Euclid Fish Files Class Action Lawsuit Alleging Price Fixing by Marine Harvest, Other Salmon Firms

Euclid Fish has enlisted the high-powered law firm, Hausfeld, to file a US anti-trust case against Norwegian Salmon producers.  The case was brought in Miami district court.

Hausfeld has won some of the largest anti-trust cases and settlements in history, including one against a consortium of banks challenging their method of converting currency, and another against Volkswagen for their diesel emissions cheating.

The complaint charges a conspiracy to keep salmon prices artificially high through coordination, explicit conversations, and coordinated attempts to manipulate the spot price of Norwegian salmon.

It was touched off by the fact that the EC is similarly investigating a possible anti-trust case against the major salmon companies.  Mowi, Salmar, Leroy, and Grieg have all confirmed...

Atlantic Capes Fisheries Claims Listing With 'Dirty Dozen' Companies Based on False Information

Atlantic Capes Fisheries, and its labor contractor in New Bedford, BJs, settled a widely publicized sexual harassment case in January that resulted in a $675,000 payment that mostly went to four immigrant women workers.  They filed the suit after not receiving action on their complaint about a supervisor who threatened to fire them unless they accepted his sexual advances.

Based on news stories about this settlement, Atlantic Capes Fisheries was named one of America's Dirty Dozen companies by COSH, the National Council for Occupational Safety and...

Chinese Demand for Imported Shrimp May Grow 20% This Year

Recently 7FRESH of JD has released a list of fresh food products popular online during the first quarter. Regarding China’s domestic seafood, crayfish have become a hot commodity among foodies. Meanwhile, in terms of imported seafood, Ecuador’s white shrimp and Chile’s salmon steaks stand out and have won over consumers in the huge market.

In addition to statistics from China’s e-commerce giant, customs statistics also illustrate the great demand for imported seafood. For example, as official data show, there has been a great increase in China’s import of white shrimp from Ecuador...

GAPP, Gorton’s Announce Partnership with Celebrity Food Influencer and Chef Antoni Porowski

As part of its North American Partnership Program, the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced today that  with Gorton’s Seafood, it will be partnering with Queer Eye star and Emmy Award-winning TV personality, actor, food expert and restauranteur Antoni Porowski to create new recipes—and buzz—for Wild Alaska Pollock. This project, one of twelve recently funded by the GAPP Board of Directors for the second round of the North American Partnership Program, aims to bring millennials around the dinner table, introducing them to...

Alaska Seafood Industry Snapshot

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch - An updated snapshot of Alaska’s seafood industry.

Alaska’s seafood industry puts 60,000 people to work, meaning $1.5 billion in earnings for fishermen on more than 9,000 vessels and workers at 87 large shoreside processing plants.

The seafood industry supports at least $150 million a year in taxes and fees.

And here’s why state budget watchers should care about fish prices:  In 2017, for example, the average dock price per pound for all Alaska seafood was 41 cents. If it had increased by one penny, it would...

Pet Owners Seeking Out Food Free from Wheat, Soy, Artificial Colors and More

Consumers have shifted away from purchasing food options with artificial products, and they're doing the same when it comes to purchasing food for their pets. According to a new study from Nielsen, more and more consumers are looking to buy pet food that is free from wheat, soy, artificial colors, fillers and corn.

Nielsen published data that shows consumers spent nearly $5 billion purchasing pet food with wheat-free claims. Soy-free food was right behind, with nearly $4.5 billion spent...

Four Maine Lobstermen Charged with Multiple Violations

Maine's Department of Marine Resources is reporting that two lobster fishermen and two crewmembers have been charged with multiple violations following an investigation by Marine Patrol Officer Rustin Ames.

Walter Foster, 56, and Nicholas Wood, 22, were issued summonses after the Marine Patrol received a complaint from Stockton Springs harvester William Nichols that someone was cutting his lobster traps. Marine Patrol conducted an investigation, and found that Foster, Wood and two crew members, had cut Nichols' traps on numerous occasions between August 2018 and October 2018...

Massachusetts Lobster Processing Bill Temporarily Killed Again by House of Representatives

Since 2016, when the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a bill that would allow for the processing of lobster in Massachusetts, and the sale of lobster parts, such as raw tails, the state has been unable to modernize the law due to opposition in the House of Representatives.

The latest set back came after Gloucester Rep. Bruce Tarr, also the Minority leader in the Senate tied the popular lobster bill to the 2018 supplemental budget.  During the House and Senate Conference, it was hoped the conferees would keep the bill...

Ecojustice sues Province of Newfoundland Over Mowi Stephenville Salmon Hatchery Expansion

Newfoundland is one of the places in the world seeing a major expansion of net pen salmon production and infrastructure.  Part of this is because the Provincial government is fully behind the development of an aquaculture industry, and both land and water sites are available. A recent McKenzie report on growth strategies suggested the Province could see 100,000 tons of salmon production annually by 2030 if potential was realized.

Part of their recommendations involved using and expanding existing sites.  This is what Marine Harvest (Mowi) is attempting to...

Dunleavy Asks ADF&G to Look at Selling Hatcheries, Managers Not Interested in Buying

Newly-elected Governor Mike Dunleavy released his state budget two months ago reflecting exactly what he promised in his campaign -- every Alaskan will continue to get the full Permanent Dividend Fund amount of more than $4,000 this year (last year it was $1,600 per person), taxes would not be increased, and “the state’s out-of-control spending” would come to a halt. 

In order to make that work, Dunleavy has asked most departments to look at assets that could be sold ...

Gloucester Lobsterman Begins Jail Sentence for Illegal Landing of Undersized Lobsters

Gloucester lobsterman James A. Santapaola Jr. has started his 47-day jail sentence for illegally landing undersized lobsters.

As SeafoodNews.com previously reported in November 2018, Santapaola Jr. was arrested by Massachusetts Environmental Police following an investigation into illegal lobster fishing in state and federal waters. Officers discovered that Santapaolo Jr.'s 600-lb lobster catch included "dozens of undersized, oversized and illegally mutilated lobsters."

And that wasn't Santapaola Jr.'s first offense. He committed a similar offense in 2006, and a criminal complaint was...

Macaroni Grill Adds New Seafood items to Limited Time 'Tastes of Sorrento' Menu

Romano's Macaroni Grill has a new, limited time menu … just in time for summer.  

The national restaurant chain unveiled their "Tastes of Sorrento" menu earlier this week. The new menu, which features an array of seafood dishes, is inspired by the open-air markets of Sorrento, Italy.

"There's nothing better on a warm, summer day than enjoying a light, delicious meal while making memories with your loved ones at Macaroni Grill," said Holly Wagstaff-Bellamo, VP of Marketing at Macaroni Grill.  

New seafood dishes featured...

High Liner Gives Mascot Captain High Liner A Modern New Look

High Liner Foods is changing things up by giving their iconic mascot, Captain High Liner, a brand-new look. Gone is the captain's hat and turtleneck sweater donned by the gray-haired icon. Now the Captain has a bit of a younger face, an updated wardrobe, slicked back gray hair and trimmed facial hair.

"High Liner is one of our country's most beloved and trusted brands and the Captain plays a significant role in that," said Craig Murray, senior vice president of marketing and innovation at High Liner Foods...

Indonesian Seaweed Industry Seeking to Grow Market At 23rd International Seaweed Symposium

The Indonesian Association of Seaweed Processors (ASTRULI) is seeking to grow their market at the 23rd International Seaweed Symposium (ISS), taking place from April 28-May 3 in Jeju, South Korea.

ASTRULI, which is made up of 20 members in the Indonesian seaweed processing industry, announced that they will be using ISS to introduce the "Indonesia Seaweed" brand, which represents the best quality Indonesian seaweed products produced with sustainable processes.

“ASTRULI participation in ISS 2019 is to create awareness amongst Seaweed Industry stake holders that...

Salmon Permit Values Increase For All But A Few Alaska Regions

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

Nearly all Alaska salmon permits have gone up in value since last fall and broker action is brisk.

“We’re as busy as we’ve ever been in the last 20 years. Boat sales are doing well and between IFQs and permit sales, we’ve got a busy year going.”

Doug Bowen runs Alaska Boats and Permits in Homer.

The permit interest is fueled by a forecast this year of over 213 million salmon, an 85 percent increase over 2018...

Can Magnuson Protect Fishing Communities? Decision Denying Protection to Adak, Atka Causes Doubt

In 2016 the North Pacific Council, in a decision approved by NMFS, created a 5000 ton pacific cod set aside in the Aleutian Islands district for BSAI cod, that required that amount to be landed West of 170 degrees (in either Adak or Atka), if processing plants there gave notice that they would operate.

The provision also had a failsafe, which was that if plants had not processed 1000 tons of cod by February 28, the set aside would be terminated and added back to...

Cellular Aquaculture Company BlueNalu Moving to Larger Research Facility

BlueNalu, a cellular aquaculture facility based out of San Diego, announced this week that they have moved to a larger research facility.

Launched by founders Chris Somogyi, Chris Dammann and Lou Cooperhouse, BlueNalu was created with the mission to provide a "wide array of sustainable seafood products to consumers around the world via their cellular aquaculture process." While seafood is either farmed or wild-caught, BlueNalu uses fish cells to manufacture seafood products. The company said in a statement that they plan to develop products from finfish...

LISTEN: Red Lobster's New Partnership, Most Trusted Frozen Fish Brand, Live Lobster Market and More

Join SeafoodNews Podcast hosts Amanda Buckle and Lorin Castiglione for a brand new episode. This week on the podcast we talk about Red Lobster's new partnership with nonprofit group Ocean Conservancy; the most trusted frozen fish brand by consumers; the live lobster market; and more.

This week's episode is brought to you by Urner Barry's Executive Conference, taking place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from April 28-30. The Executive Conference is a must-attend event for decision makers in the protein industry...

ISSF Annual Compliance Report Shows 98.5 Percent Conformance with Foundation Conservation Measures

The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) released their Annual Conservation Measures & Commitments Compliance Report on Wednesday. The document details the efforts of ISSF participating companies to achieve full conformance with all ISSF Conservation Measures and Commitments that were in force in 2018. ISSF is happy to report that the document shows a 98.5% conformance rate by 25 ISSF participating companies with all 27 ISSF conservation measures in effect during the audit period.

"It is encouraging to see the independent audit process continue to show high conformance among our....

Atlantic Natural Foods Proclaims April 30 'World TUNO Day'

The UN's World Tuna Day is coming up on May 2, but this year Atlantic Natural Foods will be celebrating World TUNO Day on April 30.

Atlantic Natural Foods is the producer and manufacturer of plant-based, shelf-stable food, including Loma Linda's tuna alternative, Tuno. According to the company, their decision to proclaim April 30th World TUNO Day is a "symbolic gesture to encourage consumers to eat more sustainably and bring awareness to the long-term need to create alternative protein sources...

Long John Silver's Celebrates the End of Lent Food Restrictions with Secret Menu Item

Quick-service seafood chain Long John Silver's is celebrating the end of Lent food restrictions with a secret menu item … a chicken taco.

At the start of Lent, Long John Silver's launched a new campaign with their record label Fish Yeah!™Records, and their first signed band, Coral Benders. Every Friday, from March 6 to April 19, Long John Silver's released a new song from the "beach-adjacent dad rock" band from Washington, D.C. The campaign concluded with the debut of a...

WDFW, Army Corps Collaborate on Restoration, Bridge Replacement to Benefit Salmon and Whales

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are moving forward with a 38-acre estuary restoration project on Hood Canal. Estuaries in Puget Sound and Hood Canal are critical habitat for Endangered Species Act-listed chum and Chinook salmon, a key prey of southern resident killer whales.

A design agreement signed by WDFW Director Kelly Susewind and Army Corps Colonel Geraldi allows the Corps to begin the design phase of a large restoration at the mouth of the Duckabush River...

Iceland Expects 50% Expansion of Farmed Salmon This Year, Surge in the Future

Given the problems with sea lice in Norway, and the continued high demand for salmon, investment has flowed into new areas such as Newfoundland and Iceland where salmon farming has significant opportunities to expand.

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority has said that it expects salmon production to reach 20,000 tons this year, up nearly 50% from the 13,448 tons produced in 2018.

Partly this is driven by new investments, and by more farms coming online.

Salmar has recently added to its stake in...

MSC Hires MEP Linnéa Engström As Program Director for the Scandinavia and Baltic Sea Region

Linnéa Engström, a Member of the European Parliament, will be leaving her position to join the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as their new Program Director for the Scandinavia and Baltic Sea Region. MSC confirmed the news on Wednesday, announcing that Engström will begin her new role at the MSC's Stockholm office on April 29.

"I am delighted to welcome Linnéa to the MSC team in Europe," Camiel Derichs, Regional Director in Europe at the MSC, said in a press release...

Iberostar Partners with California's FishWise to Launch Global Sustainable Seafood Training Program

FishWise, a non-profit sustainable seafood consultancy based in California, announced a new partnership with international tourism company Iberostar Group to bolster education and training across Iberostar's family of 32,000 employees on responsible seafood consumption.

Responsible seafood consumption is one of three priority action areas under the company's Wave of Change movement. By enabling employees to confidently message Wave of Change concepts to Iberostar's 8 million annual guests, both companies hope to inspire responsible seafood consumption amongst ...

Halibut Quota Slump in Alaska

A slight increase in this year’s halibut catch and respectable dock prices haven’t done much to boost the value of IFQs (Individual Fishing Quotas).

Halibut quota shares that topped $70 per pound in some regions took a 30 percent nose dive in 2018 and have remained there ever since. 

Now $63 per pound is the high for halibut IFQs in the Southeast fishing region, with most moving at the $52 to $58 range, said Olivia Olsen. In the Central Gulf of Alaska...

NOAA Lists Newly Discovered Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s Whales as Endangered

Add to the list of endangered whales the Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s Whale, far less abundant than Atlantic or Pacific Right Whales and faring only slightly better than the Gulf of California’s beleaguered vaquita porpoise.

The most recent estimate is there are fewer than 100 individuals, with fewer than 50 being mature. Pronounced “Broo-dus,” Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whales are the only known resident baleen whales in the Gulf of Mexico, and found only last month as a distinct subspecies of the Bryde’s whales found globally...

Red Lobster Kicking Off Summer with Cedar-Plank Seafood Event

Nothing says summer like seafood cooked on a cedar plank. And while the first day of summer technically isn't until June 21, Red Lobster is getting into the spirit of the season with the launch of their Cedar-Plank Seafood Event.

"We are excited to be featuring seafood cooked on a cedar plank because it adds a rich, smoky flavor while keeping the seafood tender and delicious," said Chef Dustin Hilinski, Executive Chef and Director of Culinary at Red Lobster. "The perfect addition to the upcoming summer season....

USCG to Hold Public Hearing for Mary B II Crab Vessel Capsizing Investigation

The U.S. Coast Guard is scheduled to conduct a formal public hearing beginning May 13 to consider evidence related to the Mary B II marine casualty investigation.

The hearing will focus on the capsizing of the commercial fishing vessel Mary B II, which led to the deaths of three fishermen at the entrance of Yaquina Bay in Newport January 8, 2019. The fishermen included James Lacey, 48, from South Toms River, NJ; Joshua Porter, 50, from Toledo, Ore.; and the boat's skipper, Stephen Biernacki...

Togiak Herring Sac Roe: Earliest Opening Ever and Higher Quota by 28% 

The Togiak herring season opened April 16 in the fishey’s earliest by a few days start date, and with nearly 30 percent more herring to catch than last year. 

Almost half of the seine fishery allocation has been landed. As of April 20 at 9:30 a.m., a total of 9,340 tons out of 21,544 tons for the seine fleet had been caught. Average size of the fish were 388 grams with 11.7 % roe maturity. 

The purse seine fishery in Togiak opened at 5 p.m. local time on...