ANALYSIS: Tariffs and MMPA Reshape the US Crab Meat Import Landscape

Elevated tariffs are reshaping the US crab meat import market, but the most notable development in the near term could be Venezuela’s approaching regulatory deadline. With less than two weeks left before Marine Mammal Protection Act restrictions take effect, and no stay granted, there is growing uncertainty over the lack of Venezuelan product in the US market. The removal of Venezuelan product would mark the loss of a long-standing supplier of fresh crab meat that has supported processors and foodservice operator...

Captain Fresh‑Owned CenSea Acquires Ocean Edge, Expands Lobster and Crab Offerings

Captain Fresh-owned US seafood importer CenSea has acquired Ocean Edge, a move aimed at strengthening its crab and lobster portfolio.

CenSea described Ocean Edge as a specialist in lobster and crab, saying the deal will deepen its premium lobster offerings and establish formal crab capabilities alongside its core shrimp business.

Founded in 2006, Ocean Edge has grown into a premium crustacean supplier, sourcing from Canada, Honduras, and South Africa. The brand’s range also includes imitation crab marketed under the Ocean Edge label...

Calif. Opens Portions of Dungeness Season With Gear Reductions; Wash. and Ore Open Soon Too

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Friday that portions of the state’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery will open in early January following the completion of a risk assessment by Director Charlton H. Bonham. 

Also late Friday, Washington and Oregon Departments of Fish and Wildlife announced non-tribal crab seasons north of Cape Falcon, Ore., with Dec. 31 and Jan. 4, 2026, opening dates.  

According to the CDFW Director's Declaration, Fishing Zones 3, 4 and 5 — stretching from south...

83,800 Bags of Frozen Shrimp Recalled Due to Possible Contamination

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of approximately 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia due to potential contamination concerns.

The affected products are sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands at grocery stores across the nation.

At Price Chopper stores, items are sold under the Market 32 brand. These are packed in 1 lb. bags, bear the UPC code 0 41735 01358 3, and have best-by dates ranging from April 22, 2027...

ANALYSIS: Update on Atlantic Salmon Biomass and Harvest Trends Through October 2025

The total biomass of farmed Atlantic salmon at sea is trending slightly lower compared with October 2024, declining by 1.2% (Figure 1), according to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. However, live biomass increased by 2.0% over the past three months and by 0.1% between September and October. Overall biomass was substantially higher from January to July 2025 than in the same period in 2024, but a strong harvest campaign in summer reversed that trend. The accumulated harvest until October year-to-date (YTD) increased by 14.1%, with...

Mowi Retains Feed Division While Partnering with Skretting for Cost Savings

Norwegian salmon company Mowi ASA has finalized a partnership with Skretting, the aquaculture feed arm of Nutreco, aiming to enhance feed performance while securing significant cost savings. The agreement follows a strategic review of Mowi’s Feed Division initiated in March 2025.

Under the deal, Mowi retains its two advanced feed production facilities in Norway and Scotland but will adopt Skretting’s proprietary feed formulations. This collaboration is expected to deliver more than NOK 650 million (€55 million) in annual net cost savings through improved feed recipes, procurement...

Mace Reintroduces Bill To Protect American Fishermen Against IUU and Foreign Interference

Last Friday, South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace reintroduced the Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025, which would amend Section 312(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the section addressing disaster declarations. 

Mace originally introduced House Resolution 6150 on November 19, 2025 with eight co-sponsors, 5 Republicans and 3 Democrats, from Maine, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas.  

Last week, the reintroduction was accompanied by statements from 15 industry groups from New England to Texas, and one from Hawaii in support...

ANALYSIS: Norwegian Atlantic Cod Prices Hit 20-Year High Amid Reduced Barents Sea Quota and Supply Constraints

The price of Norwegian Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) reached a 20-year peak in November 2025, averaging NOK 103.0 per kilogram (USD 10.07/kg; EUR 8.60/kg) (Figure 1). The lowest monthly price in 2025 was recorded in July, influenced by market uncertainty surrounding the final US tariff imposed on cod caught in Norway but processed in Asia. In December 2025, the price of Norwegian cod was 31.4% higher on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis and had risen 118.2% compared...

Marine Stewardship Council Joins Science Center for Marine Fisheries

The Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) is pleased to announce that the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has joined the Center as a member of its Industry Advisory Board (IAB). The addition of MSC will further the Center’s mission to identify and fund the latest developments in marine science, and to support healthy, sustainable fisheries.

The MSC is the world’s leading environmental certification for wild-capture fisheries. Meeting the organization’s Fisheries Standard is a rigorous process that ensures that any seafood product carrying the MSC-certified blue fish label meets...

Kingfish CEO Buiks LeaveFor s Personal Reasons, Erenst Agrees to Another Year

Yesterday, the Netherlands-based producer of yellowtail kingfish announced that Karl Buiks has resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective December 16, 2025, for personal reasons. 

The Kingfish Company N.V. (Euronext: KING) board said they respect his decision and wished him well. 

Outgoing CEO Vincent Erenst, whose last day was to be December 31, 2025, has agreed to postpone his retirement and will continue to lead the company for an additional year...

Historic Return of Natural Coho in Northern California Signals Potential Regional Fisheries Shift

For the first time in more than three decades, naturally reproduced coho salmon have been documented in the upper basin of the Russian River — a development that could have important implications for salmon-dependent fisheries and regional ecosystem health.  

Juvenile coho were spotted this past summer in a remote tributary of the Russian River in Mendocino County by a water resources specialist from the Pinoleville Pomo Nation. Their presence marks the first confirmed evidence of successful natural spawning in upper watershed reaches since 1991...

ANALYSIS: September Groundfish Import Data Highlights Supply Constraints Sustaining Price Pressure

The groundfish market held full steady for the past few weeks across much of both single- and twice-frozen segments, but newly released September import figures shed light on the supply-side dynamics that continue to underwrite full steady to firm undertones throughout the complex.

Atlantic and Pacific cod imports totaled 7.88 million pounds in September, marking a steep 20.9% drop from August and a 10.8% decline year-over-year. China, the dominant supplier, shipped 4.49 million pounds, down 31.7% from the prior month...

Fortune International Acquires NC Processor Simply Fresh to Expand Mid‑Atlantic Footprint

Fortune International acquired North Carolina-based seafood processor and purveyor Simply Fresh, the company announced on December 15.

Fortune said the acquisition strengthens its presence in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast operations. Fortune noted that by integrating Simply Fresh’s expertise and its regional sourcing relationships, it will be able to meet the growing demand for seafood in North Carolina and surrounding areas.

"We are thrilled to welcome Simply Fresh into the Fortune family," said Sean O’Scannlain, Founder and CEO at Fortune International. "Their dedication...

Advancing US Leadership in Protein Innovation with the PROTEIN Act

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) has introduced the PROTEIN Act to bolster US leadership in protein innovation amid rising global meat demand expected to double by 2050. The act addresses the US's lag in investment compared to other nations and aims to diversify protein sources to strengthen food security, stimulate economic growth, and tackle climate challenges.

The PROTEIN Act will support US farmers and expand domestic capacity via research centers, grant programs, and workforce development initiatives.

California, leading with over 150 companies, holds substantial...

Congressman Van Drew Secures Key Offshore Wind Amendment in SPEED Act

Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that after direct negotiations with House leadership on the floor, he successfully secured an amendment addressing his serious concerns about offshore wind in the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery (SPEED) Act, which would reform the federal permitting process.

"I support real permitting reform, and the SPEED Act does a lot of good things to unleash our energy potential," said Congressman Van Drew. "But as it was previously written, it would have permanently protected offshore wind projects that were forced through...

Red Lobster Invites Canadians to Celebrate the Holidays - Open on Christmas and New Year's

This holiday season, Red Lobster is bringing joy to seafood lovers across Canada by staying open for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Guests are invited to indulge in festive flavours and create memorable moments with family and friends.

Celebrate Christmas with Red Lobster

All Canadian locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on December 24 and from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 25. Try one of the three NEW crave-worthy seafood boil flavours: Lemon Pepper, a bright zesty kick, OLD BAY® & Butter Sauce, a savoury twist on a classic and RL Signature Sauce, a bold blend of all flavours alongside beloved classics like the Ultimate Feast®.

Foodservice Finds Momentum This Holiday Season Amid Shifting Consumer Spending

As the holidays approach and the year winds down, the foodservice industry competes with retail on how consumers stretch their dollars during "the most wonderful time of the year."

CNBC recently reported that, based on restaurant purchasing data, consumers continue to dine out, but many are opting for appetizer items instead of entrée menu options.

Despite the challenges of disease, supply issues, and rising costs, the American foodservice industry remains resilient and continues to find ways to tap into consumer spending this December, even as some consumers scale back.

Mitsubishi‑owned Cermaq Boosts Capital in Norway, Canada Subsidiaries to Fund Grieg Seafood Purchase

Mitsubishi-owned salmon farmer Cermaq Group will inject fresh equity into three of its holding companies, Cermaq Holding AS, Cermaq Norway Holding AS and CQ Canada Holding Ltd, to fund the purchase of three salmon-farming operations from Grieg Seafood in Northern Norway and Canada’s east and west coasts.

As a result, each of these subsidiaries will now exceed one-tenth of Mitsubishi’s own capital and are newly classified as “specified subsidiaries” under Japanese reporting standards.

Cermaq announced its acquisition of Grieg Seafood’s operations in Finnmark...

Hokkaido Fall Chum Stocks Collapsed to Levels of 50 Years Ago

This year's fall chum salmon migration to Hokkaido is experiencing a historic low, comparable to catches observed in the 1970s, when hatching and release technology was in its infancy. Koichi Urabe, senior researcher at the Hokkaido Research Institute's Salmon and Inland Fisheries Research Station, reflected on this year at a meeting of the Hokkaido Set-Net Fisheries Association on December 10th, and expressed concern about the rapid decline in salmon resources due to global warming, according to a report in the Minato Shimbun...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Retail Sales Slide Amid Rising Prices and Fewer Promotions

Recent data indicate a clear contraction in US shrimp retail demand, driven by rising prices and a sharp decline in promotional activity. Despite a brief uptick in late November, sales volumes and distribution points have dipped to their lowest seasonal levels in several years, suggesting that higher costs are beginning to weigh on consumer purchasing during this critical quarter.

Retail contracting

As expected, retail prices continue to rise while retail feature activity contracts considerably (based on proprietary UB data). Circana data also indicate contraction across points of...

West Coast Salmon Files Bankruptcy After Nearly NOK 100M Loss on Nevada RAS Project

West Coast Salmon, a Norwegian company with plans to build a massive land-based salmon operation in Nevada, filed for bankruptcy.

The company reportedly lost close to NOK 100 million ($9.8 million) before the project could gain significant momentum, according to Norwegian publication Dagens Næringsliv. The planned facility never progressed beyond the design stage; the effort stalled after substantial losses.

The company initially planned 50,000 tons of HOG production at its Reno, Nevada, facility, but later reduced...

Typhoon Kalmaegi Disrupts Agricultural and Aquaculture Production in Philippines, Vietnam 

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the Philippines on November 3 and Vietnam on November 6, causing widespread agricultural damage across both countries, according to the Expana Global Weather Report - November 2025. 

In the Philippines, agricultural losses reached $2.7 million. The typhoon impacted 81,500 acres of maize fields, potentially causing significant production losses. Over 130,000 acres of sugar cane were damaged across the Visayas region. Negros Occidental, the country's top sugar-producing area, recorded the highest losses. Four sugar mills suffered damage, delaying processing operations...

Fung-wong Storm Results in Livestock Losses and Crop Destruction across Philippines and Taiwan 

In the Philippines, Fung-wong caused severe damage to crops including rice, corn, cassava, abaca, sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, bananas, coconuts, spices, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, according to the Expana Global Weather Report - November 2025. Banana crops in Aurora province were mostly destroyed.  

Typhoon Fung-wong formed in the Philippine Sea on November 5 and struck Luzon, Philippines, on November 9 as a Category 3 storm with winds up to 115 mph. The storm then hit Taiwan’s Pingtung County on November 12 as...

SFP Joins Regional Partners in Launching GoTFish Project

Five-year initiative will strengthen fisheries governance in the Gulf of Thailand.

Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) is collaborating with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and the University of Queensland to launch a regional effort to secure the long-term health of the Gulf of Thailand’s fisheries. Implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the GoTFish Project will coordinate efforts in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam to address the growing threats facing...

ANALYSIS: Cape Capensis Gains Traction in Tightening Global Whitefish Landscape

Cape Capensis, also known as hake, is a coldwater whitefish valued for its mild flavor, firm texture, and adaptability across foodservice and retail applications. While the fishery remains relatively small by volume, it has garnered renewed interest from U.S. buyers seeking cost-effective alternatives to premium whitefish species like cod, haddock, and pollock, particularly as global supplies remain tight and pricing elevated.

The species is predominantly sourced from South Africa and Namibia, though trade dynamics continue to be shaped by tariff and regulatory...

2025 Hottest Year Yet in the Global Arctic, Winter Sea Ice Lowest Extent in 47 Years

2025, according to a report released yesterday at the American Geophysical Union’s annual meeting New Orleans, will be the hottest year on record for the global Arctic. The data on surface temperatures goes back to 1900. Since 2006, Arctic annual temperature has increased faster than twice the global rate.

The 150-page Arctic Report Card (ARC) is a collaboration of 112 scientists from 13 countries, all volunteering their time to add the results of their research to the annual check-up for the...

A Record 159 Million Consumers Expected to Shop on Super Saturday

An estimated 158.9 million consumers plan to shop on the last Saturday before Christmas, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from 157.2 million shoppers last year and surpasses the previous record of 158.5 million in 2022.

“As the final Saturday before Dec. 25, Super Saturday is a significant shopping event for both consumers and retailers,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen said. “This year’s event falls only five days before the Christmas holiday, and...

Samson Food Expands Product Line with Modern Takes on Traditional Korean Ingredients

Samson Food aims to modernize Korea's culinary heritage by developing healthier processed foods. The company, which specializes in manufacturing and distributing hwangto salt and fermented food ingredients, is expanding its product line.

Their flagship product, Directly Roasted Alkaline Salt with Hwangto, is crafted by roasting salt in hwangto earthenware jars to purify and enhance its alkaline properties. This product is popular across diverse consumer groups for uses in oral care, cooking, and as gifts.

Recently, Samson Food launched its vacuum-sealed "Wang Wang Series," featuring Hwangto... 

Nissui Finalizes $133M Chile Acquisition; Combined Salmon Output with Pesquera Yadran Hits 70,000T

Japanese seafood heavyweight Nissui has completed the acquisition of Chilean salmon farmer Pesquera Yadran (PY) through its subsidiary Salmones Antarctica (SA) for $133 million, the company announced on December 16.

The deal reflects Nissui’s strategic push to treat aquaculture as a priority growth area, with a target of achieving a profit margin of 10% or more.

Both SA and PY operate in the Chilean farmed salmon sector, with PY bringing both farming and processing capabilities and sales to overseas markets, including the United States...

Russian Snow Crab Price Remained Unchanged at $19.7 per Kilo at the 4th Busan Auction

According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, the fourth bidding round of the year for frozen Opilio snow crab from the Russian Far East took place on November 28th in Busan, South Korea. According to one trading company, 53 tons of air-blast frozen cooked sections produced in late October were up for bid. The winning bid (single price for L-4L sizes, EXW Busan) was $19.70/kg, unchanged from the third auction, and is believed to have been won by...