Alaska’s Pre-Bristol Bay Salmon Landings Modest Compared to Pre-Season Forecasts 

As of last Saturday, landings of sockeye salmon in the Copper River District totaled 274,400 fish, delivered during the first seven fishing periods since the season opened May 22, 2025. That number is significantly less than the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s anticipated harvest of 969,000 fish for that period. 

The trajectory of the fishing periods trace the path of a roller coaster. The first period’s harvest was 28,000 sockeye. The second period, which started May 26, netted 52,400 sockeye. Five days after that, the third...

DHS Reverses Pause on ICE Raids, Targeting Farms, Hotels, and Restaurants

Days after the Trump administration ordered a pause on immigration raids targeting the agriculture and hospitality industries, the Department of Homeland Security has reversed course, authorizing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to resume worksite enforcement at farms, hotels, and restaurants, according to the Washington Post.

The publication reported that ICE held a call on June 16 to direct agency leaders that raids could occur at farms, hotels, and restaurants. Representatives from 30 field offices across the US were informed of the new instructions via the call...

Maruha Nichiro Launches Frozen Dog Food Line, Establishes New Pet Food Promotional Office

Japanese seafood company Maruha Nichiro Corporation (MNC) recently announced the establishment of a new pet food business promotional office, which will allow the company to expand its value creation capabilities in the pet food market. This also coincides with MNC’s newest contribution to the pet food industry: frozen pet food for dogs.

According to MNC—which will soon take on the name “Umios Corporation” at the Board of Directors meeting later this month—entering this area of the pet food business is part of its long-term...

Sea-Trek Founders Step Down After 40 Years; Longtime Team Members Take the Helm

Sea-Trek Enterprises, a Rhode Island-based frozen seafood trading company, announced that its founders, Peter Coop and Mitchell Sarnoff, will step down from their roles at the company's helm.

The pair will remain involved in Sea-Trek as board members, but new ownership will take charge. The new owners are long-time employees Peter Bruno, Pieter “Dutch” Snoeren, Brian Cooper, and Ken Sullivan. All four of the new owners have been involved in the company’s growth over the past four decades...

Senate Committee Addresses Threats from Chinese & Russian IUU Fishing

On June 12, 2025, Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska—also Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries—led a hearing on foreign illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and the threat it poses to global marine ecosystems, economies, sustainable fisheries, and food security.

“We're particularly focused on the fight for fisheries resources, geopolitical flashpoints where conflict is likely to arise, and the role of both state and non-state actors involved in conflict with criminal activity in the fishing sector. And..."

Thai Union Releases 2024 Sustainability Report  

Thai Union released its 2024 Sustainability Report this week, detailing its role over the last year in protecting marine ecosystems and building transparency across global seafood supply chains.  

The seafood producer kicked off 2024 with the launch of its Lower Carbon Shrimp Program in Thailand, which aims to decarbonize shrimp production and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Thai Union also achieved zero waste to landfill status at 23 of its 32 manufacturing and distribution sites.  

Another big takeaway from the report is the company’s progress when it comes to tuna. Thai Union sourced...

California Seafood Exec Found Guilty of $2.7 Million Embezzlement Scheme

A woman was convicted of embezzling millions of dollars from San Francisco-based ABS Seafood on June 12. The stolen funds were used for travel, luxury goods and college tuition fees for a family member.

Antonietta Nguyen, 57, of Brisbane, California, was found guilty of multiple counts of wire fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to transport monetary instruments for the purpose of laundering, and tax evasion, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California...

ANALYSIS: Shrimp Imports from Spain, Netherlands, and Denmark Lag Behind Average EU-UK Growth

As highlighted in our previous report, shrimp imports into the EU-UK region grew by 8.5% year-over-year in Q1, reaching approximately 159,000 metric tonnes. This volume comprises both warm-water and cold-water shrimp, predominantly sourced from Asia and Latin America. The overall increase was driven by higher import levels in more than half of the 26 European countries that imported shrimp. Of these, 14 countries recorded double-digit growth in shrimp imports, while an additional three countries posted single-digit...

Starway International Group Recalls Fish Balls Imported from Vietnam 

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that thousands of pounds of frozen fish ball products have been recalled. New York-based Starway International Group issued the recall on Thursday, which covers 9,513 pounds of Siluriformes  products imported from Vietnam.  

The fish balls — which were shipped to several retailers nationwide — came from a Vietnam facility that is not authorized to export Siluriformes to the United States.  

The following products are included in the recall:  

- 16-oz. plastic bag packages containing...

Seven Membership Positions Open on the American Fisheries Advisory Committee 

There are currently seven membership positions open on the American Fisheries Advisory Committee (AFAC).  

The 22-member Commitee is looking for applicants with experience in seafood harvesting, seafood processing, recreational or commercial fishing, growing seafood, fisheries science, and food distribution, marketing, retail, or food service.  

Members of the AFAC are responsible for identifying the needs of fishing communities in several regions, while also establishing award funding limits.  

Those chosen to serve on the Committee are expected to commit to a minimum...

Sen. Kennedy Urges HHS to Enhance Foreign Seafood Inspections 

In a letter sent to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Senator John Kennedy (R-La) is urging the department to enhance the inspection process for seafood imports that do not meet US standards — specifically when it comes to shrimp.  

The senator highlighted shrimp producers in countries like India, Ecuador, Indonesia and Vietnam, who he says do not always comply with environmental regulations and bans on antibiotic use. 

“A growing body of academic research and investigative reporting indicate that imported shrimp frequently contain illicit...

Global Commodities Markets – Q2 2025 Trends and Forecasts

Welcome to the Global Commodities Markets: Q2 2025 trends and forecasts report, where we examine key developments in the global commodity markets.

In an ever-changing economic landscape, getting key insights on essential commodities is crucial for stakeholders across industries.

Each quarter, this report will focus on a few commodities with significant price fluctuations, delivering insights and forward-looking analysis.

Further commodity insights can be explored on the Expana platform, where you’ll find real-time price tracking, access to industry experts and customized alerts...

Russia Aims to Increase Fish Exports to South Korea in Second Half of 2025 

Russia hopes to increase its fish exports to South Korea in the second half of 2025, after an underwhelming start to the year.  

According to the Association of Fishing Fleet Owners, the volume of Russian fish to the South Korean market decreased by 10% — or 106,100 tonnes — from January to May, compared to the same time last year.  

Despite the decrease, Russian imports to South Korea account for about 27% of the total volume of fish imported to the country, most of which is...

ANALYSIS: Canadian Crustacean Exports Surge in Value Despite Volume Declines

According to Statistics Canada, total crustacean exports in April rose by 36.9% in value, reaching CAD 491.9 million, up from CAD 359.4 million in April 2024. This growth was primarily driven by a 55.9% increase in crab exports and a 36.9% rise in lobster exports, while shrimp exports declined by 22.8%...

Seafood Sellers in Mississippi Face New Labeling Rules This July

Mississippi is just weeks away from implementing a new labeling law aimed at improving the transparency of seafood sold in the state.

Starting on July 1, all seafood and crawfish sold in Mississippi—whether in grocery stores, seafood markets, restaurants or food trucks—must be clearly labeled as either imported or domestic, according to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR).

“Mississippi’s new seafood labeling law is a pivotal step toward restoring consumer trust and safeguarding the integrity of our Gulf Coast heritage,” said MDMR Executive Director Joe Spraggins...

Mowi Inks Deal for $2.9 Billion Sustainability-Linked Credit Facility

Mowi, the largest salmon farmer on the planet has signed a EUR 2.6 billion ($2.9 billion) five-year sustainability-linked multicurrency revolving credit facility agreement with DNB, Nordea, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, Danske Bank, SEB and Crédit Agricole.

Norway-based Mowi said the facility would be used to refinance existing bank debt and for general corporate purposes.

The principal financial covenant of the facility is a minimum equity ratio of 35%, and the facility includes an accordion increase option which provides flexibility for the parties...

SWEN CP Launches Blue Ocean 2 Fund, Raises 53% of Target at First Close 

SWEN Capital Partners (SWEN CP) has raised €160 million in the first close of its Blue Ocean 2 fund — reaching 53% of its second-generation target.  

Blue Ocean is the largest ocean impact venture fund geared toward backing start-ups focused on the regeneration of ocean biodiversity. Working alongside sustainability organizations like Ifremer, BlueInvest and ChangeNow, the fund tackles issues like over-fishing, ocean pollution, and climate change. 

“The SWEN Blue Ocean strategy fully embodies the Mission we have set for ourselves: putting...

Russia to Cut Fish Exports to European Union in Half by 2030 

Russia will cut its fish exports to the European Union (EU) by twice the current amount by 2030, according to German Zverev, head of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers (VARPE). 

Zverev recently commented that over the next five years, Russia will redirect exports to “friendly countries.” 

"The share of the European market in Russian exports in 2021-2022 was approximately 14%. During 2022-2025, we are gradually redirecting our exports to the markets of friendly countries,” said Zverev. “This is a rather complex process, as...

ANALYSIS: Price Spread Between Snow Crab Sizes Widens Amid Limited Availability of Larger Product

The snow crab market experienced a modest increase this week in Newfoundland, specifically for the 5-8 size category, while prices for other sizes held steady. The price spread between 5-8s and larger 8-up sizes remains a focal point of industry discussion. Typically, larger snow crab—classified as 8-up and 10-up—are less abundant than 5-8s. However, this season, market participants are noting even tighter availability, making procurement more challenging than in past years...

ICE Told to Pause Worksite Raids in Agriculture, Hospitality Sectors by Trump Administration

The Trump administration will reportedly direct US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to pause raids on businesses operating in the agricultural, restaurant, and hotel industries.

According to the New York Times, an internal email and three US officials confirmed the adjustment to President Trump’s deportation and immigration policies.

The email obtained by the publication directed ICE officials to “hold on all work site enforcement investigations/operations on agriculture (including aquaculture and meat packing plants), restaurants and operating hotels...

Circana’s ‘Eat Play Love’ Report Shows Consumer Indulgence Despite Conservative Daily Spending

On June 12, 2025, Circana released its latest report on consumer spending trends, titled “Eat Play Love,” revealing how European consumers are turning to comfort despite ongoing economic pressures, climate concerns, and global conflicts that continually shape daily life.

According to the report, despite exercising frugality with everyday purchases, European consumers are currently prioritizing food retail, foodservice, prestige beauty, and toy purchases, thus indicating a shift towards “self-soothing consumption” and “mini moments of bliss.”

The report leverages Circana's extensive coverage of European consumer goods across hundreds of...

Datassential Lists Chick-fil-A as America's Favorite Chain Restaurant

On June 12, 2025, food and beverage intelligence platform Datassential announced the winners of the first-ever Datassential 500 Awards, showcasing the most dynamic foodservice brands in the United States. Notable winners include Chick-fil-A (favorite chain), Crumbl (most unique restaurant menu), and CAVA (best healthy chain).

Founded in 2001, Datassential has been providing food and beverage brands with intelligence tools and consumer insights for more than two decades, including quintessential companies like Starbucks, General Mills, Land O' Lakes, Pepsi, Burger King, and Target...

WPRFMC Mandates Electronic Monitoring for Longline Vessels in Hawaii, American Samoa

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) made electronic monitoring (EM) mandatory for longline vessels operating under Hawai‘i and American Samoa limited-entry permits.

The WPRFMC's decision amends the Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plan to implement EM systems for at-sea monitoring, including protected species interactions and other data collection requirements, according to a press release from the WPRFMC.

EM will be implemented in phases from 2025 through 2027, and vessels will be required to maintain the systems once they are installed onboard...

Sen. Cruz Outlines the Negative Impacts of Illegal Fishing by Mexican Cartels

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas made the opening statement at yesterday’s Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries hearing titled “Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources.”

In his statement, Cruz, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, voiced growing concern for Mexican cartels poaching fish—specifically red snapper—from U.S. waters in order to finance illicit activities.

He also touched on the negative impact that these activities have on the livelihoods of Texas fishermen, the safety of Americans, and...

AGRIMINGOLD S.A. Becomes First Ecuadorian Shrimp Farm to Join ASC Improver Program

Ecuadorian shrimp farm AGRIMINGOLD S.A. became the first in the country to join an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) under the Improver Programme by Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

The ASC said the project covers 135 hectares of Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) farm in El Oro Province, Ecuador. AGRIMINGOLD S.A. produces 753.15 metric tons of shrimp annually.

The Improver Programme by ASC supports farms that are not ready or eligible for ASC certification but are committed to improving their farming practices, the group shared in a news release...

The Nueva Pescanova Group Promotes Phase Two of a Project to Strengthen Maritime, Fishing Training

Representatives of the Nueva Pescanova Foundation and Pescamar (a subsidiary of the Nueva Pescanova Group in Mozambique); the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID); the Maritime and Fisheries Polytechnic Institute of the Atlantic (IPMPA) — under the Regional Ministry of the Sea, Government of Galicia —; the Instituto de Ciências do Mar e Pescas (Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries or IMARP); and the Mozambican Association of Industrial Shrimp Fishing Shipowners (AMAPIC), signed an agreement today in Santiago de Compostela to launch...

Bornstein Seafoods Recalls 44K Pounds of Coldwater Shrimp Meat

Bellingham, Washington-based Bornstein Seafoods recalled 44,550 pounds of ‘Cooked & Peeled Ready-To-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat’ because the products could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

According to a notice published on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s website, the product was distributed directly to distributors and retailers in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. It may have been further distributed and sold at retailers nationwide.

The product can be identified under Bornstein Seafoods branded packaging in a one-lb. or five-lb. plastic bag...

Two Commercial Prawn Harvesters in British Columbia Found Guilty of Illegal Fishing Offenses 

Two commercial prawn harvesters in British Columbia (B.C.) were found guilty of illegal fishing offenses.  

According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Scott Castle and Vessel Master Terry Lorenz were convicted of illegally selling prawns and fishing illegally in a closed area of Stuart Cannel. A court also found that Castle failed to complete his mandatory fish slips — a requirement for prawn harvesters under Canada’s Fisheries Act.  

Castle was hit with more than $38,000 in fines, while Lopez was fined $3,000 and prohibited from...

Canadian Salted Smoked Split Herring Products Recalled in Tri-State Area

P. East Trading Corp of Bronx, New York recalled ‘Salted Smoked Split Herring’ as it was found to be over 5" in length and uneviscerated, as such, having the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explained that the sale of uneviscerated fish over 5" in length may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, as they are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish.

The recalled products were distributed to retail locations in...

Japan: Sendai Market Hits Record-High Price for Sockeye from Copper River

On June 7, the Sendai Central Wholesale Market received its first shipment of chilled salted sujiko (sockeye roe) from Alaska’s Copper River. The quantity listed was 74 pails at 5 kg each - 11 more than last year’s first shipment. Based on the inspection held before the auction, salted sujiko was traded at the highest price ever. 

The entire shipment was delivered to Sento Gyorui, a primary wholesaler at the market. The company held its traditional lottery at the fish roe...