Nissui Finalizes $133M Chile Acquisition; Combined Salmon Output with Pesquera Yadran Hits 70,000T

Japanese seafood heavyweight Nissui has completed the acquisition of Chilean salmon farmer Pesquera Yadran (PY) through its subsidiary Salmones Antarctica (SA) for $133 million, the company announced on December 16.

The deal reflects Nissui’s strategic push to treat aquaculture as a priority growth area, with a target of achieving a profit margin of 10% or more.

Both SA and PY operate in the Chilean farmed salmon sector, with PY bringing both farming and processing capabilities and sales to overseas markets, including the United States...

India’s Captain Fresh Buys Spanish Tuna Company Frime

India's Captain Fresh has signed a deal to acquire Spain-based tuna company Frime, El Economista reported.

The publication said Frime posted turnover of €180 million last year and has processing capacity for 15,000 tons of frozen tuna and nearly 4,000 tons of cephalopods. The company employs about 450 people, according to its website. Frime also partners with Pesca Azteca, a group with a carrying capacity of 85,000 tons annually.

The deal is expected to strengthen Frime's financial position and scale as it joins a group of significant seafood brands...

NFI Sushi Council Adds North Carolina’s Bay Hill Seafood to Growing Membership

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council announced Bay Hill Seafood Sales as its newest member, the third new member since the start of November.

The Greensboro, North Carolina-based company is a wholesale seafood supplier with decades of experience delivering products to restaurants and distributors in the US.

“Joining the NFI Sushi Council represents an exciting opportunity for Bay Hill to contribute to the continued advancement of seafood quality, food safety, and traceability across the sushi value chain,” said Justin Conrad, President and CEO of Bay Hill...

Foodservice Finds Momentum This Holiday Season Amid Shifting Consumer Spending

As the holidays approach and the year winds down, the foodservice industry competes with retail on how consumers stretch their dollars during "the most wonderful time of the year."

CNBC recently reported that, based on restaurant purchasing data, consumers continue to dine out, but many are opting for appetizer items instead of entrée menu options.

Despite the challenges of disease, supply issues, and rising costs, the American foodservice industry remains resilient and continues to find ways to tap into consumer spending this December, even as some consumers scale back.

Innovative Vermifiltration Trial Underway for Treating Shrimp Processing Wastewater

Perca, Inc. has announced the launch of a groundbreaking trial using vermifiltration technology to treat seafood processing waste—specifically from shrimp production. This project represents an innovative, nature-based approach to wastewater treatment that aligns with the seafood industry's growing focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and responsible resource management.

The trial is partially grant funded and brings together a coalition of industry and environmental leaders, including Angee Hunt of the Oregon State University Seafood Research and Education Center, Lori Steele of the West Coast Seafood Processors Association, Tim Greseth...

CDFW Director Appointed to Lead The Nature Conservancy in California

Charlton “Chuck” Bonham, the longtime head of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, has been named Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy’s California program, the conservation organization announced recently. Bonham will begin the role on January 26, 2026, taking the helm of one of what TNC described as one of its most strategically important U.S. operations as climate change and biodiversity loss intensify statewide. 

Bonham’s appointment marks a shift from public agency leadership to nonprofit conservation. He served nearly 15 years as director of CDFW, the nation’s largest state...

ANALYSIS: Tariff Structure Drives Upward Pressure Across US Squid Complex

The US squid market is currently full steady to firm and has maintained this undertone for much of the year. Prices across the complex have either risen or remained unchanged, with no major categories experiencing downward pressure.

Much of this upward pricing pressure can be attributed to the challenging tariff environment, which continues to present obstacles for industry stakeholders. Currently, no origin of imported product enjoys tariff exemption, with Argentina and Peru facing 10% duties, while New Zealand product is subject to 15% tariffs...

ANALYSIS: Vietnam Surges Ahead in China’s CNY 1.84 Billion Lobster Imports

China is a pivotal player in the global lobster market, and shifts in its purchasing patterns often have considerable consequences for exporting countries. Since 2024, the supplier landscape for live and frozen lobster into China has changed markedly. The top spot historically held by Canada has been taken by Vietnam, while Canada now sits in second place, just ahead of Australia...

GAPP Taps Jim Johnson as New Chairman of the Board, Adds New Board Members for 2026

The Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced new Board leadership and a continuation of its work expanding demand for wild Alaska pollock.

“Significant resources will be dedicated to both building demand for Wild Alaska Pollock around the world and protecting the reputation of the fishery in the coming year,” the group said in a statement released today. 

At its annual Board and Membership meetings, the GAPP members voted to maintain its current assessment rate to support broader demand-building work...

USDA Purchases $13.7M in Pollock, Catfish and Canned Salmon for Domestic Programs

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchased roughly $13.7 million worth of pollock, catfish and canned salmon products for use in domestic food distribution programs.

The USDA initially released a solicitation to sell various salmon, pollock and catfish products on November 25. In the end, the USDA bought 1.75 million pounds of seafood for $13,694,519.36.

Specifically, the USDA purchased 1,8000 cases of frozen Atlantic pollock fillets for $500,400; along with various frozen Alaska pollock products for a combined $2.3 million...

St. Andrews Becomes First Chilean Mussel Producer to Earn ASC Multisite Certification

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) announced last week that St. Andrews has become the first mussel producer in Chile to achieve ASC multisite with management system (MS with IMS) certification.  

St. Andrews is one of the world’s largest mussel growers, overseeing more than 1,500 hectares of cultivation and producing around 60,000 tonnes of mussels each year. The new certification covers seven mussel farms across its operation. 

“St. Andrews has reached an impressive milestone that demonstrates its deep commitment to sustainable aquaculture...

Andrew Jackson Solicitors Advises on Acquisition of Historic Ocean Fish Group by Fortuna Ltd

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has advised Falkland Islands-based fishing business Fortuna Ltd on its acquisition of Ocean Fish Group, a long-established fishing and processing business whose heritage dates back to 1740.

Ocean Fish is one of Cornwall’s oldest fishing and seafood processing groups, supplying UK and European wholesale, retail and, more recently, food service customers.

Fortuna, the largest fishing company in the British Overseas Territories, is taking its first steps into the UK market. Through its subsidiaries and shareholdings...

New Zealand: Consultation on Changes to Rock Lobster Fisheries

Pacific Marine Expo to Move to Seattle Convention Center Arch Building in 2026

Organizers of Pacific Marine Expo (PME), the West Coast’s largest and longest-running commercial marine trade show, announced at the 2025 Expo that the 2026 event will move to the Seattle Convention Center Arch Building in downtown Seattle. Previously held at the Lumen Field Event Center, PME will take place November 19-21, 2026, offering attendees and exhibitors a refreshed experience in one of the city’s most connected and vibrant districts...

Two Indonesian Shrimp Shipments Pass US Cesium-137 Tests; 600 More Containers En Route

Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) says two shrimp containers have successfully entered the US after passing inspection for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination, according to Indonesian outlet Antara News.

“On December 9, the first containers arrived with certificates confirming they were free of Cesium-137. Two containers have entered, passed inspections, and the results have now been released,” said Ishartini, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Products Quality Control and Supervision Agency, during a press conference last week...

WCPFC Backs New Southern Albacore Management, Boosting Outlook for American Samoa Longline Fleet

The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission wrapped up its 22nd Regular Session on last week with a win for American Samoa longline fishermen.

The Commission was unanimous in its decision to adopt a new regime aimed at securing the long-term sustainability of the South Pacific albacore fishery — a move widely seen as a win for small island fleets and the American Samoa longline sector. The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council oversees the American Samoa fishery.

By consensus, WCPFC...

Western Pacific Regional Council Scientists Deliberate Impacts of Monument Fishing Prohibitions

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council scientists started off with a bang when it met last week, tackling national monument issues.

On the first day of its 158th meeting, the Scientific and Statistical Committee reviewed the best available science on the potential benefits and costs of restoring commercial fishing in U.S. Pacific marine national monuments.

A presentation by SSC member University of Washington Professor Dr. Ray Hilborn examined the limited data available from within existing monument closures, new information from recent re-openings and economic...