DFO Announces Details for Second Year of Commercial Redfish Fishery

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada has announced details for the 2025-2026 Unit 1 commercial Redfish fishery, set to open on June 24. The fishery was under a moratorium due to a decline in stock from 1995 until 2024, when it was finally re-opened.  

A Total Allowable Catch (TAC) has been set at 60,000 tonnes for this current season — which covers May 15, 2025, until May 14, 2026.  

Breaking down the TAC 

- 7,000 tonnes will be set aside as a reserve allocation...

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...

Legislation Paving the Way for Offshore Renewable Energy in Newfoundland and Labrador Takes Effect 

New legislation aimed at developing offshore renewable energy in Newfoundland and Labrador is now in effect. Bill C-49 includes several amendments to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act (Atlantic Accord Act), including a plan to modernize the land tenure regime for offshore wind development.  

"Newfoundland and Labrador has an abundance of energy, including lower-carbon oil, and significant potential for offshore wind development. Establishing joint management for offshore wind and modifying the land tenure system for offshore oil and...

Fisheries Council of Canada Congratulates Newly Elected Prime Minister Mark Carney

The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) recently released a statement congratulating Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada on their re-election.

The election, which took place on April 28, saw the Liberal Party’s Mark Carney—Trudeau’s successor and Canada's newly re-elected Prime Minister—going up against the Conservative Party’s Pierre Poilievre.

In the end, the Liberal Party won 168 of the 172 parliamentary seats required to hold the majority. Therefore, while Carney and the Liberals did not win the outright majority of seats, they...

Grounded Cargo Ship Off Newfoundland’s West Coast Raises “Growing Alarm” for Fishing Fleets

FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street is urgently calling attention to the grounding of the MSC Baltic III cargo ship on the province’s west coast as members of her group — the Fish, Food & Allied Workers Union, representing over 14,000 workers in Newfoundland and Labrador — begin fishing the rich waters near the grounded vessel.

“This ship is sitting on the rocks of Cedar Cove with hazardous materials and fuel onboard,” Street said. "We’ve seen reports of structural damage, leaks, and an oily mixture in the engine room...

Japan: Price Will Surge by 40% for St. Lawrence Snow Crab

The domestic sales price of new snow crab from the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (Gulf region) on the east coast of Canada is likely to rise significantly. According to a trading company that deals in Canadian products, the beach price (round basis) of crab from the same region at the beginning of this month was CAD 6.50-7.00/LB, 2.2 times higher than the same period last year. Converted into domestic sales prices (trading company prices), 5/8 ounce boiled brine bulk products are expected to be...

Conservative Party of Canada Announces Boost to Harbours Program While Criticizing Liberals

On April 1, under the title “Put Canada’s Fisheries First - for a Change,” Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre issued an announcement 1 that he will double funding for the Small Craft Harbours program and grant Harbour Authorities better access to federal commercial financing.

Canada’s Small Craft Harbours program supports 950 wharves across Canada and is a critical component of the nation’s seafood industry.

Poilievre noted, "Liberal governments have chronically neglected and underfunded the Small Craft Harbour program, hurting operations and holding back maintenance...

NL Snow Crab Fishery: Quota Rises, Protests Erupt, Prices Unresolved

It was a very, very busy weekend for the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab fishery which featured a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) announcement, and update on dock price negotiations and protests.

The NL snow crab fishery received a 9% quota increase for the upcoming season. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced a 62,883 metric ton (t) quota, above 2024’s 57,568t mark and roughly 15% higher than 2023’s total. In February, the DFO showcased mostly good news for the snow crab fishery in the province, as Expana...

US, Canada West Coast Fisheries Get Boost from Pacific Salmon Funding

The Pacific Salmon Commission’s Northern and Southern Funds committees recently finalized project selections for 2025, awarding a total of $9.5 million USD to support Pacific salmon conservation and management efforts. 

The Northern Fund awarded $5 million to 37 projects; the Southern Fund awarded $4.5 million to 46 projects. 

Funded projects align with the Pacific Salmon Treaty, and involve a wide range of partners, including First Nations and Tribal organizations, non-profit groups, U.S. state, federal, and Canadian federal salmon management agencies, the Commission said...

US-Canada Trade Tensions Loom Over Newfoundland Snow Crab Negotiations

FFAW-Unifor, a union representing fishermen throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, said negotiations with the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP), a trade group representing processors and producers in the region, “have been productive.”

According to the FFAW, stronger snow crab market conditions compared to recent years have helped negotiations. The FFAW also noted the price increases in the Urner Barry by Expana price index.

“We have seen steady increases in the Urner Barry price index and inventory is not a factor. In fact, Urner Barry ceased quoting...

NL Delegation to Meet with New Buyers at Seafood Expo North America and Explore Market Opportunities 

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s (NL) Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture division recently announced that Minister Honorable Gerry Byrne and a delegation of provincial fishery representatives will meet with key global buyers during the 2025 Seafood Expo North America (SENA).

The annual seafood expo takes place on March 16 – 18 in Boston, Massachusetts, and will allow the NL government to explore global market opportunities with key players in the seafood sector.

This year, NL will be co-exhibiting with the following companies...

Fishing Industry on the Brink: FCC Calls for Urgent Government Action

The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) called China’s 25% tariff on Canadian seafood exports an “existential threat” to fishing operations across the country, especially as it follows US tariffs.

The FCC has pushed to sound the alarm on the impact of the China tariffs, with the March 20 deadline approaching. The double tariff situation could impact 83% of Canada’s seafood export markets within a span of days. The US and China represent roughly CA$6.6 billion ($4.6 billion) of Canada’s CA$8.1 billion in fish...

ANALYSIS: Canadian Lobster Prices Stabilize Amid Export Slowdown

Canadian live lobster prices have been stabilizing this autumn, following a gradual increase since June. Latest data from Expana shows a market price for live chix exported to Europe standing at 12.18 USD/lb (C+F incoterm) on 5/12/24, which represents a 60% rise since the year-low value of 7.6 USD/lb at the beginning of June...

Vancouver Island Man Fined $60K for Illegally Damaging Salmon Habitat on Trent River

A British Columbia resident was found guilty of destroying critical fish habitat on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced on June 10.

According to the Courtenay Provincial Court, area resident David Tingley failed to fix work he had illegally done on his property that impacted fish and fish habitat on the Trent River. Tingley was hit with a CAD 60,000 fine ($43,900), which was directed to the Environmental Damages Fund, which focuses on the conservation and protection of salmon...

Commerce Secretary Lutnick Addresses Maine Lobster Tariffs, Promises Science-Backed Regulations

Last week, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick weighed in on pressing concerns for Maine's lobster industry, including US-Canada lobster tariffs and promising a commitment to "gold standard science" in future federal regulations impacting the state's staple seafood.

Lutnick went so far as to call the industry an “American treasure” that should be protected.

During the hearing, Lutnick was questioned by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), who highlighted how intertwined Canada and Maine are, noting the impact of tariffs on lobster, which is primarily processed in Canada, along with other...

Turning the Tide Announces 2025 Marine Industry Awards

On May 26, 2025, Turning the Tide announced its 2025 recipients for the 8th annual Marine Industry Awards, including two businesses, two individuals, and a UNESCO-recognized historic site.

Each year, five awards are given out for exemplary leadership, innovation, and long-term commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine industries. The five awards include the following: the Industry Leadership & Excellence Award, Industry Lifetime Achievement Award, Innovation Leadership Award, Award of Historical Marine Significance, and Next Wave Leadership Award.  

Turning the Tide Chair Paul Antle and his fellow Board of Directors announced the...

Canadians Focused on Economy in Today’s Federal Election; Stakes High in Seafood Industry

The federal election in Canada will end tonight with final ballots cast no later than 7 p.m. local time in British Columbia. This comes after a month-long campaign marked by a rare flip in the polls, as voters reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s ‘retaliatory’ tariff policy against Canadian goods and a threat to annex the nation as the 51st state.

In early January, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he would be stepping down in March. At that time, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative party had a...

FFAW Applauds Panel’s Decision on NL Snow Crab Price

According to a news release published yesterday afternoon by the Fish, Food & Allied Workers Union (FFAW), the Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel finally reached a decision on snow crab pricing for the 2025 season in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), ruling in favor of the FFAW’s proposed floor price of $4.97 per pound.

Per the Panel’s decision, the FFAW’s starting price was approved across the board, with an adjustment at the end of the season based on market performance, says FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street. The chosen floor price is...

Canadian Snow Crab Fishery Updates: NB Open Now, NL Opening April 10

New Brunswick’s fishery is underway

The Canadian snow crab season is officially underway in the province of New Brunswick (NB). As of 6 a.m. on April 5, snow crab fishermen from NB's Acadian Peninsula were permitted to put their traps in the sea.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans, this permission applied to zones 12 (12, 18, 25, and 26) and 12E in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

NB’s fishing season will go until the end of the day on June 30, when all fishermen must...

NL Snow Crab Fishery Season Delayed, To Start One Week Late

Today, the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) snow crab fishery—initially set to open in most areas on April 1—announced that it would be delaying the start of the season by almost two weeks.

The announcement was first issued in the form of a letter written by the Honorable Gerry Byrne, Minister of the District of Corner Brook, and addressed to key representatives for the involved parties: FFAW-Unifor’s Dwan Street, ASP’s Jeff Loder, and Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel Chair Sheilagh Murphy.

According to the March 27 letter...

Onda to Advance Research on Sustainable Feed Alternatives for Aquaculture

Onda, the largest contract research organization in Canada specializing in aquaculture research, is working with the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) on a new Canola AgriScience Cluster research project examining the use of canola-based feed meal for sustainable aquaculture production, with the goal of expanding the market for Canadian canola and providing a sustainable alternative for aquafeed. 

The Canola AgriScience Cluster is a five-year research program funded under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership with contributions from the CCC, Alberta Canola...

Tom Taylor Appointed Executive Director of Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) announced that Tom Taylor has been appointed as its new executive director, effective March 24.

Taylor will take the helm of ACFFA with over two and a half decades of experience in the aquaculture industry. The ACFFA described Taylor as a “highly regarded seafood industry leader who brings extensive expertise in fish farming operations.”

Previously, Taylor has worked with multiple industry boards, including as chair of the board of directors of ACFFA since 2018...

Japanese Importers See Opportunities to Increase Canadian Spot Prawn Imports

According to a Minato Shimbun report, following China's announcement to impose an additional 25% tariff on Canadian seafood products, a Japanese trading company predicts that the volume of Canadian spot prawn and lobster exported to Japan will increase. Regarding Canadian spot prawns, the trading company predicts that "in recent years, exports to Japan have decreased due to an increase in exports to China, but the Japanese market will be subject to market restructuring."

Canadian spot shrimp are caught in British Columbia. The 2024 fishing season was from...

Snow Crab Quota Drops 28% in Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence for 2025

The 2025 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for snow crab in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence dipped to 18,334 metric tons (t), per a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) notice.

The quota is lower than 2024’s 25,710mt TAC but the drop off from last year’s quota was less dramatic than projections indicated earlier this year.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported last month that the DFO recommended a 33% quota cut for the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Instead, the quota dipped by about 28% in 2025...

The Winding Glass: Seafood Consumption in Crossfire as Global Tariff War Erupts

The biggest loser in the global tariff wars that have erupted in seafood will be American consumers, importers, processors and distributors.

This week Pres. Trump unilaterally imposed 25% tariffs on all Canadian seafood.  This covers almost all the snow crab, 55% of domestic live lobster, and about 50% of whole farmed Atlantic salmon consumed in the US.

In response to US pressure on Canada to follow its tariff war with China, the Canadians imposed higher tariffs on some Chinese products last fall...