ANALYSIS: China Shrimp Imports Remain Steady Before Lunar New Year

According to the latest figures from the Chinese General Administration of Customs (GACC), China imported slightly more shrimp before the Chinese New Year this year than last year. Considering shrimp imports from December 2025 through February 2026, the three‑month volume of 276,615 MT is 1.9% higher than in the comparable November 2024 to January 2025 period. In value terms, this represents a 1.1% increase to 1,508 million USD. The Lunar New Year fell two weeks earlier in 2025, so the comparison is not strictly like‑for‑like...

Alaska Board of Fish Is Silent on Mid-Water Bottom Contact But Proposes Joint Protocol With NPFMC

Four proposals addressing pelagic (mid-water) trawls brought before the Alaska Board of Fisheries were unanimously voted to “take no action.” 

Proposal 11, submitted by Linda Kozak, F/V Alaska Trojan, called for a closure of state waters west of 170 degrees West longitude for non-pelagic (bottom) trawls and pelagic (mid-water ) trawls. Proposals 163, 164, and 165 were submitted by the Alaska Healthy Habitat Alliance (AHHA), and called for a redefinition of pelagic trawls; new requirements for sensors...

Maine Lobsterman Petitions Supreme Court Over GPS Tracking Rule

A Maine lobsterman has petitioned the US Supreme Court to hear his challenge of a federal rule requiring 24/7 GPS tracking on licensed lobster vessels, arguing the mandate violates Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless surveillance.

Frank Thompson, a fifth-generation lobsterman, seeks to overturn the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission rule passed in 2023 that requires all federally licensed lobster vessels to install and continuously operate GPS trackers that transmit location data to the government at least once per minute...

Harmful Algal Bloom Triggers Extensive Fish Mortality in Norway

Extensive mortality of farmed fish has been recorded in Norway's Boknafjorden over the past 24 hours, prompting authorities to automatically upgrade the area's risk level to high for algal blooms with negative consequences, according to a March 24 update from the Institute of Marine Research.

The mortality is linked to blooms of Pseudochattonella, a harmful algae that has been spreading westward along Norway's coast since mid-March. Algae samples taken on March 23 showed high density in the outer parts of Boknafjorden, with more variable density inside the fjord system...

Western Pacific Fishery Council to Address Monument Expansion and Fishing Access at 206th Meeting

The Ala Moana Hotel will host the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s 206th meeting in the Hibiscus Ballroom in Honolulu, HI, from March 24–26, 2026. The meeting will provide opportunities for the public to learn about proposed fishery actions, hear reports from across the region, and offer input on decisions affecting fishing communities, local seafood supply, and marine resource management throughout the US Pacific Islands.

Deliberation on two major topics is expected.

The first concerns the potential expansion of the...

Japan, Russia Agree on 2,050-Ton Salmon Quota for 2026

According to the Minato Shimbun, the Fisheries Agency of Japan announced on March 20 that it had reached an agreement with Russia regarding the operating conditions for Russian-origin salmon and trout fishing conducted by Japanese fishing vessels within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for the current season. Both the catch quota and equipment provision remain the same as the previous year. 

The total catch quota within Japan's EEZ is 2,050 tons. Of this, 500 tons are for chum salmon. The combined total of pink, sockeye, coho...

Target's Good & Gather Tuna Hit with Lawsuit Over 'Sustainably Caught' Marketing Claims

California resident Sue Kim filed a class-action lawsuit against retail giant Target Corporation on March 18, 2026, challenging the company's sustainability claims regarding its private-label Good & Gather tuna products.

Kim's attorneys argue in the Central District of California complaint that Target's tuna products are not sustainably caught despite prominent "Sustainably Caught" labeling and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, citing fishing methods and impacts on marine ecosystems.

The lawsuit focuses specifically on Good & Gather canned and pouch tuna products...

FFAW Delays Snow Crab Price Negotiations Pending Federal Quota Decision

FFAW-Unifor's Snow Crab Negotiating Working Group unanimously decided to suspend participation in snow crab price negotiations until Canadian Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson releases the 2026 crab quotas and opening dates.

The union representing snow crab fishermen in Newfoundland and Labrador said its approach will allow fisheries in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Maritimes to begin first, leading to market stabilization before NL negotiations commence. FFAW said the delay will also provide more time for companies to complete outstanding payments owed to harvesters from the 2025 season...

Day 24 of Iran War: Trump Delays Iran Power Plant Strikes for Five Days; Oil Plummets

The US–Israeli war on Iran reached its 24th day on Monday, contributing to a turbulent start to the week for global markets.

President Donald Trump announced a five-day delay in planned US strikes on Iranian power plants to allow time for ongoing negotiations, which he described as "very good and productive". 

However, Iran denied any direct talks and argued that Trump pulled back after facing threats of retaliation. Oil prices swung sharply, climbing earlier in the day before dropping following Trump’s announcement...

SSC Recommends Reopening Pacific Islands Heritage Marine Monument to Commercial Fishing

Friday March 20, the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council issued a statement recommending to reopen part of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing citing the need to support US fishermen facing mounting pressure from larger foreign fleets.

The proposal would reopen waters between 50 and 200 nautical miles around Wake Island, Jarvis Island, and Johnston Atoll. These areas have been closed under monument protections, limiting access for US vessels...

Russia increases planned catch of Kamchatka crab in Barents Sea for 2026

The total allowable catch of Kamchatka crab in the Barents Sea for 2026 has been increased by 10%.  

According to initial plans of Russian fishing regulators, the planned catch for 2026 was supposed to be set at 12,690 tons, however, after consideration it was decided to increase these figures up  13,960 tonnes.

Earlier these were some proposals to set the annual catch of Kamchatka crab in the Barents Sea to up to 20,000 tonnes and even higher although...

ANALYSIS: Fuel Surcharges Impact Fresh Salmon Supply Chain

Fresh farmed salmon from Norway, Chile, Canada, and other origins may face rising transportation costs as fuel surcharges begin rolling out across multiple shipment modes, potentially affecting prices for US consumers of this premium protein.

All three major salmon exporters rely on trucking to move products regionally and domestically, but their primary modes of transportation to US markets differ by origin. Norwegian producers primarily use passenger planes for transatlantic transport, Chilean suppliers depend mainly on cargo planes, and Canadian producers rely mainly on trucking and ferry vessels. Additionally, all three farming regions...

Alaska Pollock Fishery Recertified as Sustainable by Marine Stewardship Council For Next Five Years

The nation’s largest fishery, and the second largest volume fishery in the world, Alaska pollock was certified for the fifth time by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) yesterday. Alaska pollock, caught primarily in the eastern Bering Sea, was first certified in 2005 and has now been recertified until 2031, following a comprehensive, independent assessment. 

“We are proud that the Alaska pollock fishery continues to meet the rigorous, science-based standards of the Marine Stewardship Council,” Matt Tinning, CEO of the At-sea Processors Association (APA), which...

Premium Brands Reports Record Q4 Results; Clearwater Challenges Continue

Canadian specialty food company Premium Brands Holdings Corporation reported record fourth quarter 2025 results on March 19, with revenue reaching $1.9 billion, up 15.7% from the prior year, though its seafood operations faced continued headwinds.

The Vancouver-based company posted record adjusted EBITDA of $179.5 million, up 20.7%, and record adjusted earnings per share of $1.29, representing a 22.9% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. For the full year 2025, Premium Brands achieved record revenue of $7.5 billion, up 15.6%...

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Middle East Market Turbulence, Trade Deals, and Seafood Expo Insights

Expana’s Weekly Top Ten showcases original reporting from the company’s global correspondents, focusing on the most impactful, market-moving stories of the week.

From daily analysis of how the on-going conflict in the Middle East is shaping global commodity markets to live coverage from Seafood Expo North America in Boston, Expana delivers the intelligence that keeps our customers informed and up-to-date to optimize their businesses.

10. Expana's America's seafood experts attended the 44th Seafood Expo North America convention held from...

USDA Awards $2M to Invasive Catfish Processors in Maryland, Illinois

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that seafood processors in Maryland and Illinois will receive $2 million to create improved markets for invasive wild-caught catfish via the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program.

"This investment in the processing of invasive wild-caught catfish not only solves a problem but also adds to the list of ways Secretary Rollins and the USDA are supporting President Trump's America First agenda by investing in economic opportunity and prosperity in rural communities," said USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Programs Administrator JR...

The Fish Guy Collaborates with eGrocery and Square on Integrated Ecommerce Solution 

A Chicago seafood retailer is enhancing its digital operations through a new ecommerce integration aimed at improving efficiency and customer convenience.

The Fish Guy has implemented an integrated solution powered by eGrowcery and Square, combining online ordering, payment processing, and fulfillment into one streamlined system.

"We're excited to offer a seamless ecommerce experience to our ‘afishionados’ across Chicagoland," said Aaron Rubens. "Thanks to the powerful collaboration between eGrowcery and Square, we can now efficiently handle everything from online ordering to secure payments...

Atlantic Sapphire Raises Financing Target to $30 Million, Faces March 31 Default Deadline

Atlantic Sapphire ASA increased its near-term funding requirement to $25-30 million and faces potential technical default with lenders if financing isn't secured by March 31, according to a March 23 update from the land-based salmon producer.

The revised financing target represents an increase from the $15-25 million range the company outlined in February, citing "an elevated level of market uncertainty and required buffer" needed to achieve EBITDA breakeven on its Phase 1 Florida operations...

UK Seafood Dining Declines Despite Rising Sales in 2025

Seafood holds a starring role in Great Britain’s foodservice scene, appearing in everything from classic fish and chips to global sushi formats.

Seafish has published its analysis "Seafood Consumption in GB Foodservice" using data for the year ending December 2025. This report tracks shifts in channel performance and consumer preferences, revealing how rising costs, evolving trends and growing price sensitivity have influenced ordering and consumption. It benchmarks seafood against other proteins and examines where, when and by whom it’s enjoyed outside the home, then highlights the key...

ANALYSIS: Philippine Octopus Pricing Eases for First Time Since February 2024

The octopus market over the past year has presented significant challenges for all market participants, with tariffs and consistently low landings dominating industry discussions. Market participants widely regard Spanish octopus as the premium product at the top of the quality hierarchy, while Indonesian and Philippine products serve as economical substitutes suitable for many applications.

Spanish product prices initially surged due to light landings, creating upward pressure that intensified with tariff implementation. This price escalation created a cascading effect throughout the category, with Philippine product experiencing corresponding increases as buyers...

Circana Reports Global Foodservice Traffic Climbs 0.2% in 2025 Led by China and Canada

Circana LLC’s 2025 global foodservice results show that, despite macroeconomic headwinds, overall foodservice traffic rose 0.2% year-over-year (YOY). In the US, traffic dipped 0.3% YOY, but international markets, especially China and Canada, drove meaningful growth across the 12 key markets analyzed.

Although traffic growth through Q4 was modest, consumer spending strengthened, driven by a 3% increase in average check per visit. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) emerged as the primary stabilizer, accounting for 50% of global foodservice traffic and posting a...

NOAA Study Reveals How Pacific Cod Size Affects Snow Crab, Tanner Crab Predation Patterns

A new study by NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center biologists illuminates predator-prey dynamics between Pacific cod and commercially important snow and Tanner crabs. 

Scientists examined diet data collected during surveys of the eastern Bering Sea since 1985, along with spatial models over that time period. They discovered that the single most important factor related to total crab consumption by Pacific cod is not only the abundance of the Pacific cod population, but also the size of the cod when it is near crab...

AK, WA Governors Tap Two for NPFMC While NOAA Head Urges More Industry Members on Councils

Amid comments from NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eugenio Piñeiro Soler for “better council members” at the regional fisheries management councils, both Governors Mike Dunleavy of Alaska and Bob Ferguson of Washington submitted their preferred nominations for two seats on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC).  

That council oversees 26 federally-managed species caught in Alaskan waters, including the nation’s largest fishery, Alaska pollock. Taken together, about 30% of the nation’s total seafood production is managed by the 11-member NPFMC...

Global Fishing Watch 2025 Annual Report Maps Entire Industrial Fishing Fleet

Yesterday, Global Fishing Watch (GFW) released its  2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of new technologies, expanded collaborations and policy breakthroughs that propel the international group closer to its 2030 goal of embedding transparency as a global norm in ocean governance. 

From securing advocacy gains at the United Nations and mapping the carbon footprint of industrial vessels to strengthening fisheries oversight worldwide, the international nonprofit moved closer to its 2030 goal of mapping all human activity at sea and transforming the way the ocean is managed...

Cooke Signs MOU to Acquire Sea Bass, Seabream Producer Avramar Greece

Canadian seafood giant Cooke Inc. announced March 19 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire debt facilities of sea bass and seabream farmer Avramar Greece, alongside an existing agreement to acquire the company's equity.

Upon closing, Cooke will acquire operational control of Avramar Greece, which includes Avramar Aquaculture S.A., Andromeda S.A., Perseus S.A., and Avramar Commercial and Logistics S.A.

The original companies comprising the group were established in 1981 and have grown to become a leader in Mediterranean aquaculture... 

Gulf Conflict, Tariff Deals and Quota Cuts Tighten Global Seafood Markets

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has published a report, supported by research and analysis, on markets and trade in global fisheries and aquaculture products.

It notes that the year began on a positive note: easing inflation and steady aquaculture supply and demand; however, conflict in the Gulf could derail that optimism.

Current estimates show global production increased by 1.7% in 2025, while trade rose by 2.1% in volume and 5% in value, year-on-year (YOY).

Three notable developments affecting global trade occurred in February 2026

Day 21 of Iran War: Iran Intensifies Campaign Against Gulf Arab States

The Iranian campaign against Gulf Arab states is expanding, carried out in response to an Israeli strike earlier this week on the South Pars gas field.

On Friday, Tehran launched an attack on an oil refinery in Kuwait, while Israel continued its bombing of the capital. Kuwait’s national oil company reported that multiple units were taken offline. 

Iranian strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility cut about 17% of output, potentially for up to five years, according to QatarEnergy...

Chile Government, Salmon Industry Back Plan to Fast-Track 200 Aquaculture Relocations

Authorities in Chile's Los Lagos region and salmon industry representatives have endorsed the new Kast administration's plan to expedite 200 pending aquaculture relocations, according to reports from Chilean media outlets.

BioBioChile reported March 16 that regional authorities and the salmon sector backed the government's project to "unblock" the 200 aquaculture relocations that have been stalled in the regulatory process.

The initiative represents a key component of President José Antonio Kast's efforts to reduce regulatory bottlenecks constraining Chile's aquaculture sector, according to SalmonExpert...

McIlroy's Masters Champion’s Dinner Menu Highlights Premium Seafood Selections

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy's highly anticipated 2026 Masters Champions Dinner menu features multiple premium seafood courses, underscoring the continued prominence of high-end seafood species in one of golf's most prestigious culinary traditions.

The 2026 Champions Dinner takes place during Masters week at Augusta National Golf Club, where only past Masters winners are invited to attend this tradition that has evolved into one of golf's most closely watched culinary events.

The Northern Irishman's menu centers around a first course of yellowfin tuna carpaccio, an homage to a signature dish from...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...