Russia Expects Fish Catch to Surpass 5 Million Metric Tons in 2025 

Russia anticipates its total fish catch will exceed 5 million metric tons in 2025.  

This target has been confirmed by Ilya Shestakov, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo), who noted that much will depend on the results of this year’s salmon fishing season. 

As of June 11, Russian fishermen had caught approximately 466,500 metric tons of Pacific salmon, surpassing last year’s figures. Kamchatka Krai and Sakhalin Oblast are leading the season, with sockeye salmon being the primary catch. 

Achieving a target catch...

ANALYSIS: Fresh Chilean Salmon Fillets Soften Ahead of Seasonal Trend

The market for fresh Chilean salmon fillets continues to show signs of weakness, trending lower earlier than usual for this time of year. Historically, pricing begins to soften after Mother’s Day, but this year the decline began in early May. Since the end of April, the price for 3–4-pound fresh Chilean fillets—considered the bellwether size—has fallen 19.2%. This marks a notable departure from the 3-year average, with current prices down 5.1% compared to historical trends.

Despite a nine-week slide, the market has...

Federal Judge Dismisses UCIDA's Claim that NMFS Violated Laws While Managing Cook Inlet Salmon 

The United Cook Inlet Driftnetters Association lost its latest legal effort to correct management issues impacting sockeye salmon in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with a decision on Monday to dismiss all charges with prejudice.  

That decision does not mean that UCIDA cannot appeal Federal Judge Sharon Gleason’s 32-page ruling.  

The Cook Inlet salmon fishery is managed as a mixed stock fishery. In this case, sustainable stocks of returning sockeye, bound for their spawning grounds in the Kenai and Kasilov Rivers, are...

Turning Emissions into Nutrition: Norwegian Project Converts CO₂ into Salmon Feed    

A collaborative research project in Norway is testing out a new way to produce salmon feed.  

Nofima, SINTEF, and the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) have partnered with ferrosilicon producer Finnfjord on a project called AlgOpti. Together, they are converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the ferrosilicon industry into microalgae for use in salmon feed. 

At Finnfjord’s facility in Norway, cultivation tanks transform CO₂ into algae biomass, which serves as a nutrient-rich feed ingredient. This biomass is then processed into salmon feed with...

Mowi Appoints Tomasz Trela as New Sales Director Central Europe

Effective today, Tomasz Trela has stepped into the role of Sales Director Central Europe at Mowi, overseeing business for the seafood giant in the central European region.

The appointment was announced by Trela four days ago in a LinkedIn post and follows Trela’s return to Mowi several months prior.

The update also comes after Mowi’s acquisition of a controlling stake of Nova Sea earlier this year, which increased Mowi’s ownership in Nova Sea from 49% to 95%.

The region for which Trela is now responsible spans Scandinavia, the DACH region...

Atlantic Sapphire Showcases Bluehouse Salmon at Summer Fancy Food Show

Atlantic Sapphire debuted its Bluehouse Salmon at the Specialty Food Associations (SFA) Summer Fancy Food Show. 

The Florida-based aquaculture company says it raises its salmon in a land-based, controlled environment without hormones, antibiotics, GMO’s, or chemicals. 

“We believe that today’s buyers and culinary leaders are looking for products that not only deliver exceptional quality and taste but also align with evolving consumer values,” said Damien Claire, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Atlantic Sapphire. “Bluehouse Salmon is our answer — a responsibly raised, premium seafood solution...

Russian Authorities Tighten Control Over Domestic Fish Prices 

Russian authorities plan to significantly tighten control over domestic fish prices. According to official data from the Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rostat), fish prices in Russia have increased by roughly 8% since the start of 2025, attracting attention from local regulators.  

The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) has requested information from 37 domestic fish producers and processors regarding their price increases. The FAS has also inquired about actual volumes of production and the cost of fish products.  

The requests have raised concerns from a variety of...

Ace Aquatec and Aquascot Partner for AI-Fish Processing Project

Aquaculture tech company Ace Aquatec and seafood processor Aquascot recently announced a 12-month strategic partnership to integrate Ace Aquatec’s non-intrusive AI monitoring cameras into Aquascot’s modern food processing line.

Ben Perry, Head of Sales at Ace Aquatec, commented on how exciting the collaboration is for both Scottish companies, allowing them to work together to unlock “the full potential of data in aquaculture.”

Combining AI with fish processing

The partnership will leverage Ace Aquatec’s collection of real-time morphometric fish data—including measurements of individual fish weights, condition factor...

Bristol Bay Sees First Landings of Forecasted 35 Million Sockeye Salmon This Season

The first landings of the year from Bristol Bay, Alaska's phenomenally rich sockeye salmon fishery, showed up on ADF&G’s leaderboard, otherwise known as the Bluesheet, last weekend with 392,000 sockeye. That, along with additional landings from the Copper River and Aleutian Peninsula, brings the total sockeye catch to date to nearly 1.2 million fish. 

Those empty cells of the Bluesheet will not be empty for long. Another 393,000 salmon were recorded as catch from the Nushagak District yesterday.  

Bristol Bay’s five river systems each have differently...

Russia Expects Significant Increase in Red Caviar Production in 2025 

Russia expects a significant increase in the production of red caviar in 2025.  

Ilya Shestakov, head of the Russian Federal Agency of Fisheries, anticipates that the increase will help stabilize caviar prices in the domestic market. 

"We expect that the catch will be higher than last year. Accordingly, the volume of red caviar production will also be high,” said Shestakov. “If there is such a volume, then the price, in theory, should stabilize.” 

Still, much will depend on the volume of salmon catch in Russia.  

According to...

Japan's April Household Expenditure Survey: Seafood Spending up 3%, Tuna Purchases up 20%

According to the April household survey released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on June 6, total food expenditures increased 7% year-on-year to 89,487 yen ($615.30). Expenditures on seafood increased 3% to 5,889 yen ($40.49). Fresh seafood, salted and dried seafood, and surimi products all increased compared to the same month last year.

According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, fresh seafood increased 1% to 3,196 yen ($21.97). Tuna, skipjack, and sashimi platters...

Alaska’s Pre-Bristol Bay Salmon Landings Modest Compared to Pre-Season Forecasts 

As of last Saturday, landings of sockeye salmon in the Copper River District totaled 274,400 fish, delivered during the first seven fishing periods since the season opened May 22, 2025. That number is significantly less than the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s anticipated harvest of 969,000 fish for that period. 

The trajectory of the fishing periods trace the path of a roller coaster. The first period’s harvest was 28,000 sockeye. The second period, which started May 26, netted 52,400 sockeye. Five days after that, the third...

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...

ANALYSIS: Chilean Fresh Salmon Fillet Market Declines for Fifth Consecutive Week

The fresh Chilean salmon fillet market continued its downward trend this week, marking the fifth consecutive week of falling prices. Market participants report weak demand and an ample supply of fresh fillets from Chile as key drivers behind the price slump.

Earlier this spring, European fresh fillets—typically priced higher than Chilean fillets—briefly traded below the Chilean market. However, that trend has reversed. As of this writing, European fresh fillet prices have rebounded and are now 10.3% higher than their...

ASMI Releases 2024 Annual Report Highlighting Global Impacts and Market Challenges 

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) has released its 2024 Annual Report, reflecting on partnerships, investments and challenges within the Alaska seafood industry. 

Throughout 2024, ASMI worked to promote Alaska seafood in 36,000 retail stores and 18,000 restaurants across the U.S. – but not without its challenges.  

A Difficult 2024 

According to the August 2024 NOAA Fisheries Alaska Seafood Snapshot Report, the Alaska seafood industry spent much of last year in recovery mode, after suffering a $1.8 billion economic loss from...

Fujisan Salmon Markets White Fujisan Salmon: White Meat Rainbow Trout Grown at the Foot of Mt. Fuji

Japanese newspaper Minato Shimbun recently highlighted the production and sale of "White Fujisan Salmon,” rainbow trout grown by aquaculture company Fujisan Salmon Co., Ltd. (Fujisan Salmon) at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Unlike the image of salmon with red meat, this beautiful white meat is different from both regular salmon and white fish varieties, characterized by its moderate fat content. Utilizing the abundant spring water of Mt. Fuji, Fujisan Salmon strives for sustainability through farming practices aimed at coexisting with...

Japan's Seafood Imports in May Decreased by 5% YOY in Volume and 3% YOY in Value

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on June 27, Japan’s May seafood imports (with preliminary figures including fish and shellfish, their preparations, fish meal, and seaweed) decreased by 5% in volume from the same month last year, totaling 181,942 tons. In addition, the value of these imports decreased by 3% to 165.412 billion yen ($1.154 billion), as reported by Japanese news outlet Minato Shimbun.

Fresh and frozen tuna imports rose by 13% to 17,417 tons, including the following tuna...

Rabobank Sees Pressure from Tariffs and Trade Shifts: Shrimp, Salmon Sectors Brace for Impact

A new report from Rabobank highlights how affordability challenges and shifting trade dynamics are transforming global seafood markets in 2025.

The price point of seafood is a key factor influencing demand. In the second half of the year, the Trump administration’s tariffs could pose a significant challenge to consumer affordability, as costs are passed on. Meanwhile, Rabobank expects demand to improve in China due to stimulus packages. Lastly, Europe is expected to be a strong market as exporters shift trade from the US and China amid...

Bristol Bay Salmon Run Timing And Size Currently Mimics That of Two Years Ago

The world’s largest wild salmon run, which began June 1 and will peak in the next week or two, has now landed 10 million sockeye salmon and is following closely in timing and landings with its near-record 2023 annual catch of 38 million sockeyes. That year, the state’s forecasted harvest was only 37 million sockeye.  

This year, the forecasted harvest total is 34.84 million sockeye from the five-river systems of Bristol Bay.  

As of June 29, landings in Egegik District have reached 1.8 million...

Japan's May Fishery Exports Increased 1% in Volume and 6% in Value

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, Japan's May fisheries exports (including fish and shellfish, preparations thereof, fishmeal, and fish oil) increased 1% in volume year-on-year (YOY), amounting to 43,731 tons, while also increasing 6% in value YOY, amounting to JPY 23.746 billion ($163.85 million).

According to reporting by Japanese news outlet Minato Shimbun, scallop exports saw a 27% decrease in volume and a 23% increase in value. While frozen shelled scallops showed growth in both volume and value, scallops in the...

Mori Trust Joins Pure Salmon's Land-Based Aquaculture Project

According to a June 25 press release, leading real estate developer Mori Trust Co., Ltd. of Minato-ku, Tokyo, will participate in a land-based salmon aquaculture project by investing in "8F Aquaculture Fund Japan I LP," an operating fund of Pure Salmon Japan Co., Ltd., which conducts Atlantic salmon aquaculture in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. 

Project overview and background of participation: emphasizing safety and stability 

This project aims to construct a facility in Mie Prefecture for the land-based farming and processing of Atlantic salmon, with shipments commencing in 2027...

Hokkaido Fall Chum Return Forecasted to Fall 36% to a Record-Low of 11 Million

On June 23, the Hokkaido Research Organization and Inland Waters Fisheries Research Institute announced that the forecasted number of fall chum salmon returning this year (total number of coastal catches and river captures) is 11.4 million fish, a 35.5% decrease from 2024.  

Due to the record-low return of 3-year-old salmon last year, the return of the dominant 4-year-old school is not expected to be high this year, leading to a forecast below the previous low of 17.37 million...

StarKist Launches Summer Campaign Promoting Protein Pouches 

StarKist is kicking off the summer with a new campaign. Fueled by the brand’s protein pouches, the StarKist Summer initiative promotes an active, on-the-go lifestyle.  

Each fully cooked, ready-to-eat StarKist Creations pouch has up to 17 grams of protein. With more than 25 options available, including tuna and salmon, this on-the-go snack is a perfect choice for busy summer days.  

"StarKist Summer is about making the most of the season by staying active, getting outside, and enjoying real food that fits your lifestyle," said...

NAIA and Coast of Bays Communities Team up to Oppose N.L. Marine Conservation Area

On June 23, 2025, the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) launched its ‘Save South Coast Jobs’ campaign, which rejects the recently proposed National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) and focuses on the potential impact to local community leaders and workers along Newfoundland and Labrador’s (NL) South Coast.

The campaign calls on Premier Hogan’s government to reject the NMCA proposal, referring to the area designation as “ecologically unnecessary and economically harmful.”

The campaign’s digital elements include the website SaveSouthCoastJobs.com, which features testimonials from seafood workers...

Cook Inlet Sockeye Salmon Season Begins, Feds Set Limit 60% Higher Than Last Year

This week saw an increase in sockeye landings on the Copper River and an early jump in chum salmon landings in Prince William Sound. On Monday, the statewide tally of wild salmon landings clicked over to above one million. The most recent total of 1.3 million includes 535,000 sockeye and 667,000 chum salmon.  

Yesterday, the Cook Inlet EEZ salmon season began with a total allowable catch (TAC) of 800,126 sockeyes.  

That total breaks down into a TAC for the Kenai River...

North Pacific Council Delays Action on Bering Sea Chum Salmon Bycatch Due to Funding Uncertainty 

At the end of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s June meeting, the panel issued a two-paragraph statement titled “Budget Concerns and Effects on Future Council Meetings,” that described their critical funding situation. 

“To date, the Council has received only 46% of its operating grant funding from NOAA for 2025, which is not typical,” the June 9th statement read. “Although the Council anticipates receiving another installment of its grant in the coming weeks, that amount is uncertain and it may not be...

Mowi Inks Deal for $2.9 Billion Sustainability-Linked Credit Facility

Mowi, the largest salmon farmer on the planet has signed a EUR 2.6 billion ($2.9 billion) five-year sustainability-linked multicurrency revolving credit facility agreement with DNB, Nordea, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, Danske Bank, SEB and Crédit Agricole.

Norway-based Mowi said the facility would be used to refinance existing bank debt and for general corporate purposes.

The principal financial covenant of the facility is a minimum equity ratio of 35%, and the facility includes an accordion increase option which provides flexibility for the parties...

Aquaticode Expands AI Sorting Tech with Major Chilean Salmon Farming Deals

Aquaticode, an AI-aquaculture firm focused on sorting technology, announced that major Chilean salmon producers, Australis and AquaChile have adopted its AI sorting products.

The company said the deals with the key salmon farmers would see 60 million fish sorted across both companies. Aquaticode said this will lead to both “improved operational efficiency and stronger biological performance.”

“Aquaticode’s AI-driven sorting technology allows us to make faster, more accurate decisions and to maximize the biological potential of every fish,” said Cristian Sauterel, Farming Manager at Australis...

ANALYSIS: Price Trends and Production Data for Norwegian Atlantic Salmon

According to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, Norwegian Atlantic salmon harvest volume increased by 33.4% year over year (y-o-y) in April, leading to a softer market. Although there was some recovery in price in the first two weeks of May, primarily due to microalgae blooms from the genus Phaeocystis and Chrysochromulina, the abundant supply continues to exert downward pressure on prices.

ne of the main reasons for this incredible increase in supply is addressing challenges in salmon farming. Last year’s winter ulcer...

No Second Opener on Copper River This Week, But Prince William Sound Opens for Seiners 

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) announced yesterday that the Copper River District will remain closed for the rest of this week to aid struggling Chinook salmon to move upriver to spawn.  

ADF&G has estimated that 21,000-31,000 Chinook must be allowed to reach the upper waters of the Copper for the population to remain sustainable.  

According to harvest data and in river abundance indicators, salmon managers say the return so far continues to be...