WPRFMC Mandates Electronic Monitoring for Longline Vessels in Hawaii, American Samoa

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) made electronic monitoring (EM) mandatory for longline vessels operating under Hawai‘i and American Samoa limited-entry permits.

The WPRFMC's decision amends the Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plan to implement EM systems for at-sea monitoring, including protected species interactions and other data collection requirements, according to a press release from the WPRFMC.

EM will be implemented in phases from 2025 through 2027, and vessels will be required to maintain the systems once they are installed onboard...

Starway International Group Recalls Fish Balls Imported from Vietnam 

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that thousands of pounds of frozen fish ball products have been recalled. New York-based Starway International Group issued the recall on Thursday, which covers 9,513 pounds of Siluriformes  products imported from Vietnam.  

The fish balls — which were shipped to several retailers nationwide — came from a Vietnam facility that is not authorized to export Siluriformes to the United States.  

The following products are included in the recall:  

- 16-oz. plastic bag packages containing...

Sen. Kennedy Urges HHS to Enhance Foreign Seafood Inspections 

In a letter sent to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Senator John Kennedy (R-La) is urging the department to enhance the inspection process for seafood imports that do not meet US standards — specifically when it comes to shrimp.  

The senator highlighted shrimp producers in countries like India, Ecuador, Indonesia and Vietnam, who he says do not always comply with environmental regulations and bans on antibiotic use. 

“A growing body of academic research and investigative reporting indicate that imported shrimp frequently contain illicit...

Datassential 500 Awards List Chick-fil-A as America's Favorite Chain Restaurant

On June 12, 2025, food and beverage intelligence platform Datassential announced the winners of the first-ever Datassential 500 Awards, showcasing the most dynamic foodservice brands in the United States. Notable winners include Chick-fil-A (favorite chain), Crumbl (most unique restaurant menu), and CAVA (best healthy chain).

Founded in 2001, Datassential has been providing food and beverage brands with intelligence tools and consumer insights for more than two decades, including quintessential companies like Starbucks, General Mills, Land O' Lakes, Pepsi, Burger King, and Target...

Circana’s ‘Eat Play Love’ Report Showcases Consumer Indulgence Despite Conservative Daily Spending

On June 12, 2025, Circana released its latest report on consumer spending trends, titled “Eat Play Love,” revealing how European consumers are turning to comfort despite ongoing economic pressures, climate concerns, and global conflicts that continually shape daily life.

According to the report, despite exercising frugality with everyday purchases, European consumers are currently prioritizing food retail, foodservice, prestige beauty, and toy purchases, thus indicating a shift towards “self-soothing consumption” and “mini moments of bliss.”

The report leverages Circana's extensive coverage of European consumer goods across hundreds of...

Global Commodities Markets – Q2 2025 Trends and Forecasts

Welcome to the Global Commodities Markets: Q2 2025 trends and forecasts report, where we examine key developments in the global commodity markets.

In an ever-changing economic landscape, getting key insights on essential commodities is crucial for stakeholders across industries.

Each quarter, this report will focus on a few commodities with significant price fluctuations, delivering insights and forward-looking analysis.

Further commodity insights can be explored on the Expana platform, where you’ll find real-time price tracking, access to industry experts and customized alerts...

Russia Aims to Increase Fish Exports to South Korea in Second Half of 2025 

Russia hopes to increase its fish exports to South Korea in the second half of 2025, after an underwhelming start to the year.  

According to the Association of Fishing Fleet Owners, the volume of Russian fish to the South Korean market decreased by 10% — or 106,100 tonnes — from January to May, compared to the same time last year.  

Despite the decrease, Russian imports to South Korea account for about 27% of the total volume of fish imported to the country, most of which is...

ANALYSIS: Canadian Crustacean Exports Surge in Value Despite Volume Declines

According to Statistics Canada, total crustacean exports in April rose by 36.9% in value, reaching CAD 491.9 million, up from CAD 359.4 million in April 2024. This growth was primarily driven by a 55.9% increase in crab exports and a 36.9% rise in lobster exports, while shrimp exports declined by 22.8%...

Seafood Sellers in Mississippi Face New Labeling Rules This July

Mississippi is just weeks away from implementing a new labeling law aimed at improving the transparency of seafood sold in the state.

Starting on July 1, all seafood and crawfish sold in Mississippi—whether in grocery stores, seafood markets, restaurants or food trucks—must be clearly labeled as either imported or domestic, according to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR).

“Mississippi’s new seafood labeling law is a pivotal step toward restoring consumer trust and safeguarding the integrity of our Gulf Coast heritage,” said MDMR Executive Director Joe Spraggins...

Mowi Inks Deal for $2.9 Billion Sustainability-Linked Credit Facility

Mowi, the largest salmon farmer on the planet has signed a EUR 2.6 billion ($2.9 billion) five-year sustainability-linked multicurrency revolving credit facility agreement with DNB, Nordea, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, Danske Bank, SEB and Crédit Agricole.

Norway-based Mowi said the facility would be used to refinance existing bank debt and for general corporate purposes.

The principal financial covenant of the facility is a minimum equity ratio of 35%, and the facility includes an accordion increase option which provides flexibility for the parties...

SWEN CP Launches Blue Ocean 2 Fund, Raises 53% of Target at First Close 

SWEN Capital Partners (SWEN CP) has raised €160 million in the first close of its Blue Ocean 2 fund — reaching 53% of its second-generation target.  

Blue Ocean is the largest ocean impact venture fund geared toward backing start-ups focused on the regeneration of ocean biodiversity. Working alongside sustainability organizations like Ifremer, BlueInvest and ChangeNow, the fund tackles issues like over-fishing, ocean pollution, and climate change. 

“The SWEN Blue Ocean strategy fully embodies the Mission we have set for ourselves: putting...

Vancouver Island Man Fined $60K for Illegally Damaging Salmon Habitat on Trent River

A British Columbia resident was found guilty of destroying critical fish habitat on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced on June 10.

According to the Courtenay Provincial Court, area resident David Tingley failed to fix work he had illegally done on his property that impacted fish and fish habitat on the Trent River. Tingley was hit with a CAD 60,000 fine ($43,900), which was directed to the Environmental Damages Fund, which focuses on the conservation and protection of salmon...

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...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Leads Father’s Day Protein Promotions; CPI Shows Mild Increase

For Father’s Day weekend, seafood leads retail protein promotions, accounting for 28% of total ad volume. Beef follows at 24.8%, with pork close behind at 23.6%. Chicken claims 19% of protein ads, while turkey makes up about 3%.

Egg features remain limited for now but are on track to gain ground next week amid improving retail demand. While egg consumption typically slows around this time of year due to reduced baking and fewer hot breakfasts, eggs are emerging as one of the few proteins seeing price relief at retail—standing out amid peak seasonal...

ANALYSIS: Spanish Octopus Market Strains Under Supply Pressure

Octopus, particularly product imported into the U.S. from Spain, remains a highly challenging category. Reduced catch levels have driven up replacement costs overseas, resulting in elevated and volatile pricing. Some market participants have opted to step back from the category altogether, while others are operating with extremely tight margins. At the same time, continued resistance to higher prices from end users has decreased demand in some instances and contributed to an unsettled market tone.

U.S. Census import data for the year-to-date period (January–April) shows that January was the...

Council Adopts “Housekeeping” Version of Pelagic Trawl Definition for Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska 

By a unanimous vote held yesterday, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council adopted changes to the definition of pelagic gear that skirted the issue of its use on the sea floor. Pelagic trawls are used by the pollock fleet in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. In recent years, frequency of those nets touching the sea floor, particularly in the Bering Sea, have been found to be as much as 85% according to scientific reports commissioned by the Council.  

That has concerned...

Russia Witnessing Lower Volumes of Capelin Catch

Russia faces a shortage of capelin this year and a significant increase in prices due to the almost complete suspension of its catch in the Barents Sea, caused by state plans to preserve its spawning stocks.

That has already led to a sharp increase in prices for Atlantic capelin in Russia, which have increased almost threefold since the beginning of the current year.

The fishing season for capelin in the Barents Sea usually takes place in February-March. However, at present, it is practically not carried out due to last year’s decision...

Sen. Cruz Outlines the Negative Impacts of Illegal Fishing by Mexican Cartels

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas made the opening statement at yesterday’s Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries hearing titled “Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources.”

In his statement, Cruz, also the Subcommittee Chairman, voiced growing concern for Mexican cartels poaching fish—specifically red snapper—from U.S. waters in order to finance illicit activities.

He also touched on the negative impact that these activities have on the livelihoods of Texas fishermen, the safety of Americans, and global security and maritime stability, emphasizing the U.S. government’s...

AGRIMINGOLD S.A. Becomes First Ecuadorian Shrimp Farm to Join ASC Improver Program

Ecuadorian shrimp farm AGRIMINGOLD S.A. became the first in the country to join an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) under the Improver Programme by Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

The ASC said the project covers 135 hectares of Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) farm in El Oro Province, Ecuador. AGRIMINGOLD S.A. produces 753.15 metric tons of shrimp annually.

The Improver Programme by ASC supports farms that are not ready or eligible for ASC certification but are committed to improving their farming practices, the group shared in a news release...

The Nueva Pescanova Group Promotes Phase Two of a Project to Strengthen Maritime, Fishing Training

Representatives of the Nueva Pescanova Foundation and Pescamar (a subsidiary of the Nueva Pescanova Group in Mozambique); the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID); the Maritime and Fisheries Polytechnic Institute of the Atlantic (IPMPA) — under the Regional Ministry of the Sea, Government of Galicia —; the Instituto de Ciências do Mar e Pescas (Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries or IMARP); and the Mozambican Association of Industrial Shrimp Fishing Shipowners (AMAPIC), signed an agreement today in Santiago de Compostela to launch...

Bornstein Seafoods Recalls 44K Pounds of Coldwater Shrimp Meat

Bellingham, Washington-based Bornstein Seafoods recalled 44,550 pounds of ‘Cooked & Peeled Ready-To-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat’ because the products could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

According to a notice published on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s website, the product was distributed directly to distributors and retailers in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. It may have been further distributed and sold at retailers nationwide.

The product can be identified under Bornstein Seafoods branded packaging in a one-lb. or five-lb. plastic bag...

Two Commercial Prawn Harvesters in British Columbia Found Guilty of Illegal Fishing Offenses 

Two commercial prawn harvesters in British Columbia (B.C.) were found guilty of illegal fishing offenses.  

According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Scott Castle and Vessel Master Terry Lorenz were convicted of illegally selling prawns and fishing illegally in a closed area of Stuart Cannel. A court also found that Castle failed to complete his mandatory fish slips — a requirement for prawn harvesters under Canada’s Fisheries Act.  

Castle was hit with more than $38,000 in fines, while Lopez was fined $3,000 and prohibited from...

Canadian Salted Smoked Split Herring Products Recalled in Tri-State Area

P. East Trading Corp of Bronx, New York recalled ‘Salted Smoked Split Herring’ as it was found to be over 5" in length and uneviscerated, as such, having the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explained that the sale of uneviscerated fish over 5" in length may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, as they are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish.

The recalled products were distributed to retail locations in...

Japan: Sendai Market Hits Record-High Price for Sockeye from Copper River

On June 7, the Sendai Central Wholesale Market received its first shipment of chilled salted sujiko (sockeye roe) from Alaska’s Copper River. The quantity listed was 74 pails at 5 kg each - 11 more than last year’s first shipment. Based on the inspection held before the auction, salted sujiko was traded at the highest price ever. 

The entire shipment was delivered to Sento Gyorui, a primary wholesaler at the market. The company held its traditional lottery at the fish roe...

MSC Announces €5.6 Million in Funding to Support Sustainable Fishing by 2030 

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) will channel €5.6 million in funding to its Ocean Stewardship Fund by 2030. The announcement was made at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in France.  

The money will provide grants for fishery improvements, fund bycatch reduction research, and protect marine habitats.  

Since its creation in 2019, the Ocean Stewardship Fund has awarded more than €7.7 million to support over 200 fisheries and projects worldwide aimed at creating more sustainable fishing...

Philippines: New Feed Mill Plant to Boost Capiz Aquaculture

In a significant move to support Filipino fisherfolk and strengthen the country's aquaculture sector, Senator Cynthia A. Villar has filed a bill proposing the establishment of an Aquaculture Feed Mill Plant in Barangay Bahit, Municipality of Panay, Province of Capiz.

The initiative, designed to reduce production costs and improve the livelihoods of local fish farmers, has gained strong legislative backing. The consolidated bill has been adopted by both Houses of Congress and is currently awaiting the President's signature to become law

ANALYSIS: Ecuadorian Government Ends Diesel Subsidies for Fishing Fleet and Current Tuna Market Trends

A statement published by The National Chamber of Fisheries (CNP) and the Ecuadorian Tuna Association (ATUNEC) on June 2 had expressed concern over the government’s plan to eliminate the diesel subsidy for the tuna sector. Both organizations explain that this will raise operational costs, reduce international competitiveness, and harm a key national industry. According to this document - which states that the Ecuadorian tuna fleet uses only 2.8% of Ecuador’s diesel - the subsidy’s removal would save $14.4 million annually. The statement reads in part, “...

Commerce Secretary Lutnick: US-China Trade Deal Framework Finalized

United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the US and China have agreed to a trade framework after two days of negotiations in London. 

After what reports described as “intense negotiations,” Lutnick told reporters that the framework builds upon an agreement made last month to ease triple-digit retaliatory tariffs. 

 In a social media post on June 11, President Trump said that a deal with China was done and called the trade relationship with China “excellent.” However, further details regarding the deal were not made public...

Massachusetts: 2025 Commercial Striped Bass Fishery to Open on June 17 

The 2025 commercial striped bass fisery in Massachusetts will open on Tuesday, June 17. This year’s quota is set at 683,773 pounds — the same as 2024.  

As of next week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be open fishing days. If at least 30% of the quota remains available after July 31, Thursdays will be added. Mondays and Fridays will be added if any quota remains after September 30.  

This year’s commercial minimum size is 35 inches, with a daily limit of 15 fish for permit holders onboard the...

Aquaticode Expands AI Sorting Tech with Major Chilean Salmon Farming Deals

Aquaticode, an AI-aquaculture firm focused on sorting technology, announced that major Chilean salmon producers, Australis and AquaChile have adopted its AI sorting products.

The company said the deals with the key salmon farmers would see 60 million fish sorted across both companies. Aquaticode said this will lead to both “improved operational efficiency and stronger biological performance.”

“Aquaticode’s AI-driven sorting technology allows us to make faster, more accurate decisions and to maximize the biological potential of every fish,” said Cristian Sauterel, Farming Manager at Australis...