ANALYSIS: Soft Fall Demand Pressures Live Lobster Prices Despite Reduced Supply

Buyer interest through October and November has been notably tempered, a trend not unusual for this time of year as seasonal demand typically softens following the late-summer push. However, this fall’s slowdown has been more pronounced. Even with reduced Maine catch levels, market prices and boat prices alike have eased, signaling a softer demand environment than in prior years. Sellers describe sales as sluggish, with limited urgency from buyers to replenish inventories or take on additional volume...

Florida Importer Netuno Sues Over Trump Tariffs, Challenges Emergency Trade Powers

Netuno USA, a Florida-based seafood importer and distributor, filed suit Nov. 5 in the US Court of International Trade, arguing that President Trump’s emergency tariff program exceeds his statutory authority and has disrupted its seafood supply chains.

The complaint was lodged against Trump, his administration, the US Trade Representative, US Customs and Border Protection and other officials. Netuno called the tariffs unconstitutional and unlawful and argued that Trump exceeded statutory and constitutional authority by using emergency powers to impose broad tariffs.

Netuno questioned Trump’s authority on tariffs...

Trident Seaoods' Wild Alaska Pollock Whitefish Loins Now at Walmart

Trident Foods is excited to announce a new partnership with Walmart, bringing Trident’s Wild Alaska Pollock Whitefish Loins to freezer aisles nationwide and expanding access for consumers across the country.

For decades, the company has been committed to delivering the freshest, healthiest, and most sustainably wild-caught seafood in the industry. Rooted in Alaska, Trident Seafoods now operates 28 processing, production, and sales facilities around the world.

Trident’s Wild Alaska Pollock Whitefish Loins offer 26 grams of protein per serving...

Americans Plan to Dine Out More in 2026 as OpenTable Reports Strong Industry Growth

OpenTable’s newly released 2026 Dining Trends Report shows that despite mixed views on the economy, Americans continue to prioritize eating out, driving steady growth across the foodservice industry.

According to the analysis, dining out increased 8% year-over-year in 2025, and consumers expect for that to increase in 2026.

"As we head into 2026, there's good news for the restaurant industry: our new research shows that people continue to make room in their lives and budgets for dining out...

Scott & Jon's Expands Presence with Launch at Whole Foods Market

Scott & Jon's is expanding its brand presence in grocery stores nationwide following a recent partnership announcement.

The frozen meal manufacturer is bringing four of its seafood bowls to Whole Foods Market.

The lineup includes three of the brand's most popular recipes and a new flavor.

• Honey Sesame Salmon: A company bestseller featuring salmon, rice and vegetables, and dressed with a sweet and savory sauce.
• Lemon Butter Dill Salmon: A fresh take on a seafood classic, featuring salmon with al dente penne pasta...

Rutherford Leads Bicameral Letter on State Management of South Atlantic Red Snapper

On Thursday, co-chairs of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, U.S. Congressmen John H. Rutherford (FL-05), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Russell Fry (SC-07), and David Rouzer (NC-07), sent a bicameral letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in strong support of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina’s Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications that request approval to improve state data collection and implement state-led management of the recreational red snapper fishery in federal waters in the South Atlantic region...

2026 Bristol Bay Sockeye Run Forecast of 45.32 Million, 12 Percent Below 2025’s Forecast

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) released its forecast for the 2026 Bristol Bay salmon season yesterday, predicting a run of 45.32 million and a catch of 32.26 million sockeye. This is 26% smaller than the most recent 10-year average of 61.0 million fish and 21% greater than the long-term average of 37.40 million fish (1963–2025). 

Yesterday’s forecast compared to last year’s final forecast, also released in November, for a 2025 run of 51.3 million and a forecasted...

ANALYSIS: Chilean Salmon Harvest Gains, Export Flows Hold, Price Unsettled in October

The Chilean Atlantic farm salmon harvest trends indicate steady production momentum, with an August peak. By September (Fig 1), accumulated harvest reached 573,465 metric tons (mt), a 10.4% increase year-to-date (YTD), compared to 2024, although month-on-month (m-o-m) declines in September by 9.8% suggest a seasonal wind-down after the peak. Environmental health indicators remain favourable, including effective sea lice management, supporting ongoing production stability...

Private Equity Firm Buys Majority of Seafood Importer, Distributor Arctic Fisheries

US seafood importer Arctic Fisheries sold a majority stake to SNH Capital Partners, an Austin, Texas-based private equity investment firm.

Arctic provides customers with a wide range of seafood options, including groundfish, crab and lobster. The company’s CEO, Michael Kotok, will remain a shareholder following the transaction. Antarctica Advisors, the exclusive investment banking advisor to Arctic Fisheries, stated that Kotok and the current Arctic Fisheries team will continue with the company under the new ownership.

Michael Kotok, CEO of Arctic Fisheries, commented: “Antarctica’s experienced team understood...

North Pacific Council Taps Diana Evans as Interim ED Following Dave Witherell’s Retirement

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council announced recently that  

Deputy Director Diana Evans will serve as Interim Executive Director during the search for a permanent E.D. Her new position began November 1, following the retirement of David Witherell, who has served as Executive Director since 2017. 

Evans has been a member of the Council staff since 2000, when she began her career as a specialist in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). During her tenure, she has provided extensive leadership in the Council process, regulatory development...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Estimates and Retail Signals Point to a Tightening, Form‑Specific Market 

Country‑level import estimates through October show a post‑frontload correction: modeled volumes for September and October are down roughly 10% and 18% year‑on‑year, respectively, while year‑to‑date imports are up about 8% but essentially flat (+3.6%) since May. Ecuador’s volumes increase relative to other origins; India, Indonesia and Vietnam display divergent month‑to‑month paths. Model error ranges run roughly 9–18% by origin, depending on data history. Finalized customs data and country export splits remain pending...

Industry Hears What's Working For Retail and Foodservice Sectors at ASMI’s All Hands Meeting

Last week, leaders in Alaska’s seafood industry heard from Circana and Technomic about retail and foodservice trends in seafood, including a deep dive into what motivates consumers to buy more seafood today. 

The audience of seafood executives — from CEOs to vessel captains — are all members of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, attending the annual All Hands meeting for four days to share research and analysis with real-world experience in harvesting, processing, distribution, and marketing.

“There are five mega trends driving food sales in retail...

Chilean Salmon Joint Venture BluGlacier Joins NFI Sushi Council

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI)’s Salmon Council welcomed BluGlacier as its newest member on November 13.

NFI said the addition of BluGlacier adds a key voice to the sushi industry’s efforts in responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency and product integrity.

BluGlacier was founded in 2016 as a US joint-venture between leading Chilean salmon producers Salmones Blumar S.A. and Ventisqueros S.A. The company has a foundation in the Chilean aquaculture space and boasts a commercial base in Miami. NFI noted the company’s sourcing of Atlantic and Coho salmon in southern...

Failed Norway Talks Could Trigger Cod Shortage, Price Spike in Russia

The situation for cod in Russia could worsen quickly if Moscow and Oslo fail to reach an agreement on Barents Sea cod quotas.

Norwegian and Russian media report that negotiations are ongoing but have made little progress. If talks collapse, Russia’s cod sector could face shortages and a sharp rise in prices.

Since the start of the Russia‑Ukraine war, Norway has generally supported EU sanctions packages, while seeking to maintain fisheries cooperation with Russia. In August, however, Oslo restricted two Russian fishing companies on state‑security grounds...

Southern‑Style Seafood Arrives in Europe as Captain D's Debuts in the UK

Captain D’s opened its first United Kingdom and European flagship restaurant in Broadstairs, Kent, last month, roughly nine months after the company announced it had signed a 20-unit franchise agreement in the UK, as Expana reported.

The milestone launch marks a major step in the brand's international expansion and introduces British diners to authentic American Southern-style seafood, the company said in a press release.

"This grand opening is a proud and emotional moment for us," said Daryl Stutchbury, CEO of Captain D's UK...

Reports of Possible ICE Facility Near Newport, Ore., Stir Concern

City and state officials are seeking clarification after reports surfaced that the US Department of Homeland Security may be evaluating potential sites along the Oregon Coast, including property near the Newport Municipal Airport, for a new US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

In a statement released Monday, Newport city leaders confirmed they had received credible information indicating the airport property, currently deeded to the US Coast Guard, was identified as one possible location. The city emphasized that, although details remain unconfirmed, the potential for an ICE facility...

Q3 Results Drive Foodservice Headlines in First Half of November

Major industry players across the business captured attention in the first half of the month as foodservice providers released new insights from their quarterly reports.

Many restaurants are facing challenges in the third quarter as US consumers cut back on frequent dining. This compilation provides a thorough overview of key players' performance results and the latest in the most notable company news.

QSR's

McDonald's Q3, FY 2025

McDonald's reported a 3.6% increase in global same-store sales for the third quarter, surpassing analysts' expectations...

Japan: Price of Russian Atka Mackerel May Rise Next Year Due to Halved TAC

The domestic sales price for Russian Atka Mackerel, weighing 540-640 grams and frozen dressed, is 620 yen/kg ($4.00/kg). In the first half of this year, it was around 640 yen/kg ($4.13/kg). 

This year's TAC for the Far East Atka Mackerel is set at 53,000 tons, roughly double last year's initial quota, which boosted demand for restaurants and convenience store prepared foods. However, it will be reduced to 23,000 tons next year. "Next year, producers will likely raise prices due...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

ANALYSIS: YTD French Shrimp Imports Up 12% Year-On-Year

According to the National Directorate of French Statistics, France imported 102,860 metric tons of shrimp between January and September, representing an 11.9% increase from the same period last year. In value, this translates to 659 million euros, a 11.3% increase year-over-year. France ranks as the second shrimp market in Europe after Spain, so these positive results over the first three quarters could indicate a growing appetite for this crustacean category in Western Europe...

Oregon, Washington Advance Toward Dungeness Crab Decision as Test Results Roll In

West Coast crabbers and fishery managers are entering a decisive week for the 2025-26 Dungeness crab season, with a season-opening announcement scheduled for Friday, following the recent release of Washington test results. 

According to an industry notice from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, crab from Long Beach did not meet the Tri-State meat recovery threshold for a Dec. 1 opener.  

Crab from Westport did meet the criteria, with a 25% meat recovery result, but some crab is still soft...

NFI Supports Food Tariff Cuts, Presses for Inclusion of All Seafood in Trump Administration Plan

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) shared its approval of the Trump administration’s move to reduce tariffs on some food and agricultural products.

The NFI urged the administration to include all seafood in tariff adjustments, citing that rising costs have put it out of reach for many American families.

“This is critical to lowering consumer prices, maintaining American jobs in the seafood sector and keeping Americans healthy and fed,” NFI President & CEO Lisa Wallenda Picard said in a statement...

Dynamic Leadership Fuels Growth and Innovation at the National Aquaculture Association

The National Aquaculture Association (NAA) aims to support sustainable, profitable, and environmentally responsible aquaculture development across the United States.

Recently, the organization welcomed two leaders whose shared passion and expertise will help advance its mission.

In April, Caitlyn Czajkowski was appointed Executive Director. Her strong scientific background and policy experience make her exceptionally well suited for this role.

Czajkowski previously served as a prestigious NOAA Knauss Marine Policy Fellow in the office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons, where she worked on the Senator’s Energy, Environment...

Court Drops All Charges Against Quinlan in Bay de Verde Crab Case

Quinlan Seafood says a court has dismissed all charges related to crab production and handling at its Bay de Verde facility after the Crown chose not to call any evidence, concluding there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.

In a November 13 statement, the company said the decision vindicates its position that the allegations were unfounded and rooted in “flawed testing, unproven and untested technology, and improper inspection authority.” Quinlan President Robin Quinlan said the company and its employees had “borne the weight” of what he called arbitrary...

USDA Gets Seafood Liaison Post After Shutdown Deal; Appropriations Move to Bar China‑Sourced Seafood

The US government has approved a Seafood Liaison position within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) included in the appropriations legislation that put an end to the longest government shutdown in the history of the country.

The post is funded through the FY2026 Agriculture appropriations package, where Senate Appropriations Committee language earmarks $625,000 to establish a “Seafood Industry Liaison” in the Office of the Secretary. Committee text describes the liaison as “solely responsible for the effective coordination of seafood policies...

Japan: Frozen POP Imports in January-September Fell by 28% to 7,025 Tons; US POP Plummets by 54%

The import volume of frozen redfish from January to September was 7,025 tons, down 28% from the same period last year. The slowdown trend in recent years has been spurred. The main U.S. production fell by 54% to 2,791 tons. The background is the decline in buying due to "the buying sentiment of the Chinese processing industry has increased very much" (trading company sources).

The import volume was 2.30,000~3.10,000 tons in 2012...

Norwegian Seafood Council Sees Big Opportunity for At-Home Poké as UK Consumers Embrace Raw Seafood

Recent research from the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) points to a potential opportunity for retailers and companies to develop Hawaiian-inspired poke products for at-home consumption.

The NSC reported that 42% of consumers in the United Kingdom are opting to eat poke away from home, with most citing health benefits and taste as their reasons. However, of the 54% who said they have prepared poke at home, only 30% do so on a monthly basis, with half of that total saying it’s something...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 36 - Essential Procurement Skills & Advice, Feat. Malcolm Harrison

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

On today's episode, we welcome Malcolm Harrison, an international board-level executive with expertise in general management, operations, procurement, and sales. He has worked in diverse business environments across Brazil, China, France, Gulf states, the UK, the US, and West Africa. A veteran and engaging leader, Malcolm has always sought to improve business performance through growth and efficiency. He has a track record of quickly identifying gaps and opportunities for continuous improvement

OBBBA’s 2nd Oil Lease Sale this March for Alaska’s Cook Inlet, 1st Sale Next Month for Gulf States

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) today announced two major oil and gas lease sales last Friday, as promised in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

BOEM, part of the Department of the Interior, released the Final Notice of Sale for Lease Sale Big Beautiful Gulf 1 (BBG1), the first of 30 Gulf of America lease sales. The Gulf of Mexico was renamed by Trump to the Gulf of America...

Veramaris Unveils Leadership Changes as It Enters New Expansion Phase

Veramaris recently announced leadership changes in alignment with the company's next phase of strategic evolution.

In this phase, the company aims to deepen partnerships, expand its operational footprint, and establish itself as the industry's certified sustainable purveyor of essential Omega-3s.

The focus will be on scaling responsibly, supporting partners with reliable nutrition solutions, and enabling the industry to plan with greater confidence.

As part of these changes, Mark van Nieuwland will succeed Gertjan de Koning as CEO, effective January 1, 2026. He will join...