Today's Top Story: US Shrimp Imports Decline Again; Peeled Volumes Reach Record Highs

In today’s top story, US shrimp imports fell to 139.4 million lbs. in September, an 11% year‑over‑year drop and the second straight monthly decline, even as peeled shipments hit a record 703 million lbs. YTD; declines from India, Vietnam and Indonesia drove the monthly contraction...

ANALYSIS: What a Record-Low Spread in North American Lobster Tail Prices Says About Market Behavior

Over the past year, the North American lobster tail market has experienced a significant shift, driven by pronounced buyer preference for smaller tails and mounting pressure to manage unit costs. That shift is clearly captured in the narrowing price spread between the smallest and largest sizes. Historically, the delta between the smallest 2–3 oz and large 20–24 oz tails has averaged $7.335/lb and stretched as wide as $17.125/lb...

US Trade Representative Pressed to Address Gray Zone Rules Amid USMCA Discussions

Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) sent a letter to US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, urging updated rules for the Gray Zone, a 277-square-mile area of ocean near Machias Seal Island that is fished by both the US and Canada and remains one of America's only contested maritime borders.

Golden’s letter came amid testimony from two Maine fishermen to the International Trade Commission (ITC) last week. The meetings focused on potential changes to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)...

The Winding Glass: Crab to Put a Damper on Holiday Retail Sales

Every aspect of the snow crab market this year has been impacted by the tariff turmoil of last April, just when the season was getting underway. 

The primary impact was to front-load exports from Canada to the US as much as possible, so most of the crab pack was imported by the end of July.  Crab followed its seasonal pattern of increasing prices after July as supplies tightened, but retail contracts were mostly made near the lowest price points of the year...

Today's Top Story: Central & South America 2025–2026 Mahi Season; Early Outlook Amid Economic and Regulatory Headwinds

In today’s top story, the Central and South American mahi season kicked off in October, with an early catch skewed toward smaller fish suited for portioning, but elevated boat prices in Ecuador and Peru have largely hindered frozen production, exacerbating supply tightness. US imports through August fell 39.5% year‑on‑year, with Asian imports surpassing C&SA amid tariff-driven cost shifts and frontloading ahead of higher duties...

Canada Positions Itself for Growth at Strategically Timed Seafood Conference Ahead of CFSE

China’s role as a critical market for Canadian seafood took center stage at the 2025 Canada Seafood Conference, strategically held one day before the opening of the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo (CFSE), Asia’s largest and most influential seafood trade event. The timing gave Canada first dibs in visibility as global buyers arrived in Qingdao, creating an early platform for engagement with Chinese importers and distributors.

Organized by the Atlantic Canada Business Network (ACBN), the conference gathered more than 100 delegates from Canadian governments, industry associations...

Cousins Maine Lobster Expands to Indiana Through Multi-Unit Deal

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the industry-leading fast-casual lobster roll brand, signed an agreement to bring two new trucks to Indiana. The deal meets the growing demand for more high-quality seafood across the Midwest region. It will offer local seafood lovers the opportunity to enjoy CML's world-famous Maine Lobster rolls, mouthwatering lobster tacos, savory lobster grilled cheese, and delicious whoopie pies...

US to Ban Irish Farmed Salmon and Spiny Lobster Imports from January 1 Over MMPA Compliance

Beginning January 1, 2026, farmed salmon and spiny lobster from Ireland will no longer be eligible for export to the United States, Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Sea‑Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) confirmed this week.

The Irish agencies were notified by US authorities that the restriction is tied to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) comparability findings under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NOAA determined that Ireland’s standards do not meet the...

Today's Top Story: Soft Fall Demand Pressures Live Lobster Prices Despite Reduced Supply

In today’s top story, despite reduced Maine landings (down 17% year-over-year) and a major shift in Canadian export flows after China’s 25% retaliatory tariffs took effect, live lobster prices have not strengthened this fall; buyer urgency is low, inventory remains manageable, and the market feels well-supplied for the season...

Private Equity Firm Buys Majority of Seafood Importer, Distributor Arctic Fisheries

US seafood importer Arctic Fisheries sold a majority stake to SNH Capital Partners, an Austin, Texas-based private equity investment firm.

Arctic provides customers with a wide range of seafood options, including groundfish, crab and lobster. The company’s CEO, Michael Kotok, will remain a shareholder following the transaction. Antarctica Advisors, the exclusive investment banking advisor to Arctic Fisheries, stated that Kotok and the current Arctic Fisheries team will continue with the company under the new ownership.

Michael Kotok, CEO of Arctic Fisheries, commented: “Antarctica’s experienced team understood...

Cousins Maine Lobster Drives Midwest Momentum with New St. Louis Truck

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the industry-leading fast-casual lobster roll brand, has signed an agreement with local family entrepreneurs, Sam, Tommy, and Tarik Ramadan, to bring its signature Maine lobster food truck experience to Missouri. The new truck is set to launch in April 2026, marking CML's highly anticipated debut in the St. Louis market and continuing its ongoing Midwest expansion.

Tommy Ramadan will lead the venture, providing strategic direction and management oversight, with support from his younger brother, Tarik, who will oversee...

ANALYSIS: China’s Crustacean Imports Hold Firm Despite Economic Slowdown

Despite an economic slowdown that has persisted since last year, China has sustained a healthy import budget for crustaceans, according to the latest GACC figures (General Administration and Customs of China). The first quarter saw shipments to China increase by 6.6%, then 7.4% in Q2 and 5.0% in Q3, so from January to September, shellfish imports rose 6.3% in volume and 6.6% in value year‑on‑year.

Shrimp account for the largest share of crustacean imports this year, representing 55% of the CNY 50,149 million total spent to date...

Today's Top Story: Supreme Court Begins Arguments Over Legality of Tariffs in Major Test of Trump's Power

In today's top news story, US Supreme Court began to hear arguments regarding the legality of the Presiden't tariffs, which utilize a 1977 federal law intended for emergencies. This case follows lower court rulings that deemed Trump's actions as exceeding his authority. The...

Today's Top Story: MMPA and Its Implications for US Crab Meat Supply and Pricing

In today’s top story, NOAA’s MMPA comparability findings and a Jan. 1, 2026 enforcement window risk constraining foreign crab-meat imports, with 46 countries facing restrictions or partial ratings. Markets already show strain: the blue swimming crab pasteurized jumbo lump rose nearly 6% month-on-month and 20% year-on-year as buyers scramble to secure supply...

Publix Advances Ocean Stewardship with Milestone Donation to SFP 

Publix demonstrated its continued support of environmental stewardship through its latest actions. The company is celebrating National Seafood Month alongside reaching a donation milestone to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), which aims to protect ocean systems, rebuild fish populations, and support commercial fishers.

"Publix is proud to support SFP to bring sustainable seafood options to our customers while protecting the ecosystem and supporting those who fish,” said Guy Pizzuti, Publix Business Development Director of Seafood. “We look forward to our continued collaboration to make a difference in seafood sustainability."

ASMFC Elects Daniel McKiernan as Chair

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) expressed gratitude to Joseph Cimino of New Jersey following his successful two-year term as Chair. Member states have elected Daniel McKiernan of Massachusetts as his successor. McKiernan is a dedicated advocate for conservation and responsible fisheries management across commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as the broader seafood industry.

"I’m honored to be chosen by my fellow Commissioners to lead our efforts for the next two years. One of my priorities will be to work with my colleagues in the...

US Seafood Industry Calls to Protect USMCA Duty-Free Trade Framework

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI)’s Director of Public Policy, Morgan Bell, delivered testimony before the US International Trade Commission this week, underscoring the essential role of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) in supporting a thriving North American seafood trade.

Speaking on behalf of the entire commercial seafood value chain — from harvesters and processors to distributors and retailers — Bell highlighted the remarkable growth in seafood exports under the USMCA since its 2019 implementation. American seafood exports to Mexico have surged 65%...

National Fisheries Institute Announces New Additions to its Board of Directors

The National Fisheries Institute’s (NFI) members approved a new slate of Directors of the Board at its Annual Membership Meeting. 

NFI’s bylaws allow for a 51-person Board, with 45 at-large Directors. There is an 18-person Executive Committee drawn from the Board and six officers. NFI elects a new slate of board members annually to serve three-year terms. 

“Our Board is made up of a who’s who in seafood and I am humbled by the executives who give so...

Arctic Fisheries Secures Strategic Investment from SNH Capital Partners

SNH Capital Partners (SNH) has announced its latest strategic investment in Arctic Fisheries, a leading importer of premium seafood products like groundfish, crab, and lobster, serving customers throughout the United States.

With over a century of history, Arctic Fisheries has established a legacy that positions it as a leader in the industry. Leveraging strong, long-standing connections with a global network of suppliers, Arctic Fisheries sources high-quality, premium seafood that is highly esteemed by its foodservice clientele.

Michael Kotok, CEO of Arctic Fisheries...

Canada: Fishers Urged to Put Safety First During Lobster Season

Another busy lobster season is ahead for fishing crews in southwest Nova Scotia, and the Province is encouraging them to keep safety top of mind.

"Heading out in the cold and darkness, exposed to the elements and the power of the sea, makes fishing a high-risk job," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith. "Safety isn’t optional, it’s essential. We strongly encourage fishing captains and their crews to take every possible precaution to ensure they return home safely to their loved ones...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

Jim Jones Joins Forces With Cousins Maine Lobster to Hand Out Holiday Dinners to Harlem Community

Harlem got a head start on its Thanksgiving festivities this week as Cousins Maine Lobster founders, Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis, teamed up with their newest "cousin" and collaborator, Jim Jones, to treat the community to free lobster meals.

Jones, a Harlem icon, partnered with Lomac and Tselikis to bring one of their franchise trucks to the heart of Harlem, turning the block into an early holiday celebration. For over 2 hours, Jones, Lomac, and Tselikis stood outside meeting with fans, snapping pictures...

Nova Scotia Launches Compliance Unit to Combat Illegal Activities in Seafood Sector

Nova Scotia’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture have announced the creation of a new seafood sector compliance unit aimed at combating illegal activities in fish buying and processing.

“Our new compliance unit will target illegal seafood-related activities that negatively impact the sustainability of our resources and the safety of our communities,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “As the regulator of the shore-based fish buying and processing sector, these inspectors will focus their activities on wharves and in seafood facilities...

ANALYSIS: Soft Fall Demand Pressures Live Lobster Prices Despite Reduced Supply

Buyer interest through October and November has been notably tempered, a trend not unusual for this time of year as seasonal demand typically softens following the late-summer push. However, this fall’s slowdown has been more pronounced. Even with reduced Maine catch levels, market prices and boat prices alike have eased, signaling a softer demand environment than in prior years. Sellers describe sales as sluggish, with limited urgency from buyers to replenish inventories or take on additional volume...

Today's Top Story: Atlantic Halibut Reaches Two-Decade Price Highs Despite Familiar Seasonal Trends

In today’s top story, Atlantic halibut pricing has adhered to familiar seasonal rhythms, pre‑holiday strength, summer softening and autumn recovery, but at historically high levels, averaging near $13.00/lb and marking some of the strongest seasonal pricing in two decades...

Red Lobster Launches Fresh Seafood Boils and Seasonal Delights

The popularity of the seafood boil has reemerged recently, fueled by food content creators and social media.

Armed with a relentless CEO and rebounding from bankruptcy, Red Lobster has embraced the trend in an effort to heat up its menu, and amplify foot traffic.

Expana first announced the addition of the new seafood boils in June . Following their successful debut, Expana later reported in September that the restaurant made the boils a permanent part of its menu.

Most recently, the company has added three new flavors...

Today's Top Story: A Trump Supreme Court Tariff Defeat Would Add to Trade Uncertainty

In today’s top story, during oral arguments, justices questioned whether IEEPA grants the president authority to levy sweeping tariffs, increasing the likelihood of a ruling against the administration that could unsettle markets and leave open complex refund and enforcement questions...

US Bankruptcy Court Clears Sale of Cozy Harbor, Casco Bay and Art’s Lobster to Aquashell for $6.5M

A US bankruptcy judge in Maine has approved the sale of Cozy Harbor Seafood, Casco Bay Lobster and Art’s Lobster to Aquashell USA, LLC — an entity tied to Hal Harlan/Harlan Development — clearing the way for a roughly $6.5 million acquisition of processing assets, inventory and certain leases.

As Expana previously reported, the deal includes the price of $2,015,099 for Cozy Harbor's accounts receivable, $2,738,920 in Inventory and $1,750,000 in property.

Expana covered Cozy Harbor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy...

ASMFC Lobster Stock Assessment: Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank Not Depleted but Overfishing Rising

A stock assessment found that the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank (GOM/GBK) is not depleted but has dipped 34% since peak levels in 2018, and overfishing is taking place. Meanwhile, the Southern New England (SNE) stock remains “significantly depleted,” with record-low abundances for all life stages in recent years.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)’s American Lobster Management Board received the results this week.

“The Benchmark Stock Assessment is a considerable advancement in our understanding US American lobster resource...

Atlantic Menhaden Board Cuts Catch Limits 20% on Declining Stock 

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Menhaden Board met yesterday to address a 30% decline in the Atlantic menhaden population and to set reduced catch limits for 2026. The board voted to reduce 2026 commercial catch by 20%, not the 50% advocated by hundreds of stakeholders or the “no more than 10%” advocated by members of the reduction fleet. 

Atlantic menhaden is a forage fish that feeds half a dozen species of commercial or recreational importance, chief among them striped bass, but also osprey, bluefish, spiny dogfish, whales, and bait...