA stated that the products, announced in three separate solicitations, will be used in domestic food distribution programs. Bids are due by February 27, and acceptances will be announced on March 6. The largest purchase is focused on Alaskan pollock, with the USDA looking for bids on over 21 million pounds of product. The offerings range from frozen pollock fillets...

Mowi Purchases Uninhabited Scottish Island to Establish New Salmon Farm and Kickstart Local Tourism

Salmon aquaculture giant Mowi recently announced the purchase of Sanda Island, which will be the base for its newest Scottish salmon farming operation.

Sanda Island is an uninhabited island located in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, off the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula.

In addition to establishing a salmon farm of the island’s eastern coast, Mowi also intends to develop the island as a potential tourist destination.

The multimillion pound investment will create 14 new fishery jobs, utilizing seven people for two daily shifts, including apprenticeships...

ANALYSIS: Fresh Atlantic Halibut Market Rises with Seasonal Demand and Trade Uncertainty

The fresh Atlantic halibut market remains highly volatile, though it follows seasonal patterns and pricing thresholds that are frequently observed. In 2024, recorded price fluctuations for fresh whole halibut showed a $9.25 range between the highest and lowest points of the season.

This market behavior is largely driven by the fishing practices of harvesters, who target multiple species and adjust their efforts based on price dynamics. When wholesale prices drop too low to justify fuel, labor, and operational costs, fishing effort typically declines...

ANALYSIS: Norway Brings Stability to the Cold-water Shrimp Market

The issue most mentioned among cold-water shrimp exporters last year was the level of catches, not always as high as expected compared with the demand. As the Pandalus Borealis shrimp is a wild species, external factors like warming water temperature and predation can damage the biomass and increase mortality. Historically, Greenland and Canada have been the main providers of raw material for cooked cold-water shrimp, however 2024 saw the arrival of Norway as a main player; they boosted supplies from the Norwegian Sea...

Nordic Aqua Resumes Sale of Atlantic Salmon at Facility in Ningbo, China

On February 13, 2025, salmon aquaculture company Nordic Aqua announced the resumption of Atlantic Salmon sales at its facility in Ningbo, China.

This marks a big step in the land-based salmon farmer’s Chinese market presence, as Nordic Aqua is once again capable of producing Atlantic salmon for China. With a population of more than 1.4 billion people, China remains a significant salmon customer with a robust growth potential, according to Nordic Aqua.

Nordic Aqua went on to explain that its Ningbo facility is situated within five hours...

Thai Union Reports $4.1 Billion in 2024 Sales, Net Profit Up 7.2%

Thai Union Group PCL released its 2024 financial report yesterday, showing full-year 2024 sales of ฿138.4 billion (US$4.11 billion) with solid organic growth across the core Ambient, PetCare, and Value-added categories. Net profit increased 7.2% year-on-year to ฿5.0 billion (nearly US$149 million), with earnings per share of ฿1.08, growing by 10.4%.  

EBITDA rose by 8.6% year over year to ฿13.4 billion, the second highest on record, reflecting the improvement in operations... 

Cousins Maine Lobster Opens New Location in Springfield-Peoria, IL

On February 11, 2025, Cousins Maine Lobster (CML) announced its expansion into Central Illinois with the grand opening of its first Springfield-Peoria food truck.

The food truck brand, which was made famous as a Shark Tank investment, will be serving up Maine food staples, including wild-caught lobster rolls, New England clam chowder, lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, loaded lobster tots, and more.

Yunus and Thameem Shahul—CML franchisees and brothers who opened their first truck in Chicago in February 2024—will operate six trucks in Illinois, including the expansion into Central...

Trump Signs Memo to Advance Reciprocal Tariffs, Aims to Balance Trade

President Trump signed a memorandum that could lead to the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on the trading partners of the United States.

“The ‘Fair and Reciprocal Plan’ will seek to correct longstanding imbalances in international trade and ensure fairness across the board,” per a fact sheet from the White House. “Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of: this plan will put the American worker first, improve our competitiveness in every area of industry, reduce our trade deficit, and bolster our economic and national security...

Japan: Import Prices Rise for Frozen US and Russian Cod, Raising Concerns about Reduced Imports

As of January 31, the sale price of dressed cod from Alaska, 9/10 fish per 18/19 kg frozen block, was around 1,000 yen/kg ($6.51/kg), nearly double what it was four years ago.

“Demand from Europe and the US is tight due to a trend of poor catches worldwide. It is expected to reach around 1,070 yen/kg ($6.97/kg) in February,” said a trading company source. 

Prices for Russian cod have also risen, and there is a possibility that...

Ecuadorian Shrimp Companies Unite Under “Ecuador First Class Shrimp” Brand to Expand Global Reach

Ecuadorian shrimp companies have adopted the “Ecuador First Class Shrimp” brand as they look to promote the 60-year industry at trade shows and beyond.

The new brand, created with the help of Ecuador’s National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA), aims to tell the industry's story. It focuses on characteristics like sustainability, quality, and innovation.

The Ecuador First Class Shrimp brand will be on display at the upcoming Seafood Expo North America show and was on display at some trade shows...

JFOODO Launches Japanese Seafood Campaign in NYC Focusing on Buri and Scallops

The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) recently launched a new campaign to promote Japanese seafood in the U.S., called “It Starts with Japanese Seafood.”

The campaign, which goes from February 13 to March 6, invites customers at select New York City restaurants to experience a Japanese culinary experience with specific focus on staples like Japanese scallops and buri.

"For centuries, the unmatched quality of Japanese Seafood has been a cornerstone of culinary excellence," said Taiki Sawabe, Director, JFOODO Los Angeles. "It's no secret our seafood is..."

Steakholder Foods Secures $250,000 in Third SIIRD Grant Installment

Steakholder Foods Ltd. (Nasdaq: STKH), a leading innovator in alternative proteins and 3D printing technologies, today announced that it has received its third payment of USD 250,000 from the Singapore-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (SIIRD). To date the Company has received a total of USD 740,000 from the USD 1,000,000 grant awarded to Steakholder Foods from SIIRD.

The first installment was disbursed in March 2024 following the Company's successful production of 3D-printed hybrid fish using its proprietary Printer HD144...

Agricultural Trade Highlighted During Greer's USTR Confirmation Hearing

On February 6, the Senate committee hearing was conducted for Trump’s nomination to the US Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer who previously served as the Chief of Staff to the agency under Robert Lighthizer. Since then, Greer has been advanced by the committee to a forthcoming Senate confirmation vote.

During the hearing, Greer spoke about bipartisan trade policy–notably the tariffs on China that were kept by the Biden administration. Greer says he wants the position because he believes America should be a country of producers...

Congressman Urges Trump to Crack Down on Seafood Imports from China, India, and Others 

US Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) wrote a letter to President Trump requesting tariffs be placed on seafood imports from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, some of the country’s largest trading partners.

“Domestic shrimpers, fishermen, and crawfish producers in Louisiana and across the country face significant challenges competing against foreign seafood industries that are heavily subsidized and engage in illegal dumping into the United States,” Congressman Higgins wrote. “These unrighteous trade practices artificially drive down prices, disrupt fair market conditions, and threaten...

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Combat Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Imports

US Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) announced that the Senate Commerce Committee advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Britt led the bipartisan legislation, along with Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).

The bill would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard...

Former NBA Star Blake Griffin Dunks Into Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest 2025

Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest has returned, and the chain called the 2025 edition the GLOAT: The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time.

The brand teamed up with former National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Blake Griffin, including a new way to enjoy lobster via Blake Griffin’s Way: a lineup that includes Rock Lobster Tail, NEW Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, and NEW Lobster Mac & Cheese, all on one plate.

The partnership with Griffin tipped off with a campaign showcasing Griffin dunking basketballs and enjoying Red Lobster...

Russia Plans to Accelerate 2025 Fish Catch in the African Region

This year, Russia aims to accelerate its fish catch in the African region by expanding its fleet of fish trawlers in the territorial waters of several African states.

As part of these plans, Ilya Shestakov, the head of the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo) has recently conducted a series of talks with representatives of fish authorities from certain African states, particularly those located within the Atlantic basin, including Mauritania, Morrocco, the Ivory Coast, among others.

In addition to fishing itself, particular attention will be paid to accelerating Russian...

SalMar Reports Satisfactory Q4 Results, Shares Acquisition Plans

It was a challenging year for SalMar, one of the largest farmed salmon producers in the world, with farming operations in Central Norway, Northern Norway and Iceland. Last year they were hit with string jellyfish during harvest along with weather delays.

"Throughout the quarter, we have seen good biological development in the sea,

especially in Northern Norway,” said Frode Arntsen, CEO of SalMar ASA. “Together with the solid structure we have in SalMar, and thanks to our employees who have handled a challenging year in an impressive way, we delivered...

Kibun Foods Enters the Fish Sausage Market; First Joint Development with Maruha Nichiro

Kibun Foods, the largest manufacturer of surimi seafood, will release "SURIMIBAR Fish Sausage with Red Sea Bream," jointly developed for the first time with Maruha Nichiro, on February 14. Kibun has a capital and business alliance. The company intends to enter the fish sausage market as a new Kibun Foods brand and to increase its product lineup, reported Minato Shimbun.

The two companies entered a capital and business alliance in March last year. The alliance aims to combine each company's knowledge and expertise to adjust its specialized...

US Foods Reports Strong Fourth-Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results

US Foods has announced its fourth-quarter and fiscal year results, showcasing strong growth and solid profit performance.

Fourth Quarter Highlights

US Foods achieved a 3.5% increase in total case volume in Q4. Net sales rose by 6.2%, reaching $9.5 billion. The company also saw a noteable rise in net income, which climbed to $66 million. Gross profit for the quarter increased by 4.8%, totaling $1.7 billion.

Fiscal Year 2024 Overview

For the full fiscal year 2024, the company reported a 4.2%...

Mowi to Appeal Fine for Salmon Escape to Chile’s Supreme Court

Mowi will appeal to Chile’s Supreme Court after an environmental court confirmed sanctions imposed by Chile’s Environmental Superintendency (SMA) linked to a 2018 escapement.

On February 10, a ruling from the Third Environmental Court confirmed the 5.3 billion Chilean pesos (US $5.1 million) fine levied on Mowi Chile linked to a major salmon escapement at its CES Punta Redonda fattening center in the Los Lagos region.

“The court's response comes within the framework of the claim of illegality...

North Council Sets Options for Reducing Chum Salmon Bycatch in the Bering Sea

SeafoodNews Closed on Monday, February 17, 2025

SeafoodNews will not be publishing on Monday, February 17. We will return to our normal publishing schedule on Tuesday, February 18.

In the meantime, catch up on our recent major news stories by checking our Featured Stories page.

From all of us here at SeafoodNews, we wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday!

Strong Holiday Demand Boosts Kingfish Company's Sales in Q4

The Kingfish Company said fiscal 2024 ended on a high note thanks to strong sales, with volumes reaching 556 tons. The company credited the sales jump to strong holiday demand and a “well-executed go-to-market approach.”

Despite growth in retail and foodservice segments, the company saw its revenue per KG decline to €13.4 ($14.1/kg). Kingfish credited seasonal promotions and increased sales in smaller fish to adjust to biomass for the dip...

Yakama Nation Member to Receive 2025 Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Award

The Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Foundation (KGASF) today announced that it has named Yakama Nation member, Ilene Goudy, as its first award recipient for 2025. Goudy, an Environmental Science student at Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington, has deep family roots in the Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and Wenatchee areas of the state, and hopes to bring to the field of fisheries management, land use, and enhancement her family’s “traditional eco-knowledge...

Trump’s Political Appointments: What They Mean for Commodity Markets

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in for this second term as US President. JD Vance also took the oath of office to become the 47th Vice President.

The new President and his political appointments have dotted headlines in the agricultural commodity space and beyond–grabbing the attention of individuals worldwide. More importantly, the people Trump is bringing aboard to lead, regulate, or deregulate the country’s industries will carry with them implications for domestic and international commodity markets...

Seafood Industry Gears Up for the 43rd Edition of Seafood Expo North America in Boston

The seafood industry will again converge in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 18, for the 43rd edition of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America.

Seafood suppliers, processing, equipment and services companies, and other professionals from across the globe head to Boston every year to showcase their offerings. The exhibit hall spans over 248,065 net square feet, and companies from 49 countries have already confirmed attendance.

“As an industry that is constantly evolving across various sectors, in-person seafood...

Salmon Giant Mowi Breaks Records in 2024, Raises Harvest Guidance for 2025

Mowi said that in 2024, the company reached a litany of records for Q4 and the full year. The largest fish farming company in the world said it had its highest turnover and harvest volumes last year, with revenue at EUR 5.62 billion ($5.8 billion) on 502,000 metric tons of salmon.

“I am extremely pleased that we have continued to deliver on our strategy and our goals, and I am impressed with the way the organisation was once again able to produce both record volumes and record...

Two West Coast Leaders Want Help for Kelp, Reintroduce Bill to Restore Forests

In a pre-Valentine’s Day effort, Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Jared Huffman are showing the West Coast kelp forests some love.

Both Democrats, Merkley from Oregon and Huffman from Northern California, reintroduced the bicameral Help Our Kelp Act of 2025 to improve conditions for kelp forests and marine life. The legislation would invest federal resources to address the ongoing crises that kelp forest ecosystems face in Northern California, Southern Oregon, and across the country, according to a press release...