ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Price Spreads Near Historical Thresholds Amid Incomplete Tariff Pass-Through

Price differential analysis across key shrimp segments reveals a market under structural pressure, with several critical spreads approaching historical support and resistance thresholds. While US wholesale prices have risen 15.8% since tariff implementation, this increase represents only a fraction of the 16-37% cost escalation driven by tariffs alone, indicating significant margin compression throughout the supply chain.

Tariff impact and market absorption

Comparison of current pricing to April 1, 2025 — when tariffs were first enacted — and year-over-year data shows that approximately five percentage...

ASMI Lands $10.7M in USDA Funding to Expand Global Marketing for Alaska Seafood

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) has secured more than $10.7 million in federal funding to expand international marketing efforts for Alaska seafood, including more than $4.7 million through the Market Access Program (MAP) and $6 million through the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP) .

Both programs are administered by the US Department of Agriculture and support global marketing and promotion aimed at growing US exports. AFTPP is the newer of the two programs and is...

Consolidated Catfish Producers Named to Worker Safety 'Dirty Dozen' List

Mississippi-based Consolidated Catfish Producers was named to the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) 2026 Dirty Dozen report. The report highlights 12 companies that the group says have "put workers' lives at risk" through unsafe practices, subpar protections and neglect.

"Every year, we honor workers who have lost their lives on the job, and every year, we see the same pattern: companies prioritizing profit over people," said Jessica E. Martinez, MPH, Executive Director of National COSH. "The Dirty Dozen 2026 makes clear that these tragedies are...

Lund’s Fisheries Names Kimberly Moore Director of Retail Sales

Family‑owned and vertically integrated Lund’s Fisheries has appointed a new director of retail sales.

Headquartered in Cape May, New Jersey, the company has welcomed Kimberly Moore to the role. Moore will focus on strengthening retail relationships, driving growth, and expanding the company’s retail strategy across national and regional accounts. She will also support the development of new value‑added innovations.

"Joining Lund's Fisheries at this stage of their journey is an incredible opportunity," Moore stated. "By combining a legacy of sustainability with our seamless...

Japan's Marine Product Exports Rose 16% in Value in March, Volume Fell 20%

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, exports of marine products (fish and shellfish and their preparations, and fish meal) in March were down 20% year-on-year to 45,779 tons in volume, but up 16% in value to 38.446 billion yen ($240.02 million). Scallops were down 22% to 3,364 tons and down 10% to 7.436 billion yen ($46.43 million). Yellowtail exports were up 61% to 3,804 tons and doubled to 8.941 billion yen...

Norcod Secures $11 Million Funding Package to Target H2 2026 Profitability

Norcod announced a new funding plan on April 30 to scale up biomass and target profitable operations during the second half of 2026.

The funding package includes NOK 100 million ($10.7 million) via a private placement of new shares, along with NOK 170 million in new debt financing secured through existing credit facilities with DNB Bank ASA and a new NOK 50 million loan from Innovation Norway.

"Overall, the updated funding plan positions the Company for scaling up...

ASC Gains Industry Traction at Seafood Expo Global 2026

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) used Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona to highlight growing industry engagement with its updated certification approach, as adoption of its new label and Farm Standard continues to build across the global seafood supply chain.

ASC drew steady traffic to its booth throughout this year's event, where partners from multiple markets showcased products carrying the newly launched label. The visibility reflected wider industry alignment around certification focused on transparency, credibility and consumer trust.

The organization also hosted a side event, “Proving...

Proposed NOAA Budget Cuts Face Bipartisan Congressional Resistance

Bipartisan congressional leaders are mounting opposition to the Trump administration's proposed $1.6 billion reduction to NOAA's budget for fiscal year 2027, expressing particular concern about cuts that could severely impact fisheries management and oversight of marine commerce.

The $4.54 billion budget request represents a significant reduction from current funding levels, including proposed cuts of more than 40% to the National Marine Fisheries Service and nearly 60% to the National Ocean Service. The reductions have drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers during an April 28 House Science, Space...

Australian Processor Expands West Coast Rock Lobster Operations, Doubles Capacity

Australian seafood company KB Seafood Co. will assume operations of the Indian Ocean Rock Lobster processing facility in Cervantes, Western Australia, beginning July 1, 2026, effectively doubling the company's processing capacity in a major expansion of its West Coast Rock Lobster operations

The takeover represents a significant consolidation in Western Australia's rock lobster processing sector, with KB Seafood absorbing the entire Indian Ocean Rock Lobster processing team as part of the transition. The company emphasized retaining existing relationships with fishermen, customers, and suppliers built by the facility's previous operators...

The Retail Rundown: Grilling Season in View as May Retail Demand Builds

May is approaching, bringing the unofficial start of grilling season alongside major retail drivers like Mother’s Day, graduations, and Memorial Day.

Search Underway for Missing Man Who Fell Overboard From Fishing Vessel Near Hawaii

Hawaiian news outlets and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) have announced search-and-rescue efforts for a man who went overboard from a fishing vessel.

The 59-year-old man was aboard the Republic of Korea-flagged fishing vessel Oryong 355 and fell overboard at 12:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

According to the USCG's report Monday, the incident took place approximately 1,200 miles southeast of the Big Island.

After issuing a SafestyNet broadcast to all ships in the area of the...

Clearwater Seafoods Fined $150,000 Following Fatal Workplace Incident

Nova Scotia shellfish giant Clearwater Seafoods has been hit with a $150,000 penalty following the death of crew member Scott Dicks aboard the company's clam vessel Anne Risley in 2024, according to CBC reporting.

The 36-year-old fisherman from Grand Bank, N.L., was electrocuted after touching a 440-volt space heater that had been improperly rewired by an unnamed employee, CBC's Tom Ayers reported. The heater's original five-prong plug had been cut and replaced with a four-prong plug to fit cook room outlets, where Dicks...

Sysco Delivers Strong Third-Quarter Growth Amid Major Acquisition Plans

Global foodservice distributor Sysco has reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, which ended March 28.

Kevin Hourican, Sysco’s Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the company’s performance, stating, “Sysco delivered strong results in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by continued acceleration in local case volume and expanded gross margins.” He added, “Importantly, our US local volumes grew 3.3%, the highest quarterly rate in over three years. This exceeded our prior commitment...

Day 60 of Iran War: Trump Team Reviews Iran Proposal; UAE Quits OPEC

US President Donald Trump’s national security team is reviewing an Iranian peace proposal as negotiations with Tehran remain deadlocked.

Iran has suggested deferring nuclear talks until the war ends and disputes over Gulf shipping are resolved, an approach opposed by Trump.

Oil prices extended gains on Tuesday as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained sharply constrained, with only a small number of vessels transiting and some tankers turned back.

Dozens of countries have called for the “urgent and unimpeded reopening” of the vital waterway, which carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supply...

Long John Silver’s Brings Frank’s RedHot Buffalo to Seafood and Chicken Favorites

Long John Silver’s (LJS) is introducing Frank’s RedHot® Buffalo to its menu, adding a bold, tangy kick to its seafood and chicken lineup.

"We're always looking for new ways to bring bold, craveable flavors to our guests, and Frank's RedHot® does just that," said Meredith Smith, director of brand marketing at Long John Silver's. "This lineup delivers that signature heat people love, paired with the seafood and chicken favorites we're known for."

Frank’s RedHot® brings bold, tangy...

ANALYSIS: Live Lobster Market Follows Seasonal Pattern as Supply Builds While Demand Remains Muted

The Canadian spring lobster season has opened earlier than usual across several LFAs, accelerating the seasonal increase in supply into a market already facing subdued demand. As is typical for this time of year, the influx of product has applied downward pressure on pricing, though the pace of the decline has been more pronounced given the lack of buying interest. Canadian shore prices have fallen sharply from approximately CAD 14.00 to CAD 9.00 in a short period, with expectations for further easing as additional areas come...

Pacific Seafood Hit with $3.2 Million in Oregon DEQ Fines for Water Pollution Violations

A trio of companies under Oregon-headquartered Pacific Seafood was hit with $3.2 million in fines from the state's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on April 23.

The largest penalty, $2.9 million against Pacific Seafood's Charleston facility near Coos Bay, represents the second-largest civil penalty DEQ has ever issued. The facility was cited for failing to install a required wastewater treatment system by an April 2023 deadline and for continuing to discharge fish parts, oil, grease, and suspended solids into coastal waters...

Brinker Sales Rise as Chili’s Extends Same-Store Growth Streak

Brinker International posted higher third-quarter fiscal 2026 sales, powered by continued momentum at Chili’s, while Maggiano’s remained under pressure.

Company sales rose to $1.46 billion from $1.41 billion a year earlier, while comparable restaurant sales increased 3.3%. At Chili’s, same-store sales climbed 4.0%, marking its 20th straight quarter of growth.

"Chili's delivered its 20th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth, up 4%, lapping a 31% increase a year ago," said Kevin Hochman, President and CEO of Brinker International. "Guest demand...

Kaldvík Appoints New CFO After Extended Search

Kaldvík AS announced Tuesday that Þórunn Ragnarsdóttir has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective July 1, 2026, concluding a search that began in late 2025.

Ragnarsdóttir brings extensive international finance experience, having served as CFO at the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and as Director of Administration overseeing finance operations across EFTA's Brussels, Geneva, and Luxembourg offices. She previously held finance roles at Icelandair Ground Services and Icelandair.

The incoming CFO holds an MSc in Finance and International Business from Aarhus University and is completing an MPA in Public Administration at the University...

Blueyou Launches Fair Trade Tuna Program in Maldives 

Ahead of World Tuna Day on May 2, Swiss seafood company Blueyou is expanding its work in the Maldives with the launch of a Fair Trade Certified™ tuna program in partnership with Fair Trade USA. The initiative aims to link sustainable fishing, marine restoration, and community development within a broader seafood supply chain effort.

The program will span 25 island communities across eight atolls and is expected to benefit about 30,000 people, including 2,500 tuna fishers and 500 women involved in sea cucumber farming tied...

House Rules Committee Set to Act on Farm Bill This Week with Major Seafood Provisions at Stake

The 2026 Farm Bill is set for a full House of Representatives vote this week, with the Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) highlighting multiple amendments that could deliver significant wins for the US shrimp industry and broader seafood sector, including commercial fishermen and processors.

The House Rules Committee is working with leadership to determine which of the 362 filed amendments will reach the floor for consideration and under what conditions.

Core Seafood Amendments

Amendment 13 – Buy American Seafood Act...

Asda Launches New Sustainable Mussel Product With Scottish Shellfish

According to research from Scottish Shellfish, consumers are looking for approachable, convenient, restaurant-quality seafood that addresses some of the barriers preventing them from buying more. In response, Asda has launched a new product aimed at meeting demand for seafood that is convenient, healthy, and a little more adventurous.

Derek Sharp of Scottish Shellfish said, “Consumers told us they thought of mussels as messy and inconvenient and lacked confidence in how to cook them. We believe Asda has created a product that combines convenience with quality that means shoppers can enjoy an exceptional quality product that’s also affordable and sustainable and doesn’t have to be seen just as an occasional treat.”

Washington State Classifies Golden Mussels as Prohibited Invasive Species

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has implemented emergency rules classifying golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei) as a Prohibited Level 1 invasive species statewide, responding to threats the species poses to the state's marine ecosystems and water infrastructure.

The action follows Oregon's April 9 interception of a watercraft fouled with golden mussels at the Ashland Boat Inspection Station, confirming an active pathway for the invasive species to spread northward through recreational boating equipment.

Golden mussels pose significant risks to Washington's seafood industry infrastructure and ecosystems...

Indonesia Shrimp Exports to US Recover from Cesium-137 Crisis, Reach $639 Million

Indonesia's seafood exports to the United States have fully recovered from the cesium-137 contamination crisis that disrupted trade at the end of 2025, with 3,400 containers worth Rp11 trillion ($639 million) shipped as of April 26, according to the country's Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.

Speaking at Food Summit 2026, Acting KKP Secretary General Andy Artha Donny Oktopura said Indonesia has implemented comprehensive improvements to its fisheries quality system covering production, processing, and distribution to ensure compliance with both domestic and international standards...

New Zealand Secures Tariff-Free Seafood Access to India Under New Trade Agreement

New Zealand and India signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement on April 27, with seafood exports playing a central role in the "once-in-a-generation" deal that will eliminate tariffs on key fish and seafood products over seven years.

Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay signed the agreement in New Delhi before a gathering of business leaders from both countries.

Under the FTA, New Zealand will see tariffs on its key fish and seafood exports...

PanaPesca USA Welcome the Return of Daniel Serio, Regional Sales Manager

PanaPesca USA, has named Daniel Serio Regional Sales Manager, welcoming back a seafood and food industry veteran with 24 years of sales experience.

According to a LinkedIn post from the company, Serio began his career in a Chicago kitchen before moving into roles spanning culinary operations, multi-unit ownership, brokerage, distribution, manufacturing, logistics and sales.

In his new role, Serio will focus on supporting partners and helping grow the seafood category, PanaPesca USA said. The company added that his experience and customer-focused...

Suempol Group Strengthens Partnership at this Year's Seafood Expo Global

Suempol Group recapped its time at Seafood Expo Global yesterday, highlighting its participation in one of the seafood industry’s most important international events. The conference took place in Barcelona, Spain, from April 21-23 and brought together professionals from across the sector.

The group said its presence at the event helped strengthen relationships with customers and business partners.

This year, Suempol benefited from a larger exhibition space, creating more room for networking, discussions and presentations. Businesses from across the group were represented, including...

Sernapesca Cracks Down on Illegal Inland Fishing in Chile’s Los Ríos Region

Chile’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) received several complaints about illegal fishing in inland waters in the Los Ríos region, prompting nighttime surveillance in coordination with Carabineros (law enforcement) in the commune of Futrono, located on the northwest shore of Lake Ranco in southern Chile. The operation led to the detection of three groups of violators in different areas.

Rafael Hernández, regional director of Sernapesca Los Ríos, said, "Illegal fishing in the rivers and lakes of our region has a great impact...

Lutnick Pledges Maine Lobster Coordination, Disaster Relief Reform Under Bicoastal Senate Pressure

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced intense scrutiny from senators representing both coasts during his April 22, 2026, Senate Appropriations Committee testimony, addressing mounting concerns over federal fisheries management from Maine's lobster industry to Alaska's disaster-stricken crab fleet.

Senator Susan Collins secured multiple commitments from Lutnick regarding Maine's lobster industry as the sector approaches a critical regulatory transition. With Congress's 2022 moratorium on new NOAA regulations affecting the American Lobster Fishery set to expire in 2028, Collins pressed for comprehensive industry coordination...

Gigante Salmon Name Kristian Lorentsen as CEO

Gigante Salmon announced executive leadership changes today.

Chief Executive Officer Kjell Lorentsen is stepping down after returning to the role in 2024 following a brief departure.

"When I returned to the position of CEO in 2024, I promised to lead the company through the construction project on little Rosøya. The facility has now received its completion certificate, and the time has come"

The family business said Kristian Lorentsen will take over as CEO, effective May 1.

Kristian has played a key role in the company’s development. He has...