Fri. Mar 6 2026

ANALYSIS: Rising Middle East Tensions Cast Uncertainty Over Growing US Seafood Imports  

Maine Lobster Harvest Drops 8M Pounds in 2025, Value Down More Than $75M  

Regal Springs Launches King Tilapia as Whitefish Alternative Amid Supply Constraints  

Seafood Excellence Award Finalists Unveiled for Seafood Expo North America 2026  

Save Our Shrimpers Act Clears Key House Committee, Aims to Block Fed Financing of Foreign Farms

US-Israel War on Iran Enters Seventh Day Amid Ongoing Strikes and Regional Fallout

Korea’s Japanese Seafood Imports Recover to Pre-nuclear Power Plant Accident Levels  

USTR, Mexican Economy Secretary Launch Initial USMCA Review Discussions

Princes Hits 100% MSC-Certified Tuna Sourcing Milestone  

Whitecap Strengthens North American and European Sales Teams with New Managers

Seafood Nutrition Partnership to Host ‘Fall in Love with Seafood’ Progressive Party at SENA 2026

Quebec Clears the Way for AquaBoreal Land-based Salmon Farming

ASC Opens a Stakeholder Consultation on Supply Chain Requirements

Seafoodnews.com Summary Friday, March 6

Thu. Mar 5 2026

US-Spain Seafood Trade Faces Uncertainty as Trump Threatens Sanctions Over Military Base Dispute  

18-Member MAFAC Replaced by One “Fisherman in Residence” AT NOAA, Huffman and Dexter Cry Foul

ANALYSIS: Fresh Salmon Offers Could Increase as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Supply Chains  

US Attorney’s Office in Anchorage Charges Three SE Alaska Fishermen With Sinking Their Vessels  

Northern Wind Welcomes Stuart R. Benton as New Chief Financial Officer

Norwegian Seafood Exports Slip in February; Salmon Rises but US Demand Falls Sharply

Seafood You Can Trust Launches as Save Mart Leads Responsible Sourcing Initiative

Taylor Shellfish Farms Earns First US ASC Certification for Bivalve Aquaculture

EU Continues Importing Russian Fish Despite Sanctions

The United States and Mexico Launch Review Process of the USMCA

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

Culinary Excellence Takes Center Stage at the 152nd Kentucky Derby®  

CRFM Officials Hold Talks with Iceland-based Agency on Improving Fisheries Management

Seafoodnews.com Summary Thursday, March 5

Meet OoNee, Sea Urchin Ranchers in Oregon  

US–Israel War on Iran Escalates With New Strikes, Senate Backs Trump’s War Powers

Wed. Mar 4 2026

NASA Scientists Join SCEMFIS Industry Advisory Board

Captain Fresh Acquires Frime, Bolstering European Tuna Production and Sourcing

ANALYSIS: Brazil Lobster Tail Exports to China Surge, US Imports Fall  

US‑Israeli Strikes on Iran Enter Fifth Day as Shipping Companies Divert Vessels

ANALYSIS: Asian Shrimp Exports Face Delays Due to Middle East Turmoil  

King & Prince Seafood Names Steve Yung Incoming CEO as Michael Alexander to Retire April 17

Patricio Melero Leads SalmonChile into a New Era

Alaska Board of Fish Charged with Conflict of Interest in Area M Chum Salmon Issue  

Judge Orders Columbia and Snake River Dams to Help Salmon Migrate Through the Rivers This Year  

Chile’s Sernapesca, Carabineros Shut Down Illegal Seafood Processing Plant

Spain’s Congalsa Secures Vietnam Processing Base with Lenger Seafoods Acquisition

The Retail Rundown: 21st Annual Power of Meat Report Sees Sales Soar to Fresh Record  

National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association Spotlights March Frozen Food Month

Mowi Partners with Culinary Expert Alex Trim to Transform Home Dining

Pokeworks Unveils Black Garlic Aioli and Exciting March Promotions"  

Seafoodnews.com Summary Wednesday, March 4

Tue. Mar 3 2026

ANALYSIS: Salmon Exports to Middle East, North Africa Face Potential Halt Amid Regional Crisis  

Silver Bay Seafoods Pauses Processing in Cordova, AK Blaming Low Salmon Forecasts in 2026  

Iran War Enters Fourth Day, Driving Higher Crude Prices and Broad Commodity Swings  

ANALYSIS: Middle East Conflict Could Shift Global Tuna Demand  

Red Lobster Strengthens Leadership with Key Executive Appointments Amid Growth Strategy

How the US‑Iran Conflict Is Affecting Global Commodity Markets

Spex Flex: Pacific Fishery Management Council Faces Uncertainty Brought by Climate Change — Part 3

Brinker International Promotes George Felix to Lead Marketing for Chili's and Maggiano's

Japan to Reduce 19 Tuna Longliners in Compliance with IOTC Policy

BioMar Expands Wuxi Facility with New Production Line  

Kroger Customers Can Enjoy Premium Convenient Meals in Minutes with Private Selection® Expansion  

Seafoodnews.com Summary Tuesday, March 3

Mon. Mar 2 2026

ANALYSIS: Salmon Retail Promotions Approach Record Highs; Europe Gains on Chile in US Imports  

ANALYSIS: Frozen Yellowfin Tuna Imports Hold Steady in 2025 as Prices Show Little Volatility  

Japan: January Scallop Exports to the US Plummet by 86% to 63 Tons, 79% in Value

Senate Democrats Introduce Tariff Refund Act to Reclaim $175B in IEEPA Duties

Spex Flex: Pacific Fishery Management Council Faces Uncertainty Brought by Climate Change — Part 2

Ørjan Svanevik Steps Down as Mowi Chair, Leif Teksum Takes Interim Role

ACT Capital: US Seafood Revenue Rose on Pricing, Tariffs Reshaped Supply and M&A Stayed Active in 25

Chile's SMA Issues Preventive Notifications to 263 Salmon Farming Centers on Production Limits  

Expana Webinar on March 3: The Expanding Impact of Hormuz Disruption

Seafoodnews.com Summary Monday, March 2

Golden Sea Brand Sushi EBI Shrimp Recalled in Quebec

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Markets Rally After SCOTUS Tariff Ruling, Section 122 Takes Center Stage

Fri. Feb 27 2026

Seafoodnews.com Summary Friday, February 27

Proximar Seafood's 2025 Results Highlight Steady Operational Progress and Stability  

Waitrose Becomes First UK Retailer to Suspend Mackerel Purchases  

China Confirms 25% Tariff Removal on Canadian Lobster, Crab Effective March 1

Spex Flex: Pacific Fisheries Management Council Faces Uncertainty Brought By Climate Change

Iceland Seafood International Achieves Notable Success in 2025 Across All Divisions  

Ninth Circuit Reopens Forced Labor Case Against Rubicon Resources

New FMI Research Reveals How the Food Industry Is Supporting Consumers’ Evolving Health Priorities  

Commission Seeks Feedback on the Future of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector

Seafood Spotlight, Brand Revamps and Store Closures Signal Shifts in Foodservice  

PEIXE BR: Brazil Reaches 1M Ton Aquaculture Milestone Despite Tariff-Driven Export Headwinds

The Winding Glass: Tariff Uncertainty Returns; More Damaging than Actual Tariffs

Search For F/V Lily Jean Led by USCG Now Includes NOAA, NTSB, MA Environmental Police

Thu. Feb 26 2026

Seafoodnews.com Summary Thursday, February 26

High Liner’s Sales Rise in Q4, Margins Narrow as US Seafood Tariffs Bite

Salmones Camanchaca Reports Lower Quarterly Revenues But Stronger Profitability  

Scottish Salmon Eyes £130M India Opportunity After India-UK Trade Deal

GSA Highlights Transformative Advances in Sustainable Seafood

Mowi Amplifies Presence at Expo West 2026 with Innovative Salmon Offerings

British Columbia Shellfish Poachers Hit with Fines, Two-Year Fishing Ban

Russian Fish Exports to China Reach 1.9M Tons Amid Persistent Tariff Barriers

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Takeaways from December 2025; Q1 Inventories Signal Tightening Supplies  

Morey's Fine Fish & Seafood Launches Seafood Society to Inspire Culinary Exploration During Lent

DFO Warns Newfoundland & Labrador Snow Crab Biomass Could Hit Historic Lows by 2028  

Wed. Feb 25 2026

Seafoodnews.com Summary Wednesday, February 25

Keyport Hires GAPP CEO Craig Morris as President, Bolsters Leadership to Boost Brand Expansion

Trident Seafoods Celebrates Jim McManus’s Legacy and Welcomes Mike Quinn Back to the Board

Aquaculture Innovation Zone to Debut at Seafood Expo Global 2026  

ANALYSIS: Central & South American Mahi Season Tracking Another Structurally Tight Year  

The Retail Rundown: Winter’s Grip Lingers as Lent Lifts Seafood Features  

Biosort Secures NOK 100 Million to Transform Salmon Farming with Advanced Lice Control Technology

Beaver Street Fisheries Reimagines Brand Identity

US-Ecuador Reciprocal Trade Agreement Nears Signing; Tariff Relief Could Cover About Half of Exports

Salmon Evolution Scaling Up to a 2.8 Million Smolt Release in 2026 at Indre Harøy

GAPP Seeks Market Research Proposals for Surimi Market Assessment in India

Tue. Feb 24 2026

Seafoodnews.com Summary Tuesday, February 24

Vietnam Tops China's Lobster Imports as Tariffs Shift Market Share

Subtle Change in Leadership at Maruha Nichiro as Umios Rebrand Looms

Chewy Appoints Chris Deppe as Chief Financial Officer  

OpenTable Launches New Media Network, Connecting Brands with Millions of Global Diners

Dutch Seafood Trader Dayseaday Expands into Pet Food Market with PetsFish Partnership  

ICFA Highlights Fisheries Management Priorities as COFI Meeting Opens in Iceland

Lerøy Seafood Group Closes 2025 with Robust Q4 Performance and Optimistic 2026 Outlook

Salmon Farming Innovation Drive Nears £200 Million

Thai Union Feedmill Signs MOU With Bangladeshi Partners to Transfer Aquaculture Tech, Boost Exports  

Cargill Intends to Sell Louisiana Aqua Feed Plant to Bowers-Saha Nutrition

US Trade Policy Shifts After IEEPA Loss; Seafood, Rice Targeted in Section 301 Investigations

US Department of Commerce Issues Final Antidumping Duty Results for Thai and Vietnamese Shrimp

Mon. Feb 23 2026

New Atlas Identifies Potential Opportunities for Aquaculture in the Gulf of Alaska  

NORAD Intercepts 5 Russian Aircraft Over Bering Strait, Deployed Five Jets to Escort Them Out

Seafoodnews.com Summary Monday, February 23

Weather-Related Delays Impact Opening and Closing of Southeast Alaska’s Tanner Crab Fishery  

Bojangles Reels in the Return of the Bojangler Just in Time for Lent

Surge in Surimi Production Supports Russia’s Export Push to Asia

Sea Port Products Marks 45 Years, Prepares Return to Seafood Expo North America 2026

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Imports Down 10% in Dec ’25; Models See Modest Single‑Digit Declines Into Q1  

Industry Responds to US Supreme Court Decision Overturning Trump’s Emergency Tariffs  

Tunga/Skretting Launches Aqua Feed Production Facility in Nairobi

Japan: Russian Atka Mackerel Price Holding Steady, Price Increase in Prospect  

Norwegian Seafood Council Unveils Insights On Protein Consumption in Italy

Sobico USA Recalls 13,464 Pounds of Siluriformes Fish Products  

Fri. Feb 20 2026

Seafoodnews.com Summary Friday, February 20

New Aquaculture Study Says Shift From Wild Fish to Plant Feed is Less Environmentally Sustainable  

The SCOTUS Decision Is In: IEEPA Tariffs Are Out, USTR to Enact Section 122

Expana Weekly Top 10: Trade Turbulence, Retail Shifts, and Weather-Driven Market Disruption

Steven Chaur Appointed as New CEO of Murray Cod Australia

Cousins Maine Lobster Launches First Permanent Food Truck

National Fisheries Institute Welcomes Gina Mortillaro as Director of Scientific Affairs

Lent 2026: Restaurants Push Shrimp and Fish Sandwiches as Retailers Ramp Up Seafood Features  

SATS Unveils Video Series Championing Open Ocean Aquaculture in the US  

ANALYSIS: Tariffs Squeeze Shrimp Farmgate Margins as Import Dynamics Shift  

Frank O’Hara III Takes Helm at Wild Alaska Sole Association  

Thu. Feb 19 2026

Seafoodnews.com Summary Thursday, February 19

India's Apex Frozen Foods Sees Recovery as US Tariff Cuts Fuel Export Optimism

Chilean Fisheries and Aquaculture Exports Surge in January, Driven by African Market Demand

Walmart Reports Strong Growth in Sales and Revenue in Q4 and Fiscal Results  

NOAA Fisheries Annual Aquaculture Highlights 2025 Showcases Federal Research and Outreach  

American Seafoods Mourns the Passing of Former CEO and Owner Bernt Bodal

SeaPak Bets on Lent With Family-Friendly Campaign, Teams Up with Child Nutrition Expert Diana Rice  

What Restaurants Need to Succeed: Immigration Reform, Competitive Swipe Fees, & Strong Trade Policy

Dr. Jenny Gray Named Monterey Bay Aquarium CEO

Frozen and PetCare Units Drive Margin Expansion at Thai Union

Sanford appoints Tony Carter as Independent Director

ASC Appointed To Executive Committee of EU Market Advisory Council

Ottawa Takes Action Against Aquatic Invaders

ANALYSIS: Constrained Spanish Octopus Supply Drove Challenges Across 2025  

Echo Falls to Showcase Smoked Salmon Party Slices and On‑The‑Go Salmon Bites at SENA 2026  

High Liner's Sea Cuisine Debuts Guinness Battered Fish and Shrimp in 1,500 Kroger Stores, Costco  

US Pushes Fisheries Tech at Asia Pacific Economic Council Amid China Rivalry

Wed. Feb 18 2026

Wynn Resorts and Chef's Table Announce Global Partnership Debuting This Fall

FLIP Report of Small-Operator Foodservice Sector Shows Optimism and Concern in 2026

Seafoodnews.com Summary Wednesday, February 18

Walmart Achieves Record Grocery Growth as Consumer Habits Shift  

Cooke-Owned Kelly Cove Granted Expansion at Liverpool Bay After Week‑Long Public Hearing  

Maruha Nichiro Begins Rollout of Umios Brand March 1, 2026; Fisheries Unit to Follow in 2027

Iceland Foods Expands ASC-Certified Frozen Seafood Range to 15 SKUs with Salmon, Sea Bass and More  

Global Seafood Alliance at Seafood Expo North America 2026

Pokeworks Celebrates a Record-Breaking 2025

Ireland: Ministers Launch Food Vision Seafood Sector Group

Taco Cabana Introduces Fan-Created Margarita, Popcorn Shrimp and Fajita Melt Tacos  

ANALYSIS: EU–UK Shrimp Imports Hit Record Level in December 2025  

FFAW-Unifor Seeks Dismissal of Price Panel Chair, ASP Backs Murphy Amid Snow Crab Settlement Feud  

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Turns to Lent Promotions  

Russia Boosts Fish Processing Output, Fillet Production Climbs 9%

Kura Sushi Features Authentic Japanese Ingredients in New Kura Reserve Menu  

Tue. Feb 17 2026

Seafoodnews.com Summary Tuesday, February 17

Canada Recalls TS Brand Sushi EBI Frozen Cooked Shrimp Due to Chemical Contaminants  

Sernapesca Says Invermar Mass Mortality Tied to Oxygen Depletion in Quinchao, Chile

Long John Silver's Brings Back $6 Shrimp Basket for Lent

AquaVision 2026 – Guiding Aquaculture Through Change  

Hokkaido Herring Fishery Opened Well, up 53% Year-On-Year at the End of January

Foodservice Chains Roll Out Lent Seafood Push: AYCE Shrimp, Pollock Tacos and Lobster Sandwiches

PanaPesca Adds Retail Head Gary Wooten and Veteran Squid Expert Noah Clark to Sales Team

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun Signals More Restaurant Closures Amid Brand Turnaround

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Maui Seafood Over Listeria Contamination, HACCP Violations

ANALYSIS: Illex Squid Supply Surges While Prices Face Downward Pressure  

Mon. Feb 16 2026

Thai Union Feedmill to Invest $55 Mln in Ecuador Aqua Feed Plant

Fri. Feb 13 2026

Toast and Instacart Unveil Partnership, Supporting Restaurants and Retailers  

Japan Seizes Chinese Fishing Vessel Amid Increasing Tensions Between the Two Nations

Seafoodnews.com Summary Friday, February 13

Wild Alaskan Company Acquires Kasilof Buying Station, Moves to Improve Alaska’s Working Waterfronts  

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Seafood Fraud, Coffee Slumps, and Valentine’s Trends Lead the Week

Hundreds of Louisiana Restaurants Cited, Fined for Not Disclosing Imported Seafood

Hokkaido December Surimi Production up 20%, 2025 Production up 12%  

FDA Posts Alert on Norovirus Risk in Certain Oysters from British Columbia

Arbitrator Upholds ASP on 2025 Snow Crab Settlement Price; FFAW Grievance Denied  

Slade Gorton Recalls Wellsley Farms Salmon Sold at BJ’s Over Listeria Concerns

Long John Silver's Introduces its Iconic Tartar Sauce to Retail  

Expana will be Observing Presidents' Day in the US on Monday, February 16

FAO Report Flags Widespread Seafood Fraud Across Global Supply Chains

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Seafood Spotlight, Brand Revamps and Store Closures Signal Shifts in Foodservice

Over the past two weeks, significant developments have shaped the foodservice and grocery industries. In this recap, Expana has curated the stories that resonated most with our customers — from major policy initiatives and Lent promotions to product innovation and high-profile closures. Here are the key headlines from the latter half of the month.

National Restaurant Association Release Federal Policy Priorities

The National Restaurant Association released its federal policy priorities aimed at stabilizing the workforce, supporting employment growth, reducing operator costs...

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ANALYSIS: Rising Middle East Tensions Cast Uncertainty Over Growing US Seafood Imports

Middle East and North African seafood exports to the United States totaled approximately 95.3 million lbs. in 2025, advancing from 91.3 million lbs in 2024. Normally, this steady growth would indicate healthy demand and resilient supply chains. Now, however, the numbers are being scrutinized in a new light as an intensifying regional conflict threatens to derail trade flows and disrupt maritime logistics. 

War threatens key shipping routes 

Israeli and US strikes on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliation, have forced shutdowns of oil and gas facilities across...

Full Story »

Maine Lobster Harvest Drops 8M Pounds in 2025, Value Down More Than $75M

Maine’s lobster fishery softened in 2025, with preliminary state data showing landings down by roughly 8 million pounds and total value falling by more than $75 million year‑over‑year.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) reported lobstermen landed 78.8 million pounds last year, generating just over $461 million at the dock. The average boat price was $5.85 per pound — the third‑highest on record — but higher per‑pound returns did not offset the volume decline...

Full Story »

Regal Springs Launches King Tilapia as Whitefish Alternative Amid Supply Constraints

Regal Springs CEO Graham Ellis unveiled the company's new King Tilapia product at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum (NASF), calling it a “significant step forward” for the whitefish category.

The launch comes as Regal Springs positions tilapia as a key fill-in amid ongoing supply constraints and quota reductions for other whitefish species.

The firm said King Tilapia is part of a broader push to align the industry around a formal tilapia standard. The initiative includes size and grading specifications...

Full Story »

Seafood Excellence Award Finalists Unveiled for Seafood Expo North America 2026

The finalists for the Seafood Excellence Awards have been announced ahead of Seafood Expo North America in Boston.

Diversified, producer of the continent’s largest seafood trade show, said 12 finalists were chosen from the New Product Showcase long list of market‑ready products launched or due to launch in North America in the past 18 months. The finalists were selected from 108 entries and will compete for two honors: Best New Foodservice Product and Best New Retail Product.

An expert panel will evaluate entries on product uniqueness and market...

Full Story »

Save Our Shrimpers Act Clears Key House Committee, Aims to Block Fed Financing of Foreign Farms

The House Financial Services Committee passed Congressman Troy E. Nehl’s (R-TX) Save Our Shrimpers Act on March 4.

The bill would ban federal funds from being made available to international financial institutions to finance foreign shrimp farms, as Expana covered when it was first introduced in 2024. It was reintroduced in March 2025.

“Shrimpers across the country, including shrimpers in my district, are struggling to stay afloat due to an excess of foreign shrimp flooding our markets,” Nehls said...

 

Full Story »

USTR, Mexican Economy Secretary Launch Initial USMCA Review Discussions

US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard launched an initial round of discussions ahead of the Joint Review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) on March 5.

Greer said negotiators are expected to hold initial meetings the week of March 15 with regular meetings to follow.

“The ministers instructed negotiators to begin a scoping discussion on the necessary measures to ensure the benefits of the Agreement accrue primarily to the parties, including by reducing dependence on imports from outside the region...

Full Story »

Whitecap Strengthens North American and European Sales Teams with New Managers

Canada-based seafood export firm Whitecap International bolstered its sales team with the hires of Bryan Carroll as US Sales Manager and Steve Spicer as European Sales Manager.

Spicer announced his new role with Whitecap on LinkedIn earlier this week. Spicer previously held roles with Nordic Seafood and Ocean Choice International, per his profile on the social media platform.

“Whitecap is delighted to add Steve Spicer to our UK and European Sales team,” Whitecap’s President and CEO, Darrell Roche, wrote on LinkedIn. “Steve brings an immense amount of experience...

Full Story »

Quebec Clears the Way for AquaBoreal Land-based Salmon Farming

AquaBoreal has reached a major milestone with yesterday's official filing of a ministerial decree authorizing the implementation of its land-based aquaculture project in Quebec. This major regulatory breakthrough confirms the project's full compliance with current environmental requirements and attests to the rigour and depth of the assessment process it has gone through in order to meet all the Government of Quebec's expectations.

This authorization marks a key milestone for the project and means the company can start the process of obtaining construction permits...

Full Story »

US-Spain Seafood Trade Faces Uncertainty as Trump Threatens Sanctions Over Military Base Dispute

The key seafood trade between Spain and the United States is under potential threat as US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain over the country's refusal to allow US military use of its bases for strikes on Iran.

For the seafood sector, such a move would have significant consequences. According to US Customs data compiled on Expana's Foreign Trade Data platform, Spain exported roughly 65.6 million pounds of seafood to the US in 2025, valued at over $300 million...

Full Story »

ANALYSIS: Fresh Salmon Offers Could Increase as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Supply Chains

Norwegian and Chilean salmon exporters are beginning to offer additional volumes into alternative markets, including the USA, as deteriorating logistics in the Middle East threaten to upend regular trade flows. The move highlights the urgency of redirecting fresh product away from blocked routes.

Industry contacts indicate that both nations are actively seeking buyers outside their Middle East channels, spurred by constrained maritime and air logistics through the Strait of Hormuz and key air hubs in Dubai (DXB) and Doha (DOH)...

Full Story »

Northern Wind Welcomes Stuart R. Benton as New Chief Financial Officer

Northern Wind, a global seafood sourcing company, has announced the appointment of Stuart R. Benton, CPA, CGMA, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This move further strengthens the company’s leadership team as it accelerates investments in infrastructure, product innovation, and market expansion.

In his new role, Benton will lead the company's global financial strategy and enhance governance to support its expanding domestic and international footprint. He'll oversee the organization’s core financial functions and serve as a strategic partner to the Board and...

Full Story »

Seafood You Can Trust Launches as Save Mart Leads Responsible Sourcing Initiative

Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) launched Seafood You Can Trust, a marketing toolkit that is part of a new, insight-driven campaign designed to help retailers and foodservice operators effectively communicate responsible seafood sourcing at the point of purchase.

US grocery chain Save Mart has signed on as the program's first retailer to participate in the campaign, making Seafood You Can Trust available in all Save Mart and Lucky locations.

This innovative toolkit offers retailers and foodservice operators a suite of customizable assets, including...

Full Story »

Taylor Shellfish Farms Earns First US ASC Certification for Bivalve Aquaculture

America’s appetite for oysters is growing, and the seafood industry is responding with stronger sustainability commitments. As consumption climbs and tinned seafood sales surge, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) announced that Washington-based Taylor Shellfish Farms, North America’s largest oyster producer, has earned ASC certification — becoming the first and only bivalve farm in the United States to achieve the designation.

The milestone also makes Taylor Shellfish just the fifth US farm in ASC’s global certification program, expanding the availability of ASC...

Full Story »

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...

 

Full Story »

Culinary Excellence Takes Center Stage at the 152nd Kentucky Derby®

The 152nd Kentucky Derby® is not just a feast for the eyes but also the taste buds, thanks to an innovative menu crafted by Chef Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef for Levy Restaurants and Head Chef at Churchill Downs.

This year's menu is a nod to both traditional and modern flavors, offering fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The menu features locally inspired dishes like chicken paired with roasted peach chutney and Kentucky BBQ shrimp.

Chef Lopez summarized his approach saying, "Churchill Downs is always committed to...

Full Story »

ANALYSIS: Brazil Lobster Tail Exports to China Surge, US Imports Fall

Historically, the United States has been the primary destination for Brazil-origin lobster tails, consistently accounting for the largest volume share. However, in recent years and especially since the imposition of tariffs in 2025, trade flows have been dramatically altered, with China emerging as the dominant market. 

From 2020 through 2024, US imports of lobster tails from Brazil have been in decline, dropping sharply in 2025 to just 829 thousand pounds — a 60% decrease versus the prior year and 65% below the 5-year average...

Full Story »

ANALYSIS: Asian Shrimp Exports Face Delays Due to Middle East Turmoil

The severe armed conflict that started this weekend in the Middle East is not reported to have directly impacted the production or demand of shrimp globally.  

Indirectly, India, Indonesia and Vietnam are major sellers to the Western customers. In 2025, the US and Europe accounted for over half of India’s shrimp export revenue, markets noted for their competitiveness and sensitivity to price. 

Consequently to the conflict between Israel, the US and Iran, the closure of the Red Sea access will induce an estimated two-week delay and additional...

Full Story »

US-Israel War on Iran Enters Seventh Day Amid Ongoing Strikes and Regional Fallout

The US-Israel war on Iran has entered its seventh day, with strikes continuing across the Middle East. Operation Epic Fury, the joint US-Israel campaign, has killed over 1,330 people in Iran, with Israel claiming near-complete air superiority over Iran.

Regional impacts are mounting. In Kuwait and Bahrain, missile attacks from Iran were intercepted, with a fire contained at a Bahraini oil refinery. The UAE and Qatar faced multiple missile and drone strikes, while Tel Aviv was targeted in Iran’s attacks.

Israel intensified its bombardment in Lebanon, and Azerbaijan suspended cross-border traffic following drone attacks...

Full Story »

Korea’s Japanese Seafood Imports Recover to Pre-nuclear Power Plant Accident Levels

According to import and export statistics from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of South Korea, imports of Japanese seafood reached $247 million in 2025, up 27% from the previous year. This increase was primarily driven by significant growth in live fish such as yellowtail and sea bream, which helped imports return to levels seen before the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in 2011. 

After the accident, South Korea continued to ban seafood from eight prefectures, including Fukushima. Imports stagnated at around $100 million from 2012...

Full Story »

Princes Hits 100% MSC-Certified Tuna Sourcing Milestone

Princes Group says it has met its 2025 goal to source 100% of its branded tuna from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified fisheries, representing around 70 million cans a year, marking what it calls a major step forward for sustainable seafood supply in the UK.

The achievement comes after several years of investment in traceability, collaboration with fishing partners and what the company describes as a large-scale supply chain transformation. Princes set the ambition in 2022 and says it has helped drive a 15‑fold increase in MSC‑certified...

Full Story »

Seafood Nutrition Partnership to Host ‘Fall in Love with Seafood’ Progressive Party at SENA 2026 

The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) will bring its National Seafood Council Task Force (NSCTF) members together at Seafood Expo North America (SENA) in Boston from March 15-17 to promote seafood nutrition and sustainability through its “Fall In Love With Seafood” campaign.

At the event, SNP will co-host a progressive party at participating member booths to spark conversations on seafood nutrition and offer attendees a chance to engage directly with industry leaders. Registration is available online ahead of the Expo...

Full Story »

ASC Opens a Stakeholder Consultation on Supply Chain Requirements 

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is launching a 60-day public consultation today (2 March 2026) on proposed revisions to its Chain of Custody (CoC) Module. The consultation forms part of ASC’s wider programme of upholding strong social and animal welfare protections across the seafood value chain. It also reflects the organisation’s commitment to robust assurance and meaningful stakeholder engagement. The proposed revisions aim to introduce human rights and humane slaughter requirements, and improve food safety provisions, while aiming to maintain alignment with the Marine Stewardship...

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18-Member MAFAC Replaced by One “Fisherman in Residence” AT NOAA, Huffman and Dexter Cry Foul

On Monday this week, two members of Congress sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Under Secretary Dr. Neil Jacobs demanding accountability for the newly appointed “Fisherman in Residence” — Dustin Delano, who continues to work for industry trade associations in a role as advocate, often before the agency responsible for regulating U.S. fisheries, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  

“Based on the available evidence, Mr. Delano has continued to work in both roles simultaneously...

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US Attorney’s Office in Anchorage Charges Three SE Alaska Fishermen With Sinking Their Vessels

According to a case put together by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Crimes Unit, three fishermen from Southeast Alaska have been charged with intentionally sinking their own boats and abandoning the wreckage.

The vessels were allegedly scuttled in waters near Sitka and Petersburg. Separate criminal filings were made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska in Anchorage yesterday.

The accused are John Fisher, 59, of Sitka, is charged with...

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Norwegian Seafood Exports Slip in February; Salmon Rises but US Demand Falls Sharply

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 13.8 billion ($1.4 billion) in February, a 2% decline from the same month a year earlier, the Norwegian Seafood Council reported on March 4. Exports for January–February totaled NOK 28.5 billion, down NOK 777 million (2.7%) versus the same period in 2025.

“Lower supplies of shellfish and wild-caught fish due to quota reductions, combined with a still troubled world and trade barriers, are affecting the market, product flows and prices even more strongly than we have experienced before...

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NASA Scientists Join SCEMFIS Industry Advisory Board 

The Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) has announced the addition of researchers from NASA’s Earth Science Division to its Industry Advisory Board (IAB). This partnership creates new opportunities to integrate NASA’s Earth observations into future SCEMFIS research, enabling closer collaboration with NASA scientists and advancing SCEMFIS’ mission to support groundbreaking marine science research.

This collaboration is particularly significant as NASA has pioneered satellite research measuring the biological and physical characteristics of the world’s oceans. Such data has been integral to scientific research broadly, and fisheries research specifically. NASA’s...

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EU Continues Importing Russian Fish Despite Sanctions

The European Union continues to import fish from Russia despite sanctions. In the first half of 2025, Russian fish exports to the EU rose to 122,000 tons, driven mainly by pollock fillets, whose supply more than doubled.

While official figures for the full year 2025 are not yet available, most analysts expect growth to continue at a similar pace.

In 2024, the EU imported fish and seafood from Russia for $751.74 million, with comparable figures expected for 2025.

The EU primarily imports white fish...

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The United States and Mexico Launch Review Process of the USMCA

Today, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard announced the first round of bilateral discussions in preparation for the Joint Review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The ministers instructed negotiators to begin a scoping discussion on the necessary measures to ensure the benefits of the Agreement accrue primarily to the parties, including by reducing dependence on imports from outside the region, strengthening rules of origin, and enhancing the security of North American supply chains...

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Captain Fresh Acquires Frime, Bolstering European Tuna Production and Sourcing

Captain Fresh, the India-based global seafood company, has completed its acquisition of FRIME S.A.U. (Frime), a leading tuna processor and distributor in Spain. The deal broadens Captain Fresh’s portfolio and strengthens its presence in Europe, described by the company as a “processing stronghold.”

Frime operates four production sites across seven factories with an annual capacity of 5,000 tons of frozen, 9,000 tons of fresh, and 3,800 tons of semi-preserved products. The acquisition also adds €50 million invested into state-of-the-art facilities in Barcelona, which...

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US‑Israeli Strikes on Iran Enter Fifth Day as Shipping Companies Divert Vessels 

The United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran for a fifth day, targeting military, government, and nuclear-related sites in and around Tehran. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missiles and drones, striking energy infrastructure and diplomatic compounds across the Gulf.

The conflict is expanding regionally, with heightened security alerts across Gulf states and reports of damage to civilian and economic infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, has experienced significant disruptions threatening worldwide oil flows...

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