Bakkafrost Raises Harvest Guidance as Faroe Islands Offset Weak Scotland Results

Bakkafrost reported stronger first-quarter earnings for 2026, driven by record harvest volumes and lower farming costs in the Faroe Islands, while its Scottish operations remained under pressure.

The salmon producer posted operational EBIT of DKK 544 million for the quarter, up from DKK 505 million a year earlier. Revenues in the Faroe Islands rose to DKK 1.67 billion from DKK 1.4 billion, with operational EBIT climbing to DKK 572 million. Scotland generated revenues of DKK 443 million and recorded an operational...

SalMar Lifts 2026 Harvest Guidance after Strong First Quarter

SalMar raised its full-year 2026 harvest guidance after posting stronger first-quarter results, helped by higher harvest volumes, improved fish quality and lower costs across parts of the value chain.

The salmon farmer reported group operational EBIT of NOK 1.512 billion for the first quarter on harvest volumes of 60,300 tons, equal to NOK 25.1 per kg. In Norway, operational EBIT came to NOK 1.536 billion on harvest volumes of 56,300 tons, or NOK 27.3 per kg.

The company said performance in Norway...

Icelandic Salmon Reports Near Break-Even Q1 as Operations Strengthen

Icelandic Salmon kept its 2026 harvest guidance unchanged at 21,300 tons after reporting a first-quarter result that was close to break-even, a clear improvement from the EUR 3 million loss recorded a year earlier.

The quarter was shaped by a difficult pricing environment and a harvest mix that weighed on margins. Achieved prices were EUR 0.69 per kg lower than in the first quarter of 2025, while smaller fish sizes dragged on price realization. The company also faced high costs on a large...

New Study Shows Capelin is a Sea Canary for Ocean Heatwaves in North Pacific 

Twenty years ago, Dr. George Rose with Memorial University of Newfoundland called capelin "a sea canary for marine ecosystem change." A new study reinforces its role as an indicator of healthy marine ecosystems.

“Capelin Size, Condition, and Abundance Through Multiple Heatwaves in Alaska” shows that heatwaves can dramatically affect capelin populations and the fish, marine mammals, and seabirds that rely on them. Because capelin are not commercially fished in the northeast Pacific Ocean, studying them in Alaska gives scientists a chance to...

In-Store Grocery Shopping Remains Strong Despite Digital Shift, FMI Report

Americans continue to prefer in-person grocery shopping, even as digital tools become more embedded in the experience, according to a new report from The Food Industry Association (FMI) developed with The Hartman Group.

The US Grocery Shopper Trends 2026 report found that consumers visit an average of 5.4 different grocery store banners each month as they search for different types of value, from bargain shopping to specialty products and entertainment-style experiences.

“In an effort to fulfill their unique definitions of value...

Whale Entanglement Highlights Pressure on Oregon Dungeness Fishery

A whale entanglement off the Oregon coast is raising renewed concerns about marine habitat and commercial fishing after local outlets reported a humpback whale dragging tagged Dungeness crab gear. The Oregonian reported that officials have not identified the gear’s owner because the vessel name and permit number on the tag could not be clearly read.

NBC5 News interviewed Ben Grundy of the Center for Biological Diversity, who said rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves are causing “habitat compression,” increasing interactions between whales and human activity.

The sighting...

Northern Chile Jack Mackerel Fishery Faces Setback as Catches Fall Below Legal Size

Chile’s Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) says it is closely monitoring a new challenge affecting the jack mackerel fishery in the northern regions of Atacama and, to a lesser extent, Coquimbo, after both artisanal and industrial fleets reported a high presence of fish that are undersized.

The development adds to ongoing difficulties in the Biobío Region, where only about 34% of the available quota has been landed so far this season due to weak availability of horse mackerel. In the north, Subpesca...

Vancouver World Cup Matches to Anchor New BC Investment Initiative

British Columbia (BC) is using the global spotlight of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to court investment and promote local industries through a new initiative called BC Business House, a business networking hub timed to Vancouver’s World Cup matches.

The networking venue will host seven events in Vancouver between June 12 and July 7, 2026, bringing together investors, business leaders and government officials to spotlight key BC industries including tourism, energy, life sciences, mining, agriculture, technology and trade infrastructure.

“Major global events, like...

ANALYSIS: Domestic Scallop Supply Influx Dominated by Smaller Counts Amid Global Shortfalls

The 2026-27 scallop season has commenced with 2.04 million lbs through April, representing a significant improvement from last season's exceptionally weak 1.42 million lb start. However, the landing data reveals the broader context of this recovery - current volumes, while encouraging, remain well below the historical framework that supported the industry through stronger cycles. Recent data demonstrates how domestic production has contracted dramatically from the robust 56-57...

Princes Shifts Sardine Sourcing to MSC-Certified Iberian Fishery

UK food and drink group Princes Group has begun sourcing sardines from the Marine Stewardship Council( MSC)-certified Iberian purse seine fishery, marking the company’s latest move to expand its range of sustainably certified seafood products.

The transition follows the Iberian sardine fishery receiving MSC certification in July 2025, confirming the fishery meets standards tied to stock health, ecosystem impacts and fisheries management.

Princes said some products entered stores in March, with a broader rollout expected in the coming months. Packaging carrying the MSC ecolabel is...

SalmonChile Calls for Cross-Sector Unity at Blue Week 2026 as Chile Advances Blue Economy Agenda

SalmonChile played an active role at Blue Week 2026, the ocean innovation summit organized by the Climate Cluster for Ocean Innovation (CINCO) in Puerto Montt and Santiago from May 11–14. The event brought together authorities, scientists, investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to develop collaborative solutions that harness the ocean’s potential to address the climate crisis.

"Blue Week 2026 is being held in a context where the blue economy is gaining more and more prominence worldwide and...

Russia’s Salmon Catch Could Fall Up to 30% in 2026, Fisheries Head Says

Russia may face a steep decline in salmon catches this year, with volumes potentially falling by as much as 30% compared with 2025.

This was previously confirmed by Ilya Shestakov, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries, who said that Russia’s Pacific salmon catch could decline this year to around 230,000 tons, down from last year’s level.

“So far, our forecasts for salmon catches in 2026 have been not very good, being lower than 2025 levels. We forecast between 200,000 and...

Sweden Invests SEK 30 Million to Build Domestic Oyster Industry

Sweden is looking to reduce its heavy reliance on imported oysters after a new research program secured nearly SEK 30 million in funding to help build a domestic, sustainable oyster industry.

Today, Sweden produces only about nine tons of oysters per year, while imports exceed 300 tons. The five‑year project, running from 2026 to 2031, is led by Alyssa Joyce at the University of Gothenburg and is designed to strengthen hatchery capacity, test cultivation systems, and create a fully functioning value...

Pacific Dream Seafoods Plans Major Processing, Cold Storage Expansion in Washington

A major seafood processing and cold storage project is set to move forward in Burlington, Washington, as Pacific Dream Seafoods expands operations to meet growing regional demand.

The planned development will add a 61,000-square-foot facility in Skagit County featuring upgraded processing areas, expanded cold storage capacity, blast freezers, an ice room, office space and a covered shipping and receiving dock.

The project, expected to be completed in mid-2027, will be constructed on a six-acre site with Chad Fisher Construction...

Global Coalition Urges Japan to Halt Public Funding for Octopus Farming Research

A global coalition of animal-welfare groups and scientists is urging Japan to stop funding research aimed at industrial octopus farming, citing serious animal welfare, environmental and public health risks.

The Aquatic Animal Alliance (AAA) ,joined by 182 organizations in 75 countries, and supported in Japan by Animal Rights Center Japan and the Aquatic Life Institute, sent formal correspondence to the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) on May 9 asking for a review of public research allocations tied to octopus...

Distinguished Programs Opens Marine Cargo Program for Business With Allianz Capacity

Distinguished Programs (“Distinguished”), a national MGA and insurance program manager, today announced that its Marine Cargo program is officially open for business.

The program provides coverage for physical loss or damage to goods in transit and storage. Coverages include Stock Throughput, Ocean/International Transit, Domestic Inland Transit, Foreign Inland Transit, and Contingent Cargo, addressing complex global supply chains and specialized logistics exposures across a range of industries.

The program is led by Ralph Salce, who brings more than 30 years of...

Silver Bay Raises Opening Price for Bristol Bay Sockeye Up 23 Percent From 2025

Yesterday, Silver Bay Seafood sent out a letter to their Bristol Bay fleet posting their pre-season price of $1.60/lb for chilled, floated, and bled sockeye. “This is $.30/lb more than last year’s pre-season price and is considered a conservative starting price for the 2026 season,” the letter said.

The Bristol Bay salmon season officially opens June 1, but catches peak around the Fourth of July. Landings drop off significantly by the third week...

Russian Fishermen and Businesses Oppose Possible Export Duties on Fish

Representatives of Russia’s fishing industry and broader business community are pushing back against a possible plan to impose duties on Russian fish exports, an idea currently under consideration by the government.

Business groups including the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), Delovaya Rossiya and Opora Rossii have appealed to the Economy Ministry to block the proposal, which has been backed by some senior state officials.

According to industry representatives, export revenue accounts for a significant share of turnover for Russian fishing and fish processing...

Kazakhstan Inks $50M Deal for 5,300-tonne Shrimp Farm, Location TBD

Between 2021 and 2024, Kazakhstan has increased its aquaculture and processing capacities for seafood, with total investments reaching US$43.5 million, according to Ministry of Agriculture estimates. The combined annual capacity of the newly launched facilities exceeds 20,000 tonnes of fish products.

Today, May 20, Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Ministry added a new project, larger than all of the earlier smaller projects. The ministry announced the government investment of approximately $50 million in a large-scale shrimp farming complex with annual capacity of...

The Retail Rundown: Pork Leads Memorial Day 2026 Grilling Promotions

Grocers are once again rolling out aggressive discounts ahead of Memorial Day, one of the year’s biggest grilling holidays. This week's protein promotions show pork taking center stage, while beef and seafood prices are trending above 2025 levels.

Pork accounts for 27% of all advertised protein features, making it the most-promoted category for the holiday weekend. Beef and seafood each represent 23% of ads, followed by chicken at 20%. Egg promotions held steady at 5%, while turkey edged up to 3%.

Ribs account for a significant share of pork promotions, with the category averaging $3.50 per pound overall...

ANALYSIS: Supply Pressures Intensify as NOAA's MMPA Decision Impacts Crab Meat Market

The US crab meat market faces its most severe supply adjustment in years following NOAA Fisheries' May 11, 2026 announcement on Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) comparability findings. Over the past two weeks, regulatory certainty has transformed into near-term supply constraints, prompting the industry to recalibrate sourcing strategies as summer demand season approaches.

The situation began with NOAA's September 2, 2025 determination that swimming crab fisheries in Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines were non-compliant with US marine mammal...

Seafood Industry Pushes Congress to Advance Open Ocean Aquaculture Legislation

Seafood industry leaders and aquaculture advocates gathered in Washington, DC, this month to press lawmakers for federal legislation that would create a clearer pathway for commercial open ocean aquaculture in US waters.

The lobbying effort, organized by Stronger America Through Seafood, included meetings with members of Congress and a Capitol Hill seafood reception on May 13 focused on expanding domestic seafood production as demand for sustainable protein continues to rise.

Participants in the event included Cargill, Innovasea, Sysco and Zeigler...

2026 Economic Value of Alaska’s Seafood Shows Strength of Industry Amid Turbulent Times 

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute has released it’s 7th update of Economic Value of Alaska’s Seafood, covering the turbulent years of 2023 and 2024, a period that saw the lowest ex-vessel value for Alaska seafood since 2000, amid global market pressures and changing supply conditions.That said, the industry employed nearly 42,000 workers resulting in $1.9 billion in labor income and $5.3 billion in economic impact, representing a full 7 percent of Alaska’s GDP.

“While the past few years...

ArcelorMittal Fined Record $100M for Fisheries Act Violations in Quebec

A Quebec court has ordered ArcelorMittal Exploitation Minière Canada s.e.n.c. (AMEM) to pay a record-setting $100 million fine after the mining company pleaded guilty to 100 counts of violating Canada’s Fisheries Act.

The sentence, handed down May 15 by the Court of Québec, marks the largest fine ever imposed in Canada under the Fisheries Act. AMEM was fined $1 million for each count tied to the unlawful deposit of harmful substances into waterways in the Fermont region between...

All-out Effort for 2026 Yukon Chinook and Chum Salmon Reach Spawning Grounds in US and Canada

For the third consecutive year, catastrophic returns will keep one of the world’s largest salmon fisheries closed to most fishing. But efforts in both the US and Canada are laser-focused on maximizing the number of Chinook and chum salmon that reach their spawning grounds. Yukon Chinooks migrate the longest, and the farthest north of any other salmon in the world. They begin and end their lives in the rivers of the Big Salmon Mountain Range in the Yukon Territory’s...

United Fishermen of Alaska Begins Search for New Executive Director, Welch Named to CFEC

Alaska’s largest fishing organization is recruiting a new executive director, following recent legislative confirmation of former ED Tracy Welch to be one of two commissioners at the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission.

UFA’s executive director position carries a starting salary of $90,000-$100,000 according to the job description.

Welch joins Rick Green, who was appointed March 1, 2025. Welch was appointed by Governor Mike Dunleavy April 21, 2026 and was confirmed by the state Legislature in recent...

Alaska Legislature Passes Bill Requiring Electronic Monitoring for Trawl Vessels in State Waters

Editor’s note: After publication of this story on May 18, the Alaska House passed the Senate version of HB 117. The bill now heads to Governor Mike Dunleavy for signature.

In the final days of the Alaska State Legislature’s regular session, an amendment introduced by Anchorage state Senator Bill Wielechowski that requires trawl vessels to turn on their electronic monitoring systems while operating in state waters, passed the Senate. It had already passed the House and is now on its way to Governor...

SADC Ministers to Focus on Food Security, Livestock Disease and Blue Economy at Zimbabwe Summit

Southern African ministers overseeing agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and food security will gather in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on May 29 for regional talks expected to center on climate resilience, food production challenges and efforts to strengthen the blue economy.

The high-level gathering comes as several countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) continue to face pressure from climate variability, livestock disease outbreaks and ongoing concerns over regional food security.

Among the key issues expected to receive attention are recent...

Good News Stories for Endangered Species Day 2026

Future Market Insights Projects Plant-Based Fish Market to Reach $3.6 Billion by 2036

Future Market Insights projects the global plant-based fish market to grow from $0.8 billion in 2025 to $3.6 billion by 2036, representing a 14.9% CAGR as sustainable seafood alternatives gain traction across retail and foodservice channels.

Growth is being driven by rising demand for sustainable proteins, expanding plant-based adoption among Gen Z and Millennials, and broader commercialization across supermarkets, frozen foods, and restaurants. Manufacturers are investing in texture innovation, algae- and seaweed-based ingredients, and advanced extrusion technologies...