Despite the Coronvirus Outbreak, Online Seafood Sales in China Increase

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, China’s seafood market has been sluggish during this Chinese New Year—and quite a number of industry participants are worried if they can survive the harsh winter. Though sellers encounter great challenges in brick-and-mortar store sales, there is an increase to different extents in the virtual ones within this market depression.

For example, according to statistics from JD.com, its seafood product sales have increased by about 60% within this shopping carnival compared with the previous one...

ANALYSIS: Alaska Snow Crab Begins to Trickle into U.S. Market

Alaskan snow crab is reportedly starting to become available. We have reported in the frozen crab commentary that trading looks to be taking place on 5-8s between $8.75 and $8.95 FOB Seattle.

The 2019/2020 Bering Sea snow crab season technically runs between October 15 through May 31. However, fishing does not usually start to pick up until the end of December and into January, with the highest volumes seen in the market in February and March...

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These are the Top 10 Seafood Items Consumed in the U.S. for 2018

On Friday the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their Annual Fisheries of the U.S. Report for 2018, and the report detailed how U.S. seafood per capita consumption has hit 16.1 lbs.  Now, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is doing a deeper dive into exactly what seafood items Americans are consuming.

The top consumed seafood item – once again – is shrimp, with 4.6 lbs. eaten per capita. This is a record-high. Second on the list is...

Blue Harvest Launching First Line of Branded Retail Products at Boston Seafood Show

So far 2020 has been a big year for Blue Harvest Fisheries. Last week the company completed the acquisition of 12 vessels and 27 fishing permits previously owned by Carlos Rafael. This week Blue Harvest Fisheries announced the launch of their first branded retail product line.

The new product line, which will be showcased at Seafood Expo North America in Boston next month, includes locally harvested and processed MSC-certified Atlantic sea scallops, Atlantic pollock (saithe), North Atlantic ocean perch (Acadian redfish) and haddock...

LISTEN: Breaking Down NOAA's Annual Fisheries of the U.S. Report

This week on the SeafoodNews Podcast... SeafoodNews Managing Editor Amanda Buckle and Staff Writer Ryan Doyle break down NOAA's Annual Fisheries of the U.S. report. Listen in to learn more about seafood consumption, how much U.S. fishermen landed in 208, the species with the highest value, and much more!

The SeafoodNews Podcast is brought to you by Urner Barry. Visit Urner Barry at Seafood Expo North America in Boston from March 15-17. Stop by Booth #364 for a demo of our...

Veggie-loving Monkeyface Prickleback: New Aquaculture Species?

There's something more to the monkeyface prickleback besides a quaint name: It's a vegetarian fish with a digestive system similar to humans. And it could be a new aquaculture species.

This West Coast tidepool-dwelling fish captured the interest of University of California, Irvine, biologists. They studied the genome of an unusual fish and found it offers new possibilities for humans to obtain dietary protein as climate change imperils traditional sources. Their paper appears in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

The fish, Cebidichthys violaceus, has an acidic stomach and small ...

New Study Shows Warm Water Affects “Hatch Success” in Pacific Cod Eggs

The years 2013 through 2016 in the North Pacific created a perfect storm for the viabiity of many organisms at the time, and we now know that it was a one-two punch for the survival of Pacific cod eggs. 

Many studies were launched following the 2017 announcement that the Gulf of Alaska’s cod population had dropped 70% from the year earlier. Over recent months and years, the results of the studies have shown that prey disappeared for juvenile and adult cod and that spawning habitat changed ... 

Costco Named First Participant in FDA’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program

The Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) received FDA approval to become the first participant in its Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

VQIP is a voluntary fee-based program created by the FDA that “provides importers, who achieve and maintain control over the safety and security of their supply chains, expedited review and importation of human and animal foods into the United States.”

“Costco has successfully demonstrated management of the safety and security of its supply chain, which will allow them to utilize...

Coast Guard Medevacs Fisherman Near Port O'Connor, Texas

A fisherman was medevaced from a vessel about two miles offshore Matagorda Bay near Port O’Connor, Texas on February 23.

The 52-year-old fisherman was experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. The crewmembers aboard the vessel sent a request to the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Then, Coast Guard Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi watchstanders were notified and consulted with the duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac.

The Coast Guard launched an Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and a Station Port O' Connor...

Huffman’s Listening Tour for MSA Reauthorization in Honolulu Today

Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Ed Case (D-HI) are holding the latest meeting of lawmakers and fisheries stakeholders in Honolulu this morning to discuss the Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization. 

Huffman, Chair of the House Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife, is on a nationwide tour to hear stakeholders thoughts on how the MSA, the country’s foundational legislation for fisheries policy, should be amended when it is reauthorized. Huffman has promised to visit at least once in each of the areas served by regional fisheries management councils... 

VIDEO: Blue Harvest Acquisition; Coronavirus Impact; Fish Sandwich War; Blue Apron Closing Facility

Join SeafoodNews Weekly Video co-hosts Lorin Castiglione and Amanda Buckle as they talk about Blue Harvest's acquisition of Carlso Rafael's vessles, the impact of the coronavirus on the seafood industry, and Arby's declaring a fish sandwich war against McDonald's. Plus, learn more about Blue Apron's announcment that they're closing their Arlington, Texas, facility.

This episode was brought to you by Urner Barry. Visit Urner Barry at Seafood Expo North America in Boston from March 15-17. Stop by Booth #364 for a demo of...

Prudent Management, Small Increases in Biomass, Allow for 2020 Shark Fishery in Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources opened a commercial shark fishery in territorial waters Monday, Feb. 10, under more conservative management, given signs that decades of careful management has resulted in small but measurable increases in the population of some species.

Mississippi is home to 30 species of large and small coastal sharks and ten pelagic sharks, some of which are highly migratory species like mako and thresher. 

New regulations this year require a daily bag limit for commercial fishermen of no more than twenty-five ... 

Dried Kelp From Kodiak Hits National Store Shelves

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch –

Dried kelp from Kodiak is set to be the first Alaska seaweed to make a splash at hundreds of retail stores across the U.S. The strips of ribbon and sugar kelp can be rehydrated and tossed in salads, rice or broths.

It’s the debut product for Kodiak kelp growers in their partnership with Blue Evolution, the California-based company has pioneered the kelp industry in Alaska. The new product’s snazzy, biodegradable packaging promotes the nutritional power and purity of Alaska kelp and...

Noodles & Company Makes Shrimp Scampi Dish a Permanent Menu Item

Shrimp is now a permanent menu item at Noodles & Company after debuting last year as a limited-time offer.

In 2019 the fast-casual restaurant introduced a Zucchini Shrimp Scampi dish, as well as a Penne Rosa with Shrimp dish, as a light and protein-rich option for diners hoping to reach their New Year's resolution goals. The menu items were also added to the menu right before Lent, giving those who abstain from eating meat during that time another menu option...

Whole Foods Honors Pacifico Aquaculture, Icicle Seafoods and Inverawe Smokehouse in Annual Awards

Whole Foods announced the winners of their eighth annual Supplier Awards, and the list features three seafood companies.

The grocery chain's Supplier Awards honors 32 of the company's suppliers for their "outstanding achievements in 2019 and ongoing commitments to quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation, purpose and partnership." Last year Whole Foods honored Wild Planet Foods and Luke's Lobster. This year three seafood companies are being recognized: Pacifico Aquaculture, Icicle Seafoods, and Inverawe Smokehouse.

Pacifico Aquaculture is receiving "special recognition" under National Awards for...

Blue Apron Closing Arlington Facility, Laying Off 240 Employees

Blue Apron announced in an earnings call this week that they are closing their facility in Arlington, Texas. The news comes after the meal kit company downsized last year at their facilities in Linden, New Jersey and Richmond, California.

CEO Linda Findley Kozlowski said that their decision to close the Arlington facility is because the company is "building a foundation of operational optimization and fiscal discipline to support our strategy to return to growth."

"Given advancements in sourcing, production and logistics, we believe this consolidation of volume into Linden and Richmond...

Young Fishermen’s Act Advances, Awaits House Vote

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch. The Young Fishermen’s Act advances in Congress.

For decades the federal government has funded programs to help train young farmers, ranchers, even aquaculturists.  It was $15 million for this fiscal year and is set at $25 million by 2023.

The nation’s farmers of the sea are hoping for a similar helping hand from Uncle Sam. It’s far smaller– $2 million over six years paid for by fishing fines.

A Young Fishermen’s Development Act introduced last year by Alaska’s congressional delegation is...

Queensland Aquaculture Report Shows Growth in Industry

According to the annual Aquaculture Production Summary, Queensland's aquaculture industry is seeing some impressive growth.

"The number of jobs in Queensland aquaculture grew by 18.7% last financial year from the equivalent of 525 full-time positions to 623," Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, said in a media statement. “The annual Aquaculture Production Summary confirms we are on track with our goal to grow Queensland’s aquaculture industry, which will create hundreds more jobs in the regions."

According to the report, prawn production increased by...

Study: Marine National Monuments Caused No Economic Harm to Hawaii’s Longline Tuna Industry

Recent findings released in the Nature Communications journal show that the expansion of the Pacific Remote Islands and Papahānaumokuākea marine national monuments did not hurt the pockets of Hawaii’s longline tuna fishing fleet.

The study, supported by Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Project, marked the first economic look at two of the biggest protected areas on the planet. According to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the protected areas are larger than Alaska, Texas and California combined.

The study’s lead author, John Lynham, of the University...

Fisheries of the United States, 2018: New Bedford by the Numbers

According to NOAA's Fisheries of the United States report for 2018, New Bedford is once again the port with the highest value of seafood landed. This is the 19th consecutive year that the Massachusetts port has held the title.

For 2018, New Bedford's value of seafood landed totaled $431 million. The port truly leads the pack when it comes to value. In the number two spot is Naknek, Alaska, with an overall value of 195 million pounds, which isn't even half of...

Eating Seafood Reduces Risk of Premature Births

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch – Eating fish can literally save lives.

Premature birth is the leading cause of death for children under 5 years old worldwide, accounting for nearly one million deaths annually. Eating seafood or marine oils can significantly reduce that number.

The life saving ingredient? Omega 3 fatty acids.

That’s the main finding of a new Cochrane Review of 70 studies worldwide that included nearly 20,000 pregnant women. It showed that omega’s from marine sources reduces early premature birth by a whopping 42 percent...

Seafood Consumption at Highest Level Since 2007, According to NOAA's 2018 Fisheries Report

NOAA released their annual Fisheries of the U.S. Report for 2018. According to the numbers, seafood consumption was up compared to 2017 – although very slightly.

According to the government agency, seafood consumption jumped to 16.1 pounds, which is up 0.1 pounds from 2017. This number represents the highest consumption level since 2007, when total per capita consumption was at 16.3 pounds. Looking at the top consumed item, shrimp once again holds that title with 4.6 pounds consumed. That's a 0.2 jump from 2017...

Blue Apron Announces What to Expect in 2020 

In an earnings call this week, Blue Apron discussed the meal kit company's strategy for the upcoming year. In the near-term, Blue Apron CEO Linda Findley Kozlowski stated that the company would prioritize the second pillar of their strategy which includes providing more choices and enabling more flexibility to accommodate a wider range of consumers' needs and preferences.

In early December, Blue Apron launched its latest menu expansion, allowing all customers to select from any eleven recipes on their Signature Two-Serving menu each week. The increase from eight to...

Russian Regulators Lobby Introduction of Auctions for Entire Domestic Fish Sector  

Moscow, Russia -- The Russian anti-trust regulator—the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS)—has put forward a proposal to introduce the practice of auctions for the entire fish sector of the country.

According to FAS, the auction's scheme should completely replace the existing historical principle of fish quota distribution in the domestic fish market. Mikhail Evraev, deputy Head of FAS, believes the introduction of auctions will create conditions for the further development of the Russian fish market and attract more investors.  

The proposal from FAS has already submitted to...

White Castle Brings Back Shrimp Nibblers for Lent, But Crab Cake Sliders Don't Make the Cut

White Castle is adding some more seafood items to their menu —just in time for Lent. The fast food chain announced on Friday that they are now serving a new crispy Panko Breaded Fish Slider and a seasonal Craver favorite – Shrimp Nibblers. However, one seasonal seafood item is missing from their menu … the Seafood Crab Cake Slider.

White Castle added a Crab Cake Slider to their menu back in 2017. The Crab Cake Slider returned in 2018 and 2019, but appears to have...

France: Startup Huddle Corp. Plans Pilot Plant for Targeted Aqua Nutrition Concepts

Blue Harvest Fisheries Completes Acquisition of 12 Vessels, 27 Fishing Permits From Carlos Rafael 

Blue Harvest Fisheries confirmed on Thursday that they have completed the acquisition of 12 vessels and 27 fishing permits previously owned by Carlos Rafael.

"Blue Harvest is committed to carrying on the best aspects of New Bedford and New England’s storied fishing traditions, and we’re excited to expand our work on the waterfront,” said Keith Decker, CEO and President of Blue Harvest. “With our resources and seafood expertise, we are ideally positioned to be a productive member of the Northeast groundfish fishery for...

Cape May Fishermen, Processor Sues NOAA’s At-Sea Monitoring Rule

Cause of Action Institute, on behalf of six trawlers and a processor based in Cape May, NJ, filed a lawsuit yesterday against Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and NOAA Fisheries to block a new rule forcing them to pay for third-party “at-sea monitors.”  

The plaintiffs claim that NOAA Fisheries and the Department of Commerce violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) when designing and implementing the final rule.

Designed by the New England Fishery Management Council and promulgated by NOAA...

Gulf of Maine Longline Survey in Rocky Habitats Now in Sixth Year 

For fisheries managers around the world, trawl gear is an efficient way to sample species inhabiting the sea floor or the benthic column above. Depending on the size of the net, grid surveys will capture enough of the animals in the area at the time to compile data used in abundance models that go into stock assessments.  Unless the fish swim out of the net before it is hauled. Or unless the sea bottom is rocky or pinnacled. 

In those areas, longline gear can help fill in the...

Norwegian Seafood Restaurants Receive Michelin Stars

A number of Norwegian restaurants were awarded Michelin stars during a ceremony in Trondheim on Monday evening.

Michelin might be well known for its tires, but the company also puts out the Michelin Guide, a go-to for dining. The tire company was launched in France in 1889 by brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin. But, in an effort to boost car sales – and sales of their tires – the brothers also began to produce a guide for travelers. By 1926 the guide began to award stars to fine dining restaurants...