BREAKING NEWS: NOAA Settles Civil Case Against Carlos "The Codfather" Rafael, Fishing Captains

NOAA announced Monday that they have settled their pending civil administrative claims against Carlos "The Codfather" Rafael and his fishing captains. As part of the settlement, Rafael will be required to:

-Pay a $3,010,633 civil monetary penalty

-Relinquish the seafood dealer permit issued to Carlos Seafood by September 1, 2019

-Permanently cease all commercial fishing, except for scalloping by December 31, 2019

-Permanently cease scalloping by March 31, 2020

-Sell all limited access federal fishing permits and fishing vessels owned or controlled by...

LISTEN: Captain Neill's Owner Guilty; USTR's Chinese Tariff Lists; Expanded Seafood Market Coverage 

Join SeafoodNews Podcast hosts Lorin Castiglione and Ryan Doyle as they discuss a guilty plea from the owner of Captain Neill's Seafood; the seafood products included on the USTR's Chinese tariff list; Urner Barry's expanded seafood market coverage and more!

This episode was brought to you by Maine Lobster. Maine Lobster season is here, and although the traditional butter and lemon pairings are delicious, there are many ways to enjoy lobster. Grill it as a main course to accompany refreshing sides...

Vietnam Sees Global Opportunity in Breaded Shrimp Industry

The Vietnamese Association of Seafood Exporters (VASEP) sees a potential opportunity in breaded shrimp.  Recently VASEP has urged processors to begin expanding breaded shrimp lines.

The opportunity comes first from the penetration of Vietnamese shrimp into Japan and the fact that Vietnam has been exporting shrimp to overseas Japanese communities in the United States, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and, more recently, the EU market with increasing consumption.

Japanese style breaded shrimp products such as nobashi shrimp, ebi fry shrimp, tempura shrimp, ebi katsu shrimp, pritter shrimp are all...

Hainan Province Builds on Tilapia Exports While Also Developing Domestic Market

As customs statistics show, the city of Haikou, in Hainan province, China, has exported 2,447 batches of tilapia products for a total weight of about 51,000 tons during the first half of this year. Its export value rose by 6.1% to reach nearly $140 million compared with the same period last year.

To boost tilapia exports, local customs has taken measures to hasten clearance actions and also ensure product qualities. For example, customs officials have inspected 388 aquaculture facilities and two export companies for quality control.

In addition to ...

Once Entangled Right Whale Spotted Gear-free, 180 More Whales Found Swimming Free

Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced right whale #4440 was spotted swimming gear-free off Miscou, New Brunswick on August 16.

SeafoodNews originally reported a rescue effort to free #4440, but rescuers were only able to partially disentangle it on July 16.  The whale was initially found entangled on July 9.

It seems the Campobello Whale Rescue Team’s efforts were enough as #4440 is in much better shape than it was a month ago. 

Alongside the good news...

Long John Silver’s Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary

Quick-serve seafood giant Long John Silver’s is celebrating 50 years in business.

Long John Silver’s began when businessman and restaurateur Jim Patterson tasted a fish and chips meal while on vacation. Today, the company has almost 900 locations across the United States.

"The idea of Long John Silver's was simple," Patterson said. "Take the unique seafood experience from the coast and make it accessible to all. It's what drives us to provide every guest who sails with us moments of sea-prise and delight..."

Celebrating Pike Place Market's 112th Anniversary: Visiting Seattle's Famous Market is a No Brainer

Saturday, August 17 marks the 112th anniversary of Seattle's famous Pike Place Market. To celebrate the special day we're running a feature on the legendary market that first appeared in the Fall 2018 issue of Urner Barry's Reporter.

It’s 7 a.m. and Seattle’s Pike Place Market is quiet and calm. Vendors slowly set up flowers, produce and other goods on their tables while storefronts remain dark. It’s easy to enjoy a peaceful breakfast at Lowell’s restaurant, a staple at the market since 1957...

ANALYSIS: Crab Meat Imports Drop in June, Uncertainty Grows with China Harvest on Horizon

Several areas for pasteurized crab meat saw monthly drops in June. Overall, June imports are down 13.4 percent, compared to the month of May. Several countries are down for this month including the Philippines which is down 3.4 percent for the year and down 42.6 percent for the month of June. Currently, they hold a 9.3 percent market share for crab meat behind Indonesia and Venezuela. Indonesia is seeing strong imports through June, up 9.4 percent year-to-date but imports were down 5.8 percent...

VIDEO: Chinese Tariff Lists; Salmon Catch Update; Tuna Analysis; and Captain Neill’s Owner Guilty

Join SeafoodNews Weekly Video hosts Lorin Castiglione and Ryan Doyle as they discuss seafood products included on the USTR's Chinese tariff list; latest salmon catch numbers out of Alaska; the latest analysis on the tuna market; and a guilty plea from the owner of Captain Neill's Seafood.

This episode was brought to you by Maine Lobster. Maine Lobster season is here, and although the traditional butter and lemon pairings are delicious, there are many ways to enjoy lobster...

Hilborn: Washington Salmon Runs Will not be Restored With More Hatcheries

The op-ed by several state senators recommending that Washington State should follow the example of Alaska and rebuild salmon by more hatcheries runs fails to recognize the history of salmon hatcheries in Washington, and fails to understand that hatcheries were not responsible for the revival of Alaskan salmon fisheries.  We have something like 300 hatcheries in the Pacific northwest – if hatcheries were the solution we would not have a problem.  While our hatcheries do provide some fishing opportunity that would otherwise not exist...

DFO Launches Investigation of Illegal Dumping of 1,500 lbs. of Crab in Maple Ridge, B.C. 

Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced the launch of an investigation after 1,500 pounds of Dungeness crab was found in a field in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.

The DFO made the announcement via Twitter, saying the dumping happened around June 24-25. The department seeks the public’s help and they asked witnesses to report any suspicious activity during that time frame to DFO’s phone line, 1-800-465-4336.

The exact location of the crab...

Fisheries Survival Fund Supports Department Of Interior Commitment To Scientific Review Of Wind Farm

The Fisheries Survival Fund (FSF) supports recent efforts by the Department of the Interior to ensure that planned offshore wind developments receive a thorough environmental review, as required by law. We appreciate that President Trump and his Administration, and specifically Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, have chosen to require that major offshore renewable energy development is based on sound science and takes the needs and interests of existing, historic coastal communities into account. Recognizing that major offshore wind development projects – especially when so many...

Captain Neill's Seafood Owner Pleads Guilty to Selling Falsely Labeled Crabmeat

Phillip R. Carawan, the owner of Captain Neill's Seafood in North Carolina, has pleaded guilty to charges that his company falsely labeled millions of dollars' worth of crabmeat.

As SeafoodNews reported last month, Captain Neill's was accused of violating the Lacey Act by knowingly false labeling foreign crabmeat as domestic. According to court documents, the North Carolina business, which purchases, processes, packages, transports and sells seafood and seafood products, purchased live domestic blue crab and had their workers steam, pick and process the meat...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Tuna Imports Fall in June

Total frozen tuna imports for the month of June registered 8,152,932 pounds; down 5.2% from May 2019, however they are 18% higher than June 2018 and are trending 29% higher than their three-year average.   YTD imports are 26% higher than 2018...

Alaska Salmon Update, Mid-August

Alaska’s statewide salmon catch is approaching 131 million fish with pinks and sockeyes making up 90 percent of the total.

While the statewide 2019 sockeye harvest is on track to be the fourth largest on record – thanks to a 43 million fish haul at Bristol Bay – with a few exceptions, catches for all other salmon are lagging in most regions.

Statistical week number 32 is an important point as it often marks the peak or drop off point of some species.

In a typical year, three percent of the annual sockeye harvest occurs after...

Canada Announces Creation of Atlantic Seal Task Team

The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced the creation of the Atlantic Seal Task Team.

After hearing concerns from fish harvesters regarding the relationship between seals and fish populations, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans felt it was time to take action to address concerns for fishermen across Canada.

“I have heard the concerns of industry and stakeholders on seal predation on commercial fish stocks in Eastern Canada,” Wilkinson said. “That’s why I have established a task team..."

Walmart Canada, Instacart Grocery Delivery Goes Nationwide

Almost 200 Walmart stores in Canada will now have access to on-demand grocery delivery thanks to the expansion of Walmart Canada and Instacart’s partnership.

After testing their one hour or less grocery delivery in 17 stores in the Greater Toronto and Winnipeg area, customers all over the country can get access to Instacart’s services.

"Canadian families are busy. By introducing more online shopping options at Walmart, we're helping make life easier and more convenient for them," said Lee Tappenden, President and CEO of Walmart Canada...

Under New Quota Auction Plan, Russian Crab Industry Consolidation, Monopolization Will Increase

The Russian crab industry continues to gradually move toward consolidation and monopolization, reflected by the recent changes of rules for the conduction of auctions in the industry, according to recent statements of some leading Russian fishermen and industry analysts.

As part of these plans, a new method for calculating the initial value of lots for crab auctions in Russia has been recently proposed and already sparked criticism from the majority of the industry’s players.

According to German Zverev, president of the All-Russian Association of Fishery Enterprises...

From Harvest to Home: Fresh Bristol Bay Sockeye Lifts Sales at Five Retailers Nationwide

The second largest salmon season ever recorded got started in July but promotions for fresh Bristol Bay sockeye began in June. The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association's (BBRSDA) fresh sockeye retail promotions continued through July and now sales results are in. 

All five of the retail participants --  HEB, New Seasons, QFC, Rosauers, and Wegmans -- saw record sales increases over previous years. Summertime fresh promotions were organized and supported by the BBRSDA at over 270 locations across the country...

ANALYSIS: YTD Frog Leg Imports Tracking Ahead of LY

Beginning August 13, 2019 Urner Barry began reporting Asian saddle-off frog legs.

China primarily farms the American bullfrog, a larger species known for their meaty hind legs that grow much larger than the smaller Asian frog supplied by Vietnam. Because of this, the larger 2/4 ct sized saddle-off frog legs are exported exclusively out of China. Currently, China is done farming until October, meaning pricing on this size should be firming due to the lack of product coming into the market until then...

Russia Faces a Shortage of Saury, Mackerel and Sardines Again This Year

Russia may face a shortage of saury, mackerel, sardines and other pelagic fish species due to a low interest for their catch from leading domestic fishermen, according to senior officials of Russian Rosrybolovstvo and industry analysts.

According to some recent statistics from Rosrybolovstvo and analysts, the volume of saury harvest in Russian waters declined from 100,000 tons in 2014-16 declined to only 5,000 tons today, despite the fact that stocks are stable. The situation is similar with regard to...

Eating Farmed Fish Does not ‘Save the Wild’

The push to convince consumers that the best way to protect wild fish is to eat farmed has gotten new life by a company called LoveTheWild. 

The Boulder-Colorado based group launched its oven-ready, farmed fish meal kits in 2014 and just announced they will be available at Whole Foods stores nationwide next month.

Among their investors is actor Leonardo DiCaprio who claims that “the exploitation of our oceans has left many marine ecosystems on the brink of total collapse” and that LoveTheWild is...

Coast Guard Boat Crew Rescues Man on Fishing Boat in North Carolina

A man suffering severe abdominal issues was medevaced by the U.S. Coast Guard from his fishing vessel in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina on Wednesday morning.

A crewmember on the vessel Capt. Phillips via, VHF FM radio channel 16, sent a notification stating that a 57-year-old crewmember had abdominal pain and needed immediate medical attention. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet received the notification and sprung into action.

The Coast Guard launched a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Station Hatteras Inlet...

Coast Guard Medevacs 60-Year-Old Vessel Master Near Knowles Head, Alaska

A 60-year-old man was medevaced from a 52-foot fishing vessel, two miles south of Knowles Head, Alaska on Thursday afternoon by the Coast Guard.

An Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew diverted from a nearby training mission hoisted the man from the Lady Kay vessel and transported him to emergency services in Cordova at 12:50 p.m. Reports from the hospital say that the man was in stable condition at the time of transfer...

NOAA Report: Approximately 85% Of West Coast Estuary Habitat Lost 

A report published in PLOS ONE reveals that "more than a century of development" has erased approximately 85% of historical tidal wetlands in California, Oregon and Washington. However, there is good news. Scientists with NOAA Fisheries' Northwest Fisheries Science Center have found potential restoration opportunities.

Estuaries are important as they serve as "critical nurseries" for juvenile salmon and steelhead while they transition from freshwater to the ocean.  

"Given how valuable estuaries are to so many different species, it's important to understand how much they have changed and...

China’s Shrimp Imports Expected To Rise And So Are The Prices

Imported seafood has become increasingly popular in the Chinese market. Last year China's import value was said to have increased by US$3.62 billion to reach US$11.91 billion, while volume increased to about 7.6 million tons. Imports are estimated to exceed 10 million tons in 2020.

Shrimp are among the most widely received foreign seafood in this oriental country. As customs statistics show, in 2018 China’s shrimp import on paper ballooned from the previous 48,300 tons to 161,800 tons...

Red Snapper Management Change from Feds to Gulf States is Now in Public Comment Phase

Proposed alternatives for state management of recreational red snapper, after two years in the making, are now ready for public comment, with a deadline of October 7, 2019.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council developed six proposed amendments to the red snapper management plan (Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish) allowing five Gulf states some management authority for private angler red snapper recreational fishing.

All six are contained in Amendment 50, which is divided into six parts. Amendment 50A includes actions that affect all...

Tesco Updating Farmed Salmon Standards; Supporting Suppliers As They Switch to Algal Oil

UK grocery retailer Tesco announced that they are currently working with their salmon suppliers to encourage more sustainable feeding practices.

Tesco launched their "Little Helps Plan" back in 2017 as a way to make a difference in three areas: their people, products and places. As part of their commitment to "lead the industry in addressing the key sustainability challenges in our supply chain," the company explained that they have been exploring how more algal oil can be incorporated into the diet of farmed fish...

Former 'Deadliest Catch' Star Sentenced to 18 Months For DUI, Drug Possession

Jake Harris, who starred on the Discovery Channel series "Deadliest Catch" until 2012, has reportedly been sentenced to 18 months in jail.

TMZ reported earlier this year that Harris had been arrested for felony DUI and drug possession stemming from an incident in Skagit County, Washington, back in January. Park rangers reportedly attempted to pull over the former reality star, but the 33-year-old refused to stop. Once Harris was pulled over police found a half an ounce of heroin, as well as...

Salmon and Cod Dropped from USTR’s New List for Additional 10% Tariff on Imports from China

Washington, DC - The trade war with China continues as the United States Trade Representative (USTR) yesterday released the fourth list of additional 10% tariffs on an estimated $300 billion of Chinese imports. 

The only seafood product on the new list is frozen or chilled pollock fillets, a trio of Harmonized Codes that describe mostly Russian-caught pollock. 

USTR split the list for those for which the tariff would be implemented September 1 and others, notably computers, cell phones, and pollock, that would not...