ANALYSIS: Strong YTD Frozen Tuna Imports Meet Escalating Trade and Compliance Challenges

Frozen tuna fillet imports from Vietnam and Indonesia reflect a nuanced market picture—short-term divergence layered atop strong year-to-date growth. In July 2025, Indonesia posted a modest 1.3% year-over-year gain, while Vietnam saw a sharper 12.9% decline. However, on a broader scale, import volumes tell a more bullish story: year-to-date, Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. are up 30.8%, while Indonesia has climbed 15.2% over the same period. This aligns with the broader trend, as total imports from all countries are up...

Open Ocean Aquaculture Backers Rally on Capitol Hill to Urge Passage of MARA Act

Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), a group advocating for open ocean aquaculture in the US, began a two-day legislative fly-in on Capitol Hill on September 10.

SATS stated that seafood industry leaders and allies met with members of Congress and their staff to lobby for fish farming in federal waters.

"Federal legislation that supports open ocean aquaculture provides the US a chance to prove that we can sustainably produce more seafood in our own ocean waters," said Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of SATS...

Larry’s Catch Expands Across Canada, Pushing MSC-Certified, Flash-Frozen Canadian Seafood

Larry’s Catch, a Canada-based seafood delivery and subscription company, said its services are now available across Canada.

The brand stated that it works exclusively with certified sustainable family fisheries. The company boasts its ability to offer an alternative to grocery store seafood with its wild-caught, flash-frozen Canadian seafood.

“Operating with intentional sourcing at the heart of its business, Larry's Catch partners directly with Canadian fishing families who have been on the water for generations,” the company wrote...

Rep. Mace Amendment Would Force Pentagon to Buy Only American‑Caught Seafood

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require the Department of War (DoW) to purchase only American-caught seafood.

“For too long, foreign competitors have undercut American workers, threatened our economy, and exploited loopholes in federal law. Our amendment ends it,” said Congresswoman Mace. “If the Pentagon is buying seafood, it will come from American waters, caught by American hands, not from our adversaries.”

Mace’s office noted the Berry Amendment...

NOAA Highlights US Leadership at IATTC; Advances Tuna Management and Data Initiatives

NOAA Fisheries highlighted the US' work at the annual Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) that was held last week. The IATTC comprises 21 member nations and manages tuna fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The US, represented by NOAA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries, Andrew Lawler, and NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Ryan Wulff, led discussions on managing bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna. NOAA Fisheries said the US landed $1.8 million in funding for the Regional Tuna Tagging Program...

SalmonChile Represented in Chilean Capitol Hill Delegation to Advance Trade Talks

SalmonChile, a Chilean salmon industry association, visited Capitol Hill in the United States to discuss trade relations, tariffs, and other issues with US representatives.

The Chilean delegation was led by the Industrial Development Association (SOFOFA), and its president, Rosario Navarro, and its secretary general, Rodrigo Yáñez. The group met with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), where parties discussed the negotiation of a free trade agreement and the current tariff status. The delegation was also received at a reception by the Chilean ambassador to Washington...

Louisiana Fish Fry Joins Forces with GRAMMY-Winning Musician Trombone Shorty

Louisiana Fish Fry, a leading manufacturer and distributor of authentic, Louisiana-inspired food products, announced their partnership with GRAMMY-winning artist Troy Andrews, also known by the stage name Trombone Shorty - bringing together two Louisiana icons to celebrate a shared commitment to culture, creativity, and community.

The partnership blends Trombone Shorty's innovative musical style with Louisiana Fish Fry's rich heritage and dedication to bringing the authentic taste of the bayou to kitchens everywhere. Together, they will promote the company's array of products...

Landslide Disrupts Norway’s Salmon Supply Chain

A landslide in Norway has led to disruptions in salmon shipments, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK Nordland. 

The landslide occurred earlier this month in the town of Levanger in Trøndelag county. 

The publication reported that the landslide would have “major consequences” for businesses that transport goods to and from Northern Norway.

Daniel Bjarmann-Simonsen, director of communications for salmon farmer Nova Sea, which is majority-owned by salmon farming giant Mowi, explained the landslide has thrown a wrench in its logistics.

Bjarmann-Simonsen explained...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 34 - AI Adoption in Agri-Food, Feat. Beth Pollack

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

Today we explore something different. A trend that is definitely here to stay and one that we are all integrating into our workflows. This transformative trend, however, is only in the infancy stages of its huge potential, and many of us, it is fair to say, are struggling to realize how to use it, and some of us even fear it… We're talking about AI, of course.

The Winding Glass: Snow Crab Market Experiencing Real Shortfall

Much of the analysis of the snow crab market this spring focused on two key issues: how tariffs could impact sales, and whether economic weakness and consumer resistance would limit price increases.  

In July and August, prices rose rapidly, far more quickly than they did in 2024. A normal seasonal pattern in snow crab is that prices trend higher once the season has ended. This year, it was more extreme than many had expected. Was it speculation and artificial constriction of supply, or was it a genuine signal of market distress...

Canada Unveils CAD 5 Billion Rescue Plan to Help Agriculture, Other Sectors Weather US Tariffs

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sept. 5 unveiled a CAD 5 billion ($3.6 billion) support package and a suite of trade and industrial measures, including a "Buy Canadian" procurement policy, CAD 1 billion in expanded SME lending and CAD 75 million for AgriMarketing, aimed at shielding farmers, fishers and other sectors hit by new US tariffs while reskilling 50,000 workers for a more resilient domestic economy.

The agricultural and seafood industries landed in the spotlight. The federal government announced...

Royal Greenland Integrates Quin-Sea Fisheries; Managing Director Simon Jarding Exits Immediately

Royal Greenland has shaken up leadership at its Canadian seafood subsidiary, Quin-Sea Fisheries Ltd., as Simon Jarding will leave his position as managing director, effective immediately.

The company said on September 7 that Quin-Sea Fisheries would become fully integrated within the Royal Greenland Group.

“This integration will ensure closer alignment across the value chain and create synergies that strengthen profitability, benefit employees, and support the communities in which we operate,” the company said in a news update...

ODFW Shifting Fish Production to Minimize Salmon River Hatchery Funding Loss

Funding for routine fisheries work has been challenging at the federal level; states have had their own issues, too. In Oregon, that funding loss will result in ceasing operations at one of 30 state-run hatcheries. 

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s recent legislatively adopted budget did not include funding to continue the operation of Salmon River Hatchery. The cost of operating and maintaining the hatchery exceeded available revenue, but funding is just one of the issues facing the State's hatchery system...

Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo Promotes Farmed Atlantic Cod for Sashimi Consumption

According to a Minato Shimbun column, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Norway's "Project Japan," which cultivates the Japanese market for Norwegian salmon. It introduced the culture of eating raw salmon to Japan and remains widely recognized as a successful example of exports to Japan. Used in sushi, its deliciousness has spread worldwide. 

The Norwegian Embassy Fisheries Section will continue the project's story and know-how and propose new sushi toppings and sashimi to Japan. Recently, at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, it promoted farmed seafood products that...

Restaurant Growth Continues in 2025 Despite Forecasting and Visibility Challenges

Crunchtime Information Systems, an operations management solutions provider for the restaurant industry, shared results of a study conducted in partnership with Technomic. The research was based on a nationwide survey of 300+ multi-unit restaurant operators.

The 2025 Restaurant Growth Insights Report finds that restaurant brands are continuing to grow despite economic headwinds, focusing on scaling more sustainably while identifying critical areas for improvement...

Operators plan to increase new location openings by 20% over the next two years, even as 73%...

SE Alaska Red King Crab Season Opens November 1, Thanks to New Board of Fish Policy

Crab fishermen in Southeast Alaska will have an opportunity to begin harvesting highly sought-after red king crab this fall due to a significant policy shift in management approved by the state last February.  

The change allows a fishery to open under new management rules even if surveys show that the available biomass is less than the long-standing minimum threshold of 200,000 lbs.

The announcement from Alaska's Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is for a regionwide guideline harvest level (GHL)...

ANALYSIS: Short-term Import Relief Fuels Groundfish Markets as Long-term Constraints Linger

Recent import data and market signals indicate that the groundfish sector is experiencing short-term rebounds amid longer-term supply constraints. Monthly flows of cod, pollock and haddock fillets rose in July, led by larger shipments from China and gains from Vietnam and Canada; however, year-to-date volumes remain below 2024 levels. At the same time, quota cuts, most notably a 25% reduction in the Norwegian...

Barents Sea Catch Growth Could Shape Kamchatka Crab Outlook Despite Export Hurdles 

Russia is banking on stable catches of Kamchatka crab in its Northern Basin in despite tough business conditions domestically. 

Particular attention will be paid to the increase in catch in the Barents Sea. 

Also, the marketing opportunities for Kamchatka crab caught in the Northern Basin are currently limited. Prior to the imposition of sanctions, most of it was supplied to the European and US markets, which primarily purchased it in frozen form. Currently, the primary sales markets for Kamchatka crab are China and Japan...

Commissioner Sid Miller Advocates for Public Comment on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness

Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller highlighted an opportunity to shape the future of our American seafood industry. NOAA Fisheries has opened a public comment period on President Trump’s Executive Order, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.” Particularly in Texas, where the seafood industry has struggled, Commissioner Miller is urging those with feedback to submit public comments as soon as possible.

“Our Texas seafood industry is on life support,” Commissioner Miller said. “When government stands between producers and their livelihoods, that’s a problem...

Alaska Seafood Roundtable Highlights Push for Domestic Competitiveness Under Trump Administration

Alaska’s seafood sector took center stage as a September 9 roundtable brought together state lawmakers, industry leaders and senior Trump administration officials to chart a path for strengthening the domestic fishery supply chain, addressing aging fleets and bolstering international competitiveness under President Trump’s April 2025 Executive Order on 'Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.'

Top officials, including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, signaled a "whole-of-government" approach to keeping Alaska's wild fisheries resilient amid global pressures and regulatory challenges...

Chile’s Seafood Exports at Risk as Russia Threatens Restrictions for Documentation Violations

Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) warned Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) that Chile may be barred from importing seafood into Russia due to various violations.

"The Service has repeatedly recorded discrepancies in the accompanying documentation for these products from Chile," Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement. "Discrepancies have also been noted in the information indicated on the labels and stated in the veterinary certificates...

FMI Proposes Amendments and Extended Deadline for FDA Food Traceability Rule

Today, the Food Industry Association (FMI) submitted comments on the proposed changes to the Food Traceability Rule by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Among the suggestions, the FMI requested extending the compliance deadline to July 2028, believing that its amendments would facilitate a more efficient implementation of the rule

“FMI is grateful for FDA’s recognition of the need to reduce the regulatory burden on the food industry by extending the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule. We also strongly...

ANALYSIS: 2025 Coho Salmon Season Starts Strong but Dips Early

The 2025 coho season began a notable uptrend in week 27, with harvests rising sharply through week 31 and peaking soon after. Through the completed weeks, the year-to-date harvest stands at about 1.94 million fish in Alaska, up from last year’s roughly 1.47 million and tracking near the five-year average of 1.84 million for the same period. Peak volumes this year are softer than the two-year-ago spike, resulting in a thinner supply profile as the season progresses. Demand appears moderate to active, providing some support...

Red Lobster Touts "Smarter" SpendLESS Shrimp Promotion; Makes Seafood Boils Permanent Menu Item

Red Lobster, as it continues its road from bankruptcy, has introduced its SpendLESS Shrimp promotion, featuring a trio of shrimp options for $15.99.

Remember, many of the headlines surrounding Red Lobster's financial troubles prior to bankruptcy were linked to the infamous all-you-can-eat shrimp deals the brand offered. CEO Damola Adamolekun acknowledged the brand's noisy past around Endless Shrimp but positioned the program as a deliberate reboot.

"Since stepping into this role, I've gotten questions about Endless Shrimp – 'Is it coming back? 'What really...

Coffee, Cocoa, Tea, and More Added to List of Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners

As of September 5, products like coffee, cocoa, and tea (along with hundreds more) may be exempt from US reciprocal tariffs if a country’s leaders make a deal with the US trade team, according to a White House fact sheet that specifies exemptions for trading partners that make substantial, reciprocal commitments to mitigate the national emergency-inducing trade-deficit.

To date, market participants watched as deals with the European Union and Indonesia provided a vague mention towards exemptions for “natural resources” like EU cork...

Gordon Ramsay and Home Chef Partner to Bring Meal Kits to Your Kitchen 

For anyone wanting to serve 5-star dinners to their family, a new partnership between iconic British chef Gordon Ramsay and the leading meals solution company Home Chef, now makes that possible. 

The pair’s six-month collaboration brings exclusive recipes inspired by Gordon's iconic cookbooks, restaurants, and family favorites to kitchens everywhere, available through online access or in grocery stores. 

"Cooking should be a joy, a shared experience that brings people together. With the right ingredients and...

NZ King Salmon Acquires $4.6M Cloudy Bay Site to Support Future Processing Needs

New Zealand King Salmon (NZK) announced it has purchased a NZD 8.14 million ($4.8 million) commercial facility located in Cloudy Bay Business Park in Blenheim, NZ.

The NZK Board said it was an “exciting step” in supporting NZK’s future processing requirements as it moves forward with its “Blue Endeavor” project.

“While the purchase of this site represents an investment for NZK’s future, there are several stage gates that need to be met before any firm development decisions can be made...

GSA Releases Feed Mill Standard Issue 3.3

The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) is pleased to announce the official release of the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Feed Mill Standard Issue 3.3. The standard will become effective November 17, 2025, at which point all feed mills must apply to Issue 3.3.

The updates made to the standard are the result of more than a year of in-depth stakeholder engagement with the goal of modernizing the standard to meet marketplace expectations. The update focuses on the procurement, traceability, and reporting of three critical feed ingredients: fishmeal and fish oil, soy, and palm...

US Crab Imports Smash Records, but Fall Brings New Tests

Imports of snow and king crab through July 2025 are running at unprecedented levels, well ahead of expectations. Snow crab, driven by record shipments from Canada and Norway, has already surpassed the entire 2024 total, reaching 123.9 million pounds in the first seven months of the year. With only limited inventory left to ship, US imports are now projected to exceed the post-sanction high of 128.6 million pounds set in 2023.

King crab imports tell a similar story, though constrained by tight supply. Norwegian red king crab...

Hokkaido's Surimi Production in January-July Increased by 16% to 6,515 Tons

Hokkaido's cumulative frozen surimi production from January to July in 2025 is set to exceed the previous year's low level. According to member reports compiled by the National Surimi Manufacturers Association, production increased by 16% year-over-year to 6,515 tons. A major non-member manufacturer also says it's "up by about 10%."

The growth is being driven by pollock, with surimi production increasing 19% to 6,340 tons. Since March, there has been good fishing in the Sea of Okhotsk and Soya regions...