Oregon State Study: Water Temperature Shifts Affect Larval Tuna Eating Habits at Critical Life Stage

Small shifts in ocean temperature can have significant effects on the eating habits of blackfin tuna during the larval stage of development, when finding food and growing quickly are critical to long-term survival, according to new research from Oregon State University.

In a year of warmer water conditions, larval blackfin tuna ate less and grew more slowly, in part because fewer prey were available, compared to the previous year, when water conditions were one to two degrees Celsius cooler, the researchers ...

Judge Shuts Down StarKist’s Challenge to Lower Tariffs on Tuna Products

Judge Timothy M. Reif of the U.S. Court of International Trade found that four of StarKist’s tuna salad products will be subject to a 35% import duty after the company argued the products should be classified differently, which would have significantly lowered tariff rates on some of its tuna pouches and to-go kits.

StarKist was looking to get the four products to be re-classified after U.S. Customs and Border Protection classified the items under subheading 1604.14.10 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States...

October Sales at Toyosu Wholesale Market Up 3% to $350 Million

The total transaction volume of seven fisheries wholesalers in the Tokyo Toyosu market in October (preliminary figures, before tax) was 36,798 tons, 35,917 million yen ($347.5 million), up 3% from the same month of the previous year. The transaction value of sushi seafood, which had been sluggish due to the drop in demand for food services due to the  coronavirus epidemic, recovered to a 10% increase from the same month of the previous year for most wholesalers. The "Go To Campaign" seems to have...

Imported Tuna September Sales Results at Toyosu Market

The number of imported fresh tuna in September at the Toyosu Market in Tokyo was 1,382 (1,759 in the same month of the previous year), a decrease of 21.4% from the same month last year, according to Jiji Press' calculation. Wild bluefin tuna decreased, and bigeye tuna decreased to less than one-third, but wild Southern bluefin tuna increased slightly, reported Suisan Keizai Shimbun.

The total number of bluefin tuna decreased by 16.4% from the same month of the previous year to 793...

AP Holdings Co., Ltd. of Tokyo Switches to Serve Full-cycle Farmed Tuna at its Restaurants

As of October 1, AP Holdings Co., Ltd. of Tokyo has switched to complete aquaculture tuna at its 25 izakaya restaurants. It uses tuna produced by Maruha Nichiro Group's Amami Fish Farming in Setouchi, Kagoshima. It intends to reduce fishing pressure on wild bluefin tuna and pursue sustainability, reports Minato Shimbun.

"We want to impress our guests by the taste of tuna," said a company official, and the restaurants offer mainly sashimi. In addition to the set meal restaurant "Tsukada Shokudo"...

SeafoodNews Podcast: The Pebble Tapes, Trump's Surprise Bumble Bee Tuna Mention and More

A brand new episode of the SeafoodNews Podcast is out on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts and Spotify! This week SeafoodNews managing editor Amanda Buckle talks about the secret Pebble Tapes; Trump’s bizarre Bumble Bee tuna shout out; Blue Harvest Fisheries’ purchase award from the USDA; and the U.S. resuming shellfish trade with Europe for the first time in 10 years.

This episode was brought to you by Urner Barry’s epic online event, the Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit, taking place from October 6-9. Learn more about the event and sign up here.

Bumble Bee Responds After Trump's Comments About Throwing Tuna

Bumble Bee Seafoods issued a brief and simple statement after President Trump name dropped the tuna company during a speech Tuesday night: "Eat em. Don't throw em."

While at a campaign rally in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, Trump made comments about protesters in Minnesota and Chicago who were using cans of food as weapons.

"They go out and buy tuna fish and soup. You know that, right? Goya. Goya, he's great, isn't he? Good guy. They go out and buy Goya because they throw it. They throw it, it's the perfect weight...

Everything You Need to Know About the FDA's FSMA Food Traceability Proposed Rule

On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposed rule to establish additional traceability recordkeeping requirements for certain foods. So, what exactly does this mean? We're breaking it down….

The proposed rule is actually titled "Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods," and is a key component of the FDA's New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint. If finalized the proposed rule would "standardize the data elements and information firms must establish and maintain, and the information they would need...

August Sales of Imported Tuna at Toyosu Market Increased by 4.5% to 3,108 Fish

Tokyo Toyosu Market received 3,108 imported tuna in August, which was compiled by Jiji Press. It is an increase of 4.5% from the same month of the previous year. The slump was remarkable, with the arrival of bigeye tuna falling below 100, but the number of bluefin tuna and southern bluefin tuna increased, according to Suisan Keizai.

The total number of bluefin tuna was 570, an increase of 18.5% from the same month of the previous year. Atlantic bluefin from Boston, a leading supply source...

Japan Fisheries Agency to Add 10 More Species Subject to Fishing Regulations

To prevent the fish resources from being depleted due to overfishing, the Fisheries Agency announced on August 27 that it would set new fishing regulations for 10 or more species, including Yellowtail and red sea bream. The aim is to make effective use of marine resources in the medium to long term. However, fishers may face income reduction in a short period due to the expansion of regulations, and there is a possibility of a backlash.

The process chart established by the Fisheries Agency will...

Japan's Seafood Imports Fell 14% to 169,605 Tons in July

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on August 28, the quantity of seafood imports (seafood and its preparations, fish meal, and seaweed) in July was 169,605 tons, down 14% from the same month of the previous year. It exceeded the same month last year in June but fell below again. Fresh and frozen shrimp increased by 7% to 15,506 tons, and fresh and frozen salmon and trout increased by 7% to 13,457 tons, but fresh and frozen tuna decreased by...

Thai Union’s UK John West Brand Introduces Tuna Meatballs

Thai Union brand John West is launching a new product: Tuna Meatballs!

The UK brand’s new launch features two products, John West Tuna Bowls, and John West Bites for Kids. Both options pair the tuna meatballs with vegetables, and either pasta, beans or rice. For the Tuna Bowls range, flavors include: Chilli & Garlic Tomato Sauce with Penne Pasta, Fajita Sauce with Beans, Red Peppers and Rice, and Smokey BBQ Sauce with Sweetcorn and Rice.  The John West Tuna Bites for Kids currently comes in three flavors...

July Imported Tuna Sales at the Toyosu Market Fell 39% From A Year Ago

The total number of imported tuna in all species (bluefin, southern bluefin, bigeye and yellowfin) sold at Tokyo's Toyosu Market in July was 3,004; decreasing 39% from the same month last year. Boston bluefin tuna and New Zealand's southern bluefin tuna were significantly reduced due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection.

The total number of bluefin tuna was 268 fish; down 51.4% from the same month the year before. The number of shipments of the mainstay Boston tuna was 67...

The Winding Glass: 35% of Restaurant Purchasing Evaporates in 2020; Where Does That Leave Us?

[The Winding Glass is a commentary and opinion column by John Sackton, Founder of SeafoodNews]

Like most of us individually, the seafood industry has adjusted to a new normal during this pandemic. However, despite hoping to return to where we were last year, it is increasingly unlikely that will happen even with a vaccine in 2021. Personally, and on an industry level, we have to confront that we are in a new world, and there is likely going to be a multi-year period of...

Eastern Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery in Japan Becomes First to Earn MSC Certification

A Japanese longline fishery is about to become the first bluefin tuna fishery to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable fishing.

The fishery just completed a state in its two-year assessment process which legal expert, Eldon Greenberg, decided a concern raised by WWF about bluefin tuna maturity had been dealt with in an action plan, the MSC explained.

Greenberg’s findings allowed for Usufuku Honten to gain MSC certification pending minor amendments to the assessor's final report...

Rise in COVID-19 Cases Weighs Heavily on Restaurants, Fresh Seafood Markets

As coronavirus cases begin to spike again across the country, certain areas are beginning to implement restrictions on restaurants again. 

SeafoodNews first reported in late June that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy would be pulling back on indoor dining just a few days before restaurants were set to reopen their indoor dining rooms at 25% capacity. New Jersey was one of the states hit hardest by the coronavirus when it first began to sweep the country. And for Murphy, it was important to “hit pause” on restarting the...

JAPAN: September Fresh Tuna Imports Fall 12% to $12 Million, Frozen Down 0.3% to $121 Million

According to the Ministry of Finance customs statistics, imports of tuna in September were 807 tons of fresh and chilled fish, down 15% year-on-year, 1,288 million yen ($12.3 million), and 17,233 tons of frozen tuna, up 16%, 12,658 million yen ($120.7 million), down 0.3%. Processed tuna was 3338 tons, 12% decrease, 1,985 million yen ($18.9 million), 11% decrease, reported Suisan Keizai.

Frozen bigeye tuna (gilled and gutted) was 4,740 tons, up 14%...

Earthworm Foundation, IPNLF Partner to Boost Sustainability of Tuna Industry

Looking to further the cause of sustainable fishing, the Earthworm Foundation and the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) have partnered.

IPNLF and Earthworm Foundation both look to create a sustainable seafood industry through the supply chain. They are specifically looking at the French market to create a strong and more responsible management of global tuna stocks by “promoting sustainable fishing practices as well as improving working conditions for employees, both at sea and on land.”

The duo will also strengthen The Tuna Protection Alliance (TUPA)...

Pandemic's 'Second Wave' Sending P.E.I. Tuna Prices Down

Tuna fishers out of North Lake, P.E.I., are seeing the impact of rising COVID-19 case numbers in central Canada.

Tuna buyer and processor Jason Tompkins said the season got off to a good and early start this year.

"We had more fish go in July this year than any year in the last 20," Tompkins told Island Morning host Laura Chapin.

"A lot of guys did see the writing on the wall. They took our advice as buyers and went early, and the prices we saw...

UK Retailer Pledges to Not Stock Yellowfin Tuna on Shelves

United Kingdom-based retailer, the Co-op reaffirmed its pledge to not sell any own-brand or branded yellowfin tuna in its stores. The company made the decision as concerns regarding the management of tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean grow.

The Co-op makes the announcement weeks ahead of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission’s (IOTC) annual meeting in November, with hopes that the Commission will address the overfishing concerns. A Global Tuna Alliance commissioned report found that a 25% reduction in catch would be necessary...

JAPAN: Retailers Experience Strong Seafood Sales in August

The fisheries sector of supermarkets continues to perform well. According to the Japan Chain Stores Association statistics, monthly sales of marine products have been increasing at a pace higher than the same month of the previous year since February when the new coronavirus infection began to spread. The main factors are the increase in telework and the increase in demand for eating-at-home due to refraining from eating out. With the rise in cooking opportunities at home, the three fresh food categories (meat, seafood, and vegetables) continued to perform well...

JAPAN: August Marine Products Imports at 148,231 Million Yen, Down 2% From the Previous Year

According to preliminary trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, imports of marine products in August were 148,231 million yen ($1,418 million), down 2% from the same month of the previous year. Quantity decreased by 6%. Frozen salmon and trout, frozen mackerel, and frozen octopus grew, but frozen tuna struggled, reports Minato Shimbun.

Fresh and frozen salmon and trout brought in increased by 24% to nearly 20,000 tons, and the value increased by 29% to 20,698 million yen ($197.90 million)...

More Measures Proposed for Western Pacific Longliners as Managers Agree to Electronic Reporting

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council concluded its 2020 third-quarter meeting recently with actions related to electronic reporting for Hawaii longline fisheries, annual catch limits for grey snapper (uku) for years 2022-2025 and more.

Hawaii longliners and those greater than 50 feet long in the American Samoa longline fleet will have to use electronic logbook reporting by the middle of next year, the Council approved in an amendment to the fishery management plan. Under the amendment, vessel operators must record and submit logbook...

Tesco May Drop Indian Ocean-based Tuna Due to Sustainability, Overfishing Concerns

UK-based retailer Tesco has decided to stop sourcing tuna and billfish from the Indian Ocean which typically supplies its ‘Own Brand’ line until the fishery is able to address sustainability and overfishing concerns.

Tesco noted its aim to sustainably source all of the wild-caught seafood. The retail giant noted how tuna creates challenges from a sustainability standpoint due to its migratory nature and how it is overseen by various jurisdictions.

In its “Own Brand” products, the company sells two species...

First MSC Frozen Bluefin Tuna Auctioned at Toyosu Market Fetches Double the Price of Ordinary Fish

The world's first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified frozen Atlantic bluefin tuna arrived for the first time on the Toyosu Market in Tokyo on August 1. The Usufuku Honten of Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, caught it, and Daiichi Suisan Co., Ltd., an auction house at the Toyosu Market, put the fish on auction. The 142 kg fish, gilled and gutted, was sold for 6,800 yen/kg ($64.14/kg). "It costs 3,000 yen ($28.29) higher per kilogram or about twice the price...

Key Australian Fishery Achieves MSC Certification

Australia’s Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification on Friday.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley and Jonno Duniam, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries announced the certification and credited the achievement through the government’s “Our Marine Parks Grants program.”

The fishery earned certification through its handling of fish stocks, the environmental impact of the fishery and effective fisheries management.

“The certification achieved by Tuna Australia for the ETBF highlights Australia’s world-class fisheries management and the interdependency of fisheries on a healthy and resilient marine ecosystem,” Ley said...

Canned Tuna Price-Fixing Case: Nonprofits Push for Court to Keep Class Action Certification 

A trio of nonprofit consumer advocacy groups is pushing against an appeal from top tuna companies looking to challenge class certifications in the canned tuna price-fixing lawsuit.

The American Antitrust Institute (AAI), Public Citizen and the Committee to Support the Antitrust Laws (COSAL) all filed amicus briefs urging the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm the current class certification in a case involving Tri-Union Seafoods d.b.a Chicken of the Sea, Bumble Bee Foods and StarKist.

Currently, the classes stand as follows, per the defense...

U.S. Adopts Safety Improvements for Observers in Pacific Tuna Fisheries

After years of U.S.-led negotiations to improve safety of observers at sea, new regulations are now in place to improve the safety of fisheries observers on tuna-fishing vessels.

The measures require countries and captains to take emergency actions to help observers if one is threatened, harassed, assaulted, missing, presumed fallen overboard, injured, or suffering from a serious illness.

Also, observers aboard purse seine vessels will now receive emergency communication devices and personal locator beacons before leaving port. 

Fisheries observers often face hazardous situations at sea. Rough waters churned ...

USCG Rescues One from Canadian Vessel Off Cape Flattery, Wash.; 2 Confirmed Dead

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued one fisherman from a lifeboat early Tuesday morning after a 66-foot Canadian commercial fishing boat -- formerly from Astoria, Ore. -- began taking on water about 85 miles offshore of Cape Flattery, Wash., with three people aboard.

Watchstanders at multiple Coast Guard units received a VHF radio hail for help at about 2 a.m. from a person aboard the Arctic Fox II reporting the vessel was taking on water and the three people aboard planned to abandon ship.

The fisherman who hailed for help reported ...

StarKist Launches Versatile, New Microwave-safe Tuna Pouch

StarKist Creations Microwavables are StarKist’s newest creation. The new product is a microwave-safe pouch featuring seasoned, wild-caught tuna with vegetables and hearty grains like quinoa, barley, and brown rice.

The product is an option for lunch dinner or a filling snack. The Creations come in four varieties including BOLD Spicy Rice & Beans, Tomato Basil, Latin Citrus and Thai Green Curry. 

"The launch of new StarKist Creations Microwavables® is an example of our commitment to provide consumers with healthy, convenient and delicious products," said Andy Mecs...