State Pushes Ahead With North Yuba Salmon Reintroduction in Second Year of Effort

The only thing scary about reintroducing salmon in a historic river system habitat is whether it will work. So far, efforts to do just that in the North Yuba River have succeeded. 

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and its partners have initiated a second year of spring-run Chinook salmon in the North Yuba River. 

Roughly 350,000 spring-run Chinook salmon eggs were collected and fertilized recently at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville. The eggs will be hydraulically injected into...

Japan: September Imports up 15% to JPY 169.5 Billion; Frozen Coho Surged 51%, Sockeye Dropped by 46%

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on October 30, Japan's imports of fishery products (preliminary figures, including fish and shellfish and their preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) in September decreased by 2% year-on-year to 161,274 tons, while the value increased by 15% to 169.494 billion yen ($1.1 billion). Imports of fresh and frozen tuna increased by 34% to 18,330 tons, and salmon and trout increased by 4% to 13,839 tons, but shrimp decreased by 12%...

AquaBounty Posts Q3 Loss, Secures Ohio RAS Farm Permits

Land-based salmon farmer AquaBounty Technologies reported continued losses during the third quarter in its latest financial results. At the same time, the company landed approval for its Ohio facility.

AquaBounty, which produces genetically modified salmon, continued to face financial headwinds, as the company hasn’t operated a farm since December 2024. The firm reported a net loss of $1.4 million in Q3, compared with $3.4 million in Q3 2024.

The company said it received a wastewater discharge permit for its Ohio farm, along with additional approvals...

VARPE, VASEP Pact Aims to Expand Russian Seafood Exports to Vietnam 

Russia and Vietnam have agreed to significantly expand joint fish trade under a memorandum signed by the Russian fish association VARPE and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) during an international forum in St. Petersburg.

The memorandum commits both sides to expand trade volumes, simplify cross-border procedures, and develop scientific cooperation in the fisheries sector. For Russia, the agreement opens greater access for Russian fishermen and processors to Vietnam’s large and growing seafood market.

Herman Zverev, head of VARPE, said Vietnam...

Soccer Superstar Erling Haaland Fronts Expanded Campaigns Promoting Norwegian Salmon

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) said it ramped up its partnership with soccer (football for those not in the US) superstar Erling Haaland, with new marketing campaigns.

The NSC signed a two-and-a-half-year deal last year to promote the Seafood from Norway brand and become a seafood ambassador.

Fast forward to now, Haaland is focusing on the staple product from his home country, Norwegian salmon. The NSC stated that the goal is to highlight the origins of both Haaland and seafood, as well as the significance of...

More Than 20 Salmon Firms Sue Norway Over Traffic‑Light Sea‑Lice Rules

Over 20 salmon‑farming companies on Norway’s west coast have filed suit against the government, challenging the traffic‑light system used to monitor sea lice, Bergensavisen reports.

The companies, which include farming giants Mowi and Lerøy, filed a class action lawsuit against Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

The publication reported that the companies are demanding that “red lights” that were put in place on the west coast of Norway between 2022 and 2024 be lifted and claim the government...

Norwegian Exports Climb in September as China Buoys Salmon Demand, US Fresh Sales Slip

Norwegian seafood exports posted robust numbers in September, buoyed by both rising prices and strong demand, particularly for salmon shipped to China, according to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council, credited higher prices for mackerel, cod, saithe and king crab to go along with the strong growth in the Chinese market.

"The EU is still our largest overall market, but Norway is now taking an increasing share of the growing Chinese salmon and prawn market...

Sea Lice Outbreak Strikes Mowi Newfoundland Farms Again, 470,000 Fish Die 

Salmon farming giant Mowi, and its Mowi Canada East arm, said that it lost another 470,000 fish due to sea lice infestations in Newfoundland and Canada, roughly a month after the company reported a similar sized die-off at other farms in the province. 

Mowi Canada East’s Friar Cove and Chaleur Bay farms were impacted by the die-offs. According to notices published on the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association’s online portal for public reporting of fish health issues, Friar Cove saw 236,569 fish...

Chilean Salmon Trade Group Works With Authorities to Avert Russia Seafood Export Clash

Consejo del Salmón, a salmon trade association, has begun working with both Chilean and international authorities to resolve export challenges threatening seafood shipments to Russia. The move follows a warning from Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) to Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) last month regarding several regulatory violations.

Russia has stated that, unless the issues are addressed, it will restrict Chilean seafood imports starting September 20. The trade group highlighted the potential impact, noting that Russia is Chile's fourth-largest destination...

Japan: August Fishery Products Imports Down 5% to 147,875 MT, the Value Increased 4% to JPY 151.5B

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on September 26, preliminary figures for August fishery product imports (including seafood and seafood preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) showed a 5% year-on-year decrease to 147,875 tons, while the import value increased by 4% to 151.569 billion yen ($1.02 billion). Fresh and frozen tuna imports increased 4% to 16,643 tons, while salmon and trout imports increased 7% to 12,589 tons. However, shrimp imports were down 7%, crab imports were down...

Nova Scotia Approves 10-year Renewal for Cooke’s Kelly Cove Salmon License

Cooke Aquaculture’s Kelly Cove Salmon subsidiary has received approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) to renew its Aspotogan Harbour fish farming license for another 10 years.

The salmon farm located near Saddle Island offshore from Bayswater Beach has been in operation for 30 years for the cultivation of Atlantic salmon, Cooke shared in a news update.

Cooke said the NSDFA underwent an extensive performance review, based on technical and biological assessments of the salmon farm, in line with regulations...

Quick Response During Storm Saves Circle Seafood’s Processing Barge in SE Alaska

During an intense storm last Monday, the Circle I, a freezer barge owned by Circle Seafoods of Aberdeen, WA, broke its mooring shortly after noon Alaska time. Within four hours, the 382-foot barge was secured and towed to a more sheltered location. Tuesday, less than 24 hours later, the barge was being towed to Ketchikan for repairs.  

The first notice from the Metlakatla Indian Community was sent by Mayor Albert Smith at 1:45 p.m. on Monday...

Kaldvik Lands ASC Certification for Pair of Salmon Farms; All Farming Sites Now Certified

Kaldvik, an Icelandic salmon farmer, announced that it has achieved Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for two of its farming sites.

The company said the move confirms that its operations meet “the strict ASC requirements for social responsibility, animal welfare, and environmental protection.” The two additions bring the company’s ASC-certified sites total to seven.

“Achieving ASC certification for our final two sites is an important milestone,” said Sandra Eiðsdóttir, Quality Manager at Kaldvík. “ASC is about farming in a way that is good...

SalmonChile Represented in Chilean Capitol Hill Delegation to Advance Trade Talks

SalmonChile, a Chilean salmon industry association, visited Capitol Hill in the United States to discuss trade relations, tariffs, and other issues with US representatives.

The Chilean delegation was led by the Industrial Development Association (SOFOFA), and its president, Rosario Navarro, and its secretary general, Rodrigo Yáñez. The group met with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), where parties discussed the negotiation of a free trade agreement and the current tariff status. The delegation was also received at a reception by the Chilean ambassador to Washington...

Landslide Disrupts Norway’s Salmon Supply Chain

A landslide in Norway has led to disruptions in salmon shipments, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK Nordland. 

The landslide occurred earlier this month in the town of Levanger in Trøndelag county. 

The publication reported that the landslide would have “major consequences” for businesses that transport goods to and from Northern Norway.

Daniel Bjarmann-Simonsen, director of communications for salmon farmer Nova Sea, which is majority-owned by salmon farming giant Mowi, explained the landslide has thrown a wrench in its logistics.

Bjarmann-Simonsen explained...

Alaska Salmon Landings Now at 84 Percent of Forecast, Due to Lower Pink and Chum Harvests

In an odd but true moment, the only species of Alaska salmon that is currently exceeding pre-season predictions is the extremely scarce Alaska Chinook salmon. As of earlier this week, Chinook landings statewide were nearly 15% above forecasts of 165,000 fish.  

Total landings as of September 2 were 180 million fish, compared to a pre-season estimate of 214 million. 

Actual landings include 52.06 million pounds of sockeye, less than .9 million pounds of the 52.9 million predicted...

Russia, Japan Log Progress on Fisheries Cooperation Amid Ongoing Tensions 

Two delegations recently discussed joint catch and management of fish and seafood resources, with particular attention paid to studying existing stocks of salmon, saury, mackerel, sardine, and several other species.

According to Alexey Baitalyuk, PhD, Deputy Director of VNIRO, one of Russia’s leading research institutions in fisheries, the planned expansion of cooperation will involve mutual data exchange, with a focus on the North Pacific region.

Russia has confirmed plans to observe the moratorium on pollock fishing in the central Okhotsk and Bering Seas to help restore fish stocks...

Russia Clears Chilean Seafood for Import Following Forum Talks

Russian and Chilean authorities confirmed that Chilean seafood will be allowed to enter Russia after talks during the VIII International Fishery Forum and the Fish Industry, Seafood, and Technology Exhibition in St. Petersburg.

The deputy head of Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor), Konstantin Savenkov, met with María Soledad Tapia Almonacid, Head of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service of Chile (Sernapesca), on October 23. The fallout of the meeting saw 34 companies land authorization to ship products to Russia...

Japan: Frozen Chilean Coho Imports Plummet 95%, Russian Sockeye Imports Surge 11.2 Times to 3,455T

According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, August imports of salmon and trout (frozen and fresh) increased 7% year-on-year to 12,589 tons, and the value increased 8% to 18.675 billion yen ($123.07 million). Imports of frozen Chilean coho salmon, the main product, fell sharply. Imports of frozen Russian sockeye salmon increased significantly.

According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, a breakdown of imports shows that August imports of frozen Chilean coho salmon were down 95% year-on-year to 148...

Hokkaido's Fall Chum Landings Facing an Unprecedented 58% Decline, Pending Closure in November

According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, fall chum fishing is experiencing an unprecedented shortage. Daily Report data from the Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations (DOGYOREN) shows the cumulative catch as of October 6th was only 8,907 tons, marking a severe 58% drop from the same period last year. This pace is significantly lower than last year's record-low catch rate, with landings failing to increase even in early October, which is typically the peak season...

Forrer Loses Final Appeal on Mismanagement of Yukon-Kuskokwim Chum and King Salmon

Last Friday, the Alaska Supreme Court upheld a lower-court decision that dismissed a case brought by Juneau resident and longtime Yukon and Kuskokwim River fisherman Eric Forrer in 2023. 

Forrer, a long-time Alaska resident, brought the suit in 2022, charging the Alaska Department of Fish and Game of violating the state Constitution’s mandate that “Fish, forests, wildlife, grasslands, and all other replenishable resources belonging to the State shall be utilized, developed, and maintained on the sustained yield principle, subject to preferences among beneficial uses...

Amazon Rolls Out Private Label Grocery Brand with Seafood Range

Amazon has entered the private label space with a splash. The company debuted Amazon Grocery, a private label brand featuring over 1,000 food items, including seafood, at the start of the month.

The company said the new private label brand will unite customer favorite Amazon Fresh and Happy Belly brands into one collection, available on both Amazon.com and Amazon Fresh stores.

"With Amazon Grocery, we're simplifying how customers discover and shop our extensive private label food selection while maintaining the quality and value our customers expect and deserve...

Japan: August Fishery Products Exports Surged 57%, Value Increasing 25%

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on September 26, August's fishery products exports (fish, shellfish, seafood preparations, and fish meal) increased 57% in volume to 50,267 tons compared to the same month last year. They increased 25% in value to 26.754 billion yen ($182.16 million). Scallop exports decreased by 18% to 5,982 tons, but increased by 28% to 8.673 billion yen ($59.04 million). Both shelled and unshelled exports experienced a decrease in volume but an increase in value, resulting in a rise in unit price. Yellowtail exports were down 16% in volume but increased 44% in value. Both volume and value of frozen yellowtail fillets increased, Minato Shimbun reported...

Salmon Bycatch Reduction Efforts Use AI in Bering Sea Pollock Fishery

Meet YOLOv11, a model used to detect and identify salmon bycatch in the pollock trawl fishery in the Bering Sea. YOLOv11, which stands for You Only Look Once, version 11, was highly accurate and accomplished it more quickly than humans can.

Scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center customized it to detect and identify both pollock and salmon in fishing nets. This allows scientists to semi-automate the video review process used to evaluate the effectiveness of bycatch reduction devices. They can also observe fish behavior to improve...

Trident Launches wellFURst, a Wild-Caught Alaska Pet Wellness Brand

Trident Seafoods is extending its legacy of innovation with wellFURst pet supplements, carefully crafted made from wild-caught fish, sourced from Alaska. 

The supplements are made in the U.S. and feature wild-caught Alaska pollock and salmon. Every step of the harvesting and manufacturing process is traceable and takes place in sustainably managed fisheries.  

"Trident’s wellFURst brand is leading the future of pet wellness by offering a long-desired product for the right situation made the sustainable way," said Analise Gonzales...

Japan: July Chilean Coho Imports Plummet 80%, Russian Sockeye Spike 80%

According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, July imports of salmon and trout, fresh and frozen combined, were down 31% year-on-year to 9,026 tons, and the value was down 23% to 14.553 billion yen ($98.4 million). Imports of frozen Chilean coho salmon, the primary product, declined sharply, leading to higher unit prices. Imports of frozen Chilean trout also decreased.

Looking at the breakdown of imports by Minato Shimbun, July imports of frozen Chilean coho salmon were down 84% year-on-year to 734 tons...

Echo Falls Expands Salmon Caviar Line with New Wasabi Flavor and Retail Packaging

Smoked salmon brand Echo Falls announced a significant expansion to its salmon caviar product line.

Echo Falls announced that the expansion will feature new retail packaging and a new flavor.

The company said its new wasabi-flavored salmon caviar capitalizes on current flavor trends. The new flavor is designed for “consumers who enjoy complex and bold flavors” and can be used as a complement or garnish in a variety of appetizers and entrees...

Chile Supreme Court Upholds Ruling, Fines Caleta Bay Mar for False Salmon Harvest Information

Chile’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of its National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca), ordering salmon farmer Caleta Bay Mar to pay a fine for providing false information about one of its harvests.

Sernapesca stated that irregularities were detected during its inspection process. It said the quantity of fish harvested didn’t match the amount reported at the time of stocking or the mortality rate recorded during harvest. Sernapesca reported the incident to the First Civil Court of Puerto Montt as a result. Sernapesca also noted that...

Chile’s Seafood Exports at Risk as Russia Threatens Restrictions for Documentation Violations

Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) warned Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) that Chile may be barred from importing seafood into Russia due to various violations.

"The Service has repeatedly recorded discrepancies in the accompanying documentation for these products from Chile," Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement. "Discrepancies have also been noted in the information indicated on the labels and stated in the veterinary certificates...

Global Seafood Faces "Perfect Storm" of Tariffs and Risk, Rabobank Warns

The global seafood industry is amidst a period of profound disruption, according to the latest Rabobank report.

Seafood producers and exporters are being impacted by tariffs and geopolitical tensions, notably in Asia. Meanwhile, consumers in the Western part of the globe are facing increased prices and reduced availability of seafood staples.

“The seafood industry is navigating a perfect storm of trade barriers, geopolitical risk, and supply chain fragility,” said Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Global Specialist Seafood at RaboResearch. “Strategic diversification—both in sourcing and market access—is no longer optional...