Trident to Sell Newport Surimi Plant to Pacific Seafoods, If Pacific Gains Community Support Trident Seafoods intends to sell their Newport, Oregon surimi plant to Pacific Seafoods. Trident said it believes Pacific has the best chance of successfully operating the plant because of its existing infrastructure in Newport and experience marketing products produced from Pacific whiting. However, there is an issue that could prevent the deal from happening, and that is the anti-trust lawsuit that has been filed against Pacific by some harvester groups. Pacific Seafood and Trident plan to meet with fishermen, community stakeholders, and government regulators to gauge support for the proposed sale, with hopes of saving the 2017 whiting season. "We wanted to do everything possible to make sure that the people who work at the plant have stable employment and our fishermen continue to have good markets for their catches," said Trident's CEO Joe Bundrant. The forecasted harvest for Prince William Sound pink salmon this year is the largest on record while the Copper River sockeye harvest was reported at a more modest level according to the latest ADF&FG forecast. If the 2017 natural stock pink salmon forecast is realized it would be the second largest natural run on record, and well above the 1997–2015 odd-year average return. The Alaska salmon seasons have expected start dates between mid-May and mid-June depending on the region and the species. In other news the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission said they want more data before setting the dates for the season. LDWF biologist Jeff Marx said data he’s collected show better conditions than in previous years. But nearly all of the shrimpers at the meeting said they would rather wait for the season to open at the normal time so the shrimp can grow to be larger. The spring shrimp season usually opens in mid to late May. Meanwhile, Hogne I. Tyssoy, a portfolio manager for major Norwegian seafood investment fund Holberg Triton will accompany Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg's delegation to China this month as the two countries continue to rebuild their trade relations. Tyssoy said he is interested in seeing first hand what growth opportunities are in store for Norwegian fish farmers in China. Finally, some members of Atlantic Canada's fishing industry are concerned how the United State's implementation of new seafood import rules will impact shipments to the market. As of this week the US is requiring proof that its seafood imports are harvested in a way that minimizes harm to marine mammals. Countries now have to submit a list of fisheries measures in place to limit by-catch and gear entanglements with whales, turtles, porpoises and seals. "I think for everybody this is really concerning," she said. "We have not been privy to the actual ongoing discussions between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the U.S. government. What for us is uncomfortable is how these things are being viewed from office buildings," said Melanie Sonneberg of the Grand Manan Fishermen's Association in New Brunswick.