Blue Harvest Completes Scallop Deal for 
Hygrade Ocean Products, Brings Scallop Fleet to 15 Vessels
Blue Harvest Fisheries announced the acquisition of Hygrade Ocean Products, a New Bedford-based processor and distributor of scallops, cod, and other fish products. Hygrade operates a 33,000 square foot state of the art plant and dock and has about 100 employees. Blue Harvest says that with this purchase, they will begin marketing and distributing company landed scallops, bluefin tuna, and swordfish directly to customers. With operations in Newport News, Virginia, and Fairhaven, Massachusetts, Blue Harvest owns a fleet of 15 scallop vessels and is an active participant in the bluefin tuna and swordfish fisheries. “By vertically integrating, Blue Harvest can now provide its customers with greater product traceability, quality assurance, and variety,” said Jeff Davis, CEO of Blue Harvest.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reduced the total allowable catch for golden king crabs in the Western Aleutians by a quarter to 2.2 million pounds. "There's a 25 percent reduction in the TAC for the western stock this year based on declines in several stock abundance indicators," said the ADF&G's Ethan Nichols. "We're not exactly sure what's going on, but for the last two seasons, the TAC has not been achieved." This is the first time in years that ADF&G has made a reduction in the Golden King Crab Quota.
In other news, Stavis Seafoods announced a select partnership with G&C Food Distributors that will start with the warehousing and delivery of more than 80 of Stavis Seafoods’ products. Stavis will supply G&C with several of its name brand lines including its pasteurized Foods From the Sea Pasteurized Crabmeat, Prince Edward Hard Clams, BOS’N Shrimp & Calamari, Canadian & South African Lobster Tails and Ocean Delight Ahi Tuna Grillers & Sliders. "G&C’s re-distribution capabilities are an exceptionally efficient system for servicing customers, providing more ways for them to get the products they need,” said Richard Stavis, CEO of Stavis Seafoods.
Meanwhile, salmon prices in West Coast markets trended higher this spring with demand strong for more limited inventories but have since leveled out reports Susan Chambers. In Oregon, the ocean salmon fisheries started with high prices in the spring, at around $11 a pound, Oregon Salmon Commission Administrator Nancy Fitzpatrick said. However, prices are have since dipped below $10 as salmon from other sources, including more Chinook from West Coast rivers has reached the market.
Finally, Atlantic States Fisheries Commissioners are scheduled to issue a final decision on the 2017 Atlantic menhaden quota on Wednesday. Mid-Atlantic fishermen want fishery officials to raise the quota by the maximum 80,000 metric tons. We include an opinion from one of the region's fishermen who says there is plenty of scientific evidence available to the Commission that shows menhaden stocks are in good shape and capable of supporting a higher quota.
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