NOAA Releases 2023 Fisheries of the US and Economics Reports; Seafood Consumption Dips

NOAA Fisheries' two flagship reports — 2023 Fisheries of the United States and 2023 Fisheries Economics of the United States — were released yesterday, presenting data and trends from 2023. 

Key takeaways from the report include: 

- In 2023, U.S. commercial fishing, seafood, and recreational fishing supported 2.1 million full- and part-time jobs, generated $319 billion in sales impacts, and contributed $148 billion to gross domestic product.

- Total landings revenues in 2023 decreased 16 percent to $5.1 billion in inflation-adjusted 2023 dollars, primarily...

Ag Coalition Highlights USMCA Strength in New Report, Sees Big US Economic Benefits

The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA has released a new report underscoring the pact’s importance to the US farm and seafood sectors. The analysis positions the USMCA as a stabilizing force for rural economies amid rising input costs and volatile markets, noting that exports to Canada and Mexico generated significant US economic activity in 2024.

The report found that agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico produced $149 billion in total US economic output in 2024, supporting about 493,000 full-time jobs and $36 billion...

Trump Order, US‑India Statement Lock in 18% Tariff on Indian Shrimp Imports

Further details of President Trump's announcement of a US-India trade deal were revealed through a February 7 Executive Order and a joint statement confirming the removal of the 25% ad valorem tariff on India‑origin goods and an Indian reciprocal tariff of 18%.

In the EO, US President Donald Trump confirmed that, effective February 7, 2026, products imported from India will no longer be subject to the additional 25% ad valorem tariff, which was imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil...

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun Named to Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026

Red Lobster's CEO, Damola Adamolekun, has been named to the Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026. The list highlights 50 individuals who are “reshaping how America thinks, works, connects and creates.” The publication said those included will define the stories of 2026.

Adamolekun, 36, has already made a significant impact at Red Lobster. He spearheaded a major menu update, including a renewed focus on seafood boils and revamped promotions. He was first named CEO in September 2024, ushering in a new era for the seafood...

Safe Catch Makes its Way to the Freezer Aisle with New Fish Nuggets

Safe Catch is expanding its footprint beyond shelf-stable seafood and into the freezer aisle with the launch of frozen seafood nuggets, marking a new chapter for the brand known for its focus on purity and transparency.

"This launch is a significant milestone for Safe Catch," said Sean Wittenberg, Safe Catch co-founder and CEO. "Bringing our first frozen product to Sam’s Club nationwide allows us to meet families where they already shop, while maintaining the standards that have defined our...

Russia Maintains Crab Exports to China as US Market Remains Closed

Russia continues to supply crab to China from its Northern Basin amid limited export options, particularly to the US and the EU.

According to the Russian agricultural regulator Rosselkhoznadzor, in January 2026, about 27 tonnes of live crab from the Murmansk region were shipped to China. For the entirety of 2025, approximately 530 tonnes of live crab were exported to China from the Russian North, with a significant portion transported by air due to the long distance.

These volumes are significantly lower...

Icelandic Salmon Finishes 2025 With Q4 Operational Profit, Full-Year Loss Narrows

Icelandic Salmon reported improved operational performance in Q4 2025, delivering an operational EBIT of EUR 2.6 million ($3.1 million) on a harvest of 3,800mt (gwt), helping the group finish the quarter in positive territory after a challenging year. Harvest for 2025 totaled 12,700 mt, versus guidance of 13,000 mt (300 mt moved into Jan 2026). Full‑year EBIT remained negative at EUR -18.1 million.

Operational cost cuts implemented in Q3 helped reduce cost levels in Q4, while biomass in sea reached an all‑time high of about 18,000mt...

MSC: 90 Percent of US Fisheries Meet Sustainable Standards; Highlights MSC-Certified SCEMFIS Members

Last week, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) highlighted the sustainability of U.S. fisheries with new data from 2025 showing that, by volume, 90 percent of the U.S. catch is MSC-certified and meets the organization’s sustainability guidelines. Among the organizations highlighted are industry members of the Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS).

SCEMFIS, a member of the National Science Foundation's Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers program, brings together marine scientists and members of the commercial fishing and wind energy...

ANALYSIS: US Squid Imports Plunge in November as Buyers Await Indian Tariff Clarity

The U.S. squid market maintains a full steady to firm undertone, with elevated tariff structures across all major origins continuing to constrain supply channels and support pricing. The confirmation of Indian squid tariff reductions from 50% to 18% has introduced substantial change to the industry's competitive landscape, with India positioned to regain more competitive pricing against competing suppliers...

ANALYSIS: Europe’s Frozen Squid Imports Increase on Robust Peru and China Output

Frozen squid imports into Europe (EU and UK) grew 7.5% year-to-date (YTD) for January–November. This increase was mainly driven by Peru, which rose 6.0% YTD, followed by China, up 34.0%.

Peru had a successful 2025 season for Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas), with the total allowable catch (TAC) set at 609,935 mt. At the beginning of 2026, the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE) reported that oceanographic conditions remain favorable, leading the Peruvian Ministry of Production to set the initial maximum permissible total catch limit (LMCTP)...

Northern Wind to Roll Out Bon Cuisine Frozen Seafood Line at SENA

Northern Wind will introduce Bon Cuisine, a retail-focused frozen seafood line, at Seafood Expo North America in Boston next month, positioning the line as a ready option for retailers targeting protein-driven shoppers.

The Bon Cuisine range pairs premium shrimp and wild-caught scallops with chef-crafted butter sauces designed for consistent flavor and quick preparation. Northern Wind said the SKUs are built for freezer-case visibility and repeat purchase, delivering restaurant-style results from freezer to plate in about 10 minutes...

Captain D's Debuts Crispy Crunchy Shrimp for Lent

Captain D's introduces its new wonton-coated Crispy Crunchy Shrimp to cater to customers seeking meat alternatives during Lent. Available for a limited time until April 5, these shrimp can be enjoyed as part of the Crispy Crunchy Shrimp & Fish Meal, priced at $5.99 as part of Captain D's Full Meal Deals. These meals include hush puppies and a choice of classic side.

Guests can also opt for the 8 Pc Crispy Crunchy Shrimp & 2 Pc Fish Meal or the Ultimate Seafood Platter featuring Crispy...

Proximar Seafood Projects Solid 2026 Outlook Amid Initial Q1 Size Distribution Challenges

Proximar Seafood said it has seen “positive biological developments” across most of its production, with the company expecting increased harvest weights and a solid 2026 outlook, according to a February 9 production update.

Proximar is a Norwegian land-based salmon farmer with a production facility in Japan. The company estimated harvest volumes of 3,500-4,5000 metric tons HOG in 2026.

“We are encouraged by the performance we are seeing, and the improvements we have made are clearly showing positive effects on growth...

Recall Alert Following Illness Linked to S&M Shellfish Co Oysters

The California Department of Public Health announced a recall initiated by S&M Shellfish Co on February 3 due to a reported illness following the consumption of their product.

The recall affects Kusshi, Chrome Point, Stellar Bay, and Stella Bay Gold Oysters harvested on January 26 and January 29. These oysters were distributed to retailers across several states, including California.

The Shellfish Tag ID provides the following details: the original harvester/producer is BC 0741 SS, with a WS Certification Number 1D47, and the...

SalMar Achieves Record Harvest and Cost Efficiency in Q4 2025 Amid Strong Operational Performance

SalMar delivered strong operational performance in the fourth quarter, setting a record harvest of 300,900 tonnes and achieving lower costs across its value chain, driven by continued solid operational and biological performance in Norway. Results were partly offset by a weak contribution from Scottish Sea Farms.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, Norway achieved an operational EBIT of NOK 1,843 million with a harvest of 80,300 tonnes, resulting in an operational EBIT of NOK 23.0 per...

Access, Concentration, and Risk: The New Structure of Global Crab Trade

The 2026 global crab market is increasingly defined by concentration and control. Two dominant poles now shape global trade flows: the United States, which has consolidated its position as the world’s premier destination for king and snow crab, and China, which continues to absorb the majority of Russian live production at record levels. In this environment, competitive advantage is no longer driven by tonnage alone, but by secure access, disciplined inventory management, and credible supply chains.

This concentration has left secondary markets—particularly in Asia—more exposed to currency...

President Trump Restores Commercial Fishing Access to Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Monument

Just before the weekend, President Trump signed a proclamation restoring commercial fishing access to all 4,913 square miles of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, which is located off the New England coast.

The President is committed to removing what he describes as "unnecessary restrictions" on American fishermen. He says this move will strengthen the US economy, support coastal communities, and restore fairness in the industry.

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was established in 2016 by President Obama, banning commercial fishing...