February 11, 2026
Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun Named to Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026
Red Lobster's CEO, Damola Adamolekun, has been named to the Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026. The list highlights 50 individuals who are “reshaping how America thinks, works, connects and creates.” The publication said those included will define the stories of 2026.
Adamolekun, 36, has already made a significant impact at Red Lobster. He spearheaded a major menu update, including a renewed focus on seafood boils and revamped promotions. He was first named CEO in September 2024, ushering in a new era for the seafood...
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Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun Named to Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026
Red Lobster's CEO, Damola Adamolekun, has been named to the Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026. The list highlights 50 individuals who are “reshaping how America thinks, works, connects and creates.” The publication said those included will define the stories of 2026.
Adamolekun, 36, has already made a significant impact at Red Lobster. He spearheaded a major menu update, including a renewed focus on seafood boils and revamped promotions. He was first named CEO in September 2024, ushering in a new era for the seafood...
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ANALYSIS: Two Weeks of Firm Prices as Supply Loss Tightens the US Crab Meat Market
The US crab meat market has experienced a decisive shift toward firmness over the past two weeks, driven by structural supply constraints stemming from NOAA Fisheries' May 11, 2026 MMPA comparability findings. The regulatory decision eliminated two major suppliers—the Philippines and Venezuela—representing approximately 17-22% of traditional import sources, a reduction occurring...
Full Story »Louisiana All In for More Shrimp Buys as USDA Triples 2027 School Meals Budget
The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Child Nutrition Program, in recent years budgeted at $17-25 billion, is up for a significant raise in 2027 to 81 billion, as detailed in a statement from the Southern Shrimp Alliance.
Their press release announced that in mid-May the Louisiana House of Representatives unanimously adopted House Resolution 205 to “[u]rge and request the United States Department of Agriculture to utilize the Commodity Procurement program under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment...
Full Story »As Whale Rules Loom, Research Shows Consumers May Pay More for Ropeless Lobster
Maine's lobster fishery supplies roughly 90% of the nation's lobster and remains one of the state's most important economic drivers.
Lobstermen harvest their catch using traps connected to surface buoys by vertical lines. Federal regulators are considering changes to that system in an effort to reduce the risk of whale entanglements through the adoption of ropeless fishing gear.
The proposal is aimed at protecting the North Atlantic right whale, one of the world's most endangered large whale species. According to the University...
Full Story »Gorton's Seafood Workers in Massachusetts Ratify New Three-Year Contract
Members of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union who work at Gorton's Seafood in Gloucester, Massachusetts, ratified a new three-year contract, the UFCW announced May 27.
According to the UFCW, the roughly 240 union employees make frozen fish sticks, among other products, and are the main supplier of McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwiches along the East Coast. The agreement covers other roles beyond seafood processing, including sanitation.
Gorton's of Gloucester, founded in 1849, is one of America's oldest seafood companies and a pioneer in the frozen fish...
Full Story »Bipartisan Bill Targets Aquatic Invasive Species Threatening US Fisheries
Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) introduced the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act on May 19, marking the most comprehensive modernization of federal invasive species policy in decades.
The legislation addresses mounting economic and ecological damage from species like zebra mussels, invasive Asian carp, and sea lamprey, which impose billions in annual costs on US fisheries, water infrastructure, and recreation industries. The bill prioritizes prevention and rapid response while improving coordination across federal, state, and regional programs...
Full Story »Russia-Norway Scientists Meet to Set 2027–2028 Fish Catch Limits
Russia and Norway will continue their fisheries cooperation this year despite existing geopolitical tensions between the countries.
Both Russian and Norwegian scientists will continue regular meetings and discussions aimed at regulating fishing activities in the Barents Sea and conducting joint research to increase the efficiency of fisheries operations.
Recently, specialists from the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography—one of Russia's leading fisheries research institutions—participated in the annual meeting with Norwegian scientists to examine the current state of the Barents Sea ecosystem and ongoing changes...
Full Story »More Certifications Ahead From an Emerging Trend — Fish Welfare, Says Friend of the Sea
Fish welfare is emerging as one of the most significant issues in the global food sector, at a time when more than half of the fish consumed worldwide now comes from intensive farming.
Friend of the Sea and World Sustainability Foundation have collaborated with Fair Fish and Fish Etho Group to develop 24 species-specific standards for aquaculture operations that improve stocking density, water quality, stress management, and slaughter methods.
That initiative is also supported by the Fish Welfare Project, launched in 2017 by FOS and...
Full Story »EU: Commission Approves €54 Million Spanish State Aid for Agricultural Companies
The European Commission has approved a €54 million Spanish State aid scheme to support agricultural companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.
The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026. The scheme covers higher diesel prices from late March to late June and will run until 31 December 2026.
Full Story »Bumble Bee Forced Labor Case Advances Despite Legal Setback for Indonesian Fishermen
A California federal court delivered a mixed ruling on May 27 in the human trafficking lawsuit against Bumble Bee Foods, granting part of the tuna company's request to reconsider an earlier decision while allowing the Indonesian fishermen's core claims to proceed.
Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant acknowledged that the court had mischaracterized a key Ninth Circuit precedent in her November 2025 ruling denying Bumble Bee's motion to dismiss. The court had incorrectly stated that the Ratha v. Phatthana Seafood case definitively "held" that trafficking...
Full Story »Captain D’s Expands Sustainable Sourcing With Wild‑Caught Alaska Fish Rollout
Captain D’s is expanding its commitment to sustainably sourced, U.S.-caught seafood while maintaining an accessible, value-focused price point.
The fast-casual seafood chain is rolling out Wild Caught Batter Dipped Fish from Alaska, battered fresh daily in restaurants. The item will appear across several core menu platforms, including the brand’s value-driven Full Meal Deals and signature platters.
“Our guests know Captain D’s for its great seafood, generous portions and incredible value,” said Phil Greifeld, CEO of Captain D’s. “This...
Full Story »Japan’s April Marine Products Exports Up 6% in Volume, Soared 37% in Value
According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance and reported by The Minato Shimbun, April exports of marine products (fish and shellfish and their preparations, and fish meal) increased by 6% year-on-year (YOY) to 54,968 tons and by 37% to 41.138 billion yen ($258.28 million). Scallop exports decreased by 8% to 4,876 tons but increased by 8% to 8.471 billion yen ($53.18 million). Yellowtail exports increased by 26% to 3,502 tons and doubled to 9.751 billion...
Full Story »Chile Launches On-the-Ground Rollout of Artisanal Fishing Fuel Coupon
Chile’s Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) officially launched its new Artisanal Fishing Coupon program in Caleta La Vega, Calbuco, providing small-scale fishers with direct access to subsidized fuel.
The launch was led by Undersecretary of Fisheries Osvaldo Urrutia, accompanied by Los Lagos Region Economy Seremi Gisela Strauch and Subpesca zonal director Gustavo Castro. During the visit, local fishers tested the system by purchasing fuel on-site for their vessels and paying through their BancoEstado RUT accounts.
The coupon is an extraordinary government...
Full Story »Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending May 29, 2026
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Three months into the Iran war, the United States and Iran have reached a tentative framework to extend a ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease some US blockade measures, though the deal has not been approved by US President Donald Trump, reports Reuters.
The proposed agreement would create a 60-day window for broader negotiations after months of conflict disrupted global oil, LNG, and other commodity markets. Major unresolved issues include Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
The framework is seen as a temporary de-escalation measure aimed at stabilizing energy markets rather than...
Full Story »US Seafood Groups Demand Section 301 Investigation Into Unfair Trade Practices
Twenty-three American seafood organizations have formally asked US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer to launch a comprehensive Section 301 investigation into unfair seafood trade practices, escalating industry pressure for trade enforcement against imports they say are decimating domestic producers.
The May 19 letter, signed by groups ranging from the Southern Shrimp Alliance to the Hawaii Longline Association, asks USTR to address a sweeping range of alleged violations, including dumping, subsidies, environmental harm, banned veterinary drugs, false labeling, prohibited fishing gear, structural excess capacity, and labor abuse...
Full Story »Pacific Heat Wave Triggers Closure of Large Area off California to Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtles
California’s swordfish drift gillnet fleet will need to stop fishing in a 25,000-square-mile area off California during June, July and August this summer to protect endangered loggerhead sea turtles.
“I am writing to request immediate closure of the Pacific Loggerhead Conservation Area to drift gillnets,” wrote Catherine Kilduff, Senior Attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity in her May 18 letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
“The above-normal sea surface temperature anomalies in the Southern California Bight during the months...
Full Story »Starving Gray Whales Are Dying at an Alarming Rate in the Pacific Northwest
On Tuesday, the number of gray whales that have perished along Washington’s ocean coastline and in Puget Sound had reached 22. Yesterday the number rose to 23.
Researchers at the Cascadia Research Collective say the most recent one was found on the Olympic National Park shoreline. It’s the sixth stranding death recorded in May, significantly down from April’s staggering count of 17.
We haven’t been able to do a detailed exam on [the Olympic Peninsula whale] yet, so we don’t know too much about it...
Full Story »Scottish Sea Farms Fined £70,000 for Greenhouse Gas Rule Violations
Scottish salmon processor Scottish Sea Farms Limited was fined £70,000 by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency following violations of fluorinated greenhouse gas regulations at its Lerwick facility in Shetland.
SEPA issued two £35,000 civil penalties after discovering that refrigeration equipment at the Gremista Industrial Estate site was operating without required leakage detection systems during a routine compliance inspection.
The violations involved Ice Plant 4 and Ice Plant 5, both containing fluorinated gases above the 500-tonne CO₂ equivalent regulatory threshold but lacking working leakage detection...
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Japan's April Marine Products Import Fell 6% in Volume, but Increased 3% in Value
According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on May 28th, April imports of marine products (preliminary figures, including fish and shellfish and their preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) were down 6% year-on-year to 181,057 tons. While imports of fresh and frozen tuna increased, imports of salmon, trout, and shrimp decreased. The value of imports increased 3% to 184.977 billion yen ($1.16 billion).
According to a report by the Minato Shimbun, imports of fresh and frozen tuna increased...
Full Story »Cermaq Consolidates Canadian Operations Into Single Entity Following $1B Grieg Integration
Mitsubishi-owned salmon farmer Cermaq is streamlining its expanded Canadian operations through a June 1 subsidiary amalgamation, creating a unified structure five months after completing its $1 billion acquisition of Grieg Seafood's North American assets.
The consolidation merges three entities—CQ Canada Holding Ltd., Cermaq Canada Ltd., and Cermaq Seafood BC Ltd.—into Cermaq British Columbia Ltd., with CAD 224 million in capital. CEO Steven Rafferty will serve as director of the Campbell River, BC-based entity...
Full Story »Blumar Q1 Profit Boosted by Fishing Gains as Salmon Business Weighs on Results
Blumar reported profits of $15.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, supported by strong results in fishing that offset continued weakness in salmon. The fishing business contributed $18.8 million to net income, while salmon posted a loss of $3.1 million.
Consolidated revenues totaled $192.5 million, down 8% from a year earlier. EBITDA pre-fair value reached $34.4 million, a 3% decline, and net income was 44% lower year on year. Segment results continued to diverge, with...
Full Story »DAERA Seeks Views on Fisheries Management Proposals for Protected Offshore Marine Areas
DAERA has today launched a consultation on the development of fisheries management measures to protect conservation areas offshore.
The consultation is aimed at organisations, groups, and people engaged in activities, or have a general interest in the marine area beyond 12 nautical miles of the coast.
Launching the consultation, Minister Muir said: “Our seas support livelihoods, communities and a vital fishing industry, and it is essential that we are proactive in taking action that protects ecosystems and fish stocks for future...
Full Story »ANALYSIS: Improved Lobster Landings Meet Disciplined Buying Ahead of Summer
The Canadian spring lobster season is now fully underway, with all spring LFAs open and Nova Scotia’s LFA 33 and 34 scheduled to close this weekend. While some areas were scheduled to open earlier than usual, persistent weather issues throughout May limited landings and slowed the broader build in production.
Live demand is typically weak during the early spring period, particularly after Easter and before late-May holiday demand tied to Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. The market did see a modest uptick in activity around those calendar events...
Full Story »USDA Seeks Over 300,000 Pounds of Salmon Products for Government Food Programs
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting bids for salmon products totaling more than 304,000 pounds, marking the agency's third major seafood procurement this month as government purchasing activity accelerates.
The May 27 solicitation seeks canned pink salmon and frozen wild salmon fillets for domestic food distribution programs, with bids due June 5 at 1:00 PM Central Time and acceptances announced by June 18. Deliveries are scheduled between August 1 and December 15, 2026.
The procurement consists of over 100,000 cases of canned pink salmon...
Full Story »Shipping Executives Warn WTO of Rising Costs From Global Trade Route Disruptions
Major shipping industry leaders told World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that mounting capacity pressures and alternative routing costs are driving up expenses for shippers and consumers during a May 28 meeting in Geneva.
The executives, representing companies including MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, and Hapag-Lloyd, cited disruptions in the Gulf region and other maritime chokepoints that are forcing cargo onto saturated alternative routes, with significant cost implications.
One executive highlighted the scale challenge, noting that approximately 70 freight trains are needed to match...
Full Story »Undeclared Allergen Triggers FSIS Recall of Synear Pork and Crab Dumplings
The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA's) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Sunday, May 31 announced a recall initiated by Synear Foods USA, LLC covering 71,603 pounds of frozen not‑ready‑to‑eat (NRTE) pork and crab soup dumpling products due to mislabeling and undeclared peanuts.
FSIS said the issue was identified during a routine inspection. The affected products were produced between October 15, 2025, and February 23, 2026, and carry establishment number “EST. 45942” inside the USDA mark...
Full Story »NZ Bottom Trawl Footprint Remains Small
New data shows New Zealand's trawl footprint continues to cover only a tiny fraction of the country's waters, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
"The analysis, published on the Ministry for Primary Industries' website, shows the trawled area within New Zealand's territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone is concentrated in specific fishing grounds. It represented only 1.7 per cent of the total area in the 2024/25 fishing year, with most of that area previously...
"I know the topic of bottom trawling provokes strong reactions from...
Full Story »ANALYSIS: Early Copper River Results Show Familiar Market Patterns Amid Lower Volume Start
Copper River's 2026 wild salmon season commenced Friday, May 22, marking the start of another anticipated harvest cycle. Opening day results showed 39,100 sockeye landed according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) data, representing a measured beginning typical of early-season operations.
Tuesday's harvest delivered 34,100 additional sockeye, though this tracked below the forecast for the period of 55,000. Combined landings reached approximately 73,200 fish, a volume progression that aligns with traditional seasonal patterns as fishing operations gain momentum. Another opener was scheduled for...
Full Story »ANALYSIS: Skipjack Tuna Prices Steady Despite Lower EPO Landings
The latest data from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) shows cumulative yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) landings from January to March 2026 fell 24.9% year-over-year in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). Mexico leads yellowfin landings with a 43% share, followed by Ecuador at 20%...
Full Story »Iceland Seafood Q1 Profit More Than Doubles as Sales Rise 22%
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Iceland Seafood International reported sharply higher first-quarter profitability for 2026, with net profit more than doubling as sales climbed across all three business divisions.
The company posted Q1 sales of €146 million, up 22.4% year-over-year (YOY), while net profit increased to €2.1 million from €1 million YOY. EBITDA rose to €5.7 million, with 12-month EBITDA reaching €22.8 million.
Sales growth was led by the company’s S&D division, where revenue jumped 41% to €72.2 million...
Full Story »Expana's Weekly Top 10
Today, Expana’s Weekly Top 10 highlights the headlines shaping the week, as reported by Expana’s writers and market experts.
As summer gets underway, weather‑driven shifts in grilling demand are pushing retailers to pivot toward Father’s Day promotions. Trade and geopolitics remain major market disruptors, with renewed USMCA talks, evolving US‑China tariff signals, seafood trade enforcement pressure, and Middle East developments influencing energy and freight markets. This week’s update also covers industry consolidation, product reformulation amid easing cocoa prices, and new fertilizer supply coming online as Brazil...
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