The Winding Glass: Alaska Fisheries Face Crisis due to Gov’t Shutdown

December is the most important meeting of the year for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Quotas are set for all Alaskan species under federal management, with the pollock and cod fisheries beginning the following month. Federal staff are furloughed, data work has stopped, and NMFS warns that a shutdown lasting more than two weeks could force precautionary quotas or missed deadlines for next year’s TACs. The shutdown is now approaching 30 days.

This disruption comes on top of the already severe erosion of NOAA personnel...

2025 Alaska Symphony of Seafood Announces Award Winners

Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) hosted the 2025 Alaska Symphony of Seafood, its annual competition highlighting creativity and excellence in product development and innovation.

"It’s inspiring to see the creativity and innovation shown by this year’s winners,” Kristy Clement, CEO of AFDF, said. “Each product carries the spirit of Alaska — one built on community, pride and excellence."

The event reflects the organization’s commitment to quality and sustainability and was made possible by sponsors including: Captain Sponsor Marine Stewardship Council; Spotlight Sponsor Holland America Line; and Highliner Sponsors Alaska...

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...

Gidrostroy Opens Major Sakhalin Processing Plant, Aims to Be Top Russian Fish Processor

Gidrostroy says it aims to become one of Russia’s largest fish processors in the coming years with the launch of several large new processing facilities.

One of those facilities was recently commissioned in the Korsakovsky District of Sakhalin Island. Built under the federal investment quota program, the complex was completed in just one year with a total investment of 3.7 billion rubles ($46.5 million).

The new plant sits on a 10,000‑square‑meter site and can process up to...

Russia Eyes India as Key Market for Seafood Exports

Russia hopes to make India one of its major markets for fish and seafood in the coming years, driven by strong bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation. The share of Russian fish in India has been minimal so far due to high import duties, but this could change soon. 

Both countries are currently negotiating a free trade agreement that would support increased Russian fish exports to India. The deal aligns with Russia’s plan to nearly double total fish exports by 2030, from $5.2 billion in 2024 to $8.5 billion...

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...

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...

Today's Top Story: Channel Fish, High Liner and Trident Share $84 Million Alaska Pollock Award from USDA

In today’s top story, Channel Fish Processing, High Liner Foods and Trident Seafoods have secured contracts for a massive $84 million USDA purchase of 34.7 million pounds of frozen Alaska pollock products...

Russian Pollock Fillet Market Expected to Double by 2028

The Russian pollock fillet market is expected to double by 2028, reaching 90,000–100,000 tons, driven by steadily increasing domestic production and consumption.

This forecast was recently made by experts from the Russian Association of Fishing Fleet Owners (ASRF) in an interview with local newswire RIA Novosti.

According to the Association, more than 40,000 tons of pollock fillets were supplied to the domestic market last year—twice as much as in 2023. This growth was driven mainly by Russian processors redirecting product from foreign markets...

Russia Still Views Japan as Key Export Market Despite Tensions

Russia remains steadfast in considering Japan as one of its most promising seafood markets, despite current tensions between the two countries. 

Fish exports show positive dynamics this year. According to data from the Russian Fish Union, based on Japanese customs statistics, Russia's exports of fish and seafood to Japan increased by 9% in volume and by 2% in value terms from January to July. The supplies for the reporting period amounted to 72,000 tons and $521 million.

The best export dynamics...

Hokkaido's Surimi Production in January-July Increased by 16% to 6,515 Tons

Hokkaido's cumulative frozen surimi production from January to July in 2025 is set to exceed the previous year's low level. According to member reports compiled by the National Surimi Manufacturers Association, production increased by 16% year-over-year to 6,515 tons. A major non-member manufacturer also says it's "up by about 10%."

The growth is being driven by pollock, with surimi production increasing 19% to 6,340 tons. Since March, there has been good fishing in the Sea of Okhotsk and Soya regions...

Today's Top Story: USTR Extends China Section 301 Tariff Exclusions Through November 29

In today’s top story, the US Trade Representative has extended Section 301 tariff exclusions for a range of seafood products, including frozen haddock, sole and crab meat, through November 29, 2025. The move offers temporary relief to importers as groundfish markets remain tight...

USDA Eyeing Record 43 Million Pounds of Alaska Pollock for Food Programs

The US Department of Agriculture is looking to purchase over 43 million pounds of Alaska pollock products for use in domestic food distribution programs.

If met, the purchase would be a record for the USDA. The USDA seeks bids on 44.168 million in Alaska pollock products. It is looking for roughly 13.8 million pounds of frozen Alaska pollock sticks, 14.9 million pounds of frozen pollock fillets and 14.6 million in frozen pollock nuggets.

The announcement came in a massive...

USDA Picks Silver Bay for Canned Salmon Contract

Silver Bay Seafoods won a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) contract for 100 metric tons of canned pink salmon for $877,000.

The product will be destined for Sri Lanka via the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program that supports education, child development, and food security in low-income, food-deficient countries around the globe.

The rest of the contract included corn-soy blend, lentils, vegetable oil and rice to go along with the canned salmon...

GAPP Annual Meeting to Feature Insights on Alaska Pollock Growth in Brazil, Colombia and

India

The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced that market research in a trio of markets, Brazil, Columbia and India, will be presented at the group’s upcoming Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting, set for September 18 at the W Hotel Seattle.

“We know that some of our largest members are active—or starting to become active—in these markets and they represent a huge growth opportunity for our industry,” said Craig Morris, GAPP Chief Executive Officer. “Thanks to these significant grants from the United...

Today's Top Story: Ecuador’s Shrimp Sector Still Facing $20 Million Monthly Tariff Burden Even with Rate Advantage

In today’s top story, Ecuador, the US's second-largest shrimp supplier, is contending with $20 million in monthly tariff costs, even as it enjoys the lowest tariff rate among leading exporters. Ecuador shipped 296 million pounds to the US in H1 2025, but industry leaders warn ongoing tariff expenses threaten the sector and its 300,000 jobs...

Russian PCA Exported 500 MT of Pollock Roe to China Under MOU with China’s CAPPMA

The Russian Pollock Fishermen's Association recently announced that this year's exports of pollock roe to China have exceeded 500 tons. Since China has virtually no culture of eating pollock, the association is actively working to develop the Chinese market, Minato Shimbun reported.

According to the Hokkaido Trawl Fisheries Cooperative Federation, the 2024 export volume of Russian pollock roe is approximately 37,000 tons, roughly the same level as the previous year. The majority is destined for Japan and South Korea...

August Hokkaido Surimi Production Increased 27% to 195 Tons

According to member reports compiled by the National Surimi Manufacturers Association, August frozen surimi production in Hokkaido increased due to an increase in production of the mainstay pollock, reaching 195 tons, a 27% increase over the same month last year. This marks the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year increases, including July, when production was at the same level as the same month last year, reported Minato Shimbun.

Usually in August, the only place where pollock is landed in large quantities is the Okhotsk region by offshore bottom trawlers...

Gorton's Opens New Factory as Nissui Expands North American Seafood Footprint

Gorton's, a leading North American seafood brand and subsidiary of Japan's Nissui Group, has opened a new factory in Lebanon, Indiana, marking a significant expansion of Nissui's North American operations and reinforcing its global growth strategy.

Gorton's Gloucester, Massachusetts, facility will remain its primary production site, while the Indiana factory will increase its capacity to meet growing demand. The new facility will also allow the company to produce further value-added products and improve production lines, allowing for increased "supply chain flexibility...

Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers Statement on Passing of Leslie Hughes

The Wild Alaska Pollock industry and the members, associate members and staff at the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) join our colleagues in the seafood industry in expressing our deepest sympathy at the loss of Leslie Hughes, formerly of North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association (NPFVOA). Leslie had faithfully, passionately and lovingly served the fishing community, including the Wild Alaska Pollock fishermen and crew, working to ensure their safety at sea...

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...

USDA Awards $14.1 Million for 2.85 Million Pounds of Catfish; 1.6 Million Pounds Unawarded

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced nearly $14.1 million in awards for 2.85 million pounds of farm-raised catfish fillets to be distributed through child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs. This purchase leaves more than 1.6 million pounds of its original solicitation unfilled due to high prices.

The initial solicitation called for the purchase of 4.5 million pounds of product for use in child nutrition and domestic food distribution programs...

Channel Fish, High Liner and Trident Share $84 Million Alaska Pollock Award from USDA

Channel Fish Processing, High Liner Foods (USA) and Trident Seafoods Corporation split an $84 million Alaska pollock purchase by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In total, the USDA purchased 34.694 million pounds of frozen Alaska pollock products, valued at $84.2 million, which will be used to support child nutrition and other domestic food distribution programs.

Breaking down the purchase award report, Channel Fish sold 13.984 million pounds of product to the USDA for $35.2 million...

Marine Stewardship Council: Over 75% of Global Whitefish Catch Now Certified Sustainable

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) said that over three-quarters of the world’s whitefish catch is now certified sustainable, a major milestone as the company unveiled its 2025 Sustainable Whitefish Yearbook.

Currently, over 60 different whitefish species carry the MSC label. The group highlighted how popular species like pollock and cod feature the blue label; however, some under-the-radar species like pikeperch, sablefish and various rockfish are also certified.

Whitefish now accounts for almost half of all seafood that is either MSC certified, under assessment, or part...

Today's Top Story: US Crab Imports Smash Records, but Fall Brings New Tests

In today’s top story, US imports of snow and king crab hit unprecedented levels through July, with Canadian and Norwegian snow crab setting new records and king crab values soaring. Imports are projected to surpass last year’s highs, but as fall approaches, dwindling inventories and new tariffs could pressure margins...

ANALYSIS: Short-term Import Relief Fuels Groundfish Markets as Long-term Constraints Linger

Recent import data and market signals indicate that the groundfish sector is experiencing short-term rebounds amid longer-term supply constraints. Monthly flows of cod, pollock and haddock fillets rose in July, led by larger shipments from China and gains from Vietnam and Canada; however, year-to-date volumes remain below 2024 levels. At the same time, quota cuts, most notably a 25% reduction in the Norwegian...

Alaska Senators and NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator to Speak at Alaska Pollock Meeting

NOAA Fisheries Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Eugenio Piñeiro Soler will speak with Wild Alaska Pollock industry and allied industry leaders when they gather for their Annual Meeting about challenges and opportunities for the fishery and seafood in the U.S. writ large under President Trump. Senator Dan Sullivan, Senator Lisa Murkowski and other dignitaries from both Alaska and Washington state will also participate in the meeting, to be held once again at the W Hotel in downtown Seattle on September 18, 2025...

Efforts in Improvement, Innovation in Fishery Management to be Showcased at Alaska Pollock Meeting

Researchers, captains and industry leaders will come together to discuss the historical and recent significant improvements the Wild Alaska Pollock fishery has made at the industry’s annual gathering, the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced today. Two panels, one dedicated to a discussion around collaborative research informing environmental impacts and a second focused on technological advancements for bycatch avoidance will illuminate recent efforts along the industry’s journey of continuous improvement.

“This industry has worked incredibly hard, since its inception, to constantly...

New US-EU Trade Agreement Removes Tariffs on US Seafood, Lobster

The United States and European Union unveiled a new trade agreement on August 21 that will eliminate EU tariffs on US industrial goods, including seafood, and expand market access for American seafood, agriculture and lobster products.

The deal will see the European Union eliminate all tariffs on US industrial goods and provide “preferential” market access to a “wide range” of US Seafood and agricultural goods. The statement also said the framework included an extension of a deal, which expired on July 31, that eliminated EU tariffs on US...

Russia Bets on Consistent Bering Sea Fish Catches

Russia is betting on stable fish catches in the Bering Sea in the coming years, particularly around pollock and herring. 

This year, the total allowable catch (TAC) for pollock in the West Bering Sea and Chukchi zones was set at just above 702,000 metric tons. 

This section is one of the primary areas of year-round fishing in the Russian section of the Bering Sea. Concerns around current stocks of bottom-living and demersal fish are expected to lead to more research, which is expected to lead to Russian fisheries...