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...

18-Member MAFAC Replaced by One “Fisherman in Residence” AT NOAA, Huffman and Wexler Cry Foul 

On Monday this week, two members of Congress sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Under Secretary Dr. Neil Jacobs demanding accountability for the newly appointed “Fisherman in Residence” — Dustin Delano, who continues to work for industry trade associations in a role as advocate, often before the agency responsible for regulating U.S. fisheries, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  

“Based on the available evidence, Mr. Delano has continued to work in both roles simultaneously...

US Attorney’s Office in Anchorage Charges Three SE Alaska Fishermen With Sinking Their Vessels

According to a case put together by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Crimes Unit, three fishermen from Southeast Alaska have been charged with intentionally sinking their own boats and abandoning the wreckage.

The vessels were allegedly scuttled in waters near Sitka and Petersburg. Separate criminal filings were made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska in Anchorage yesterday.

The accused are John Fisher, 59, of Sitka, is charged with...

Norwegian Seafood Exports Slip in February; Salmon Rises but US Demand Falls Sharply

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 13.8 billion ($1.4 billion) in February, a 2% decline from the same month a year earlier, the Norwegian Seafood Council reported on March 4. Exports for January–February totaled NOK 28.5 billion, down NOK 777 million (2.7%) versus the same period in 2025.

“Lower supplies of shellfish and wild-caught fish due to quota reductions, combined with a still troubled world and trade barriers, are affecting the market, product flows and prices even more strongly than we have experienced before...

NASA Scientists Join SCEMFIS Industry Advisory Board 

The Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) has announced the addition of researchers from NASA’s Earth Science Division to its Industry Advisory Board (IAB). This partnership creates new opportunities to integrate NASA’s Earth observations into future SCEMFIS research, enabling closer collaboration with NASA scientists and advancing SCEMFIS’ mission to support groundbreaking marine science research.

This collaboration is particularly significant as NASA has pioneered satellite research measuring the biological and physical characteristics of the world’s oceans. Such data has been integral to scientific research broadly, and fisheries research specifically. NASA’s...

EU Continues Importing Russian Fish Despite Sanctions

The European Union continues to import fish from Russia despite sanctions. In the first half of 2025, Russian fish exports to the EU rose to 122,000 tons, driven mainly by pollock fillets, whose supply more than doubled.

While official figures for the full year 2025 are not yet available, most analysts expect growth to continue at a similar pace.

In 2024, the EU imported fish and seafood from Russia for $751.74 million, with comparable figures expected for 2025.

The EU primarily imports white fish...

The United States and Mexico Launch Review Process of the USMCA

Today, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard announced the first round of bilateral discussions in preparation for the Joint Review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The ministers instructed negotiators to begin a scoping discussion on the necessary measures to ensure the benefits of the Agreement accrue primarily to the parties, including by reducing dependence on imports from outside the region, strengthening rules of origin, and enhancing the security of North American supply chains...

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...

US‑Israeli Strikes on Iran Enter Fifth Day as Shipping Companies Divert Vessels 

The United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran for a fifth day, targeting military, government, and nuclear-related sites in and around Tehran. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missiles and drones, striking energy infrastructure and diplomatic compounds across the Gulf.

The conflict is expanding regionally, with heightened security alerts across Gulf states and reports of damage to civilian and economic infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, has experienced significant disruptions threatening worldwide oil flows...

ANALYSIS: Fresh Salmon Offers Could Increase as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Supply Chains

Norwegian and Chilean salmon exporters are beginning to offer additional volumes into alternative markets, including the USA, as deteriorating logistics in the Middle East threaten to upend regular trade flows. The move highlights the urgency of redirecting fresh product away from blocked routes.

Industry contacts indicate that both nations are actively seeking buyers outside their Middle East channels, spurred by constrained maritime and air logistics through the Strait of Hormuz and key air hubs in Dubai (DXB) and Doha (DOH)...

Northern Wind Welcomes Stuart R. Benton as New Chief Financial Officer

Northern Wind, a global seafood sourcing company, has announced the appointment of Stuart R. Benton, CPA, CGMA, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This move further strengthens the company’s leadership team as it accelerates investments in infrastructure, product innovation, and market expansion.

In his new role, Benton will lead the company's global financial strategy and enhance governance to support its expanding domestic and international footprint. He'll oversee the organization’s core financial functions and serve as a strategic partner to the Board and...

Seafood You Can Trust Launches as Save Mart Leads Responsible Sourcing Initiative

Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) launched Seafood You Can Trust, a marketing toolkit that is part of a new, insight-driven campaign designed to help retailers and foodservice operators effectively communicate responsible seafood sourcing at the point of purchase.

US grocery chain Save Mart has signed on as the program's first retailer to participate in the campaign, making Seafood You Can Trust available in all Save Mart and Lucky locations.

This innovative toolkit offers retailers and foodservice operators a suite of customizable assets, including...

Taylor Shellfish Farms Earns First US ASC Certification for Bivalve Aquaculture

America’s appetite for oysters is growing, and the seafood industry is responding with stronger sustainability commitments. As consumption climbs and tinned seafood sales surge, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) announced that Washington-based Taylor Shellfish Farms, North America’s largest oyster producer, has earned ASC certification — becoming the first and only bivalve farm in the United States to achieve the designation.

The milestone also makes Taylor Shellfish just the fifth US farm in ASC’s global certification program, expanding the availability of ASC...

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...

Culinary Excellence Takes Center Stage at the 152nd Kentucky Derby®

The 152nd Kentucky Derby® is not just a feast for the eyes but also the taste buds, thanks to an innovative menu crafted by Chef Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef for Levy Restaurants and Head Chef at Churchill Downs.

This year's menu is a nod to both traditional and modern flavors, offering fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The menu features locally inspired dishes like chicken paired with roasted peach chutney and Kentucky BBQ shrimp.

Chef Lopez summarized his approach saying, "Churchill Downs is always committed to...

ANALYSIS: Brazil Lobster Tail Exports to China Surge, US Imports Fall

Historically, the United States has been the primary destination for Brazil-origin lobster tails, consistently accounting for the largest volume share. However, in recent years and especially since the imposition of tariffs in 2025, trade flows have been dramatically altered, with China emerging as the dominant market. 

From 2020 through 2024, US imports of lobster tails from Brazil have been in decline, dropping sharply in 2025 to just 829 thousand pounds — a 60% decrease versus the prior year and 65% below the 5-year average...

ANALYSIS: Asian Shrimp Exports Face Delays Due to Middle East Turmoil

The severe armed conflict that started this weekend in the Middle East is not reported to have directly impacted the production or demand of shrimp globally.  

Indirectly, India, Indonesia and Vietnam are major sellers to the Western customers. In 2025, the US and Europe accounted for over half of India’s shrimp export revenue, markets noted for their competitiveness and sensitivity to price. 

Consequently to the conflict between Israel, the US and Iran, the closure of the Red Sea access will induce an estimated two-week delay and additional...