FDA Issues Consumer Warning About Venezuela Fresh Crabmeat

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by John Sackton – July 17, 2018

The FDA has issued a consumer advisory warning against eating fresh crabmeat from Venezuela.

At this time, the FDA is advising consumers to avoid eating fresh crab meat from Venezuela, as it may be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. 

Consumers are advised to ask where their crab meat is from if dining out at a restaurant or in grocery stores. This product is commonly found in plastic tubs and may be labeled as “pre-cooked.”

The FDA says that their investigation is ongoing.  As of July 12, 2018, there are 12 cases of Vibrio...

Andrey Teterkin Out as CEO of Russian Fish Company, Replaced by Fedor Kirsanov

SEAFOODNEWS.COM  [SeafoodNews] - July 17, 2018

Russian Fishery LLC  (RFC) announced the appointment of Fedor Kirsanov as a Company’s Chief Executive Officer as of August 1^st, 2018. Previously Fedor Kirsanov held a position of Company’s Deputy CEO. Under his supervision, the Company had launched a large-scale new fleet construction project within a very short period of time.

The major RFC shareholder Gleb Frank expressed gratitude to Andrey Teterkin, who ran the Company for six years. During this period RFC demonstrated efficient and dynamic growth...

Bristol Bay Landings Continue to Increase Over the Weekend with Naknek-Kvichak Surge

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Peggy Parker - July 16, 2018

Landings continue to surge in Bristol Bay last weekend, marking the week’s catch of almost 12 million sockeyes at about three million higher than the five year average for that week.

Up until late last week, the Nushagak District continued to be the focus of the Bay’s gillnetting fleet as its astonishing return reached a cumulative total of 28 million sockeye as of July 14. The catch as of that date was 20.4 million sockeye ...

Seafood News Podcast: MLMC's Matt Jacobson Previews NYC Trap to Table Event

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 16, 2018

Matt Jacobson, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative joins the Seafood News podcast this week to preview the MLMC's Trap to Table event on July 16. Take a listen to find out more about the event and the MLMC's sustainability efforts.

The Seafood News Podcast is available to download via SoundCloud or iTunes. This episode was sponsored by the Seafood Innovation Expo, taking place at the Mazatlan International Center in Mexico from September 6-7. Visit expoinnovacionayp.com ...

Fraser River Sockeye Salmon Run for 2018 Now Forecast at 14 Million 

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 16, 2018

Fisheries and Oceans Canada provided forecasts last Friday of Fraser River sockeye salmon abundance at 13.98 million for 2018. The agency announced the in-season forecast to the Pacific Salmon Commission’s Fraser River Panel. The forecast is the mid-point of a range and is similar to the long-term average return for this cycle line. 

Half of the total Fraser River sockeye run is made up of the Late-run group, specifically the Late Shuswap stock group. 

DFO's fisheries managers cautioned the ...

CDFW Seeks Input on 2015-16 California Crab Disaster Funding Disbursement

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Susan Chambers - July 16, 2018

The prevalence of domoic acid delayed the 2015-16 Dungeness and rock crab fisheries in California. From fishermen and processors to communities and consumers, the industry suffered. Now, $25.8 million in disaster funding is available -- and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking input on disbursement.

The agency has scheduled a webinar from (9:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18. Industry members can log in at https://www.uberconference.com/strategicearth . Those not near a computer can call in at ...

Watch the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative’s Trap to Table Live Event

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 16, 2018

Lobster lovers won’t want to miss this. The Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative is hosting a “Trap to Table” event live in New York City tonight – and you can tune in!

Dana Cowin, former Editor-in Chief of Food & Wine, is hosting the event, and will be inviting out some special guests to talk about their fishing adventures with Maine lobstermen. The special guests include: Chef Kwame Onwuachi of Washington D.C., Chef Karen Akunowicz of Boston, and Chef Jimmy Papadopoulos of Chicago ...

Bering Sea Fishermen's Association Gets $391,000 Federal Grant for Ocean Cluster Program

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [The Cordova Times] - July 16, 2018

A $391,000 federal grant awarded to the Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association will help fund the Alaska Ocean Cluster Initiative, whose goal is to be a key source for learning about opportunities in the state’s fisheries and maritime sector.

The cluster concept, initiated by BSFA in early 2017, involves a group of companies in related fields forming around a base industry to enhance both the industry and each other through economic transactions and circulated assets.

BSFA’s stated goal is to help the state’s ocean ...

JD Fresh Cooperates with GAA to Start Summer BAP Seafood Promotion

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [FishFirst] translated by Amy Zhong - July 16, 2018

JD has begun its one-week-long promotion activities for BAP-certified seafood beginning on July 9. The promotion resulted from the cooperation of JD and the Global Aquaculture Alliance. During that week, consumers could spend 99 yuan ($14.80 USD) to get such certified aquatic products worth 119 yuan ($17.78 USD).

Fifteen certified seafood products were on the promotion list. They included products such as Guolian’s white shrimp meat, tilapia fillets and other processed ...

When Will the China Tariffs Go Into Effect? Here’s What We Know

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 13, 2018

On July 6 the Trump administration started imposing tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese imports – a total of 818 Chinese products. China immediately retaliated by imposing increased duties on goods from the U.S. Now, further actions are being taken – so, what’s the latest news? First, we have to backtrack.

On June 20 the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) provided a notice seeking public comment on “another proposed action, in the form of an additional 25 percent ...

EDF Appoints New Senior Vice President of Oceans Program, Executive Vice President of Core Programs

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 16, 2018

The Environmental Defense Fund announced some exciting new appointments on Monday. The international nonprofit organization confirmed that environmental leader Kathleen “Katie” McGinty has been appointed Senior Vice President of the Oceans program, and that Amanda Leland, former head of the Oceans program, has been promoted to Executive Vice President in charge of overseeing EDF’s core programs.

McGinty previously served as the Deputy Assistant to the President and Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) ...

Oregon Ports, Port Orford in Line for Army Corps of Engineers Work

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Susan Chambers - July 13, 2018

Oregon's small ports -- and Port Orford, in particular -- are getting some much needed maintenance funding, thanks primarily to Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had left out any maintenance dredging or jetty repairs from the agency's Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) Work Plan earlier this year.

DeFazio complained. Twice.

In February, he sent a letter to the Acting Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army Corps requesting that ...

INTERVIEW: Cargill Aqua Nutrition Makes More Progress in Building a Sustainable Supply Chain 

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Feedinfo News Service] - July 13, 2018

Since Cargill acquired EWOS in 2015, the company has worked to broaden the scope of its sustainability reporting. Today, Cargill Aqua Nutrition is able to report on all 17 of its dedicated feed mill facilities across 12 countries, covering about 80% of Cargill's aqua feed production footprint of nearly 1.75 million tonnes.

“We have worked on extending sustainability practices from EWOS across Cargill Aqua Nutrition and engaging the broader business. Now, as Cargill, we are uniquely positioned to leverage our ...

Six Months of Joint Patrols Derails Illegal Fishing Activities in Tanzania

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 13, 2018

A joint effort between Tanzanian law enforcement agencies, Fish-i Africa and Sea Shepherd to patrol Tanzania waters has “significantly thwarted” illegal fishing in the area.

In early 2018 Sea Shepherd and the government of the United republic of Tanzania launched Operation Jodari, a campaign to tackle illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing in the Western Indian Ocean region. After six months Operation Jordari resulted in the arrest of two long-liners for illegal shark finning and 27 dhows for smuggling ...

Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance Issues Statement on Passage of H.R. 200

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 13, 2018

On Wednesday the U.S House of Representatives passed H.R. 200, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. The legislation has divided groups, and the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance is speaking out on how the passage of H.R. 200 is affecting them. Read the full statement below:

"Commercial fishermen throughout the Gulf of Mexico watched yesterday as Congress advanced a harmful piece of legislation that puts the future of our businesses at risk. H.R. 200 is a Trojan Horse ...

House Passes HR 200 Allowing More Flexibility on Management Over NGO Objections

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Susan Chambers - July 12, 2018

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 200, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act Wednesday, with only a handful of congressmen crossing party lines to support or oppose it.

A number of amendments were also approved.

“It’s been over a decade since Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) was reauthorized which is why I’m proud to see this bill pass out of the House today with bipartisan support," Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska and the bill's sponsor, said in a statement. "My bill will update MSA to ensure a proper balance between the biological needs...

UW Take on Bristol Bay Season: Final Catch Could Fall Just Short of Their 33.5 Million Forecast

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Peggy Parker - July 12, 2018

The cumulative catch in Bristol Bay is 21 million sockeye and an escapement of another 9 million up the five river systems as of July 10. The Port Moller Test Fishery ended July 11 with daily catches winding down in most stations, but still showing strong numbers in Stations 10 and beyond which are traditionally affiliated with the Wood River. 

Each year Bristol Bay has two highly-regarded prognosticators issue pre-season forecasts for ...

Chignik Salmon Crash Puts Bristol Bay Native Association and Aleutians East Borough in Tight Spot

Bering Sea Crabbers Getting Ready for Fall Season; Last Year's Price Settlements Complete

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Fish Radio with Laine Welch] - July 16, 2018

Boats already are signing up to participate in fall Bering Sea crab fisheries that begin October 1. Meanwhile, many crabbers are still awaiting word on what their pay outs are for last season.

Prior to the crab fisheries changing from “come one, come all” to a catch share form of management in 2005 prices were set before boats headed out, said Jake Jacobsen, director of the Inter-Cooperative Exchange ...

Italy Threatens to Reject CETA Deal; Canada Confident European Trade Deal will Survive

SEAFOODNEWS.COM  [SeafoodNews] by John Sackton – July 16, 2018

The Canadian European Trade Agreement (CETA) provisionally went into effect last September after it was approved by the 28 members of the European Union.

It eliminates virtually all tariffs between Canada and the EU, and is highly beneficial for seafood exports from Canada.  Among other things, it has opened up southern Europe, including Spain, Italy, and France, to more Canadian lobster products.

However, the treaty still faces obstacles, as it must be ratified separately by each European government.

In Italy, which has had elections since the initial agreement, the deputy Prime Minister who represents...

Why the China Tariffs Matter to the Seafood Industry

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by John Sackton (Editorial) – July 13, 2018

The proposed 10% tariff on all Chinese seafood exports to the US, combined with the 25% tariff on US seafood products exported to China already in effect in response to the first round of US tariffs is a major blow to the future of the US seafood industry.

The second round of tariffs is proposed by the US trade representative will not come into effect until sometime after August 30^th.  Before then, there will be a public hearing, and various US industries will have the opportunity to comment.  However, most experts ...

Vietnam Shrimp Farmers to Benefit From Cargill Innovation Center

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 16, 2018

A new shrimp farming hub in Vietnam will be able to aid aquaculture farmers in accessing the latest innovations.

The farming hub, a Technology Application Center (TAC) in Bac Lieu province, was opened by Cargill last week. The facility was not only created to help aquaculture farmers access the latest innovations, but also “apply the best possible solutions to grow healthy seafood and increase their profits.”

“Our Technology Application Center will apply shrimp farming knowledge and technology from ...

Researchers Develop Method to Breed Moreton Bay Bugs Commercially in Tasmania

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 16, 2018

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies’ research on hatchery techniques for bay lobsters – or Moreton Bay bugs – has paid off. Associate professor Greg Smith, the director of the ARC Research Hub for Commercial Development of Rock Lobster Culture Systems, announced that techniques developed for tropical rock lobsters has successfully been applied to Moreton Bay bugs. Thanks to the research, Tasmania will be able to have their very own Moreton Bay buy hatchery.

“There are many biological similarities between ...

Domestic Production of Russian Mussels, Oysters Skyrockets in Last 3 Years

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - July 16, 2018

The production of sea delicacies has skyrocketed in Russia in the last three years, primarily due to the ban on their imports imposed by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

Recent data from Rosrybolovstvo show that since 2015 the production of mussels in Russia has grown by more than 12 times, while in the case of oysters, the growth was equivalent to 265. The biggest growth production was observed in Crimea.

Last year the combined production of mussels and oysters in Russia amounted ...

Trump Threatens $275 Million Tax on US Sfd Consumers With $2.75 Billion Tariffs on Chinese Seafood

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] [Editorial] by John Sackton – July 12, 2018

Get ready for a big seafood tax.  This is going to be the result of President Trump's unilateral attack on Chinese imports, as applied to the Seafood Industry.

Overall, Trump is escalating his trade war by targeting $200 million worth of Chinese Exports to the US.

The target includes all Chinese seafood products exported here, including reprocessed products.  The full list was ...

VIDEO: China Tariff; NFI Issues Statement; Buy Cod For Prime Day; Superstitions At Sea

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 13, 2018

Watch the latest Seafood News Weekly Recap as hosts Amanda Buckle and Lorin Castiglione give yet another China tariff update, including NFI’s recent statement. Plus, find out how cod is playing into Amazon Prime Day and learn about some superstitions at sea on Friday the 13th.

This video is sponsored by the Seafood Innovation Expo, taking place at the Mazatlan International Center in Mexico from September 6^th to the 7^th. Visit expoinnovacionayp.com for more information ...

Chinese Make Their First Deep Water Salmon Aquaculture Installation

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [FishFirst] translated by Amy Zhong - July 13, 2018

China’s newly invented aquaculture equipment, Deep Blue No.1, has been officially put into use in the Yellow Sea on July 2, though it was submerged into the sea on June 29. It has become home to 300,000 trout and salmon, which marks the coming of China’s industrialized farming of sea fish.

There was very strong wind on July 2, but the equipment is reported to be able to handle even a hurricane with its four 100-ton anchors. In addition, a vessel with ...

Oregon Seafood Commodity Commissions Get New Members

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Susan Chambers - July 13, 2018

Oregon's four seafood commodity commissions will have some new faces this year. The Oregon Albacore, Salmon, Dungeness Crab and Trawl Commissions all had members apply for new terms.

Commission members' volunteer service to Oregon agriculture determines the programs that each commission funds with assessments paid by fish harvesters. Funds are used for non-branded promotion, research, and education.

Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Alexis Taylor has the responsibility of appointing commissioners. The director’s decision to appoint is based on a number of factors such as applicant experience, commitment ...

BAP-Certified Facilities Up 14.3% At Midway Mark

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 13, 2018

The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) has confirmed that the number of Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)-certified facilities is up 14.3% – with only six months into the year.

Developed by GAA, BAP certification assures that the entire aquaculture supply chain – from farms, hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills – meets rigorous standards and is produced through environmentally and socially responsible means.  GAA reports that as of the end of June there were 2,079 BAP-certified processing plants farms, hatcheries and ...

SeaShare Seeking Operations Manager to Support Organization

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - July 13, 2018

SeaShare, a non-profit organization that aids the seafood industry in donating to hunger-relief efforts in the United States, is seeking an operations manager.

The position will “support the organization’s mission by sourcing, coordinating, and tracking product movement; from donors to food banks and feeding centers across the country.” SeaShare’s ideal candidate has previous experience in seafood production or distribution.

In 2017 SeaShare was able to distribute 1.7 million pounds of seafood in 21 states thanks to 196 partners ...