ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Imports Confirm Estimates; Supplier Export Patterns Signal Market Realignment

Official US import figures through August were broadly in line with our modeled projections, with total volumes inside the confidence interval despite notable variances in specific categories. Peeled shrimp imports were slightly above the high‑end forecast, while shell‑on imports were well below the lower bound. Cooked, breaded, and overall totals tracked closely to expectations. These differences match the pricing environment during the period, when higher landed costs from 19% tariffs on Indonesian shrimp and 20% tariffs on Vietnamese shrimp began influencing wholesale values...

ICE Executes Second Raid at New Jersey Seafood Distributor

For the second time this year, a wholesale seafood distributor in Newark, New Jersey, was the target of a federal immigration enforcement action, local media reported. Ocean Seafood Depot saw roughly two dozen federal agents enter the premises and take 13 people into custody, according to WABC‑7.

The raid began the morning of Nov. 19, witnesses told reporters, with heavily armed, masked federal agents on site and the FBI involved. A statement reported by NJ.com said ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, “working in coordination with federal partners, executed...

ANALYSIS: Norwegian Salmon Harvest Up 20.9% YTD; Exports Cool After August Peak

The Norwegian Atlantic farm salmon sector is experiencing a notable increase in supply, with total harvests rising 20.9% year-to-date (YTD) through September, according to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. While seawater biomass remains relatively stable, the increase in harvest volume and export activity indicates a strong and expanding supply base, mainly driven by seasonal peaks in August. Conversely, the latest data from Statistics Norway show that weekly export figures for fresh and chilled salmon have slowed...

Klamath River Posts a One-Year Surprise: There are ‘Salmon Everywhere’

More than a year following the removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River, scientists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are observing the rapid re-occupation of upstream habitat by salmon — a development with significant implications for upstream-downstream connectivity, spawning success and ultimately commercial availability. 

Michael Harris, Environmental Program Manager of CDFW’s Klamath Watershed Program, said in a statement that he’s surprised at the activity.  

“The speed at which salmon are repopulating every nook and cranny of suitable habitat upstream of the dams...

Bid Price for Frozen Russian Opilio Weakening by 10% at Busan Auction

According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, the third bidding of the year for new frozen opilio snow crab (from the Russian Far East took place on November 6th in Busan, South Korea. According to multiple trading companies, 32 tons of air-blast frozen boiled sections produced in October were up for bid. The winning bid (single price for L-4L sizes, EXW Busan) is expected to be $19.7-19.8/kg, 10% lower than the second auction. Many Japanese trading companies were unsure of the identity...

Russia Sharply Increases Salmon Catch in 2025

Russia is sharply increasing its salmon catch in 2025, with overall figures expected to significantly surpass 2024 results.

According to the All-Russian Association of Fishery Producers (VARPE), as of November, Pacific salmon catch totaled 335,500 tons — more than 40% higher than the entire 2024 catch of 235,000 tons, which was Russia’s worst salmon harvest since 2005.

Catch growth was observed in most key fishing areas, including Kamchatka, which accounts for 80% of the total catch, and Khabarovsk Krai. However, Sakhalin experienced a sharp decline due to an extremely hot summer...

Midland Co Announces Major Retail and Farm Network Expansion

Midland Co recently announced two major milestones that expand the company’s reach to consumers across the Midwest.

First, the company celebrated a new partnership with Fareway, bringing Midland Co’s shrimp products to shelves at select Fareway grocery stores and Fareway Meat Markets.

"Launching into Fareway is a major step forward—for our farmers and for customers who want fresher, more sustainably raised shrimp," said Jackson Kimle, Co-Founder and CEO of Midland Co. "This partnership allows us to bring locally grown seafood to more communities while supporting family farms...

Cousins Maine Lobster Expands to Indiana Through Multi-Unit Deal

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the industry-leading fast-casual lobster roll brand, signed an agreement to bring two new trucks to Indiana. The deal meets the growing demand for more high-quality seafood across the Midwest region. It will offer local seafood lovers the opportunity to enjoy CML's world-famous Maine Lobster rolls, mouthwatering lobster tacos, savory lobster grilled cheese, and delicious whoopie pies...

Oregon Investigates Whale Entanglement as State and Crab Fleet Highlight Years of Risk-Reduction

A stranded whale in Oregon that has captured attention on the eve of the potential start of the Dungeness crab season has state and federal agencies looking for clues to the young whale’s death.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a press release it is assisting federal partners in investigating the entanglement of the young humpback whale that stranded near Yachats earlier this week. NOAA Fisheries has attributed the gear involved to the Oregon commercial Dungeness crab fleet...

Hokkaido Scallop Industry "Unperturbed" by the Chinese Import Ban

On November 19, it was revealed that the Chinese government had once again suspended import procedures for Japanese seafood. Still, there is no sign of any major unrest in Hokkaido's scallop industry. Since the full ban in August 2023, sales channels have been developed and expanded into other countries, including the United States and Southeast Asia, advancing the "distance from China" movement. In addition, even after the ban was lifted in June of this year, only one processing facility in Hokkaido capable of exporting to China was registered by China...

Novotel Becomes First Hospitality Brand To Join Seafood Task Force

Global hotel brand expands ocean commitment with focus on sustainable tuna and farmed shrimp sourcing across Southeast Asia

Novotel, a leading global hotel brand with 600 hotels in 68 countries, has become the first hospitality brand to join the Seafood Task Force (STF).

This milestone reinforces Novotel’s leadership in sustainable hospitality and builds upon the brand’s comprehensive three-year ocean commitment and partnership with WWF, launched in June 2024.

The collaboration with the STF will initially focus on enhancing supply chain transparency...

Dalan Animal Health Closes $3M Seed Round to Advance Commercialization of Shrimp Vaccine

Dalan Animal Health, Inc., the pioneering bioscience company that developed the world's first vaccine for invertebrates, today announced the successful closure of a $3 million SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) funding round. The round included Good Growth Capital together with Meach Cove Capital and other global investors, marking increased international recognition of Dalan's breakthrough Innate Immunity Platform technology.

The new funding will advance the commercialization of Dalan's first-in-class shrimp vaccine, addressing one of the most...

Jim Jones Joins Forces With Cousins Maine Lobster to Hand Out Holiday Dinners to Harlem Community

Harlem got a head start on its Thanksgiving festivities this week as Cousins Maine Lobster founders, Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis, teamed up with their newest "cousin" and collaborator, Jim Jones, to treat the community to free lobster meals.

Jones, a Harlem icon, partnered with Lomac and Tselikis to bring one of their franchise trucks to the heart of Harlem, turning the block into an early holiday celebration. For over 2 hours, Jones, Lomac, and Tselikis stood outside meeting with fans, snapping pictures...

Nova Scotia Launches Compliance Unit to Combat Illegal Activities in Seafood Sector

Nova Scotia’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture have announced the creation of a new seafood sector compliance unit aimed at combating illegal activities in fish buying and processing.

“Our new compliance unit will target illegal seafood-related activities that negatively impact the sustainability of our resources and the safety of our communities,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “As the regulator of the shore-based fish buying and processing sector, these inspectors will focus their activities on wharves and in seafood facilities...

The Retail Rundown: Cheaper Turkeys Hit Shelves Despite Wholesale Price Surge

This Thanksgiving, holiday shoppers might spot some relief: retail turkey prices have eased, even as wholesale values climb toward near-record highs.

Ongoing challenges, such as persistent bird flu outbreaks and relatively low hatch rates, have limited production all year, leaving supplies exceptionally thin ahead of the holiday. 

While retailers secure turkeys well in advance to build cold-storage inventories, frozen whole-bird stocks in 2025 remain near seasonal record lows, leaving little supply cushion...

Seafood Trade Mission Builds Stronger Market Connections With China

A recent 10-day trade mission by Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith strengthened the province’s relationship with China, Nova Scotia’s second-largest seafood market.

It was also an opportunity to promote the province’s world-class seafood and support Nova Scotia seafood companies on the ground.

“This trade mission was incredibly important for our producers, for our economy and for nurturing relationships,” said Minister Smith. “Beyond promoting our high-quality products, we gained a greater understanding of China’s consumer trends toward...

Waterfront Alliance Names Julie Raskin as President and Chief Executive Officer

The Waterfront Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to leading the way for thriving and resilient waterfronts, shorelines, and coastlines, today announced that Julie Raskin will join the organization as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 24, 2025. Raskin brings extensive leadership experience across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, and a proven record of delivering transformative change in urban communities.

“Julie Raskin’s vision, energy, and track record of results make her exactly the leader we need to guide the Waterfront Alliance...

Bipartisan FISH Wellness Bill Would Double Grants for Fishermen's Safety and Behavioral Health

Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) reintroduced the Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act on November 20.

The legislation would reauthorize the Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research & Training Program and build on its previous success with an aim to improve on-the-job safety and health risks facing today’s commercial fishermen. The focus will be on chronic fatigue and the high rates of drug overdose, alcohol-related liver disease, and suicide...

Land-Based Yellowtail Producer Kingfish Company Appoints Karl Buiks to Succeed Retiring CEO

Land-based yellowtail kingfish farmer The Kingfish Company tapped Karl Buiks as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026.

Buiks brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience across the food, beverage, and nutrition sectors, with senior roles at PepsiCo, FrieslandCampina, and Kerry Group, Kingfish shared in a press release.

“Karl brings the strategic discipline, operational rigor, and brand-building expertise required to drive The Kingfish Company’s next phase of performance and growth,” said Jeroen Scheelbeek, Chair of the Supervisory Board...

Innovasea Names Jorge Bravo Managing Director of Chile

Innovasea, a global leader in technologically advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking, announced today the promotion of Jorge Bravo to Managing Director of its Chilean operations.

Bravo, who joined Innovasea in 2020 and most recently served as the company’s Technical Manager for Chile, steps into the position having previously played a major role in launching and expanding Innovasea’s Chilean operations.

“Jorge has consistently proven himself as a leader and shown a strategic, results-oriented mindset that has been instrumental in driving our Chilean success,“ said Innovasea Vice President...

ADF&G Forecasts “Average” Pink Salmon Harvest for Southeast Alaska — 19M Pinks in 2026

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) issued its latest salmon forecast for next year last Monday: a lackluster “average” run of pink salmon to rivers in the state’s panhandle, with a predicted harvest of 19 million fish. 

“Juvenile pink salmon abundance measured in northern inside waters during summer 2025 was near the middle of the long-term range, which suggests a moderate number of adults returning in 2026,” the agency’s forecast said. 

While salmon returns can vary due to changing ocean conditions...

American Mariculture Co-Founder Robin Pearl Arrested

Robin Pearl, co-founder of American Mariculture (AMI), was arrested in Florida on November 14 on charges of fraud, money laundering and grand theft larceny, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

According to arrest records, Pearl faces counts including fraud involving property valued at more than $50,000, money laundering involving more than $100,000, and grand theft larceny of more than $100,000. The incident comes as AMI and its affiliates, American Penaeid and Sun Shrimp Gourmet, have been at the center of a broader control dispute surrounding the company...

US to Ban Irish Farmed Salmon and Spiny Lobster Imports from January 1 Over MMPA Compliance

Beginning January 1, 2026, farmed salmon and spiny lobster from Ireland will no longer be eligible for export to the United States, Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Sea‑Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) confirmed this week.

The Irish agencies were notified by US authorities that the restriction is tied to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) comparability findings under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NOAA determined that Ireland’s standards do not meet the...

Sysco and NJDEP Partner to Enhance Oyster Reef Restoration and Boost Coastal Resilience

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Sysco Corporation have partnered in a groundbreaking deal aimed at significant program growth.

The agreement will expand the state’s successful initiative that recycles seafood shells from restaurants to create oyster reefs, which provide more real estate for oyster larvae to grow.

"Sysco is excited to partner with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to scale a project we have been interested in for several years," said John Yates, president of Buckhead Meat & Seafood’s...

Wyden to Coast Guard: Explain Search-and-Rescue Helicopter Relocation at Newport Meeting This Sunday

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today asked U.S. Coast Guard officials to join him this Sunday morning, Nov. 23 at the Newport Municipal Airport to provide him and this central Oregon Coast community answers about the relocation of a Coast Guard helicopter essential to local public safety.

Wyden wrote in his letter to Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Acting Coast Guard Commandant, that he would like that Nov. 23 airport meeting with a Coast Guard representative to happen before his annual open...

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...

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...

Incoming NFI Chair Set to Testify Before Congress on IUU Bill

Justin Conrad, the President of Bay Hill Seafood Sales, and the 2026 Chair of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) will testify on Wednesday November 19th before the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

The hearing will focus on the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act, a bill that aims to help stop illegally caught fish from entering the U.S. supply chain.

Conrad calls Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, “where it occurs, a black mark on the global industry...

Russia Considers Establishing Fish Hubs to Improve Distribution and Storage

Russia is considering establishing so-called fish hubs to distribute fish and fish products nationwide and ensure high-quality, long-term storage.

The proposal was recently put forward by Herman Zverev, head of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers (VARPE), along with other representatives of the Russian fish industry.

They say the existing outdated logistics system creates serious challenges for transporting and uniformly storing fish throughout the year. Establishing fish hubs, they argue, would help solve these problems and improve industry logistics...

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...