Les Hodges: New Season Alaska King and Snow Crab Quotas Announced!

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game released advisory announcements this past week showing gains across three major species of crab. Red king crab increased by 16%, Tanner (bairdi) jumped by 113%, and opilio snow crab increased by 97%! There was even a hybrid snow crab that will be harvested during the Opilio harvest. With fishing opening on October 15, buyers can expect Alaska red king and Tanner snow crab just in time for the holiday market.

Meanwhile, Norwegian frozen red king crab shipments through September reached 1.7 million...

Florida Processor Tampa Maid Foods Tied to Ongoing Radioactive Shrimp Recalls Across US

Tampa Maid Foods, a Florida-based seafood processor, is the latest company to be linked to the radioactive shrimp recalls impacting a litany of companies in the US.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS) highlighted the multiple recalls linked to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s advisory of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in Indonesian shrimp, with Tampa Maid Foods included.

MDARD cited an FDA enforcement report that said Tampa Maid Foods...

Momentum Grows As Offshore Aquaculture Bill is Introduced in the US House of Representatives

Last week, Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS), Ed Case (D-HI), Kat Cammack (R-FL), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Marine Aquaculture Research and Advancement (MARA) Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill that empowers the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expand offshore aquaculture in the U.S. 

The bill was introduced earlier in the Senate and appears to be gaining momentum, despite the current government shutdown.  

Speeches were made in the House by the bipartisan sponsors...

August Hokkaido Surimi Production Increased 27% to 195 Tons

According to member reports compiled by the National Surimi Manufacturers Association, August frozen surimi production in Hokkaido increased due to an increase in production of the mainstay pollock, reaching 195 tons, a 27% increase over the same month last year. This marks the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year increases, including July, when production was at the same level as the same month last year, reported Minato Shimbun.

Usually in August, the only place where pollock is landed in large quantities is the Okhotsk region by offshore bottom trawlers...

Twin Comebacks: Yelloweye Rockfish Rebound Mirrors Salmon’s Return on the Klamath

Two decades of patience, partnership, and persistence are paying off for West Coast fisheries. As salmon once again surge up the Klamath River following landmark dam removals, another species has completed its own long road to recovery offshore: the yelloweye rockfish.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council this week declared yelloweye rockfish rebuilt, marking the final chapter in one of the most significant – and toughest – fishery recovery efforts in U.S. history. The announcement means every groundfish species once considered overfished on the West Coast has now been rebuilt...

Ex-Typhoon Halong Batters Coast in Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta; One Dead, Two Missing

Last weekend, the remnants of Typhoon Halong hit the Bering Sea coast north of Bristol Bay with hurricane-force winds, causing catastrophic flooding, destroying homes and infrastructure as residents struggled to survive.  

Yesterday, Alaska State Troopers identified a woman whose body was recovered on Monday as 67-year-old Ella Mae Kashatok. Troopers said they suspended the active search for two missing men last seen with Kashatok in the village, where surging floodwater tore dozens of homes from their foundations...

Aquaticode Appoints Trond Williksen as Strategic Advisor

Aquaticode, the leader in real-time phenotyping and sorting for aquaculture, has appointed Trond Williksen as Strategic Advisor.

Williksen is one of aquaculture’s most experienced executives, with more than two decades of leadership across farming, technology, and fish health. He has served as CEO of AKVA group, SalMar, and most recently Benchmark Holdings, where he led the company through a major transformation and its transition to private ownership earlier this year.

“Trond has operated at every level — from farming and technology to genetics and fish health — and that breadth is rare...

Florida Fishermen File Class Action Against Wholesalers Over Stone Crab, Lobster Price Fixing

A group of Florida commercial fishermen has filed a class action lawsuit against a pair of seafood companies and executives over an alleged price-fixing conspiracy for stone crabs and spiny lobsters.

Commercial fishing businesses Paradise Tails Inc., Reel Faith Fishing LLC and commercial fishermen Erick Bravo and Jose D. Hernandez filed the lawsuit on October 6 in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The nearly 50-page complaint alleges that the defendants, Florida-based D&D Seafood...

Forrer Loses Final Appeal on Mismanagement of Yukon-Kuskokwim Chum and King Salmon

Last Friday, the Alaska Supreme Court upheld a lower-court decision that dismissed a case brought by Juneau resident and longtime Yukon and Kuskokwim River fisherman Eric Forrer in 2023. 

Forrer, a long-time Alaska resident, brought the suit in 2022, charging the Alaska Department of Fish and Game of violating the state Constitution’s mandate that “Fish, forests, wildlife, grasslands, and all other replenishable resources belonging to the State shall be utilized, developed, and maintained on the sustained yield principle, subject to preferences among beneficial uses...

Channel Seafoods International Appoints Marco Zepeda as Chief Operating Officer

Florida-based Channel Seafoods International named Marco Zepeda as its new Chief Operating Officer.

The seafood importer said that Zepeda enters the role with over 20 years of experience in the seafood sector. Zepeda’s journey started in Chile, working in seafood sales before joining major distributor Performance Food Group (PFG) in Miami, working in management positions. His career includes other leadership roles within the space, overseeing sales growth, supply chain optimization and customer relations.

“Marco’s deep industry experience and operational leadership make him an invaluable addition to our executive team...

Alaska Seafood Launches "Alaska Pink Salmon: Wild Made Easy" 

Alaska Seafood has launched its newest campaign, "Alaska Pink Salmon: Wild Made Easy," to promote pink salmon as a convenient and affordable meal solution.

Timed perfectly for the back-to-school season, the campaign highlights the fish’s versatility and nutritional benefits in fresh recipes that inspire lunchbox-friendly meals.

The brand package, rolling out through October, includes several assets such as a custom logo featuring "Alaska Pink Salmon: Wild Made Easy," high-quality photos and videos of pink salmon harvesting, processing, species shots, and plated...

NFI-Led Seafood Coalition Seeks Injunction to Pause NOAA’s MMPA Import Bans

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and a coalition of seafood companies have petitioned the US Court of International Trade for a preliminary injunction to halt NOAA’s implementation of MMPA-based import bans on over 200 fisheries from 46 countries, arguing the rules threaten domestic supply chains and employment during the ongoing legal process.

NFI, the Restaurant Law Center and a number of seafood companies filed suit challenging NOAA’s Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)‑related import bans last week, as reported by Expana...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #30

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #30."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.

...

On October 7, US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney met in the White House. The possibility a US-Canadian trade deal was a main topic of discussion...

NFI, Major Seafood Firms Sue NOAA Over MMPA Import Bans

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and a group of US seafood companies filed suit Friday, challenging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s implementation of recent Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)‑related import bans.

The plaintiffs say the Commerce Department and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) improperly blocked or restricted imports from certain foreign fisheries by denying or withholding “comparability” findings that those companies need to import specific seafood products. They allege NMFS failed to follow statutory requirements and acted arbitrarily and capriciously in violation of the Administrative...

Ready Seafood Teases Full Retail Line Ahead of Launch

Maine lobster producer Ready Seafood has begun showcasing some of its retail products as it nears the launch of a full retail product line.

“We’ve been deep in development, from packaging and production to building relationships with brokers and retailers. Now, we’re ready to start sharing what’s been cooking,” the company shared in a LinkedIn post.

The company said it would introduce its retail lineup in the coming weeks. It began with the unveiling of its popular Mini Lobster Grilled Cheeses.

“Each sandwich is handcrafted in-house with North...

NOAA Identifies Three Gulf of America Areas for Potential Aquaculture Development

Toward the end of President Trump’s last term, he signed Executive Order 13921, “Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth,” which included a push for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA’s) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to identify Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in US waters.  

In mid-September, two final environmental impact statements for the Gulf of America and Southern California identified prime locations suitable for developing multiple commercial aquaculture projects. 

In the Gulf of America, three locations off the coast of Texas were identified, each ranging in size...

From Shore to Show Floor: Atlantic Canadian Seafood Goes Global

Atlantic Canadian seafood exporters are seizing global opportunities, expanding into new markets, and showcasing the region’s reputation for sustainable, high-quality products on the international stage.

From October 7-9, a delegation of 12 Atlantic Canadian companies took part in the Conxemar International Frozen Seafood Trade Show in Vigo, Spain. Led by the Food and Beverage Atlantic Association, the mission helped companies build valuable business relationships, diversify exports, and strengthen Atlantic Canada’s position as a trusted supplier of premium, sustainable seafood.

While in Spain, the delegation...

Norcod Extends Sales, Distribution Partnership with Sirena Group

Norwegian cod farmer Norcod AS extended its strategic sales and distribution partnership with Sirena Group as it focuses on future growth.

Sirena Group will handle Norcod’s sales, marketing and logistics for its farmed cod and Snow cod. Norcod stated that this will enable the company to concentrate on enhancing its production efforts.

CEO in Norcod, Christian Riber, said:

"Working with Sirena Group gives Norcod a decisive advantage. Their global network and proven strength in seafood markets give us direct access to the right

Nomad Foods Names Dominic Brisby as Executive President & CEO-Elect 

Nomad Foods Limited (NYSE: NOMD), has today announced the appointment of Dominic Brisby as its new Executive President, Chief Executive Officer-Elect and member of the Board of Directors effective November 3, 2025. Mr. Brisby will work with the Company’s current CEO, Stéfan Descheemaeker, for a transition period until Mr. Descheemaeker’s retirement on January 1, 2026, when Mr. Brisby will be appointed CEO. Mr. Descheemaeker will continue to serve as a Director on the Company’s Board following the CEO transition...

More Than 20 Salmon Firms Sue Norway Over Traffic‑Light Sea‑Lice Rules

Over 20 salmon‑farming companies on Norway’s west coast have filed suit against the government, challenging the traffic‑light system used to monitor sea lice, Bergensavisen reports.

The companies, which include farming giants Mowi and Lerøy, filed a class action lawsuit against Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

The publication reported that the companies are demanding that “red lights” that were put in place on the west coast of Norway between 2022 and 2024 be lifted and claim the government...

Women in Food and Agriculture Summit 2026 to Unite Industry Leaders

Expana, the world’s largest agrifood market intelligence provider, is proud to announce the return of the Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) Summit, taking place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam. 

Since 2019 this highly anticipated global event has brought together leaders, innovators and up and coming executives from across agrifood value chains for a day of inspiration, empowerment and real-world learning. With a dynamic program of keynotes, workshops and networking, the WFA Summit is designed to deliver actionable content

The Retail Rundown: Retail Promotions Pivot Toward Baking and Comfort Foods

By mid-October, grocery retailers are shifting their marketing focus toward fall comfort meals, baking, and holiday preparation.

Typically, retail egg sales see a seasonal lift as more consumers cook hot breakfasts at home. The onset of baking season further boosts demand, with more eggs being used in breads, pies, pastries, and other seasonal favorites.

In the shell egg market, Expana reports a mixed retail landscape—some retailers are seeing stronger demand as cooler weather sets in, while others note slower movement following lackluster promotional outcomes...

Gidrostroy Opens Major Sakhalin Processing Plant, Aims to Be Top Russian Fish Processor

Gidrostroy says it aims to become one of Russia’s largest fish processors in the coming years with the launch of several large new processing facilities.

One of those facilities was recently commissioned in the Korsakovsky District of Sakhalin Island. Built under the federal investment quota program, the complex was completed in just one year with a total investment of 3.7 billion rubles ($46.5 million).

The new plant sits on a 10,000‑square‑meter site and can process up to...

ANALYSIS: Salmon Market Sees Price Dips Amid Ample Supplies and Shifting Sourcing

The salmon market through the first seven months of the year has demonstrated notable shifts in supply dynamics and pricing trends, even as comprehensive data remains incomplete due to the ongoing government shutdown impacting the release of the latest census figures. Despite this, available data indicates a 2.9% overall increase in fresh farmed salmon fillet volumes, propelled largely by substantial gains from Norway (+31.2%) and the Netherlands (+16.6%). Conversely, Chile, the dominant player commanding a 68% market share, has experienced a 3.5%...

ANALYSIS: Shifting Sockeye Buying Patterns Despite Supply Improvements 

Alaskan sockeye landings increased substantially in 2025, with 51.8 million fish landed compared to 2024's 40.9 million harvest. Average fish weights also showed encouraging signs of recovery. After reaching a low of 4.4 lbs. In 2024, the smallest size of individual fish recorded in over 20 years, weights rebounded to 5.0 lbs. in 2025. This represents a notable improvement from the declining weight trend observed in recent years, which saw average sizes drop from peaks of 6.4 lbs. in....

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...

Indonesia Orders Shrimp Firms to Halt Shipments Amid FDA's New Import Certification Rules

The Indonesian government has issued a formal notice instructing shrimp packers in affected areas to halt shipments to the United States, a move prompted by multiple US detections of cesium‑137 (Cs‑137) and coming as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s new import certification requirements and Import Alert 99-52 take effect.

Market sources confirmed the notice to Expana, with suppliers from the Island of Java and Province of Lampung, on the Island of Sumatra, impacted. Sources indicated that multiple suppliers in the affected...

SeafoodNews Closed on Monday, October 13

GSA Honors the Career Achievements of Jeff Regnart

The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) is proud to announce that Jeff Regnart is the latest recipient of the Wallace R. Stevens Lifetime Achievement Award. Regnart accepted the award during GSA’s Responsible Seafood Summit, held last week in Cartagena, Colombia.

A champion of sustainably managed fisheries resources, Regnart was instrumental in GSA’s transformation from the aquaculture-focused organization Global Aquaculture Alliance into the Global Seafood Alliance, a transition completed in 2021. With GSA’s expanded focus, its products and services became more readily available to both the farmed and wild-capture seafood sectors...

Today's Top Story: New Season Alaska King and Snow Crab Quotas Announced!

In today’s top story, Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game has raised quotas for three major crab species for 2025/26, marking the third consecutive year of supply gains after past closures. The opening comes as US and Canadian snow crab imports hit record highs and global crab prices stay elevated ahead of the holiday season. Despite increased supply, retail crab and shrimp prices remain near record levels, and Norwegian crab exporters face new challenges from a 15% US tariff and Alaska’s supply boost...