Canada Secures New Seafood Export Openings Across Five Global Markets

Canada is expanding export opportunities for its fish, seafood and aquatic products sector after securing new and renewed market access in Vietnam, Oman, Brazil, Armenia and Costa Rica. The developments, led by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), are expected to support trade diversification and strengthen the global reach of Canadian exporters.

Among the most significant gains is the restoration of access to Vietnam for chilled and frozen finfish fillets and steaks after the country accepted a Canadian health certificate. The move reopens...

Canadians Want Sustainable, Traceable Seafood as Ocean Concerns Grow

As the world marks World Ocean Day, a new survey suggests Canadians are deeply concerned about the condition of the oceans but remain increasingly optimistic that meaningful progress can be made.

The survey, released by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in Canada, found that 90% of Canadian seafood consumers are concerned about the state of the ocean. At the same time, 41% said they are optimistic about the world's ability to protect oceans over the next two decades.

The findings are part of a global study conducted by...

Quinlan Sues Newfoundland Government Over 2024 Seizure of $500K Worth of Crab

Canadian seafood processor Quinlan has filed suit in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador against the province's Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, seeking damages from the seizure and destruction of snow crab in July 2024.

The lawsuit alleges government officials acted "without lawful authority" when they seized and destroyed approximately 52,000 pounds of processed crab ready for market, causing substantial financial losses estimated at $500,000 and significant harm to the company's reputation.

"This action is not about the current government, and it should not come...

Cermaq Consolidates Canadian Operations Into Single Entity Following $1B Grieg Integration

Mitsubishi-owned salmon farmer Cermaq is streamlining its expanded Canadian operations through a June 1 subsidiary amalgamation, creating a unified structure five months after completing its $1 billion acquisition of Grieg Seafood's North American assets.

The consolidation merges three entities—CQ Canada Holding Ltd., Cermaq Canada Ltd., and Cermaq Seafood BC Ltd.—into Cermaq British Columbia Ltd., with CAD 224 million in capital. CEO Steven Rafferty will serve as director of the Campbell River, BC-based entity...

Nova Scotia's Clark's Harbour Seafood Expands From Live Lobster to Global Processing Operation

Clark's Harbour Seafood has transformed from a traditional live lobster operation into a vertically integrated seafood business with global ambitions, according to a new case study from Invest Nova Scotia.

Under owner Jim He's leadership since 2016, the southwestern Nova Scotia company now operates alongside sister companies Atlantic ChiCan Seafood and Stoney Island Fisheries, creating an integrated supply chain spanning harvesting through export.

The evolution accelerated in 2019 when Clark's Harbour Seafood began diversifying beyond live lobster exports...

Nova Scotia's LFA 33 Lobster Harvesters Gain Jonah Crab Bait Access in Policy Shift

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced May 21 that lobster harvesters in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 33 can now retain Jonah crab bycatch for use as bait, addressing climate-driven bait supply concerns in one of Canada's most valuable lobstering regions.

Minister Joanne Thompson said the decision allows LFA 33 harvesters to keep Jonah crab caught incidentally in lobster traps, bringing them in line with practices already permitted in neighboring Areas 34-38. Previously, retention was prohibited due to the area's directed Jonah crab fishery...

Moxies Rolls Out Limited‑Time Sushi Menu for Summer

Canadian premium‑casual restaurant brand Moxies is welcoming the warmer months with a slate of fresh, limited‑time menu innovations designed for summer dining. Leading the seasonal rollout is Sushi by Moxies, now available at locations across Canada through September 6.

Created in collaboration with Chef Tom Jeon, the new sushi offerings blend classic Japanese inspiration with Moxies’ signature modern twist. The lineup includes:

• Miso Tuna Crispy Rice
• Salmon & Prawn Aburi Oshi
• Spicy Tuna Dynamite Roll

“Moxies is all about creating memorable dining experiences...

Canada to Invest $957.8 Million Over 5 Years in Small Craft Harbors Program

As part of Canada’s Spring Economic Update 2026, the Carney administration proposed $957.8 million over five years, to be dedicated to small harbors across the nation. The funds will be used for ongoing repairs and enhancements. The money is in addition to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) existing annual program budget of approximately $90 million. 

"Small craft harbours are the working backbone of coastal communities in Canada,” noted Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries. “This is the largest investment ever made in small craft harbours...

The Compression Phase: Alaska Reclaims Strength as Global Crab Markets Diverge

The global crab market is entering a more compressed and strategically uneven phase in 2026, where timing, access, and inventory positioning are becoming more important than production alone. Alaska has re-emerged as a major force in the premium frozen market following a third consecutive year of higher quotas, while Norway’s sharp reduction in king crab supply has materially tightened global availability of premium product. At the same time, Russia continues to consolidate its dominance in the live trade into Asia...

BC Coastal First Nations Tell Ottawa to Reverse Trudeau-era Net Salmon Pen Ban

At a press conference on Wednesday from Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, Chiefs from the BC coastal First Nations Finfish Stewardship Coalition (FNFFS) unveiled a plan for greater Indigenous equity and leadership in salmon aquaculture.  Reversing the 2029 net pen ban is essential for sustainable financial growth.  

The FNFFS welcome the federal government’s $1.3 billion investment in wild Pacific salmon conservation, adding that support for aquaculture aligns with the Carney government’s federal priorities: attracting investment, creating jobs - including for youth, improving affordability, strengthening food security...

Canadian Fishermen Face Fuel Cost Surge Amid Start to Lobster, Snow Crab Seasons

Canadian fishermen are grappling with soaring fuel costs as snow crab and lobster seasons get underway, with operating expenses jumping nearly 30% according to Quebec harvesters.

A recent Canadian Broadcasting Corporation report highlighted the diesel price burden on Quebec fishermen, prompting calls for government assistance similar to the aid recently provided to the province's farmers.

"Whether you drive a tractor or a boat, the costs associated with the increase in diesel fuel costs are the same," said Joel Arseneau, member of Quebec's National Assembly...

Northern Cod Enters MSC Sustainability Assessment After Decades-Long Recovery

Newfoundland's Northern cod stock has officially entered the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment process for sustainability certification, marking a significant milestone for the fishery that collapsed in the 1990s and led to the MSC's creation.

The announcement came during the Northern Cod Fishery Improvement Project's update at the Global Seafood Expo in Barcelona on April 20, building on positive momentum from recent stock assessments showing the fishery's remarkable recovery.

Earlier this month, Fisheries and Oceans Canada confirmed the stock had grown...

ASP and FFAW Reach Deal on Newfoundland Snow Crab Season After Price Dispute

The Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union-Unifor (FFAW) have reached an agreement on the 2026 Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab season, ending a dispute that had stalled the province's largest crab fishery.

The groups said in a joint statement that the deal creates a system that will adjust in-season snow crab prices based on market conditions, moving away from traditional post-season settlements.

The agreement confirms that the current collective agreement remains in place...

ACFFA Opposes Funds to Atlantic Salmon Foundation in Canada’s New Force of Nature Plan

At the end of March, Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney launched  A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature, investing $3.8 billion to protect and restore critical habitats, promote natural biodiversity, and mobilize “new capital for nature.” 

The news was welcomed by conservation groups across Canada, including one with headquarters in New Brunswick and an office in Maine — the Atlantic Salmon Foundation.  

Now the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association has sent an urgent objection to Carney and Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, saying unequivocally...

Access Determines Price: The Global Crab Market Tightens in 2026

Global crab trade expanded in 2025, but 2026 is developing into a more difficult operating environment defined by tighter positioning and more contested negotiations.

The structure of the market continues to narrow. Supply remains concentrated, and access to key destinations is increasingly controlled. The central issue is no longer how much crab is produced, but who can place product into the markets that set the price.

Most major producing regions enter the year with workable quotas. Russia increased total crab quotas by 2% to 109,485 metric tons and continues to...

Mersey Seafoods Acquires Nova Scotia's Comeau's Sea Foods

Nova Scotia-based Mersey Seafoods has struck a deal to acquire fellow provincial seafood firm Comeau's Sea Foods, the companies announced April 8.

Comeau's said day-to-day operations will remain unchanged, and the company will continue operating from its Southwest Nova Scotia locations under the same name. The scallop and herring processor serves foodservice and retail sectors and also handles Atlantic salmon, haddock, halibut, and Alaska pollock.

"We have a strong foundation in the Clare community and have been a staple employer in the region," Comeau's stated. "We believe this...

NL and Seafood Industry Seeks Federal Support to Maintain Marine Atlantic's Essential Service Status

The Newfoundland and Labrador provincial government has called for federal help to ensure the Marine Atlantic ferry service remains an "essential service" within the province.

NL Premier Tony Wakeham wrote to the federal Minister of Transport to express concern over an application currently before the Canada Industrial Relations Board that would reconsider Marine Atlantic's "essential service" designation.

"Marine Atlantic is more than a ferry service. It is a critical supply chain and transportation link for Newfoundland and Labrador, and the primary means of moving essential...

Canada Seafood Farmers Push for Aquaculture Growth in Next Agriculture Policy Framework

Canada’s seafood farmers are urging governments to make aquaculture a bigger part of Canada’s next agricultural policy framework, arguing the sector could play a much larger role in food production, rural growth and exports.

In a March 30 letter sent ahead of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial ministers’ meeting in Halifax, the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance and seven provincial aquaculture groups called on federal, provincial and territorial leaders to adopt a “Grow Canada” approach that treats aquaculture as a strategic growth industry.

The industry...

Canada Invests $816 Million to Expand Coast Guard Maritime Security Role

Canada announced a $816 million, seven-year investment to strengthen maritime security and expand the Canadian Coast Guard's monitoring capabilities, particularly in Arctic waters where vessel traffic and security risks are growing.

Key components include establishing a year-round Maritime Domain Awareness Hub in Iqaluit, adding reconnaissance equipment to helicopters, installing four new long-range radar sites along the Northwest Passage and Hudson Strait, and acquiring surveillance drones to extend Coast Guard reach.

The investment supports the Coast Guard's new security mandate under the Strengthening Canada's...

Scientists Map Regional Differences in Chinook Salmon Diets

A new study from University of Victoria and the Pacific Salmon Foundation has found that adult Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea rely heavily on herring for food, though their diets vary by region and season.

The research, published in Fisheries Oceanography and led by UVic PhD student Wesley Greentree, analyzed thousands of salmon stomach samples collected by recreational anglers through the Adult Salmon Diet Program.

Researchers found herring were the dominant prey year-round across the Salish Sea. But regional differences emerged...

Canada Launches New Funding Call to Tackle Ghost Fishing Gear

The Canadian government is expanding efforts to tackle abandoned and discarded fishing gear in the country’s waters, announcing a new round of funding aimed at preventing and removing “ghost gear” from the marine environment.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has launched a new call for proposals under the Ghost Gear Fund, Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson announced Wednesday. As outlined in Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature, the federal government will invest $15 million over three years to strengthen efforts to prevent, locate, retrieve...

ArcelorMittal Fined Record $100M for Fisheries Act Violations in Quebec

A Quebec court has ordered ArcelorMittal Exploitation Minière Canada s.e.n.c. (AMEM) to pay a record-setting $100 million fine after the mining company pleaded guilty to 100 counts of violating Canada’s Fisheries Act.

The sentence, handed down May 15 by the Court of Québec, marks the largest fine ever imposed in Canada under the Fisheries Act. AMEM was fined $1 million for each count tied to the unlawful deposit of harmful substances into waterways in the Fermont region between...

Samjin Frozen Fish Cake Recalled Nationwide in Canada Over Undeclared Allergens

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a nationwide recall of Samjin brand Frozen Fish Cake (with Sauce & Shrimp) after CFIA testing found the product may contain egg, gluten and milk that are not declared on the label.

Although no allergic reactions have been reported, the product was distributed nationally. The CFIA advises consumers who are allergic or sensitive to egg or milk, or who have celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders, not to consume the product...

FFAW Welcomes Canada’s Renewed Investment in Small Craft Harbours

The Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union ( FFAW ) is praising the Canadian government’s renewed investment in small craft harbor following the release of the 2026 Spring Economic Update.

The union said the added funding is a welcome step toward repairing, maintaining and modernizing critical harbor infrastructure across the country, as many facilities face mounting pressure from climate change, aging assets and growing demand.

FFAW President Dwan Street said the investment is necessary for coastal communities and the harvesters who depend on safe, reliable working...

Clearwater Seafoods Fined $150,000 Following Fatal Workplace Incident

Nova Scotia shellfish giant Clearwater Seafoods has been hit with a $150,000 penalty following the death of crew member Scott Dicks aboard the company's clam vessel Anne Risley in 2024, according to CBC reporting.

The 36-year-old fisherman from Grand Bank, N.L., was electrocuted after touching a 440-volt space heater that had been improperly rewired by an unnamed employee, CBC's Tom Ayers reported. The heater's original five-prong plug had been cut and replaced with a four-prong plug to fit cook room outlets, where Dicks...

Canada Pushes Seafood Export Growth in Europe at Seafood Expo Global

Canada is stepping up efforts to grow and diversify its fish and seafood exports, with a strong focus on expanding its presence in Europe.

At this year’s Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson met with Canadian exporters, European buyers, and senior officials from Spain, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to discuss strong European demand for Canadian seafood, particularly frozen and value-added products.

Thompson also pointed to growing momentum in Spain, where the Sabores de Canada (or Flavours from...

Record DFO Survey Highlights Deep Importance of Newfoundland and Labrador Food Fishery

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has released its What We Heard document summarizing feedback from the 2025 Food Fishery survey, underscoring the fishery’s deep cultural importance in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The food fishery remains closely tied to the province’s identity, reflecting Newfoundlanders’ and Labradorians’ long-standing connection to cod and the sea. The survey, launched by the Honorable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, drew more than 9,500 responses and over 100 written submissions — the highest participation ever recorded for a DFO...

BC's Walcan Quinsam River Pink Salmon Fishery Becomes Province's Only MSC-Certified Salmon Operation

The Walcan Quinsam River Pink Salmon Fishery has earned Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, making it the only salmon fishery in British Columbia to feature the blue label.

The April 15 announcement was hailed by Cameron Pirie, President of Walcan Seafood, who said the certification reflected decades of stewardship and collaboration.

"Working alongside the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Nations to harvest only surplus salmon, we're able to protect the resource while bringing a premium product to market," Pirie said...

Gulf Snow Crab Season Gets Underway as Newfoundland Harvesters Weigh Price Decision

Snow crab fishermen in the Gulf of St. Lawrence have begun the 2026 season after brief ice-related delays, moving quickly to capitalize on fishing opportunities before endangered North Atlantic right whales arrive in southern waters.

The Gulf's Total Allowable Catch was set at 16,267.90 tonnes, down 11% from 2025 levels using a 34.82% exploitation rate under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' Precautionary Approach harvest decision rules. The reduction marks the third consecutive year of quota declines for Canada's second-largest crab fishery...

Supreme Court Halts NL Snow Crab Tie-Up; Sackton Warns of Market Risk

The Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court has granted an injunction against the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union-Unifor (FFAW), ordering the union to halt "declaring or authorizing" the ongoing tie-up in the province's snow crab fishery.

According to local news outlet VOCM, the injunction targets comments made by union leadership encouraging harvesters not to fish for the current minimum price of $5.30/lb ($11.68/kg) set by the province's Standing Fish Price Setting Panel on April 2. The panel accepted the price submitted...