The Winding Glass: Crab to Put a Damper on Holiday Retail Sales

Every aspect of the snow crab market this year has been impacted by the tariff turmoil of last April, just when the season was getting underway. 

The primary impact was to front-load exports from Canada to the US as much as possible, so most of the crab pack was imported by the end of July.  Crab followed its seasonal pattern of increasing prices after July as supplies tightened, but retail contracts were mostly made near the lowest price points of the year...

Alaska Pollock Biomass Drops 30%, But Federal Shutdown Delays Stock Assessment Process

A summer survey of the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) showed a 30% drop in the biomass of Walleye pollock in the area compared to a 2024 survey. 

Results of the 2025 Eastern and Northern Bering Sea Bottom Trawl Survey, which were released to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s groundfish plan team in September, showed a drop from last year’s 5.5 million metric tons to a current 3.8 million metric tons of pollock in the area. 

Other species also showed drops in biomass: Pacific cod dropped...

140 Signatories Call on Lawmakers to Advance US Offshore Aquaculture Bill

US offshore aquaculture advocacy groups and 140 supporters, including some notable seafood companies, penned a letter to the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the US House Committee on Natural Resources, urging Congress to pass the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025.

The letter was led by The Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) coalition and the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA). The groups said the letter highlighted the bipartisan support for expanding aquaculture in US federal waters...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Shopping Lifts Foodservice and Grocery Demand 

December is when most consumers fully embrace the holiday spirit—and start spending accordingly.

This year's holiday spending is off to a strong start, with record shopper turnout and a surge in online activity. Adobe Analytics reports that total online sales from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday amounted to $44.2 billion, up nearly 8% from last year.

Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation reports that a record 202.9 million people shopped over the Thanksgiving weekend, up from 197 million last year. Supermarkets were the most popular destination at 47%, followed closely by online shopping at 45%...

Japan's Seafood Exports Surged by 65% in Volume to 52,174 MT in October

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, October's fishery products exports (fish and shellfish preparations, and fishmeal) increased 65% in quantity to 52,174 tons compared to the same month last year, and increased 18% in value to 30.869 billion yen ($197.8 million).

Scallop decreased 23% to 4,243 tons, and value increased 8% to 11.228 billion yen ($71.95 million). Frozen exports, both in shell and without, decreased in quantity but increased in value. Yellowtail increased 2% to 3,455 tons...

Seafood Nutrition Partnership Taps High Liner’s Sustainability Chief for Board Role

The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) has appointed Bill DiMento, Corporate Vice President of Sustainability and Government Affairs at High Liner Foods, to its Board of Directors.

DiMento adds over 35 years of leadership in various areas, including sustainability, regulatory affairs, and seafood industry advancement, to SNP’s board.

Currently, he oversees corporate sustainability initiatives and government affairs. DiMentio ensures High Liner meets high standards in manufacturing, seafood procurement, and social compliance throughout its global supply chain.

“We’re excited to welcome Bill DiMento to the SNP Board of Directors...

Atlantic Sea Cucumber Ltd. Assets Up for Bids Following Court Order

Following an order by the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia on October 2,2025 , MSI Spergel Inc., as Trustee in Bankruptcy of Atlantic Sea Cucumber Ltd, has been authorized to undertake marketing and solicitation of bids for the assets, property, and undertakings of the company.

Among these assets are the parcel and improvements comprising ASC's seafood processing facilities located in Hackett's Cove, Nova Scotia, and, for the purposes of this Sales and Investment Solicitation Process (SISP), the company's fish processing and resale licenses issued by the Canada Food Inspection Agency and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Taprobane Seafoods Becomes Sri Lanka’s First Company Certified Under GAP

Taprobane Seafoods has been certified by DNV under the GlobalG.A.P. Aqua standard, becoming the first company in Sri Lanka to achieve this recognition.

The certification strengthens Taprobane’s environmental management practices and aligns its feed systems with global standards. It also enhances the company’s credibility with buyers, consumers, and partners seeking ethically sourced, low-carbon seafood.

This milestone reinforces Taprobane’s leadership as a responsible aquaculture producer and positions the company to access premium export markets that require verified sustainability credentials...

ANALYSIS: Blue Swimming Crab Imports Down 9% Year-to-Date Amid Tariff and Regulatory Pressures

A federal court has stayed NOAA Fisheries' Jan. 1, 2026, import ban on several blue swimming crab fisheries, offering temporary breathing room to an industry that had been bracing for significant supply disruptions. The stay pauses enforcement while the National Marine Fisheries Service reconsiders its comparability findings under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

NMFS now has up to...

ANALYSIS: European Frozen Squid Imports Rise, Driven by Peru and Argentina 

Frozen squid imports into the European (EU+UK) market increased by 14.25% year-to-date (YTD) for January–October. This growth was led by Peru, with imports up 193.1% YTD, followed by Argentina at 32.62% YTD. China showed modest growth of 1.6% YTD...

ANALYSIS: Peruvian Fishmeal Prices Increase Despite 1.63M mt Second North-Central Anchovy Quota

The price of fishmeal has been on an upward trend in Peru since June 2025 (Figure 1). In October, a more active market was observed, with an increase of 6.9% month-on-month (m-o-m) and 35.0% year-on-year (y-o-y). This price movement may be related to the announcement that the provisional quota for the Second anchovy fishing season of 2025 in north-central Peru by the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) was only 500,000 metric tons (mt)...

Invasive Species and US Tariffs Add Pressure to Brazil’s Seafood Sector

Brazil’s tilapia sector is navigating another challenge after the National Biodiversity Commission (Conabio) labeled the fish species invasive. Meanwhile, US tariffs on Brazilian seafood, including tilapia, continue to squeeze export margins, compounding uncertainties for producers.

Tilapia is a cornerstone of Brazilian aquaculture, representing a significant share of the country’s farmed fish production. However, Conabio’s recent decision to classify tilapia as an invasive species has ignited alarm among producers and government bodies. The classification signals stricter controls and potential regulatory hurdles, threatening to disrupt one of Brazil’s most vital...

Arctic Fisheries Secures Strategic Investment from SNH Capital Partners

SNH Capital Partners (SNH) has announced its latest strategic investment in Arctic Fisheries, a leading importer of premium seafood products like groundfish, crab, and lobster, serving customers throughout the United States.

With over a century of history, Arctic Fisheries has established a legacy that positions it as a leader in the industry. Leveraging strong, long-standing connections with a global network of suppliers, Arctic Fisheries sources high-quality, premium seafood that is highly esteemed by its foodservice clientele.

Michael Kotok, CEO of Arctic Fisheries...

NFI Sushi Council Welcomes Tristan International as New Member

Industry-leading super-frozen tuna supplier strengthens sushi safety, traceability, and quality efforts

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council is pleased to announce that Tristan International has joined as its newest member. Tristan is a leading North American supplier of ultra-low-temperature (ULT) frozen tuna, bringing unparalleled expertise in quality control and sustainable fishing practices to the Sushi Council.

Founded in 2003, Tristan International was established to deliver Japanese-style ULT frozen tuna to U.S. and Canadian markets. Operating out of Dania Beach, Florida...

ANALYSIS: C&SA 2025–2026 Mahi Season; Early Outlook Amid Economic and Regulatory Headwinds 

The Central and South American mahi season opened in October, with first arrivals expected to reach the U.S. market toward late December and into Q1 2026. Early indications point to a typical start, with smaller-sized fish being landed, well-suited for 4-oz portion production. According to NOAA’s latest ENSO update, La Niña is expected to persist through winter, with a transition to ENSO-neutral most likely during January–March 2026. These evolving conditions may help moderate weather patterns as the...

Canada Positions Itself for Growth at Strategically Timed Seafood Conference Ahead of CFSE

China’s role as a critical market for Canadian seafood took center stage at the 2025 Canada Seafood Conference, strategically held one day before the opening of the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo (CFSE), Asia’s largest and most influential seafood trade event. The timing gave Canada first dibs in visibility as global buyers arrived in Qingdao, creating an early platform for engagement with Chinese importers and distributors.

Organized by the Atlantic Canada Business Network (ACBN), the conference gathered more than 100 delegates from Canadian governments, industry associations...

The Winding Glass: Crab to Put a Damper on Holiday Retail Sales

In today’s top story, tariff-driven front-loading and depleted carryover inventories have left retail snow crab scarce this holiday season, with December crab sales likely to fall sharply versus 2024 and overall seafood volume tracking lower, according to SeafoodNews founder John Sackton...

J-HOTATE Association Survey Finds Strong Interest in Japanese Scallops Among International Visitors

The Japan Scallop Export Promotion Association (“J-HOTATE Association”), which aims to expand the export of Japanese scallops, conducted a survey to understand awareness, purchase intent, and taste preferences among overseas consumers. The survey was carried out in Osaka during the 2025 Japan International Expo (Osaka–Kansai Expo), targeting 113 international visitors from 34 countries.

The results showed that awareness of Japanese scallops was 45.1%, below the halfway mark. However, 74.4% of respondents said they would purchase Japanese scallops if available in their home countries, indicating strong...

NOAA Fisheries Reopens Comment Period on Trump’s Seafood Competitiveness EO Amid Shutdown

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) reopened the comment period on President Trump’s ‘Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness' Executive Order.

NOAA Fisheries sought public comment on the EO initially on August 27, as Expana covered. It said the call for public comment was a key step in its work to make the US a global seafood leader.

The initial 45-day comment period wrapped up on October 14, 2025. However, NOAA Fisheries said that, due to the government shutdown...

UNFI Reports Solid Start to Fiscal 2026

United Natural Foods (UNFI) has reported the results of its financial performance for the first quarter of its 2026 fiscal year.

"We started fiscal 2026 with another quarter of solid execution and continued progress in delivering more value to our customers and suppliers as we strengthen effectiveness and efficiency. Our network optimization is proceeding ahead of schedule, and the benefits of recent supply chain investments, coupled with process improvements, is enabling us to strengthen service levels and increase throughput. This helped us deliver Adjusted EBITDA growth of nearly 25%...

ANALYSIS: Retail Shrimp Sales and Promotions Hit Multi-Year Lows Ahead of Holiday Price Lift

Retail shrimp sales in the US have slowed sharply in recent weeks, with Circana data indicating the weakest seasonal performance in at least five years. For the seven-week period from week 40 through week 46, sales values in USD were approximately 6% lower year‑on‑year, while estimated volumes declined nearly 13% compared to the same period in 2024.

This seasonal window is typically a prelude to holiday‑driven price strength, yet current volume levels are tracking below any year since 2020. Despite isolated...

Hokkaido Ikura Price Doubled Amid Historical Poor Catch

Due to a historic decline in Hokkaido's fall chum salmon catch, the region's ikura salmon caviar is experiencing an unprecedented drop in production and skyrocketing prices, Minato Shimbun reported.

Based on estimates from the Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations and other sources, supply estimates show that last year's chum catch was approximately 44,000 tons (as of the end of November), equivalent to 2,600 tons of green salmon roe (down 30% from the previous year). Fresh consumption was approximately 500 tons (down 50% from the...

ANALYSIS: Groundfish Market Maintains Full Steady to Firm Undertone Amid Raw Material Pressures

The groundfish market has demonstrated consistent pricing stability over recent weeks, with select twice-frozen products posting upward adjustments while most single-frozen items held at established levels. Despite minimal day-to-day movement in certain segments, raw material cost pressures, evolving US-China trade policy, and shifting import patterns continue to shape market dynamics...

Senators Quiz USCG Acting Head Lunday on New Massive Budget Prior to His Confirmation 

Senators from both sides of the aisle expressed concerns and guidance to the Acting Commandant of the US Coast Guard at a hearing held last week prior to a likely Senate confirmation.

In last summer’s One Big Beautiful Big Act (OBBBA), the Coast Guard was given $24.6 billion infusion of cash, nearly twice the USCG’s annual budget, in addition to the $14.4 billion the Trump administration requested for the service for fiscal 2026, according to the a military.com report at the...

Russia May Ban Norwegian Trawlers from its Waters Amid Fisheries Row

The Russian‑Norwegian fisheries crisis is deepening after Russia warned it may impose retaliatory measures against Norwegian trawlers entering its territorial waters if talks fail to lift restrictions on Russian vessels operating in Norway’s economic zone.

The warning came from Vasily Sokolov, deputy head of the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries. Norway earlier imposed measures against Russian fishing companies Norebo and Murman Seafood, banning their vessels from operating in Norway’s economic zone.

“We will raise the issue of unlawful sanctions against Russian companies...

Hiroshima's Oyster Production Devastated with as Much as 90% Mortality

According to a Minato Shimbun report, in response to the worsening issue of mass oyster mortality in Hiroshima Prefecture, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Norikazu Suzuki visited Akizu Town in Higashihiroshima City on November 19th, where extensive damage has been reported. He exchanged views with representatives of the Prefectural Fisheries Association and the prefecture's fisheries cooperatives, as well as the heads of relevant local governments. He received reports of the critical situation from those supporting the oyster industry...

Spain Adds Fishing Days to Mediterranean Trawling Fleet to Guarantee its Activity Until End of Year

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has today authorized an additional 7,339 fishing days for this year 2025 for the Mediterranean trawling fleet, an average of 13 more fishing days for each vessel, intended to complete the availability of vessels subject to fishing effort limitations.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, emphasized that the objective of extending the fishing season is to ensure the activity of Mediterranean fishing vessels until the end of the year, allowing them to fish during...

Norwegian Scientists Advise 44% Cut to 2026 King Crab Quota

Norway’s Institute of Marine Research has recommended a steep reduction in next year's king crab catch, citing a significant drop in the harvestable stock after its latest assessment. The institute's annual advice calls for the 2026 quota to be set at 850 metric tons (mt) of male crab, representing a 44% cut from the 2025 quota. The 2025 quota was approximately 1,520mt, reflecting a sizable reduction moving into 2026.

The king crab fishery is an increasingly important segment for Norway’s seafood sector, both for domestic sales...

Oregon AG, Groups File Lawsuit to Return Newport’s Helicopter 

Don’t mess with Newport’s helicopter – doing so results in angry residents, upset lawmakers and the state, one county and an organization filing a lawsuit to get it back. 

Attorney General Dan Rayfield on Friday announced that the State of Oregon, together with Lincoln County and the Newport Fishermen’s Wives organization, are filing lawsuits to compel the federal government to return the U.S. Coast Guard search-and-rescue helicopter abruptly removed from the Newport Air Facility recently. The Fishermen’s Wives and Lincoln County filed their lawsuit Friday; the State...

Today's Top Story: Costco Joins Companies Suing Trump Administration Over Tariffs

In today’s top story, Costco joined major retailers and manufacturers in suing the Trump administration over IEEPA tariffs, asking the Court of International Trade to preserve its right to refunds if the Supreme Court invalidates the duties. The move underscores commercial concern about retroactive duties and supply‑chain cost pressures...