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...

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...

Trump Pauses Tariffs on USMCA-Compliant Imports from Mexico, Canada Until April 2

President Donald Trump’s social media posts are shaping trade policy in real-time: The president announced that some of the previously enacted 25% tariffs on Mexican goods will be delayed until April 2.

“After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement. This Agreement is until April 2nd.”

An hour prior, Trump also posted about Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau on Truth Social...

‘The Tariffs Are All Set’: Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

It’s official. The US will implement a broad 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico on March 4. Trump also noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods, on top of the initial 10% tariff he placed on the country in February.

“No room left for Mexico or Canada (to make a deal),” Trump told reporters at the White House. “The tariffs are all set. They go into effect tomorrow.

Trump said the neighboring countries had no chance for a last-minute deal that would...

Grieg Seafood Completes Successful Placement of Perpetual Green Hybrid Bond

On February 27, 2025, British Columbian (B.C.) salmon farmer Grieg Seafood ASA announced the successful placement of a new perpetual green hybrid bond issue of NOK 2 million ($177.6 million) with a first call date after four years.

Bond details

Proceeds for the bond—which has a coupon, or interest rate, of three months at a Norwegian Inter-Bank Offer Rate (NIBOR) of 5.75%—will go towards financing Grieg’s green projects, as further defined by the Green Bond Framework.

Among its financial activities will be the refinancing of existing...

DFO Says NL Snow Crab Fishery in Good Shape, But Cautious on Long-Term Outlook as Season Draws Near

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) showcased mostly good news for the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) snow crab fishery in its latest stock assessment update. However, findings did indicate that the stock may see poor growth rates due to “unfavorable ecosystem conditions and low abundances of small snow crab observed in surveys.” 

The DFO indicated that stocks appear to sit at healthy levels, which may pave the way for a similar quota in 2025. Last year’s quota was...

Trump Signs Memo to Advance Reciprocal Tariffs, Aims to Balance Trade

President Trump signed a memorandum that could lead to the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on the trading partners of the United States.

“The ‘Fair and Reciprocal Plan’ will seek to correct longstanding imbalances in international trade and ensure fairness across the board,” per a fact sheet from the White House. “Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of: this plan will put the American worker first, improve our competitiveness in every area of industry, reduce our trade deficit, and bolster our economic and national security...

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...

Government of Canada Invests $4.79 Million to Protect At-Risk Aquatic Species in B.C.

On March 5, 2025, the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier—Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (DFO)—announced CAD $4.79 million (USD $3.35 million) in funding for the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) conservation program.

The investment will directly support ten projects within British Columbia that forward conservation and recovery efforts for currently at-risk aquatic species.

Seven projects will target species in the Fraser and Columbia River watersheds, which host 70% of the Pacific Region’s freshwater...

US Seafood Targeted in Canada’s Proposed Retaliatory Tariff List

Canada wasted no time hitting back at new U.S. tariffs, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing immediate 25% retaliatory duties on C$30 billion ($20.9 billion) worth of American imports after the levies took effect on March 4.

“Canada is being needlessly and unfairly targeted by these tariffs – and the US' decision leaves us with no choice but to respond to protect Canadian interests, workers and businesses. Working with provincial, territorial and industry partners, our singular focus is to remove these tariffs as quickly as possible...

Trade Tensions Ignite as Canada and China Hit Back at US Tariffs

Canada and China have announced retaliatory tariffs in response to new US tariffs that went into effect today, igniting trade tensions between the world’s largest economies. After a 30-day pause, the US administration imposed a broad 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico on March 4, Expana's Ryan Doyle reported.

One minute past midnight, the US administration imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% tariffs on Canadian energy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the decision had “no justification” and emphasized Canada’s efforts to combat...

Fisheries Council of Canada Appoints Jason McLinton as New President

The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) appointed Jason McLinton as its new president, effective March 24, 2025.

McLinton enters the role with over 25 years of experience in government and regulatory affairs. He most recently worked with the Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED) where he was a Senior Project Leader with the Grocery Task Force and Office of Consumer Affairs. Before that, he was the Retail Council of Canada (RCC)’s Vice President of the Grocery Division and Regulatory Affairs, focusing on critical areas including food...

Canada Sees 582% Sales Increase for MSC Labeled Tuna

Recently, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) released its first-ever Canada Tuna Report, illustrating immense growth in Canada’s demand and sales for MSC-certified tuna products over the last two years.

Most significantly, the North American country saw a 582% increase in tuna volume sold between 2022 and 2024 — 99.5% of which was sold in cans. This volume grew from 1,907 MT in 2022 to more than 13,000 MT in 2024.

According to the MSC, tuna represents 60% of all MSC labeled seafood sold by weight in Canada, while tuna represents...

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...