European Tuna Industry Warns Against Indonesian Free Trade Deal Tariff Cuts

European fishing representatives are raising alarms over proposed tariff eliminations in the EU-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement, arguing that duty-free access for Indonesian tuna fillets could flood European markets with products from poorly regulated fisheries.

Europêche officials met with European Commission representatives for trade and maritime affairs on May 7 to voice concerns about the agreement's current draft, which would eliminate the existing 18% tariff on tuna fillets from Indonesia, the world's leading tuna producer.

The tariff removal targets what Europêche calls the "most strategic future-oriented segment...

Sustainable Tuna Becomes Mainstream on UK Supermarket Shelves, MSC Report Finds

Sustainable tuna is rapidly becoming the standard choice for UK shoppers, with nearly half of all supermarket tuna products now carrying the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ecolabel, according to new industry figures.

The MSC UK Tuna Shopper Report 2026 found that 49% of tuna products sold in UK supermarkets are MSC certified, a sharp rise from 18% in 2021. In volume terms, the shift is even larger, with 65% of all supermarket tuna sales now coming from MSC labelled products.

The report, released ahead...

Chicken of the Sea Achieves Full MSC Certification Across Retail Tuna Portfolio

Chicken of the Sea will complete Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification across its entire retail tuna product line by year's end, making it the first of the three major US tuna brands to achieve 100% MSC certification, the company announced May 4.

The milestone positions Chicken of the Sea ahead of competitors StarKist and Bumble Bee in sustainable sourcing commitments. MSC certification ensures that tuna comes from fisheries that demonstrate environmentally sustainable practices, minimal ecosystem impacts, and effective management...

Blueyou Launches Fair Trade Tuna Program in Maldives 

Ahead of World Tuna Day on May 2, Swiss seafood company Blueyou is expanding its work in the Maldives with the launch of a Fair Trade Certified™ tuna program in partnership with Fair Trade USA. The initiative aims to link sustainable fishing, marine restoration, and community development within a broader seafood supply chain effort.

The program will span 25 island communities across eight atolls and is expected to benefit about 30,000 people, including 2,500 tuna fishers and 500 women involved in sea cucumber farming tied...

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Ocean Group Over Multi-Facility Listeria Contamination

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter on March 3 to Los Angeles-based Ocean Group Inc. following inspections at four seafood processing facilities that revealed widespread Listeria monocytogenes contamination and serious sanitation violations.

The agency found the same strain of L. monocytogenes across Ocean Group's Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Dallas facilities between May and September 2025, with whole genome sequencing linking the pathogen to clinical isolates from ill people dating back to 2017. The contamination represents a "resident pathogen...

NOAA Rescinds Fishing Ban in Northeast Marine Monument, Restoring Commercial Access

On April 3, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rescinded a regulation prohibiting commercial fishing within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument boundaries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).

This action is intended to align fishing regulations with the proclamation President Trump signed on Feb. 6, which restored commercial fishing access to all 4,913 square miles of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, located off the New England coast, according to Expana's report...

Fishery Product Imports Surged 20% in Japan to 156,000 MT in February, 31% to JPY 169.1 Billion

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on March 27, imports of marine products in February (preliminary figures, including fish and shellfish, fishmeal, and seaweed) increased by 20% year-on-year to 156,079 tons, and their value increased by 31% to 169.136 billion yen ($1.06 billion). Imports increased for most fish species, with fresh and frozen salmon and trout increasing by 18% to 24,987 tons, frozen tuna by 25% to 18,262 tons...

NOAA Fisheries Hits Two Importers with $223K in Penalties Over Mislabeled 'Dolphin Safe' Tuna

Two seafood companies have agreed to pay $222,902 in civil penalties after NOAA Fisheries investigations found they imported 3.4 million pounds of tuna products from Mexico that were improperly labeled as "dolphin safe," the agency announced this week. NOAA did not identify the companies in its enforcement announcement.

The enforcement actions, stemming from multi-year investigations by NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement, targeted a distribution company that imported 74 shipments totaling 2.2 million pounds over 11 months...

Target's Good & Gather Tuna Hit with Lawsuit Over 'Sustainably Caught' Marketing Claims

California resident Sue Kim filed a class-action lawsuit against retail giant Target Corporation on March 18, 2026, challenging the company's sustainability claims regarding its private-label Good & Gather tuna products.

Kim's attorneys argue in the Central District of California complaint that Target's tuna products are not sustainably caught despite prominent "Sustainably Caught" labeling and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, citing fishing methods and impacts on marine ecosystems.

The lawsuit focuses specifically on Good & Gather canned and pouch tuna products...

ANALYSIS: Salmon and Pollock Dominate EU‑US Seafood Flows as Trade Balance Shifts

At a time when US tariff policy reflects both commercial and geopolitical considerations of its partners, and given the temporary halt to the US‑EU trade agreement reached last summer, it is especially relevant to review the seafood trade relationship between the United States and the European Union...

Salmon Surges While Shrimp Slips in NFI's Top 10 US Consumption Rankings

Salmon emerged as the standout winner in US seafood consumption patterns for 2023, while the traditionally dominant shrimp category showed signs of vulnerability, according to the National Fisheries Institute's annual top 10 species list.

Salmon consumption surged 0.29 pounds to 3.51 pounds per capita, reinforcing its position as America's second-most consumed seafood. The growth contrasts sharply with shrimp's performance, despite maintaining its No. 1 ranking at 5.10 pounds per capita; shrimp consumption declined by a notable 0.40 pounds from 2022 levels...

Princes Hits 100% MSC-Certified Tuna Sourcing Milestone

Princes Group says it has met its 2025 goal to source 100% of its branded tuna from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified fisheries, representing around 70 million cans a year, marking what it calls a major step forward for sustainable seafood supply in the UK.

The achievement comes after several years of investment in traceability, collaboration with fishing partners and what the company describes as a large-scale supply chain transformation. Princes set the ambition in 2022 and says it has helped drive a 15‑fold increase in MSC‑certified...

Captain Fresh Acquires Frime, Bolstering European Tuna Production and Sourcing

Captain Fresh, the India-based global seafood company, has completed its acquisition of FRIME S.A.U. (Frime), a leading tuna processor and distributor in Spain. The deal broadens Captain Fresh’s portfolio and strengthens its presence in Europe, described by the company as a “processing stronghold.”

Frime operates four production sites across seven factories with an annual capacity of 5,000 tons of frozen, 9,000 tons of fresh, and 3,800 tons of semi-preserved products. The acquisition also adds €50 million invested into state-of-the-art facilities in Barcelona, which...

Kura Sushi Features Authentic Japanese Ingredients in New Kura Reserve Menu

Kura Sushi USA, a pioneer in US revolving sushi restaurants, is showcasing Japanese flavors for a limited time with its latest menu innovations. This Kura Reserve menu is crafted with authentic ingredients sourced from Japan and expertly paired for six new offerings.

The new additions include:

Shima Aji: White trevally fish layered over Kura's specialty rice.

Kanpachi: Known as Almaco Jack or Longfin Yellowtail, this fish from Kagoshima offers a subtly sweet flavor with a tender, smooth texture atop Kura's specialty rice.

Seared Yuzu Infused Albacore...

NASCAR's Busch Family Reignites Successful StarKist Partnership for a Second Year

In a partnership renewal, the NASCAR family- Kyle, Samantha, and Brexton Busch- is once again joining forces with StarKist, building on a highly successful collaboration last year.

"It's going to be another great year with our friends at StarKist. I grew up with the brand, and I'm a big fan," expressed Kyle Busch. "Daytona sets the tone for a long season with nonstop momentum, and racing 500 miles requires serious focus and energy behind the wheel. I never slow down, so I rely on StarKist's great-tasting...

Japan: 2025 Fishery Product Imports Fell by 3% in Volume; Pollock Surimi up 36% from Russia, Down 11% from the US 

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on January 29th, the volume of marine product imports in 2025 (preliminary figures, including seafood and seafood preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) decreased 3% from the previous year to 2,024,014 tons, while import value increased 4% to 2,381,400,000 yen ($15,175,740.60). Fresh and frozen tuna increased 6% to 186,362 tons, fresh and frozen salmon and trout remained the same as the previous year at 219,397 tons, and sea urchin...

Genova Premium Tuna Launches Mediterranean Tuna Bowls

Genova Premium Tuna is expanding its convenient seafood portfolio with the launch of Mediterranean Tuna Bowls, a new high-protein, grab-and-go offering aimed at consumers looking for quick meal and snack options.

The new line includes two varieties — Lentil & Grain and Bean Salad — each made with wild-caught, MSC-certified tuna and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. The bowls contain 25 grams and 24 grams of protein, respectively, and are positioned around whole grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, healthy fats and fiber.

The launch is timed to...

Japan's Tuna and Skipjack Fishery Organizations Request Measures to Address Rising Fuel Prices

According to a report by the Minato Shimbun, the Skipjack and Tuna Fisheries Promotion Measures Council, comprised of three skipjack and tuna fisheries organizations, requested measures to address soaring fuel prices at a general meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party's Skipjack and Tuna Fisheries Promotion Parliamentary League (chaired by Shunichi Suzuki) held at the LDP headquarters on April 28th. The council explained that the worsening international situation has caused crude oil prices to soar, and that fuel prices for overseas and offshore refueling have risen...

Pokeworks Launches Poke Bombs as Growth Momentum Continues

Pokeworks, a fast-casual poke brand, is launching Poke Bombs, a new menu item featuring sweet inari tofu pockets filled with white rice, topped with fresh poke and finished with a soy glaze. The lineup spotlights the flavors of ahi tuna, salmon, surimi and lobster.

"We're seeing more guests looking for food that keeps up with their day," said Mike Wu, Co-Founder and Head of Concept at Pokeworks. "Poke Bombs make it easy to grab something fresh and satisfying, whether you're on your...

Politis Steak & Seafood Partners with Q Plus Foods to Expand Specialty Seafood Reach

Politis Steak & Seafood and Q Plus Foods have announced a strategic partnership that brings together two South Florida foodservice specialists. The deal pairs Politis’ operational scale and customer-service capabilities with Q Plus Foods’ specialty seafood sourcing program and global supplier relationships, expanding access to high-end seafood for chefs and operators across the region.

Q Plus Foods has built a reputation as one of South Florida’s premier specialty seafood purveyors, renowned for curating an exceptional selection of seafood from around the world. The company is...

Princes Group Warns of Price Pressures From Middle East Tensions

UK food giant Princes Group is bracing for potential cost increases linked to Middle East geopolitical tensions, particularly around Iran, as the company monitors impacts on energy and raw material markets following its strong 2025 performance.

The Liverpool-based company, which owns brands including Princes, Napolina, and Branston, highlighted ongoing uncertainty in international markets stemming from Middle East conflicts in its preliminary results released Monday. Management specifically cited "the situation in Iran" as a key concern for commodity price volatility...

Kura Sushi Builds Momentum with Bluefin Tuna Promotions

Kura Sushi USA is doubling down on premium offerings with a new push around bluefin tuna amid continued demand for luxury seafood.

The revolving sushi chain is highlighting its bluefin program with everyday offerings such as Bluefin Chutoro and Seared Bluefin Chutoro priced under $5 per plate, alongside limited-time items under $10. The move underscores a broader effort to balance premium sourcing with value, as operators look to keep high-end species on menus despite pricing pressures.

From March 27–31, Kura Sushi will...

Umios, Fujitsu Launch Consumer-Facing Seafood Traceability System to Combat IUU Fishing

Japanese seafood company Umios has completed an electronic traceability pilot program designed to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing within its supply chain.

Umios partnered with Fujitsu on a pilot program that began on February 1, 2026, and focused on bluefin tuna farmed by the Umios Group in Wakayama Prefecture. The system established a mechanism for consumers to check distribution information from farm to retail stores via smartphone, according to a March 24 Fujitsu announcement.

The pilot was deemed successful, and both companies plan to expand the...

McIlroy's Masters Champion’s Dinner Menu Highlights Premium Seafood Selections

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy's highly anticipated 2026 Masters Champions Dinner menu features multiple premium seafood courses, underscoring the continued prominence of high-end seafood species in one of golf's most prestigious culinary traditions.

The 2026 Champions Dinner takes place during Masters week at Augusta National Golf Club, where only past Masters winners are invited to attend this tradition that has evolved into one of golf's most closely watched culinary events.

The Northern Irishman's menu centers around a first course of yellowfin tuna carpaccio, an homage to a signature dish from...

Deep Dive into Seven Decades of Data Reveals Broader Spawning Distribution of Bluefin Tuna

A group of 16 scientists led by NOAA Fisheries but including partners from as far away as Poland and Mexico took a deep dive into scientific data collected decades ago and struck gold. Led by David Richardson of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Narragansett, RI, the group found that spawning grounds for the iconic bluefin tuna are more broadly distributed than previously thought.  

Historically, bluefin tuna have been managed as two stocks—one that spawns in the Mediterranean Sea (the eastern) and the other that...

Japan-UAE Trade Pact to Eliminate Japanese Seafood Tariffs

On March 5, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced the conclusion of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Within 10 years of the agreement's entry into force, Japan will raise its duty-free import rate from 98.7% to 99.9%, while the UAE will raise it from 11.5% to 96.4%. In addition to eliminating tariffs on seafood exports from Japan, Japan will also eliminate tariffs on shrimp imports from the UAE, reported Minato Shimbun...

US-Spain Seafood Trade Faces Uncertainty as Trump Threatens Sanctions Over Military Base Dispute

The key seafood trade between Spain and the United States is under potential threat as US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain over the country's refusal to allow US military use of its bases for strikes on Iran.

For the seafood sector, such a move would have significant consequences. According to US Customs data compiled on Expana's Foreign Trade Data platform, Spain exported roughly 65.6 million pounds of seafood to the US in 2025, valued at over $300 million...

Japan to Reduce 19 Tuna Longliners in Compliance with IOTC Policy

On February 27, the Fisheries Agency of Japan approved an implementation plan for the reorganization of the deep-sea tuna longline fishery, submitted by the Japan Tuna Fisheries Co-operative Association, in accordance with the International Fisheries Reorganization Measures. The reduction in vessels will be by 19. This measure will strengthen the protection of tuna resources in the Indian Ocean, particularly bigeye tuna, according to Minato Shimbun. 

At its annual meeting in April last year, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) adopted a plan to reduce fishing capacity...

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Maui Seafood Over Listeria Contamination, HACCP Violations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to Maui Seafood LLC of Las Vegas, NV, citing the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in its ready‑to‑eat (RTE) seafood processing facility and multiple violations of federal seafood HACCP regulations.

The inspection, conducted from April 28 to May 16, 2025, found L. monocytogenes on several food contact surfaces, including salmon cutting boards, staging area curtains, and processing room drains. Whole-genome sequencing linked the strain detected at the facility to clinical cases from previous years...

Daniel Suddaby Departs Global Tuna Alliance Following Board Direction Shift

The Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) parted ways with Executive Director Daniel Suddaby, the group announced on February 9.

Suddaby wrote on LinkedIn that his time with the alliance has ended, citing a Board decision to change direction.

The Board thanked Suddaby for his efforts in managing global tuna fisheries.

“Over the past three years, it’s been a privilege to work with an outstanding team and a committed group of Partners to help grow GTA from a small...