NOAA Says 46 Nations Face Stringent Import Rules Starting 2026 Under MMPA Provisions

NOAA Fisheries announced that 46 nations’ fisheries will face import restrictions starting January 1, 2026, after the agency issued comparability findings under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

A comparability finding is a designation by NOAA Fisheries verifies a nation's fishing practices that meet certain standards in managing marine mammal bycatch. This determination ensures that a country's fish exports or exempt fisheries have effectively implemented measures to prevent harm to marine mammals.

With ratings issued, NOAA Fisheries said starting on January 1, 2026...

AquaStar Recalls Over 44,000 Bags of Shrimp Over Cs-137 Contamination Concerns

Another shrimp recall is here ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

AquaStar (USA) has recalled approximately 44,000 bags of shrimp products due to the potential contamination with cesium-137 (Cs-137).

The company announced that it has recalled approximately 18,000 bags (net wt. 2lbs) of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp and approximately 26,460 packages of Cocktail Shrimp 6oz.

The impacted Kroger Mercado shrimp were sold at Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, and...

DNA Forensics Help NOAA Crack Down on Mislabeling of Tuna, Seafood Shipments

NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement wrapped up the second deployment of a device that allows officers to detect fraudulent seafood labeling at a brisk pace.

Officers and agents using the device in Long Beach identified false labeling of imported bigeye, yellow fin, blue fin, albacore and other tuna species, per NOAA Fisheries.

“The new device is proving to be a valuable tool that helps officers examine more shipments in less time, with rapid results that also help clear the way for legal seafood to reach the market...

Global Seafood Alliance Bans Eyestalk Ablation for BAP Shrimp Suppliers by 2030

The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) announced that it will require all shrimp producers certified to its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) standards to cease eyestalk ablation, or stop sourcing shrimp postlarvae from hatcheries that use the practice, by the end of 2030.

Eyestalk ablation has become a contentious issue as it involves “the pinching, cauterizing or surgical removal of a broodstock female shrimp’s eyestalk” as a breeding technique that prompts the spawning process. For nearly 40 years, this has been a standard practice within the industry.

Concerns Loomed Over Slowing Sales Due to High Scallop Prices at Hokkaido Fishery Discussion

On August 26, the Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations (DOGYOREN) held a scallop product subcommittee meeting in Tokyo as part of the DOGYOREN Autumn Trade Conference, where they exchanged information with trading companies and wholesalers. According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, this year's frozen scallop adductor production is expected to decrease significantly due to reduced production in the Okhotsk Sea, small size, and declining yields. It is almost certain that production of large-sized adductors, which are in high demand overseas, will also...

Russia Eyeing Stronger Seafood Imports from Latin America

Russia is aiming to increase fish and seafood imports from Latin American nations in the coming years, seeking to diversify its trade and compensate for the decline in trade with countries like Norway. 

As the volume of seafood trade with Western countries has declined significantly in recent years, Russia has stated that increasing imports from Latin America is a top priority for fisheries officials.

One of the key regional fish suppliers to Russia remains Chile. According to data from the Russian Fish Union, in January-July 2025, Russian imports of fish and...

SeafoodNews Closed on Monday, September 1, 2025

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: Pacific Halibut Market Facing Tight Quotas, Low Landings and High Prices

The 2025 Pacific halibut season opened against the backdrop of one of the lowest quotas on record, immediately shaping a tighter supply outlook. The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) set removals at 29.72 million pounds, down from 35.28 million pounds last year. Within that, the commercial quota was cut 18% to 19.7 million pounds from 24.03 million pounds in 2024, establishing a firm undertone in the market from the outset...

Japan's H1 Frozen Black Cod Imports Down 3%; Import Price of US Black Cod Up 25%

According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, frozen black cod imports in the first half of this year (January to June) totaled 3,379 tons, a 3% decrease from the same period last year. The average price rose 27% to 1,321 yen/kg ($8.93/kg). The 3,117-ton imports from the United States accounted for 92% of the total. Of this, the import price for American products was 1,316 yen/kg ($8.90/kg), representing a 25% increase...

California Cracks Down on Illegal Fishing Activity by Revoking Two Licenses

A history of abandoning crab and lobster traps resulted in a stark comeuppance for two California fishermen recently, as the state said, “No more.” 

The California Fish and Game Commission in June revoked the commercial fishing license and lobster operating permit of Christopher James Miller, 68, of Santa Barbara, and the commercial fishing license and Dungeness crab permit of Ronald Ghera, 45, of Fortuna. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, both men had extensive histories of violations in their respective fisheries...

Blue Star Foods Q2 Revenue Jumps 85% as Losses Narrow

Blue Star Foods reported a return to growth, marked by a strong revenue increase and a 68% reduction in net loss during the second quarter of 2025.

John Keeler, Chairman and CEO of Blue Star Foods, commented, “Over the past several months, we have right-sized our operating expenses to match our revenue levels, resulting in a reduction in losses. We have re-positioned and re-focused our sales team with new hires who have assisted in our return to revenue growth..

Quinlan Donates $50,000 to Canadian Red Cross for Wildfire Relief

Quinlan today announced a $50,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross in support of communities devastated by the recent wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador.

For Quinlan, this cause resonates deeply. In 2016, the company’s Bay de Verde processing plant was destroyed by fire, a loss that left an indelible mark on the organization and the community. Having lived through the devastation of fire, Quinlan understands firsthand the emotional, financial, and social toll it can have on people, families, and entire regions...

NOAA Fisheries Calls for Comments on Revitalizing US Seafood Following Trump Executive Order

NOAA Fisheries is seeking public input on President Trump’s April 2025 Executive Order on ‘Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.’

Following the April 17 Executive Order, the Department of Commerce, through NOAA Fisheries, launched a “bold, coordinated effort” in hopes of revitalizing the US seafood industry.

NOAA Fisheries stated that the call for public comments is a crucial step in its effort to make the US a global leader in seafood.

“Through our implementation of the President’s Executive Order, NOAA Fisheries is aiming to address the recent decline...

Bakkafrost Sees Q2 Earnings Pressure Amid Rising Global Salmon Supplies

Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen said the company was “not satisfied” with its second-quarter financial results. He added that a “significant increase” in salmon supplies globally led to lower prices, impacting its earnings.

The company reported its operational EBIT for its Faroe Islands operations at DKK 211 million ($32.8 million), slightly below the Q2 2024 mark. However, its operational EBIT for its Scottish operations fell into the red, to DKK -146 million, compared to DKK 113 million seen last year...

University of Hawaiʻi Study: Saltwater Recirculation Systems Boost Tilapia Growth by 15%

A new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is making waves in the world of sustainable seafood production. Researchers at the Tuahine Research and Education Center found that Mozambique tilapia, a popular aquaculture species, grows 15% faster in recirculating artificial saltwater systems than in traditional freshwater environments. 

The finding points to major implications for the future of aquaculture, especially in regions with limited access to water resources or that may have limited access in the future due to...

Unalaska May Process St. Paul Snow Crab Again While St. Paul Faces No Air Service

The unique agreement between two Bering Sea communities that allows one to process crab for the other and funnel the fish tax back to the one with no processing capacity, may be extended to the 2025-26 crab season, according to a report by KUCB of Unalaska.

Last January, St. Paul in the Pribilov Islands, and Unalaska/Dutch Harbor processors, with the approval of NOAA Fisheries and the industry, designed a work-around if Trident Seafoods did not open...

ACT Capital Advisors Creates Seafood Valuation Arm to Support Industry M&A and Financing

Middle-market investment bank ACT Capital Advisors established a Seafood Enterprise Valuation Practice.

The US-based bank announced its new initiative, first unveiled earlier this week, which will deliver “expert business valuations” to those in the seafood sector, encompassing harvesting (wild caught and aquaculture), processing (primary and value-added), distribution, and retail segments.

Bob Hild, CEO of ACT Capital Advisors, also shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I wholeheartedly support this initiative, which underscores our commitment to serving niche markets...

Oregon State Recognized With National Engagement Award for Efforts to Reduce Whale Entanglement

Oregon’s iconic Dungeness crab fishery and efforts to reduce whale entanglements may become known for the proactive, collaborative work led by Oregon State University researchers.  

The collective work and outreach by OSU was recently recognized as one of four regional winners of the 2025 W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Engagement Scholarship Award. 

The Oregon whale entanglement project, a transdisciplinary team led by Dr. Leigh Torres, researcher in OSU’s Marine Mammal Institute and Oregon Sea Grant Extension marine mammals specialist...

Gulf Council Recommends Lower Deep-Water Grouper Catch Limits, Allocations

Changes are coming to the deep-water grouper complex, after much Gulf Council discussion, thanks to a new stock assessment for yellowedge grouper, one of the species in the complex. Catch limits represent an approximate 50% reduction in allowable harvest to end overfishing of yellowedge grouper, the Council said in a statement.  

The deep-water grouper complex comprises warsaw grouper, snowy grouper, yellowedge grouper and speckled hind, and is managed with a single annual catch limit for the complex, according to the Gulf Council... 

More Russian Surveillance Aircraft Intercepted by NORAD — Three in Less than a Week

Last week, Russian intelligence-gathering planes were intercepted by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. NORAD, which is a combined U.S.-Canada effort to monitor and protect the sovereign airspace of the two countries, scrambled two fighters, an early warning and control aircraft, and two aerial refuelers to intercept the Ilyushin IL-20 Coot on Sunday, according to a news release from NORAD... 

Upcoming Webinar: Forecasting the Future of Commodity Prices, Q4 2025 and Beyond

Expana invites you to a free, live webinar featuring our experts Tom Bundgaard, Vice President of Price Forecasting, and Craig Erlam, Forecast Analyst.

Join us on September 11 at 4 PM CET / 3 PM BST / 10 AM ET for a comprehensive macroeconomic briefing focused on the latest Q4 2025 commodity price forecasts and what lies ahead for 2026.

As global economic indicators increasingly hint at a potential recession, understanding the anticipated impact on commodity prices is critical for businesses

NFI Sushi Council Welcomes Bento Inc., One of North America’s Largest Sushi Companies

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council announced Bento Inc. as its newest member on August 27.

Bento is based in Toronto, Ontario, and is one of the largest sushi companies in North America. NFI, a seafood trade association, noted that the company works with customers in grocery retail, institutional foodservice and quick service outlets.

Bento provides grab-and-go options and full-service sushi programs in supermarkets, universities, hospitals, and other foodservice segments.

“Joining the NFI Sushi Council is a natural extension of our mission to...

CDFW Grant Helps Fund Coho Conservation Activity in Santa Cruz County

Some may call funding to support a captive broodstock program at a Kingfisher Flat Conservation Hatchery in California a joint venture.  

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Cannabis Restoration Grant Program recently awarded more than $3.9 million to the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project to support operations at the hatchery in Santa Cruz County. The funds will help continue its education, outreach and monitoring activities, CDFW said in a statement.

The Project’s Kingfisher Flat Conservation Hatchery—the only coho salmon conservation hatchery in California south...

Ecuador Strengthens Asian Ties with MoC and Trade Agreement with Japan, Korea

Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment announced a pair of agreements that the country signed with Japan and the Republic of South Korea.

On August 28, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Ecuadorian Institute for the Promotion of Ecuador (PRO ECUADOR). The agreement focused on bilateral relations in trade, investment, industry and tech.

From an agricultural export standpoint, Ecuador’s non-oil exports to Japan exceeded $332 million. The country shipped over 14,000...

Trump Announces US-Indonesia Trade Agreement; New Details Emerge

UPDATE: July 22, 2025 4:37 PM ET

This afternoon, US President Trump posted to Truth Social after revealing a similar 19% trade deal with the Philippines, reported Expana.

"It is my Great Honor to announce our Trade Agreement with the Republic of Indonesia, as represented by their Highly Respected President, Prabowo Subianto. It is agreed that Indonesia will be Open Market to American Industrial and Tech Products, and Agricultural Goods, by eliminating 99% of their Tariff Barriers. The United States of America will now sell American Made products to Indonesia..."

The Retail Rundown: Labor Day Protein Promotions at a Glance

Seafood leads Labor Day protein promotions, accounting for 27.1% of total ad volume. Pork follows at 23.2%, with beef and chicken each capturing about 22%. Retail buying opportunities for turkey held steady at 3.5%, while promotional activity for shell eggs remained limited.

Back-to-school demand has provided fair to fairly good retail support for eggs, according to Expana, with shelf prices holding mainly steady across most areas in the past month. Last week, white large Grade A eggs were advertised at $4.49 per dozen discounted, nearly $1...

Grieg Streamlines Around Rogaland, Names Nina Willumsen Grieg as CEO

Grieg Seafood, a Norway-headquartered salmon farmer, appointed Nina Willumsen Grieg as permanent CEO and unveiled its financial results for Q2 as the company began a new chapter after it sold a large amount of its assets to Cermaq in July.

Since March 30, Willumsen Grieg has worked as Grieg’s interim CEO. After leading the way with the nearly $1 billion deal with Cermaq, Willumsen Grieg now holds the role permanently. In July, Grieg sold its operations in Finnmark, Norway, and British Columbia and Newfoundland, Canada, to Cermaq...

National Fisheries Institute Names New Media, Communications Manager

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) announced that Brandon Shillingford is the association's new Media and Communications Manager.

“We are thrilled to have Brandon joining us,” said NFI President and CEO Lisa Wallenda Picard. “Having someone fill this role with a solid strategic communications base has always been important. Brandon will hit the ground running while he learns the seafood value chain and our policy and program focuses. He will be on hand for the NFI Leadership Summit in September, where he will begin to meet our member companies...

Chile’s Environmental Agency Forces Cooke to Shutter Salmon Farms Over Production, Permit Infraction

Chile’s Environmental Superintendency (SMA) ordered Cooke Aquaculture SA, seafood giant Cooke Inc.’s aquaculture segment, to shut down a pair of its salmon farms located inside a Chilean national park, citing various violations on August 22.

The SMA’s sanctions will force Cooke to shutter its facilities at Huillines 2 and Huillines 3, both located in the Laguna San Rafael National Park. The SMA said its closure decision will now head to the Environmental Court for consultation.

Cooke was hit with eight environmental violations at three of...