Vietnam’s Low Basa Prices Produce Ripple Effect in China; Shrimp Sector Likely to Boost Exports

In early July, prices of Vietnam’s basa are reported to have dropped to the lowest level within the past three years, according to industry and media reports. Large basa are sold at only 19,500 VND per kg ($0.84/kg USD), which has declined by about 10,000 VND per kg ($0.43/kg USD) compared with January.

This is bad news for Vietnam’s basa industry and also buyers from China, who predicted further price increases due to the trade war...

China's Value as Huge Shrimp Market Results in Both Foreign Winners and Losers

With China’s new generation of consumers attaching more and more importance to a healthy lifestyle, seafood has become increasingly popular in the Asian market. It is luring seafood suppliers all over the world with its great market potential, according to media reports. This year, some suppliers have seen increases in their shrimp exports to China, but some have not.

India is one of the winners in promoting its shrimps to this oriental country. In May alone, it sold...

Alaskans Own Delivers For a Decade

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch –

Sitka-based Alaskans Own seafood delivery service is celebrating 10 years of providing locally caught fish not to Outsiders, but to Alaskans, the majority of whom can’t get their hands on the best fish out there.  

“It’s a crazy statistic that one percent of the seafood that is caught in Alaska stays in Alaska, so 99 percent is exported.”

Natalie Armstrong is outreach assistant for Alaskans Own, a Community Supported Fishery project of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association...

Louisiana Lawmakers Ask Secretary Ross to Review Impacts to Louisiana's Fishery Resources

Louisiana lawmakers submitted a letter to United States Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross requesting him to use his authority under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Act and the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act to "begin immediate review of impacts to Louisiana's fishery resources and local economies."

Louisiana fishermen have been struggling this season as a result of floodwaters. In addition, the United States Army Corps of Engineers opened up the Bonnet Carré Spillway twice this year in an effort to relieve pressure on the adjacent levee system...

Applebee's Adds Shrimp to Their All You Can Eat Dining Event 

Get hungry, because all you can eat shrimp is at Applebee's.

The casual dining chain announced the return of the customer-favorite dining event on Monday. While in the past customers were able to order all you can eat Riblets or Chicken Tenders, Applebee's expanded their menu this year to add Double Crunch Shrimp to the mix.

"Summer is all about gatherings, and the limitlessness of All You Can Eat lets the good times at Applebee's keep on rolling," said Joel Yashinsky, chief marketing officer at Applebee's...

Despite Higher Tariffs, the U.S. May Still Turn to China for Processed Seafood

According to American media, the country’s plan to raise tariffs on Chinese commodities has taken a toll on bilateral trading and also its seafood industry. Some industry participants in the U.S. are worried and have called on the government to stop the action that is expected to increase the costs of local processed seafood.

Within the past two decades, China has been playing a leading role in processing seafood. Large quantities of seafood like fish have been sent from the U.S. to China for processing...

Chinese Show More Willingness to Buy Seafood Online

Imported fresh food has become increasingly popular on China’s e-commerce platforms within recent years. As statistics from JD show, during the recent online shopping festival on June 18, the platform sold out as much as 6,700 tons of imported fresh food. Among them, imported seafood has enjoyed an obvious increase in sales, especially during such promotion festivals.

JD is said to have sold nearly 4 million giant tiger prawns during the festival, while 860,000 crayfish were sold out within the first three minutes of the festival...

Grubhub Releases New Dining Trends Report, Forecast for the Remainder of 2019

Now that we're halfway through 2019, food-ordering and delivery company Grubhub has released their "State of the Plate" report, which details top dining trends to date. While vegan and vegetarian options are continuing to rise in popularity with diners, the report did reveal some winners in seafood.

Grubhub's "State of the Plate" report contains data from more than half a million orders placed on an average day through its platform. And according to the data, vegan-friendly foods ordered through Grubhub increased...

China’s White Shrimp Industry Held Back by Problems, Uncertainties

Shrimps are of great importance to China’s seafood industry, but within recent years, this sector has encountered various problems in both its farming and selling. Aquaculture regions are challenged by prevalent diseases, pond deterioration or low market prices. Industry participants are troubled by similar problems this year.

According to Huang, the president for one white shrimp aquaculture alliance in Guangxi, farmers have suffered from very high mortality rates from mid-April to early May when the first-round of white shrimp start to eat feed more rapidly...

Louisiana Governor Edwards Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Fisheries

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced on Monday that he has requested that the federal government declare a fisheries disaster for the state. The declaration would provide financial assistance for fishers, processors, docks and the state as they work to rehabilitate important fishery species.

As SeafoodNews.com previously reported, the Bonnet Carré Spillway has been wreaking havoc on fishermen. Due to the high water events and the opening of the Spillway, statewide shrimp landings for both brown and white shrimp combined have...

China’s White Shrimp Market Overshadowed by Low Prices

White shrimp prices have been in decline in China’s main aquaculture regions since late April, and due to prevalent disease, a general attitude of depression haunted the South China market in May when the weather is changeable. For example, the incidence rate of disease has reached about 70% in Zhongshan of Guangdong and trhe local price dropped by about 10 yuan/jin (1 jin=0.5 kg; $1.44/jin USD). Meanwhile, the prices have also dropped by about 5 yuan/jin ($0.72/jin USD) to 7 yuan/jin...

Louisiana Shrimp Landings Decline Due to High Water Events, Bonnet Carré Spillway

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is reporting that statewide shrimp landings, both brown and white shrimp combined, have declined as a result of the high water events and opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway.

In an effort to deal with the heavy rains, the Bonnet Carré Spillway was partially opened in late February, and then again at the beginning of May. This was the first year that the spillway had to be opened twice, and the fresh water has been wreaking havoc on...

Minh Phu Responds to Anti-Dumping Duty Evasion Allegations; Read Full Statement Here

Minh Phu Seafood Corporation has released a statement following allegations last week that the company is possibly evading duties.

As SeafoodNews.com previously reported, Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood submitted a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan requesting that the government agency investigate an e-allegation that was filed on May 12. The e-allegation claimed that Minh Phu had been "circumventing antidumping duties on frozen shrimp from India." LaHood wrote that the company was accused of...

Thailand Prioritizes Shrimp Quality Over Quantity for Exports to China, SE Aisa

Thailand is renowned all over the world for its shrimp. Its annual output once reached as high as 600,000 tons, but the local industry has undergone drastic changes since disease outbreaks in 2012. Nowadays industry participants attach more importance to the environment, product qualities and labor than to ways of increasing output.

Consider the case of Thai Royal Frozen Food (TRF), a significant shrimp supplier to China. Now it plans to invest more in product traceability than in raising processing efficiency ...

A Closer Look at Shrimp Fisheries in Southeast Alaska

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch –

Southeast Alaska is the state’s biggest producer of America’s number one seafood favorite: shrimp.

Four varieties of shrimp are taken at various times throughout the year by those with permits, with recent catches topping a million and a half pounds, worth nearly $3 million at the docks.

“We have 19 different areas around Southeast and each has its own appropriate harvest level for sustainability.”

Dave Harris is area manager with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Juneau...

Red Lobster Launches New Summer Lunch Menu Featuring Power Bowls

Red Lobster's got some exciting new lunch entrees for guests to enjoy this summer.

Those looking for fresh, seasonally-inspired options can turn to Red Lobster's new Seafood Lover's lunch menu. The new menu features an Endless Soup, Salad and Biscuits option for all the Cheddar Bay Biscuit fanatics out there, however, there is also something for those looking for a mid-day boost: Power Bowls.

New this season is the Summer Power Bowl, featuring quinoa rice, edamame, seasonal berries, sliced almonds and a lemon olive oil vinaigrette, with...

ASPA Reinforces That Commercial Wild-Caught Shrimp from Gulf of Mexico is Safe to Eat

It's "business as usual" for the commercial wild-caught shrimp industry in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA). The ASPA released a statement earlier this week reinforcing that wild-caught shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico remains safe to eat, despite reports about a freshwater influx due to flooding in the Midwest and close-to-shore algae blooms.

"The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) is continuing to test water and fish samples to ensure seafood safety in...

Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Fishery to Re-Open Off Texas on July 15

Shrimp fishing will re-open in both state and federal waters off of Texas on Monday, July 15.

The official time for shrimp trawling to begin is 30 minutes after official sunset, NMFS said in a notice. That corresponds to the time when Texas also opens its waters.

The season closed on May 15. The closure typically happens this time of year to all brown shrimp to grow to more valuable sizes prior to harvest and also to avoid ...

Fish Catches, Prices, Sales by AK Region

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch.

One click takes you to a site that can tell you all everything about fish prices and landings for every Alaska species by region, how much was processed into what products, and what processors bought and sold it for.

It’s called the Commercial Fisheries Statistics and Data page on the Department of Fish and Game website and it extends back to 1984.

For salmon, charts and graphs show historical harvest rankings by the numbers of fish, the poundages and average prices for...

Alaska Fishing Updates for July 2019

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch – Salmon and so much more fishing is going on across Alaska.

There’s lots of salmon fishing left to go but right now, except for strong showings of pink salmon at the Alaska Peninsula and sockeyes at Bristol Bay, on and off catches range from lackluster to well below average in most other regions.

The fleet is slamming the reds at Bristol Bay where five million sockeyes were taken over the weekend bringing the Bay total by Monday to over 22 million...

LDWF Commission Passes Resolution in Response to Impact of Floodwaters on State Fisheries

Earlier this week the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission announced that they passed a resolution in response to the impacts of 2019 floodwaters on Louisiana's fisheries.

As SeafoodNews.com previously reported, the Bonnet Carré Spillway opening has been causing problems for fishermen. According to preliminary sampling results from June 28, white shrimp numbers in the Vermilion/Atchafalaya basin decreased 85% during the most recent biological sampling. Brown shrimp catches showed a 66% decrease. A recent sampling for oysters showed...

ANALYSIS: Unsettled Headless Shell-on White Shrimp Market, Latin Origin in Graphs

Recent weakness in 16-20 and 21-25 count headless shell-on shrimp from Latin America may have come as a surprise to many market watchers. However, a quick look at import volume and price should help participants understand why the market has become somewhat unsettled. While demand is still seen supportive overall, there are sellers that have product readily available...

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like 'Fishmas': Long John Silver's Launches New Campaign

Some people celebrate Christmas in July – or if you're Long John Silver's you celebrate "Fishmas in July." The fast food chain is getting their customers in the seafood spirit this summer with a new campaign designed to spread some fishy cheer.

"Summer 'tis the season for seafood," the Long John Silver's Facebook page boasts. "So that's why it's Fishmas at Long John Silver's. Decorate the Fishmas tree, hang up your Fishmas stockings and come unwrap all of the gifts from our new grilled seafood menu...

UrnerBarry's Summer 2019 Reporter Issue Released; Read It Online For Free Now

A brand-new issue of UrnerBarry's Reporter is out now! The Summer 2019 issue is the annual market analysis edition, and just like previous years, the magazine is jam-packed with need-to-know information.

On the seafood side of things check out analysis pieces on the….

Shrimp Market: U.S. imports record volume of shrimp in 2018, prices feel pressure

Lobster Market: Life after the 25% Chinese tariff

King and Snow Crab Markets: King crab down 17% at retail; Unprecedented spread between...

ANALYSIS: Farm Raised, Asian, Raw P&D, Tail-On, White 16-20 Shrimp Changes Longer Term Weakness

The shrimp market has been in almost continuous free-fall since October 2017; especially value-added shrimp products. Now, roughly halfway through 2019, a look at a price chart on Farm Raised, Asian, Raw P&D, Tail-On, White 16-20 shrimp is like looking in the mirror and things look back at you in opposite fashion. Around May 20 prices crossed last year's levels. Over the first 24 weeks last year, prices...

Corbion Completes Successful Trial of AlgaPrime DHA in Thai Union Shrimp Feed

Corbion is celebrating the successful trial of AlgaPrime DHA in shrimp feed from global seafood producer Thai Union Group. The algae-based food and feed ingredients company made the announcement at the SeaWeb Seafood Summit currently taking place in Bangkok, Thailand.

"Our new opportunity with Thai Union demonstrates our continued commitment to sustainability," said Chris Haacke, Global Aquaculture Lead at Corbion. "Shrimp farming is one of the fastest growing sectors in the aquaculture industry, and AlgaPrime DHA has the potential to offer shrimp farmers assurance in...

Alaska Fishing Updates for June 2019

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch. Salmon’s on track and lots of other fishing’s going on.

Salmon openers are popping in Central and Southeastern parts of Alaska and the action is heading west.

Fishing is on track for sockeyes and kings at Copper River – a relief after one of the worst fisheries ever last year.

Boats are fishing for sockeyes at Prince William Sound and at Kodiak – and a state research vessel is on its way to start sampling ahead of the...

ANALYSIS: Shrimp Imports Higher in April – Up for Second-Straight Month

April imports were released today and show an increase in total volume for the second-straight month. Shipments to the U.S. in April were 2.2 percent higher when compared to the same month in 2018, but the year-to-date total trails last year by four percent.

Year-over-year increases were seen from India (+5.2%), Ecuador (+69.4%), and Mexico (+110.2%). Meanwhile, Indonesia (-14.0%), Vietnam (-4.4%) and Thailand (-22.7%) shipped less in April 2019.

Increases were seen...

Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood Calls for CBP to Investigate Minh Phu Seafood Group

SeafoodNews.com confirmed with Congressman Darin LaHood's office that the politician representing the 18th district of Illinois did submit a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan regarding a seafood exporter and importer that is possibly evading duties.

The letter in question was submitted to the CBP commissioner on May 17 and requested that the government agency investigate an e-allegation that was filed on May 12. The e-allegation involves Mseafood Corporation, a U.S. importer and subsidiary of...

Progress Made at Meeting Addressing Management of Northern Shrimp

According to a news release from FFAW-Unifor, progress is being made to address the management of northern shrimp.

FFAW-Unifor has been fighting for a new Limit Reference Point (LRP) for some time, and made their most recent plea for change at a meeting with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) earlier this month. The DFO held a technical briefing on northern shrimp on Monday where they made some progress, notably including northern cod in the assessment model. However, a decision on the new LRP was not...