Fisheries Funds Negotiations Between Canada, Coastal Provinces Begin; Current Program Ends March 31

"In a rapidly shifting global environment, Canada's fish and seafood sector needs the tools to adapt, grow, and seize new opportunities. By renewing and revitalizing Canada’s fish funds, we help drive innovation, open new markets, and position Canadian harvesters and processors to compete and thrive on the world stage,” announced Joanne Thompson, Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, as the government of Canada is entering negotiations for a five-year renewal of the country’s three fisheries funds. 

“This sector has always been a vital part...

Benson Seafood Rebrands, Opening New Processing Plant to Add Crab, Scallops and Value‑added Lobster

Benson Seafood, the former Benson Lobster, has rebranded and is opening a new processing facility on Grand Manan, New Brunswick, the company announced in a LinkedIn post and in comments to Navigator Magazine.

The move shifts the family business beyond live Atlantic lobster into frozen and value‑added lobster, crab and scallop products. The company said the expansion will help open “new market opportunities” for its partners and broaden its product portfolio.

CEO Casey Benson told Navigator the plant is on track to open this...

Golden Sea Brand Sushi EBI Shrimp Recalled in Quebec

Certain lots of Golden Sea brand Sushi EBI Frozen Cooked Shrimp have been recalled due to the presence of 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone, per a February 25 notice from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Transhing Investment Inc. initiated the Class 3 recall of the products that were distributed in Quebec, Canada to hotels, restaurants and institutions...

British Columbia Shellfish Poachers Hit with Fines, Two-Year Fishing Ban

Two shellfish harvesters were fined a combined CAD 10,500 ($7,677) for illegally harvesting clams in Nanoose Bay, British Columbia.

Chao Jan Yu and Li Hua Chen were convicted of multiple offenses under Canada’s Fisheries Act in Nanaimo Provincial Court on January 22. Yu was fined a total of CAD 6,500 (CAD 2,500 for obstructing a fishery officer carrying out his duties; CAD 2,000 for retaining more than the daily limit of 75 clams; and  CAD 2,000 for harvesting prohibited species)...

Vietnam Tops China's Lobster Imports as Tariffs Shift Market Share

Vietnam has seen strong growth in lobster exports to China, with the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) attributing the surge to increased demand from higher-income shoppers.

According to a February 21 VASEP update, China’s lobster imports reached 69,774 metric tons (MT) in 2025, up nearly 9,000 MT from the previous year and marking the highest volume in five years, based on Chinese Customs data.

This growth propelled Vietnam to become China’s top lobster supplier, surpassing Canada, which faced a 25% tariff that contributed to a 15%...

Ottawa Takes Action Against Aquatic Invaders.

Canada’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems are integral to its national identity, underscoring the urgency of preserving biodiversity and addressing threats like aquatic invasive species. These invaders can swiftly spread, competing with native species and potentially costing Canadians billions.

In a proactive move, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, has unveiled a new aquatic invasive species survey map. This interactive tool offers a comprehensive overview of detections across Canada, empowering partners, academia, and the public with crucial information.

Moreover, Minister Thompson announced a $1 million...

FFAW-Unifor Seeks Dismissal of Price Panel Chair, ASP Backs Murphy Amid Snow Crab Settlement Feud

The union representing snow crab harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), FFAW-Unifor, has called for the removal of Standing Fish Price Setting Panel Chair Sheilagh Murphy in a letter to NL Minister Mike Goosney.

FFAW criticized Murphy's public comments, which they say effectively rewrote the Panel’s decision by stating that only 30-lb bulk boxes should be used in calculating the end-of-season settlement payment. The union described this as an “unauthorized intervention” occurring after the decision-making process was complete...

FDA Posts Alert on Norovirus Risk in Certain Oysters from British Columbia

The FDA is warning restaurants and retailers not to serve or consume certain oysters from British Columbia.

Expana first reported on the situation on Tuesday, highlighting that an illness prompted the initial recall by the California Department of Public Health. 

The recall involved Kusshi, Chrome Point, Stellar Bay, and Stella Bay Gold Oysters harvested from British Columbia, Canada, specifically from harvest area BC 17-20 (Nanoose Bay) CLF #1401656 on January 26 and January 29 by S&M Shellfish.

This latest announcement adds...

Canada Launches New Plan For Seafood and Agricultural Sectors to Diversify Markets 

Yesterday, at the annual Policy Breakfast of Food and Beverage Canada, Minister of Agriculture Heath MacDonald announced two new programs to help Canadian food suppliers diversify their markets.

A total of $75 million will be invested in the AgriMarketing Program Market Diversification over 5 years (2026-27 to 2030-31) for the Canadian food sector to better respond to market instability by encouraging greater market diversification.

The action was promised by Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, last September in a speech outlining sweeping economic changes...

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...

Canada Unveils New Initiatives to Modernize Fisheries and Reduce Regulatory Burdens

Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, announced Feb. 4 a series of policy initiatives aimed at strengthening Canada’s fisheries while reducing regulatory burden for harvesters.

The measures are intended to modernize fisheries management, improve efficiency, and ensure regulations better reflect real-world fishing operations, while continuing to protect the health and safety of Canadians, the environment, and the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

"Fishing is more than just an economic driver for rural, coastal, and Indigenous communities...

Larry's Catch Secures Investment on Canadian Show Dragons' Den

"Dragons' Den" is a television program in which aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas and models to a panel of Canadian business moguls, similar to the US hit show "Shark Tank."

On January 22, 2026, Larry's Catch debuted on the show, presenting its vision to make premium, wild-caught, and sustainable Canadian seafood accessible to households nationwide. After sharing their compelling mission and support for Canadian fishing families, co-founders Glen Creaser, James Quinn, and Javier Mejorada received offers from three Dragons.

"Pitching on Dragons'...

GSMC 2026: Farmed Salmon Faces Growing China Demand as Buyers Adjust Sourcing

Buyers and producers at GSMC 2026 painted a picture of a salmon market in flux: wild runs are tight and commanding premiums, while farmed volumes and shifting trade flows, notably surging demand from China and other Asian markets, will largely determine where product lands in 2026. Panelists warned US buyers to expect constrained farmed supply, price pressure and the need for proactive sourcing decisions as Chilean and Norwegian harvests flatten after strong 2025 performances.

The conversation, moderated by Richard Barry of the National Fisheries Institute...

Canada and China Reach Deal to Remove Tariffs on Lobster, Snow Crab by March 1, 2026

Canada and China have reached an initial trade agreement that will eliminate tariffs on Canadian lobster, snow crab, and select agri-food products. The agreement, announced January 16, sets a target of March 1 for China to remove retaliatory duties, reinstating market access after a steep 25% tariff hindered Canadian seafood exports.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the deal would remove trade barriers and “unlock billions of dollars in business for Canadian farmers, fish harvesters, and workers across agri-food sectors...

Snow Crab Price Dispute Continues As Rebate Calculation Divides Newfoundland Industry

The end‑of‑season settlement payment for the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab season was announced yesterday, and harvesters reacted with disappointment.

FFAW‑Unifor, the union representing the province's harvesters, said auditors from Deloitte completed their analysis and set a final rebate of $0.28, yielding a total price of $5.25/lb.

“Based on the available market information, the calculated rebate amount is far below what the Negotiating Committee expected,” FFAW said in a news release. “Today's rebate results are the final straw for fish harvesters who are...

Cermaq Completes $1 Billion Acquisition of Grieg's Finnmark and Canadian Salmon Farming Operations

Grieg Seafood has finalized the sale of its Finnmark, Norway, and Canadian operations to Cermaq for NOK 10.2 billion (USD 1 billion) on a cash- and debt-free basis, with a normalized working capital assumption.

First announced in July 2025, Mitsubishi Corporation–owned Cermaq said the acquisition will strengthen its competitiveness in salmon farming and drive significant growth. Last week, Expana reported that Cermaq would inject fresh equity into three of its holding companies to finance the purchase...

Whitecap Strengthens North American and European Sales Teams with New Managers

Canada-based seafood export firm Whitecap International bolstered its sales team with the hires of Bryan Carroll as US Sales Manager and Steve Spicer as European Sales Manager.

Spicer announced his new role with Whitecap on LinkedIn earlier this week. Spicer previously held roles with Nordic Seafood and Ocean Choice International, per his profile on the social media platform.

“Whitecap is delighted to add Steve Spicer to our UK and European Sales team,” Whitecap’s President and CEO, Darrell Roche, wrote on LinkedIn. “Steve brings an immense amount of experience...

China Confirms 25% Tariff Removal on Canadian Lobster, Crab Effective March 1

China’s Finance Ministry confirmed on Friday that its 25% tariff on lobster and crab imports from Canada will be lifted on March 1 through the end of 2026.

The initial trade agreement between China and Canada was announced in mid-January, with an implementation target of March 1. The deal included the elimination of tariffs on snow crab and lobster, as well as on other agricultural products such as Canadian canola meal and peas.

After the deal was first announced, Geoff Irvine, the Executive Director...

DFO Warns Newfoundland & Labrador Snow Crab Biomass Could Hit Historic Lows by 2028

A Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) stock assessment released Feb. 24 warned that exploitable biomass for snow crab in Newfoundland and Labrador could fall to historic lows by 2028, driven by warming ocean temperatures and low numbers of mature females and non-commercial‑size crab. 

“Continued warming of ocean temperatures, low numbers of mature female and non‑commercial‑size crab indicate that the exploitable biomass in all assessment divisions is expected to be at or near historic lows by 2028,” DFO stock assessment biologist Julia Pantin said...

NORAD Intercepts 5 Russian Aircraft Over Bering Strait, Deployed Five Jets to Escort Them Out

The North American Aerospace Defense Command detected and tracked two Russian Tu-95s, two Su-35s and one A-50 flying through international airspace near the Bering Strait, west of Alaska, on Thursday. 

The US-Canadian command launched two F-16s, two F-35s, one E-3 and four KC-135 refueling tankers to intercept the Russian aircraft and escort them out of the area...

Cooke-Owned Kelly Cove Granted Expansion at Liverpool Bay After Week‑Long Public Hearing

Cooke Aquaculture-owned Kelly Cove Salmon was granted approval to expand its Liverpool Bay salmon farm in Nova Scotia, the company announced Feb. 17.

The Nova Scotia Aquaculture Review Board (ARB) approved changes at the site located offshore from Coffin Island in Liverpool Bay. The decision allows Kelly Cove to add six cages at the site, bringing the total to 20.

Kelly Cove has operated the farm for roughly 15 years in compliance with government regulations, Cooke said...

Canada Recalls TS Brand Sushi EBI Frozen Cooked Shrimp Due to Chemical Contaminants

Last Friday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall of TS brand Sushi EBI frozen cooked shrimp distributed in Quebec to hotels, restaurants and institutional foodservice operations.  

“Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product,” their online notice warned. The product is in 155g packages with a UPC number of 8 16553 00490 3 and the code number: 2027 JN 02; VN499VIO29CAN. 

The TS brand Sushi EBI Frozen Cooked Shrimp was recalled due to 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone, commonly referred...

Arbitrator Upholds ASP on 2025 Snow Crab Settlement Price; FFAW Grievance Denied

An arbitrator has rejected a grievance from FFAW‑Unifor and upheld the Association of Seafood Producers’ (ASP) handling of the 2025 snow crab settlement price, affirming the province’s Standing Fish Price‑Setting Panel outcome and the minimum price paid to harvesters of $5.25/lb, ASP said Friday.

The ruling supports ASP’s position that the settlement should be based on sales of 5–8oz sections in 30‑lb wholesale boxes and that processors follow the FFAW‑agreed formula used by independent auditor Deloitte...

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...

Newfoundland and Labrador to Close Boston Trade Office, Reallocates Outreach Homeward

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced it will close its Boston trade office as part of a fiscal‑management and economic‑development shift, a move that will save the province roughly $1 million a year.

The province says international business development will be consolidated and managed from St. John’s by the Departments of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development; Energy and Mines; Fisheries and Aquaculture; and the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat. Officials stressed that longstanding ties with New England partners will be maintained, but future outreach...

Canada's Whalesafe Fishing Gear Protects Whales and Supports Coastal Economies

Yesterday, Canada’s Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson launched the country’s new Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy – a five-year plan to help protect whales and promote sustainable fisheries. 

Harvesters and fishery stakeholders share Canada’s oceans with many whale species, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale, which is vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to supporting prosperous fisheries that coexist with healthy whale populations. 

Whalesafe gear falls into two general categories: 

On-demand gear...

Federal Court Dismisses Mowi Appeal, Upholds Discovery Islands Salmon Farming Ban

Canada's Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed Mowi Canada West's appeal of a 2024 ruling that effectively bans salmon farming in the Discovery Islands region of British Columbia.

The decision upholds a June 2024 federal court ruling that affirmed the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans’ authority to deny aquaculture licences in the Discovery Islands on conservation grounds. Environmental groups and wild salmon advocates hailed the outcome as a major victory.

“This is another tremendous victory for wild salmon," said...

IPHC Lowers Pacific Halibut Quota in Canada, Maintains Low Levels in US for 2026 

At its annual meeting last week, the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) announced 2026 harvest quotas that maintained the status quo in all US areas and a 7.2% cut for British Columbia. That puts the total catch for 2026 at 29.33 million pounds, with the US portion at the same as last year (24.27 million pounds) and British Columbia at 5.06 million pounds (mlbs). The new total is 1.3% below the 2025 coastwide quota.  

The six-member panel also set this year's season dates, with an...

Canadian Farmed Salmon Sector Signals Alarm Over BC Ban Amid Food Security Concerns

The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance’s latest report warns that the 2024 ban on west coast open-net pen salmon farming by the Trudeau government threatens Canada’s food security and jobs, and undermines the “Buy Canadian” push amid tariff uncertainty in the US.

“Canada’s aquaculture production is a national economic treasure, but it has been seriously weakened by irresponsible government policies,” said Timothy Kennedy, CAIA President & CEO. “Once a world leader in seafood, Canada now underperforms against global competitors, jeopardizing Canada’s independence and food security at...

Association of Seafood Producers Names Lorelei Roberts Executive Director

The Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) appointed Lorelei Robers as its new executive director, effective January 30, 2026.

Roberts brings over two decades of experience to the role. She previously worked in public sector governance, regulatory oversight, and policy development with a direct focus on fisheries and aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Over the last five years, Roberts worked at the Assistant Deputy Minister level with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, including as Assistant Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. In that role, Roberts oversaw regulatory management...