Lawmakers Press USTR for Solutions for Massachusetts Lobstermen Impacted by Trade Tariffs 

United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA-08), William Keating (D-MA-09), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06) and Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA-04), sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer yesterday, urging him to explore new markets for American lobster exports to address the impact of 25% tariffs placed on imported American lobsters by China. The lawmakers' letter comes before a Joint Committee on Export Development oversight hearing...

Taprobane Seafood Group Has First Vannamei Harvest in Sri Lanka; Government Projects Growth to 50,000 tons

Sri Lanka has opened to Vannamei shrimp cultivation.  Earlier this year the government announced approval for the import of SPF Vannamei brood stock, and Taprobane Seafood, a major producer of blue swimming crab and tuna, was licensed for the first farm and hatchery.

According to Tim O’Reilly, managing director, it has taken the company three years to secure approval for Vannamei in Sri Lanka.  The traditional black tiger cultivating industry was...

Coast Guard Rescues Fishing Crew from Burning Boat Off Hawaii

Six fishermen and a NOAA observer were rescued from their burning boat by the U.S. Coast Guard eight miles off Oahu’s southern shore yesterday afternoon.

A mayday call was received at 4:29 p.m. Tuesday from the crew of the commercial fishing vessel Miss Emma as they battled an onboard fire. 

"We are so pleased to have this crew safe in less than an hour after the initial call," said Lt. j.g. Seth Gross, command duty officer, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center. "The quick action of this crew, coupled ...

Asda Becomes First Retailer to Publish Farmed Seafood Sources 

To increase transparency in seafood supply chains, United Kingdom supermarket Asda has become the first retailer to publish sourcing details for its farmed seafood. This transparency comes as part of an update to the company's annual Ocean Disclosure Project profile. The update marks the first time that a participant has publicly disclosed information on both wild and farmed species.

Previously, the profile described all own-brand, wild caught seafood retailed by the business along with data relating to management, fishing techniques, and environmental impact. The profile now also contains information on...

North Pacific Council Expands Outreach to Homer, Opts for ‘Plain Language’

Starting September 30 and for 10 days, Homer will host federal stewards of Alaska’s fisheries for the first time since 1983.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council oversees more than 25 stocks in waters from three to 200 miles offshore, the source of the bulk of Alaska’s fish catches. Coming to Homer is part of an ongoing effort to engage more people in the decision-making process.

“Yeah, absolutely. The council certainly is interested in engaging more stakeholders, particularly from rural and Alaska Native communities, and by the Council...

Corps of Engineers “Barrelling Ahead” on Pebble Permit, Allowing Major Changes With No Further Scrutiny

DILLINGHAM - During a press conference yesterday, the US Army Corps of Engineers said they will not seek public input or further scrutiny on at least ten major changes to the Pebble Mine permit application. On August 12, the Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) delivered a memo to the Army Corps of Engineers with ten changes to its most recent project proposal as part of its Clean Water Act Section 404 permit application.

The latest effort to reduce transparancy in the process triggered a collective call from ...

FultonFishMarket.com Introduces Seafood Subscription Service 

FultonFishMarket.com, the nation's largest and second-oldest continuously operating fish market, has launched a seafood subscription service called The Fish Drop. Subscribers will be able to schedule recurring biweekly or monthly purchases of fresh, high-quality fish and seafood, delivered to their door. Consumers will have the option of selecting sustainable favorites such as salmon, tuna, trout, and red snapper, or from an assortment of chef-curated premium and basic seafood boxes.

Orders are processed at the Fulton Fish Market located in the Bronx, New York, where in-house seafood experts procure...

Cowcod is Latest West Coast Groundfish Stock Rebuilt; Only One Remains Listed as Overfished

An important West Coast groundfish stock that was formerly declared overfished has now been rebuilt ahead of schedule, the Pacific Fishery Management Council announced Tuesday.

The cowcod stock south of 40°10’ N. latitude, one of the rockfish species, has been managed under a strict rebuilding plan that severely constrained West Coast fisheries in California for two decades. Rebuilding cowcod was achieved through large area closures, non-retention rules and very low allowance for...

Pacific Packaging Products Acquires New Bedford’s Packaging Products Corp. 

Pacific Packaging Products, an international provider of packaging products, equipment, automation, and supply chain management services has announced the acquisition of Packaging Products Corporation, a cold chain packaging leader serving the seafood, medical, and perishable food industries.

Packaging Products Corporation has a customer-base along the Eastern Seaboard specializing in all aspects of packaging and handling of perishables including seafood and pharmaceuticals. With expertise in development, the company has loyal and growing customers including those in the fresh food industry.

David Varsano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Packaging Products...

Ninth North Atlantic Right Whale Found Dead, This Time in U.S. Waters

A North Atlantic right whale was found dead Monday in the waters off Long Island, making it the ninth of the critically endangered species to be found dead this year, officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

It was unclear how the whale died or the gender.

There are no more than 420 of the species left, and an estimated 90 breeding females.

NOAA officials said they expected...

Salmon Season a Nail Biter, Ends as One of the Best; Early Wrap up

Alaska’s statewide salmon catch of nearly 200 million is just six percent off what managers predicted, and it is on track to be the 8^th largest harvest since 1975. How to sum up the 2019season in a single word?

“Unpredictable” 

Forrest Bowers, deputy director of the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game commercial fisheries division, is a nearly 30 year management veteran.

The brightest fishing spot was the strong returns of sockeyes which produced a catch of over 55 million fish, the largest since 1995...

Alaska Sea Grant Releases New Handbook on Avoiding Boatyard Hazards

Citing a rate of injury and illness on ships and in boatyards is more than double those of construction and general industry, Alaska Sea Grant has released an online booklet aimed at making boatyards safer.

The book, written by Terry Johnson, retired Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory agent and emeritus professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, explains the risks and recommends ways that boat owners and builders, boatyard employees, technicians and others can protect themselves.

“Boatyard Hazards – Tips for Protecting Worker Safety and Health” is not a comprehensive safety ...

ANALYSIS: Chinese Catfish Stays Domestic Due to African Swine Fever

According to an analysis from Urner Barry's Pork Market Reporter, Russ Barton, the U.S. exported more pork to China than Japan in July, the first time ever in history. With China essentially consuming more pork than all other countries combined, the impact on global pork and subsequent center-of-the-plate protein trade could be substantial as they try to fill the gap left by ASF.  [see Russ Barton's full analysis here]

One segment where we are seeing the effects is in the seafood industry...

West Coast Cable Removal Could Open New Fishing Grounds

An old trans-Pacific cable system from Oregon to China is scheduled to be removed this month, which is good news for trawlers. Not only will removal open up new fishing grounds, but it will reduce the risk of a trawl net snagging a cable on the ocean floor.

The China-US (CHUS) system cables off Whisky Run, just south of Cape Arago near Coos Bay, Ore., are scheduled to be recovered Mertech Marine, a global cable submarine telecommunication cable recycling company based in South Africa...

Omega Protein Statement on the Chesapeake Bay Menhaden Cap

Omega Protein issued a statement last week that they will comply with Virginia law when it comes to recognizing the fishing cap for menhaden in Chesapeake Bay, but they will take more than allowed under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

Describing ASMFC’s cap as “low and unscientific” for 2019, Omega Protein said the 2006 cap of just over 109,000 mt was a “political compromise, not ... a scientific necessity.” The ASMFC wrote at the time that the cap was precautionary and not based on a scientifically quantified harvest threshold, fishery ...

China’s Suspension of Fish Meal Tariffs First Glimmer of Hope for Seafood Industry

The recent round of de-escalation in the trade war is the first significant action that will directly improve the export outlook for Alaska.  In the last week, China removed tariffs on 16 US products including shrimp broodstock and fishmeal, and the US delayed by two weeks the deadline for further tariffs, and then China suspended major tariffs on pork and soybeans.

All of this is a prelude to talks to be held in Washington in October that may lead to a temporary halt to escalations which have now threatened to crash the US economy in an election year.

The lifting of the fishmeal tariff is significant because China is the primary export market for pollock fishmeal produced in Alaska.  Every catcher processor and shore plant produces...

Russia Eyes Increasing Harvests of Antarctic Krill, Toothfish, Other Species

Russia plans to significantly increase the volume of fish and seafood harvested in the Antarctic region, according to recent statements by senior officials of the Russian Federal Agency of Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo) and domestic fishermen.

Ilya Shestakov, head of Rosrybolovstvo, said as part of these plans, particular attention will be paid to the increase of catch of Antarctic krill, along with squid, mackerel, icefish and toothfish. Some Russian fishermen plan to increase their toothfish catch, despite the existing restrictions on its production...

Friday the 13th: Superstitions at Sea

A life of danger and uncertainty has seafarers observing a strict set of rules steeped in myth and superstition.

Many sea going beliefs are based on the Bible, for example, Friday is the worst day to set out to sea.

Most sources credit that to the belief that Christ was crucified on a Friday.

Similarly, Sunday is the best day to begin a voyage, because Christ’s resurrection on that day is seen as a good omen. Thus the old adage, ‘Sunday sail, never fail...’

Maine Coast Attains SQF Food Safety Certification 

Maine Coast, known for Lively Lobster, fresh North Atlantic lobster sourced from United States and Canadian fisheries for global distribution, has announced the achievement of a certification under the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety Code for Manufacturing. The company received a score of 97 and Excellent status. The SQF Food Safety Code is an internationally recognized, independent food safety standard administered by the Safe Quality Food Institute. The SQF Certification requires producers to develop and implement a strict food safety system that applies to each step of the supply chain, ensuring products...

New Study Notes Changes in Lobster Molt Timing and Gulf of Maine Temperature Shifts

A new report finds that increased variation in lobster molt timing is related to changing ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Maine. The study provides a quantified time series for when the crustaceans annually shed their shells.

Understanding that relationship is critical to the lobster industry and the sustainability of the resource. The study, published in the journal Fisheries Oceanography, was led by then UMaine graduate student Kevin Staples, who was pursuing a dual master's degree in marine biology and marine policy.

The study team included ...

Seafood Expo Global 2021 to Be Held in Barcelona 

Diversified Communications, organizer of Seafood Expo Global, announced it will be moving the world's largest seafood exposition to Barcelona, Spain, beginning in 2021. Since 1993, Seafood Expo Global has taken place in Brussels, Belgium. Diversified Communications stated that the shift in locations is due to the show's popularity, which has led it to outgrow Brussels.

Mary Larkin, the president of Diversified Communications, stated, "The location of our event contributes to our customers’ overall experience. The Brussels Expo and the city of Brussels were great partners to launch and...

USCG Cutters Support Oceania Partners During Month-long Anti-IUU Operation in South Pacific

Two Coast Guard cutters, the Walnut and Joseph Gerczak, conducted Operation Aiga, the Samoan word for “family”, in waters off of Samoa and the U.S. territory of American Samoa, to counter illegal fishing and strengthen relations with U.S. allies. 

"Our Coast Guard crews demonstrated superior performance during intense operations over the past month in support of the Government of Samoa and within the U.S. territory of American Samoa," said Rear Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.

"Working with Australia and New Zealand ...

NL Squid Landings 40% Above 2018, Value up 50% With Another Month of Fishing To Go

St. John’s, NL -- A changing ecosystem has increased the abundance of squid around Newfoundland and Labrador, expanding landings well above those of 2018, according to the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP).

The increased volumes met challenges for both harvesters and processors. 

“With the greater abundance, we needed to take care to ensure harvesters landed the best quality and that producers can produce the best quality,” said Derek Butler, executive director of ASP. 

After protracted discussions with the FFAW (Fish, Food, and Allied Workers Union) ... 

Captain D's Opens New Unit in Georgia Bringing State Total to 105

Captain D's, one of the nation's top fast casual seafood restaurants, opened its newest franchised location in Cochran, Georgia recently on the heels of recent openings in Hazlehurst, Norcross and Pooler earlier this year.

The new Captain D's is owned and operated by Cochran native Ali Momin, at 28, he is the brand’s youngest operator. Momin signed his first franchise development agreement in 2016 and currently has another Captain D's restaurant in Lovejoy. 

In addition to his two Captain D's, Momin owns two Dairy Queen restaurants and ...

Urner Barry to Steer the Ship as SeafoodNews Founder John Sackton Steps Down 

After 25 Years Reporting Seafood Industry News, Sackton Leaves a Legacy in His Wake

John Sackton, whose unrivaled contributions to the seafood industry are widely celebrated, will be ending his role as Publisher of SeafoodNews as of September 29, 2019.

This is the two-year anniversary of the acquisition of Urner Barry by AgriBriefing, the world’s leading agribusiness media, price reporting and intelligence company, which also included the purchase of SeafoodNews, founded by Sackton. Since that time, Urner Barry has transitioned to managing all editorial operations and...

Listen: Interview with Lobsterman Sonny Beal; Clipper Seafoods-Blue North Merger and More

Join SeafoodNews Podcast hosts Lorin Castiglione and Ryan Doyle as they discuss StarKist’s price-fixing sentence; the approved merger of Clipper Seafoods and Blue North; Russia’s seafood export plans along with an interview with lobsterman Sonny Beal!

This episode was brought to you by Maine Lobster. The rocky coast of Maine is home to one of the most iconic and sustainable fisheries in the worlds. With 5,600 independent lobstermen from multi-generational families, the Maine Lobster industry is committed to bringing sustainably harvested lobster from...

Bristol Seafood Hires Mike Lodato as New Vice President of Sales

Bristol Seafood announced the hiring of Mike Lodato as the new Vice President of Sales. Lodato will be tasked with growing Bristol’s portfolio of foodservice and retail account.

“Bristol is a socially responsible company focused on producing premium, sustainable seafood,” Lodato said. “I look forward to helping get it on the plates of more Americans.”

Lodato previously worked with Diversified Communications, the owner of the seafood shows in Boston and Brussels, as well as Seafood Source. He spent 22 years with...

The Atlantic Salmon Fish Farmers Call ASF’s Comments on Escapes “Fearmongering”

Susan Farquharson, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, challenged statements made last week by the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) about the transparency of reporting farmed salmon escapes.

“Salmon farmers do not want to lose a single fish. Their fish are their livelihood. When escapes do happen, they are largely a result of extreme weather events. Occasionally escapes are due to equipment malfunction or human error when fish are being handled (i.e. harvesting, fish health inspections). Salmon farmers are already transparent about escapes,” Farquharson ...

Chinese Market Welcomes Large Shrimp, but Small Shrimp Also Expected to Sell During Holidays

During late August, shrimp prices have begun to rise in South China. As available statistics show, depending on their sizes, the increase ranges between 0.5 yuan ($0.07 USD) to 2 yuan ($0.28 USD) per jin (1 jin=0.5 kg) compared with prices in mid-August in Zhuhai of Guangdong. And in Beihai of Guangxi, the increase is between 2 yuan ($0.28 USD) to 3 yuan ($0.42 USD) per jin.

In North China, prices...

Pew Report Finds Transshipments in Western and Central Pacific Likely Underreported

With the passage of the Port States Convention that strengthens country’s documentation requirements for offloads, and gives countries legal authority to ban or blacklist vessels suspected of IUU fishing, transshipment at sea has become one of the major avenues by which IUU fish enters international commerce.

Pew has released a study of the Western and Central Pacific that combines new satellite AIS data with machine learning to document the extent of transshipment that is likely occurring.

They found that it was likely to be five times higher than the transshipments that were reported to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. 

The report’s key findings include:

• At least 140 carrier vessels