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...

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...

Champagne China Visit Accelerates Trade Momentum with Canada's Seafood Sector in Prime Position

Canadian seafood exports to China are poised for continued growth following Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's productive visit to Beijing, building on tariff relief secured earlier this year that has already benefited lobster and crab shipments.

Champagne concluded his China visit on April 3, emphasizing the importance of diversifying trade partnerships with Canada's second-largest trading partner. The trip builds on Prime Minister Mark Carney's January visit, which the government called "a turning point" in bilateral relations and secured significant tariff reductions for Canadian seafood exporters...

Northern Cod Stock Surges 20% in Single Year, Reaches 'Healthy Zone' Status

Canada's Northern cod stock has grown by approximately 20% in a single year and now sits firmly within the "Healthy Zone" under Fisheries and Oceans Canada's precautionary approach framework, according to the latest science assessment released April 1.

The milestone marks a dramatic turnaround just two years after the commercial fishery returned following a 32-year moratorium. At 540,000 tonnes, the Northern cod stock now represents the largest spawning stock biomass of any cod stock globally.

The assessment, covering the stock off the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador...

Quinlan Brothers Plans Fish Waste-to-Value Facility at Bay de Verde Operations

Quinlan Brothers Ltd. wants to build a new facility at its Bay de Verde plant to convert crab shells, salmon scraps, and other seafood waste into fish oil and meal products, rather than dumping the materials at sea or sending them to landfills.

The Newfoundland processor plans to convert the waste materials into ingredients for fish feed, pet food, and human consumption products at the facility adjacent to its existing crab and salmon operations.

Construction would begin in fall 2026, with the facility expected to be fully...

Aquaculture IS Agriculture, Canadian Fish Farms Want Inclusion in the Next Policy Framework

Canada’s fish farming sector has made a case to 13 federal, provincial, and territorial ministers that aquaculture should be recognized more fully as an agri-food sector. The eight leaders of industry aquaculture associations were specific in the areas where their sector should be included. 

First, aquaculture should be eligible for all Federal Strategic Initiatives (in addition to the current AgriMarketing and AgriAssurance programs), with priority given to AgriInnovate. 

Second, aquaculture should be eligible for activities in the Multilateral Framework Agreement between the federal-provincial-territorial governments...

Record Harvest for Mowi in 2025, But Canadian Operations Hit by Market and Regulatory Pressures

Mowi posted record global harvest volumes of 559,000 tonnes in 2025, though the world's largest Atlantic salmon farmer faced significant headwinds in its Canadian operations as regulatory uncertainty in British Columbia and challenging North American market conditions weighed on profitability.

Operational EBIT for salmon of Canadian origin plunged to negative €39.8 million in 2025 from positive €3.4 million in 2024, according to the company's annual report released this week. The company attributed the decline to reduced spot prices from "more challenging market...

Charter Vessel Operator Fined $5,000 for Illegal Crab Fishing Activity

Illegal harvesting and non-compliance with conservation measures pose serious risks to Canada’s marine resources. In the recreational crab fishery, retaining undersized male crab or female crab is illegal and threatens species sustainability. These actions also jeopardize the significant economic and cultural value of the crab fishery, which supports coastal communities, recreational fishing, tourism, commercial harvesters, and serves as a traditional food source for Indigenous peoples. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) fishery officers work to protect these resources through regular patrols, inspections, public education, and enforcement...

Premium Brands Reports Record Q4 Results; Clearwater Challenges Continue

Canadian specialty food company Premium Brands Holdings Corporation reported record fourth quarter 2025 results on March 19, with revenue reaching $1.9 billion, up 15.7% from the prior year, though its seafood operations faced continued headwinds.

The Vancouver-based company posted record adjusted EBITDA of $179.5 million, up 20.7%, and record adjusted earnings per share of $1.29, representing a 22.9% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. For the full year 2025, Premium Brands achieved record revenue of $7.5 billion, up 15.6%...

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...

Canada Commits $1.1 Billion to Renew Pacific Salmon Recovery Strategy

The Government of Canada has released results from the first phase of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) alongside announcing a major renewal of the program under Canada’s Nature Strategy.

Phase 1, from 2021–2026, of the PSSI focused on protecting, conserving, and restoring wild Pacific salmon across British Columbia and Yukon through broad collaboration with Indigenous partners, governments, scientists, and local communities. The initiative laid "the foundation for long-term recovery" by advancing habitat restoration, improving fishery management, and expanding...

Newfoundland Snow Crab Opens at CAD $5.30/lb as Pricing Dispute Threatens Season Start

Newfoundland and Labrador's Standing Fish Price Setting Panel has set the 2026 initial snow crab price at CAD $5.30/lb ($3.80/lb.), according to its April 2 decision, after accepting the Association of Seafood Producers' (ASP) pricing submission.

The price represents approximately a 5-cent increase over the 2025 end-of-season settlement of $5.25/lb, but falls well short of harvesters' expectations. FFAW-Unifor, representing the province's fishery workers and harvesters, boycotted the panel process and did not submit a...

FFAW Walks Out of Snow Crab Price Talks Days Before Season Start

FFAW-Unifor, the union representing crab harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador, has walked away from price negotiations just days ahead of the scheduled start of the snow crab fishing season.

The union said no crab will be processed in the province "until a fair price is agreed upon," after 13 hours of talks failed to reach an agreement with processors.

FFAW rejected the Association of Seafood Producers' (ASP) latest offer of $5.22 per pound, which came in below the 2025 final price of $5.25 per pound...

High Liner Slashes 9% of North American Office Staff Amid Tariff, Input Cost Pressures

High Liner Foods laid off roughly 9% of its North American office workforce in a move to "further align its cost structure with current market conditions," the company announced on March 31.

The value-added frozen seafood company said the 35 departures are part of a broader set of moves, including margin management, cost reduction, and supply chain efficiency efforts. The moves are aimed at mitigating the impact of inflation, tariffs and higher input costs and at improving its value proposition to customers and consumers...

Canada Announces 2026 Snow Crab Quotas: Newfoundland Down 3%, Gulf Faces Steeper 11% Cut

Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced coordinated quota decisions for the country's major snow crab fisheries today, setting Newfoundland and Labrador's 2026 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) at 61,004 tonnes and the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence at 16,267.90 tonnes.

While Newfoundland faces a modest 3% decrease from 2025 levels, the Gulf region received significantly steeper reductions with an 11% cut, marking the third consecutive year of quota decreases for Canada's second-largest crab fishery.

Despite the overall reduction...

Scotia Harvest Diversifies Portfolio With Acquisition of Established Clam Specialist IFP

Nova Scotia-based seafood company Scotia Harvest announced March 23 that it has acquired Innovative Fishery Products Inc. (IFP), an established player in the province's clam sector.

Scotia Harvest said the acquisition represents an "important opportunity to diversify its seafood portfolio," with IFP's clam harvesting, processing and exporting capabilities complementing its existing operations.

"Innovative Fishery Products has built an impressive business, and we see an opportunity to grow this business alongside our existing operations," said Alain d'Entremont, President of Scotia Harvest Inc...

FFAW Delays Snow Crab Price Negotiations Pending Federal Quota Decision

FFAW-Unifor's Snow Crab Negotiating Working Group unanimously decided to suspend participation in snow crab price negotiations until Canadian Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson releases the 2026 crab quotas and opening dates.

The union representing snow crab fishermen in Newfoundland and Labrador said its approach will allow fisheries in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Maritimes to begin first, leading to market stabilization before NL negotiations commence. FFAW said the delay will also provide more time for companies to complete outstanding payments owed to harvesters from the 2025 season...