ANALYSIS: US Frozen Tuna Imports Drop 20% YTD While Market Holds Steady

Frozen tuna has remained one of the more stable categories in an otherwise volatile imported seafood market. While many competing species posted sharp price gains amid tight supply, elevated replacement costs, tariff uncertainty, shifting demand patterns, and rising fuel and freight expenses tied to geopolitical instability, frozen tuna continued to trade within a relatively narrow range. That relative stability is especially notable given the added complexity from changing tariff policy, NOAA’s MMPA comparability rule, and softer foodservice demand. Supported by more balanced...

ANALYSIS: Temporary Price Dip Masks Potential Supply Constraints in New Scallop Season

With the 2026-2027 scallop season now underway, early Open Area landings and Northern Gulf of Maine product are bolstering supply levels. Initial demand appears somewhat quiet, leading to lower prices across many domestic product categories, marking the first notable price relief in quite some time. However, market participants widely anticipate this easing could prove short-lived as...

Canadian Fishermen Face Fuel Cost Surge Amid Start to Lobster, Snow Crab Seasons

Canadian fishermen are grappling with soaring fuel costs as snow crab and lobster seasons get underway, with operating expenses jumping nearly 30% according to Quebec harvesters.

A recent Canadian Broadcasting Corporation report highlighted the diesel price burden on Quebec fishermen, prompting calls for government assistance similar to the aid recently provided to the province's farmers.

"Whether you drive a tractor or a boat, the costs associated with the increase in diesel fuel costs are the same," said Joel Arseneau, member of Quebec's National Assembly...

Alaska's 2026 Salmon Forecast Falls 36% on Lower Pink Salmon Returns

The most recent forecast from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game was released April 21 with a total predicted harvest of 125.5 million salmon, a 36 percent drop from last year’s harvest of 197.4 million fish.

ADF&G’s final report for the coming season, “Run Forecasts and Harvest Projects for 2026 Alaska Salmon Fisheries and Review of the 2025 Season,” provides context for how fisheries managers develop forecasts, including a comparison of actual returns and harvests against forecasts over several years...

Coast Guard Removes Press Release on American Seafoods Pollock Roe Seizure

The US Coast Guard removed a press release from its website detailing the seizure of $65,000 worth of Alaska pollock roe from American Seafoods' catcher-processor Northern Eagle.

The Coast Guard told Alaska's NBC-2 KTUU that it removed the posts to prevent "unintended consequences, distractions from NOAA's ongoing investigation, or confusion about the compliance record within the Alaska pollock fishery."

The USCG said it pushed back on the case's conclusions, noting the issue shouldn't be viewed as evidence of illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing in one...

NOAA Says Venezuela's MMPA Comparability for Blue Crab Fishery Still Pending

After Venezuela's fisheries and aquaculture ministry said its blue crab fishery completed the registration process for an MMPA comparability finding, NOAA said the country is still in the process of applying for a finding.

Venezuela's Ministry of Popular Power for Fisheries and Aquaculture announced on April 16 that it had "successfully completed" the Marine Mammal Protection Act comparability registration process with NOAA Fisheries, claiming the process began on March 27 and was completed in less than three weeks.

However, NOAA Fisheries spokesperson...

Day 56 of Iran War: Ceasefire Extended; Trump Cautions on Hormuz as Oil Gains

US President Donald Trump announced that the Israel–Lebanon ceasefire has been extended by an additional three weeks following discussions at the White House with representatives from both sides.

He also directed the US Navy to "shoot and kill" any Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Traffic through the strategically vital waterway remains severely disrupted, and Iran’s seizure of two large cargo vessels has highlighted its continued leverage. 

Oil markets reacted sharply on Friday, with Brent...

ODFW Plans 3 Meetings on Dungeness Crab Fishery New Gear, Monitoring, and 5-year Risk Reduction

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will hold three public meetings to discuss updates related to marine life entanglement next month. The meetings, held in North Bend, Newport, and Astoria, will also offer stakeholders the opportunity to provide input on planned agenda items for the August 14, 2026, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Salem.

Topics for the three meetings include:

- Five-year risk reduction measures evaluation

- Vessel monitoring and electronic logbooks- Experimental fishing gear permits...

West Coast Processors Partner on Electronic Monitoring Pilot to Cut Compliance Costs

The West Coast Seafood Processors Association has partnered with AIS Inc. on a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation-funded project to test electronic monitoring systems at processing facilities, potentially reducing the "significant cost drivers" associated with current 100% shoreside monitoring requirements.

The pilot will deploy camera systems, AI-assisted species identification, and automated data capture at participating groundfish and Pacific hake processing plants in Washington, Oregon, and California.

"For processors, monitoring isn't optional—we're effectively operating under 200% monitoring in the groundfish fishery...

FDA Warns Against Recalled Washington Oysters Tied to Norovirus-Like Illnesses

The Washington State Department of Health notified the FDA on April 10, 2026, of a recall involving certain shellfish linked to norovirus-like illnesses associated with raw oyster consumption, according to the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference.

The recall covers all shellstock from Gomez Shellfish, LLC (WA-1724-SS) harvested between March 22 and April 9, 2026, from a portion of Hammersley Inlet in Washington.

The FDA is advising consumers, retailers, and foodservice operators not to eat, serve, or sell the affected...

Russian Crab Exports Grow 10% by Volume but Value Stagnates

Official statistics show Russian crab exports grew 10% by volume to 45,800 tons in 2025, but remained virtually unchanged in value at US$1.23 billion. Analysts say this indicates prices for Russian crab declined in some key export markets, particularly China.

Due to limited sales outlets for Russian crab, the Chinese market has become a top priority destination for producers from both the Far East and northern regions of Russia. Northern producers previously focused primarily on the US market, where revenue was significantly higher...

SFP and Seafood Souq Sign MOU to Strengthen Seafood Supply Chain Transparency Across the Middle East

Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) and Seafood Souq signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona today, committing to collaborate on traceability and sustainability solutions to help seafood supply chain actors identify harvest sources and understand sustainability risks, with a focus on the Middle East, North Africa and the broader MENA region.

This marks SFP’s first formal partnership in the region, reflecting the growing importance of the Middle East as both a major seafood trading hub and an emerging leader in supply...

OpenTable Data Shows Mothers Day Dining Is Driving Larger Parties and Earlier Dinners

OpenTable has revealed new data indicating what moms really want on Mother’s Day. Skip breakfast in bed: the research shows moms would rather celebrate with a multigenerational lunch or early dinner than be in charge of the cleanup afterward. That preference is helping drive larger gatherings, with reservations for parties of six or more on Mother’s Day up 13% year over year in 2025.

While brunch at noon remains the most popular option, an early dinner trend is emerging, with 5 p...

Innovasea Relocates Chilean Office to Expanded Facility in Puerto Varas

Innovasea, a global leader in technologically advanced solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking, today announced it has relocated its Chilean office to a new address. The building, which remains located in Puerto Varas, features expanded office and laboratory space designed to better support the team’s growing business and operations.

“We are excited to have set up this location right outside the heart of Puerto Varas with improved facilities and accessibility,” said Jorge Bravo, Innovasea’s Managing Director for Chile. “It offers a great base to serve our clients...

ANALYSIS: Exchange Rate Relief Cushions US Shrimp Farmgate Costs Despite Tariff Pressures

Farmgate shrimp prices adjusted for yield and exchange rates present a more stable picture than replacement cost headlines suggest, but the story shifts dramatically once tariffs enter the equation. While origin-level costs in India track near mid-2022 levels even with current tariffs included, US importers face significantly compressed margins as replacement costs squeeze profitability across product forms...

Governor Appoints Three to Alaska Board of Fish While State Legislators Express Escalating Concern

For most of his two terms, Alaska’s Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued a press release in late March or early April on appointments to the state’s Board of Fisheries, which, along with the Board of Game, oversees the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 

Not this year. Almost a month ago, Dunleavy penned an identical letter to two new appointees and one incumbent, thanking them for accepting the appointment to the seven-member board. 

The two new appointments, Josh Hayes and Blair Hickson, are replacing...

Northern Cod Enters MSC Sustainability Assessment After Decades-Long Recovery

Newfoundland's Northern cod stock has officially entered the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment process for sustainability certification, marking a significant milestone for the fishery that collapsed in the 1990s and led to the MSC's creation.

The announcement came during the Northern Cod Fishery Improvement Project's update at the Global Seafood Expo in Barcelona on April 20, building on positive momentum from recent stock assessments showing the fishery's remarkable recovery.

Earlier this month, Fisheries and Oceans Canada confirmed the stock had grown...

India's Seafood Exports Hit Record as Shrimp Drives Growth Amid US Market Decline

India's seafood exports reached an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore ($ 8.28 billion) in FY 2025-26, with volumes hitting 19.32 lakh metric tons, according to provisional data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) on April 21.

Frozen shrimp remained the cornerstone of India's marine exports, contributing ₹47,973.13 crore ($ 5.51 billion) and accounting for over two-thirds of total export earnings. Shrimp shipments grew 4.6% in volume and 6.35% in value, reinforcing India's position as a global shrimp supplier...

Lithuanian Vičiūnai, French Frais Embal Win Top 2026 Seafood Excellence Awards

Vičiūnai Group of Lithuania and Frais Embal of France captured the top prizes at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Global Awards during Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, beating 35 finalists from 16 countries.

Vičiūnai Group took the Best Retail Product award for its Smoked Herring Slices – Natural Flavor, a ready-to-eat product featuring simple ingredients and a smoky taste. Judges praised the well-balanced herring and smoke flavors, precise slicing and packing, and eye-catching packaging design.

Expana caught up with Vičiūnai at Seafood Expo North America last month...

US House Moves the FISH Act Out of Natural Resources, Along with Seven Other Bills

On Tuesday, the House Committee on Natural Resources reported the FISH Act, a bill that will strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

“House Committee on Natural Resources members are dedicated to enacting commonsense policies to support rural communities across America,” remarked Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)  

“Today’s markup advanced legislation that will ….combat illegal fishing activities… I look forward to working with the sponsors to advance these bills through the House,” said Westerman...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

This week’s Expana Top 10 Weekly highlights a food industry navigating shifting consumer demand, policy changes and global uncertainty. From Red Lobster’s strategic revival of a once-problematic promotion to new US legislation aimed at strengthening domestic seafood, companies are balancing value, supply chain pressures and long-term growth. At the same time, e-commerce continues to reshape grocery, sustainability initiatives are accelerating, and private label gains momentum, underscoring a market defined by adaptation, cost discipline and evolving consumer behavior. This list is no particular order.

Japan's Black Cod Imports up 4% in 2025, Price Increased by 13%

According to a report by Minato Shimbun, Japan's imports of frozen black cod in 2025 increased by 4% year-on-year to 11,188 tons. The import price rose 13% from 1,133 yen/kg ($7.10/kg) the previous year to 1,280 yen/kg ($8.03/kg). The total import value reached a record high of 14.3 billion yen ($89.65 million). This year, due to the global surge in prices for fatty fish species in general, fatigue from low prices in the main producing region, the United States...

Canada Pushes Seafood Export Growth in Europe at Seafood Expo Global

Canada is stepping up efforts to grow and diversify its fish and seafood exports, with a strong focus on expanding its presence in Europe.

At this year’s Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson met with Canadian exporters, European buyers, and senior officials from Spain, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to discuss strong European demand for Canadian seafood, particularly frozen and value-added products.

Thompson also pointed to growing momentum in Spain, where the Sabores de Canada (or Flavours from...

New UMaine Study Examines Cunner’s Possible Impact on Maine Lobster

University of Maine researchers are launching a new study to investigate whether cunner, a common Gulf of Maine fish predator, may be preying on lobster in a way not previously documented.

Michelle Staudinger, associate professor of fisheries science at the University of Maine, is leading the project following reports from the Maine Department of Marine Resources and commercial lobstermen of increased numbers of cunner appearing in lobster traps. Some fishermen have also shared photos showing cunner with lobster eggs in their mouths, raising concerns about potential impacts...

Natural Grocers Expands Private Label Seafood Line with Wild Smoked Salmon Launch

Natural Grocers is expanding its private-label seafood lineup with the launch of Natural Grocers Brand Wild Smoked Salmon, now available in stores in both sockeye and coho varieties.

The new product is made with wild-caught Alaskan salmon and positioned as an everyday option for a range of meal occasions—from bagels and brunch boards to sandwiches, pasta and snacking. The retailer said the salmon is sustainably harvested, MSC-certified and cold-smoked in small batches at a longtime seaside smokehouse, delivering a silky texture...

Koibito Poke Names First Regional Developer and Announces Arizona Expansion

Koibito Poke has announced plans to expand in Arizona after partnering with its first Regional Developer.

“Signing our first Regional Developer is a defining moment for Koibito Poke,” said Dr. Ben Litalien, Chief Development Officer. “This team brings the operational experience, leadership, and commitment to execute at a high level and grow the brand with integrity. As a successful franchisee they understand the business which gives them the credibility to recruit and support franchisees.”

As part of the agreement, the Arizona-based fast-casual restaurant...

Kura Sushi Teams Up With Tamagotchi for a Limited-Time Bikkura Pon Promotion

Kura Sushi is rolling into its next brand collaboration, this time partnering with Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., the company behind the nostalgic Tamagotchi digital pet. The Tamagotchi Bikkura Pon dining experience is set to launch May 1 and run through June 23, featuring exclusive sushi items and capsule prizes.

“We’re taking ‘play with your food’ to a new level and are excited to create an immersive dining experience for our guests that feels as rewarding as caring for a Tamagotchi and watching them ‘evolve,’ only with more sushi and less mess to cleanup in order to earn a capsule prize,” said Newton Hoang, Vice President of Marketing at Kura Sushi USA, Inc.

To mark the collaboration, Kura Sushi is adding three themed items to its revolving sushi belt lineup:

ANALYSIS: Downward Pressure on Norwegian Atlantic Salmon Prices Through Week 15

The Norwegian Atlantic farm salmon price reached its highest point in week 11 (March 16) of 2026 to date and has since been moving downward. According to market participants, the demand remained irregular and somewhat fair. More recently, week 15 (April 13) closed with a weak market undertone, following the pattern seen in previous weeks. On the supply side, market participants reported that supplies were fully adequate to meet current lackluster buying interest, contributing to further downward pressure on Norwegian prices...

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Balance Premium Cuts and Value Picks Ahead of Mother’s Day

Early signs of grilling season are emerging, with retailers striking a balance between premium beef offerings and value-focused pork and chicken to draw in shoppers. At the same time, they’re preparing to compete for share during one of the year’s biggest foodservice-driven occasions: Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day, falling on May 10 this year, is a holiday typically dominated by restaurants, with 63% of consumers planning a special outing and total spending projected to hit a record $38 billion, according to the National Retail...

For 2026 Norway is Turning its Marketing Focus Away From the US to China. Here’s Why.

At their annual meeting last January, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) announced a shift in their marketing focus away from the United States and towards China, supported by a new Trends Report.  

The next few months' export data illustrated the new policy. NSC released their report, “The Year of China” recently with detailed demographics and trends that support the new policy. 

The report notes that China’s four tier-one cities — Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen — each with populations in excess of 18 million people...