Trump White House Supports Delaying Right Whale Regulations for Maine Lobster Fishery Until 2035

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has announced it "strongly supports" legislation that would delay new fishing regulations affecting Maine's lobster industry from 2028 to 2035, giving the sector additional time to adapt to North Atlantic right whale protection measures.

The endorsement backs H.R. 8509, introduced by Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME), which would extend the current regulatory moratorium by seven years. In a Statement of Administration Policy published May 1, the OMB said that "if H.R. 8509 were presented...

Alaska Rep. Begich Offers Bill to Add Four Seats to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council

Alaska’s sole representative in the U.S. House introduced a bill last Thursday to expand the number of voting seats on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) from 11 to potentially 15. The bill, titled the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Representation Enhancement Act of 2026, calls for “balanced representation” that includes “at least one representative each from recreational, small-scale commercial, rural subsistence, and urban subsistence user groups.” 

The bill was immediately referred to the House Natural Resources Committee, with the full text...

Chicken of the Sea Achieves Full MSC Certification Across Retail Tuna Portfolio

Chicken of the Sea will complete Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification across its entire retail tuna product line by year's end, making it the first of the three major US tuna brands to achieve 100% MSC certification, the company announced May 4.

The milestone positions Chicken of the Sea ahead of competitors StarKist and Bumble Bee in sustainable sourcing commitments. MSC certification ensures that tuna comes from fisheries that demonstrate environmentally sustainable practices, minimal ecosystem impacts, and effective management...

House Hearing Spotlights Safer Shrimp Imports Act Amid Food Safety Push

The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing last week titled "Healthier America: Legislative Proposals on the Regulation and Oversight of Food," featuring discussion of the Safer Shrimp Imports Act.

The legislation would require foreign shrimp exporters to meet US food safety standards and undergo inspections to prevent contaminated imports from entering US commerce. Expana highlighted the bill in March, noting strong support from the domestic wild-caught shrimp industry.

During the hearing, Representative Troy Carter (D-LA), a co-sponsor of the legislation, questioned Steven Mandernach...

Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Receives MSC Recertification

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has recertified the Atlantic menhaden fishery following a rigorous audit, confirming that it continues to meet MSC standards.

The fishery was first certified in 2019. While certification is typically valid for five years, regular surveillance audits — sometimes conducted annually — are required to maintain that status.

The menhaden fishery is concentrated primarily in Virginia and in federal waters off New Jersey. In Virginia, the Reedville purse seine fleet has operated since the 1870s, harvesting menhaden for products such as fish meal...

NOAA Fisheries Opens Up to $99 Million for Pacific Salmon Recovery Projects

NOAA Fisheries announced up to $99 million in funding through the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund to support projects that restore habitat and rebuild Pacific salmon and steelhead populations.

The funding aligns with the Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness and is intended to strengthen US fisheries, create jobs, and expand the domestic seafood supply. Projects must demonstrate clear benefits for fish populations while also supporting local economies, especially in rural areas.

“The Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund has a strong...

Thai Union Posts 7.6% Q1 Sales Growth to $983M Despite Tariff, FX Headwinds

Thai Union Group announced a 7.6% year-on-year increase in sales to THB 32.1 billion ($983 million) in Q1 2026, showcasing growth despite headwinds including unfavorable foreign exchange rates, the Middle East conflict and lingering US tariff cost pressures.

Thai Union credited the sales jump to 2.8% growth in sales volume in the pet and frozen foods categories. Organic sales (excluding the impact of foreign exchange) grew by 9.3%, underscoring sustained demand recovery across core businesses, the company said in a May 5 update...

Hokkaido's Herring Production in the Sea of ​​Japan Shows Clear Decline

As of April 10th, Hokkaido's herring catches along the Sea of ​​Japan coast of Hokkaido were down 15% year-on-year to 2,144 tons. The decline was especially sharp in Ishikari Bay, where fishing ended early and catches fell below 1,000 tons for the first time in 11 years, according to the Minato Shimbun newspaper.

The Hokkaido Fisheries and Forestry Department compiled data for the Shiribeshi, Ishikari, Rumoi, and Soya regions. Gillnet fishing in Ishikari Bay began in...

Saladworks Adds Warm Roasted Chicken and Fire-Grilled Steak to Create Your Own Lineup

Saladworks, the leading create-your-own salad destination, is introducing two new proteins to its menu: warm roasted chicken and all-natural fire-grilled steak. Available across salads, wraps, sandwiches, and bowls, these additions bring even more variety and flexibility to the menu, building on Saladworks’ commitment to fresh, made-to-order meals.

“Warm, freshly prepared proteins are a meaningful shift for us,” says Chef Cole Thompson, Vice President of Culinary at Saladworks. “They give guests more ways...

Commerce Sets Preliminary Antidumping Margins for Indian Shrimp at 2.36-4.30%

The US Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined that Indian frozen warmwater shrimp producers sold products below fair value during the February 2024-January 2025 review period, setting dumping margins ranging from 2.36% to 4.30% for individually examined companies in the 20th administrative review of the longstanding order.

Commerce assigned a 2.36% margin to the Devi Group companies (Devi Fisheries Limited, Satya Seafoods Private Limited, Usha Seafoods, and Devi Aquatech Private Limited) and 4.30% to Sandhya Aqua Exports Private Limited...

Japan's Tuna and Skipjack Fishery Organizations Request Measures to Address Rising Fuel Prices

According to a report by the Minato Shimbun, the Skipjack and Tuna Fisheries Promotion Measures Council, comprised of three skipjack and tuna fisheries organizations, requested measures to address soaring fuel prices at a general meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party's Skipjack and Tuna Fisheries Promotion Parliamentary League (chaired by Shunichi Suzuki) held at the LDP headquarters on April 28th. The council explained that the worsening international situation has caused crude oil prices to soar, and that fuel prices for overseas and offshore refueling have risen...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

It was another busy week across global markets, with developments that ripple well beyond the headlines. From trade policy and geopolitical tension to seafood recoveries, retail demand signals, and major corporate moves, this week’s Top 10 captures the stories shaping decisions up and down the supply chain. Here’s a glance at some of the biggest headlines curated by Expana's journalists.

10. Expana remains your go-to hub for all news concerning the war in the Middle East. Stay in the know here.

Catch up with daily recaps of days 59 and 60...

NAIA Names Bradley George Executive Director 

The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) has announced the appointment of Bradley George as its new Executive Director, effective May 11, 2026.

“Bradley is joining NAIA at an exciting time for aquaculture in our province. Following record-high production volume in 2025, the aquaculture sector is expected to continue to grow through responsible and sustainable development. I look forward to working closely with Bradley to increase awareness, support, and growth in Newfoundland and Labrador’s blue economy” stated Sheldon George, President NAIA.

George is a senior leader with...

Russia May Face Sharp Drop in Black Sea, Azov Basin Fish Catch Due to Infrastructure Attacks

Russia may face a significant decline in fish catches from the Black Sea and Sea of Azov this year due to unprecedented attacks on local port infrastructure by Ukrainian armed forces.

Ukrainian drones conducted their fourth attack in recent weeks on the city of Tuapse, a seaport on the northeastern shore of the Black Sea, targeting oil infrastructure. The strikes have resulted in a massive oil spill covering up to 80 square kilometers of the Black Sea. The spill is currently moving southward...

StarKist Joins Feed the Children to Help Put Child Hunger to Bed

StarKist® and Feed the Children are proud to continue their longstanding partnership through the Put Child Hunger to Bed campaign. Starting in May, StarKist is inviting consumers to join the fight against childhood hunger in two meaningful ways. Every time consumers purchase a StarKist tuna pouch, StarKist will donate one pouch to Feed the Children, up to 100,000 pouches. In addition, StarKist will match donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000, to further support children and families across the United States. Consumers can learn more...

US House Approves Farm Bill Amendments Expanding USDA Role in Seafood Sector

The US House of Representatives passed its version of the farm bill (Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 [H.R. 7567]) early Thursday morning, delivering significant wins for the seafood industry.

The legislation includes several industry-focused amendments that would fundamentally expand USDA involvement in the seafood industry, marking what advocates call a new era of federal recognition for American fishermen and processors.

The bill codifies the Trump administration's newly created USDA Office of Seafood, established through an executive order...

Court Rejects Conagra Bid to Dismiss Seafood Mislabeling Lawsuit

A federal judge in Illinois has denied Conagra Brands' motion to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit challenging the company's labeling of frozen fish products as "100% Whole Fish Fillets," despite the addition of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and water during processing.

The April 29 ruling by US District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. allows consumers from California, New York, Massachusetts, and potentially nationwide to proceed with claims that Conagra's Van de Kamp and Mrs. Paul's branded products constitute deceptive labeling under various state consumer protection laws...

Royal Greenland Returns to Profit After Divesting Chile, Norway Operations

Royal Greenland returned to profitability in 2025 following its strategic decision to divest operations in Chile and Norway as part of a broader streamlining effort to refocus on its North Atlantic core business. The company also resolved a long-standing tax case in Germany during the year.

The Greenlandic seafood company delivered a "positive result" in 2025 after two challenging years, reporting a modest DKK 6 million ($935,000) profit compared to a DKK 196 million loss in 2024. Revenue remained stable at DKK 5.7 billion ($888 million)...

FDA Warns Against Eating La Serranita Blood Clams From Ecuador Over Hepatitis A Risk

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning restaurants, food retailers, and consumers not to serve or eat La Serranita brand fresh-frozen blood clams, or concha negra, from Ecuador because of possible Hepatitis A contamination.

The product has been linked to a hepatitis A outbreak under investigation by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Illnesses associated with the shellfish were reported from July 2025 through February 2026, although officials said no new cases...

FFAW Welcomes Canada’s Renewed Investment in Small Craft Harbours

The Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union ( FFAW ) is praising the Canadian government’s renewed investment in small craft harbor following the release of the 2026 Spring Economic Update.

The union said the added funding is a welcome step toward repairing, maintaining and modernizing critical harbor infrastructure across the country, as many facilities face mounting pressure from climate change, aging assets and growing demand.

FFAW President Dwan Street said the investment is necessary for coastal communities and the harvesters who depend on safe, reliable working...

Mexico Sets Shrimp Fishing Closures in Gulf and Caribbean Starting in May

Mexico will begin a series of seasonal shrimp closures in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) and Caribbean Sea starting in May, according to the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries, or Conapesca.

The agency said the restrictions were adopted based on technical guidance from the Mexican Institute for Research in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, or IMIPAS, to help protect shrimp populations. The measure was formalized through publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation.

Under the schedule, closed seasons...

FSIS Issues Health Alert for Misbranded Giovanni Rana Ravioli Over Undeclared Shellfish Allergens

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for certain ravioli products due to misbranding and undeclared shellfish allergens.

The alert covers 32-ounce packages of “Giovanni Rana RANA Rustic Beef Sauce & Creamy Burrata Cheese Ravioli,” which may actually contain shrimp-filled ravioli in lobster sauce. Neither shrimp nor lobster—both major shellfish allergens—are listed on the label.

The products were produced between March 10 and April 21, 2026, with “use by” dates ranging from...

COSFF Taps Drew Watts as Foodservice VP, Expands National Broker Network

Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods (COSFF) announced April 30 that it has appointed Drew Watts as Senior Vice President of Foodservice & Wholesale and is expanding its national network of foodservice brokers as part of strategic investments to strengthen its presence in foodservice and wholesale channels.

The moves are designed to increase in-market coverage nationwide and deliver focused support for distributors and foodservice operators, the company said.

"These investments reflect our long-term commitment to building a stronger, more responsive foodservice and wholesale business...

Peru's Anchovy Season Faces Quota Fulfillment Risk as Juvenile Catches Disrupt Operations 

High levels of juvenile anchovy are disrupting Peru's north-central fishery and raising industry concerns about meeting an already-reduced quota, as fishing restrictions and voluntary suspensions challenge producers in the world's primary fishmeal supply region. 

As of April 26, incidental juvenile catches reached 167,542 tonnes while the fleet landed just 439,535 tonnes—only 23% of the 1.91 million tonne quota. With juvenile levels approaching one-third of the 488,000-tonne threshold that would trigger automatic closure, industry sources report mounting operational pressures...

Profand Completes Strategic Acquisition of Unión Martín

Spanish publication La Voz de Galicia reported that Vigo-based Profand was finalizing the acquisition of Canary Islands-based cephalopod specialist Unión Martín, a deal that was confirmed on May 4.

Spain's largest seafood company, Profand, has officially signed an agreement to acquire Unión Martín Group, marking a significant consolidation move that strengthens its position across the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. The acquisition, announced today, follows months of due diligence that began in March.

The deal adds approximately €150 million in revenue to Profand's operations and officially establishes the Galician...

BC Coastal First Nations Tell Ottawa to Reverse Trudeau-era Net Salmon Pen Ban

At a press conference on Wednesday from Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, Chiefs from the BC coastal First Nations Finfish Stewardship Coalition (FNFFS) unveiled a plan for greater Indigenous equity and leadership in salmon aquaculture.  Reversing the 2029 net pen ban is essential for sustainable financial growth.  

The FNFFS welcome the federal government’s $1.3 billion investment in wild Pacific salmon conservation, adding that support for aquaculture aligns with the Carney government’s federal priorities: attracting investment, creating jobs - including for youth, improving affordability, strengthening food security...

EU Review says Fisheries Policy Improved Management but Fell Short on Sustainability

The European Commission’s latest review of the Common Fisheries Policy found mixed results over the 2014-2024 period, highlighting progress in cutting overfishing and improving fisheries management, while warning that sustainability gains have fallen short.

The evaluation showed the share of fish stocks fished at sustainable levels rose from 50% in 2014 to 63% in 2022, and overall fishing pressure declined. Still, fish stock recovery has been slower than expected, limiting the economic benefits many in the sector had hoped to see.

Trade in EU...

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...

Ecuador Shrimp Industry Faces Export Bottleneck from Container Shortage

Logistical headwinds are affecting the export capacity of Ecuador's massive shrimp industry, according to a notice published by the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) on April 28.

The CNA explained that various shrimp packing plants are operating their cold storage facilities at maximum capacity due to the limited availability of refrigerated shipping containers. This has led some exporters to halt shrimp purchases from producers amid shipment delays.

"International logistical difficulties, including reduced container availability and disruptions in global trade, have reduced the sector's shipping capacity at a time...

Federal Bill Targets Tire Chemical Linked to the Population Decline of Coho Salmon in Pacific NW

A long-standing mystery behind mass die-offs of coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest has led to new federal legislation aimed at curbing a toxic chemical linked to urban runoff.

After two decades of research, scientists from the Center for Urban Waters and Washington Stormwater Center identified 6PPD-quinone—a byproduct of tire additives reacting with ozone—as the culprit behind the deaths. The chemical washes into waterways during rainfall, entering salmon bloodstream and...