May 14, 2026
NOAA Fisheries Finds Gulf of Alaska Chinook Salmon “Not Warranted” for ESA Listing
In a final decision announced yesterday, NOAA Fisheries found that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon are “not warranted” for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The announcement and a more detailed Federal Register notice were the result of a January 11, 2024 petition from The Wild Fish Conservancy to list one or more evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
On May 24, 2024, NMFS published an initial...
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NOAA Fisheries Finds Gulf of Alaska Chinook Salmon “Not Warranted” for ESA Listing
In a final decision announced yesterday, NOAA Fisheries found that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon are “not warranted” for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The announcement and a more detailed Federal Register notice were the result of a January 11, 2024 petition from The Wild Fish Conservancy to list one or more evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
On May 24, 2024, NMFS published an initial...
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ANALYSIS: US Frozen Tuna Supply Tightens as Seasonal Demand Window Nears
The frozen tuna market appears to be entering a firmer phase as tightening supply begins to intersect with the seasonal demand window. Year-to-date imports through March were down 14.4%, marking the eighth consecutive monthly decline from the prior year. The pullback has been led in part by two key suppliers, with Vietnam down 19.1% and Indonesia down 14.4%, reinforcing the view that supply is becoming less comfortable as the market moves toward its stronger summer period. At the same time, market participants report tightening current availability...
Full Story »Federal Court Battle Erupts Over South Atlantic Red Snapper Permits
A federal lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C., has sparked a high-stakes legal battle over exempted fishing permits that dramatically extend recreational red snapper seasons in the South Atlantic, pitting commercial fishing interests against state fisheries agencies and NMFS.
Commercial fishing groups led by the Southeastern Fisheries Association filed suit May 5 against Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NMFS, seeking to block exempted fishing permits (EFPs) issued May 1 that allow Florida a 39-day recreational red snapper season starting May 22, and Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina...
Full Story »Red Lobster's Oldest Operating Restaurant to Close After 56 Years
Red Lobster will shutter its oldest continuously operating location on May 24, marking the end of a 54-year run for the Tallahassee, Florida, restaurant that opened in 1970.
The Tallahassee Democrat confirmed the closure on May 18 after speaking with the restaurant's manager and employees. Red Lobster verified the decision to ABC News the following day.
"This restaurant holds a special place in Red Lobster's history and has been a meaningful part of the community for decades," the company said in a statement...
Full Story »Scottish Salmon Exports to UAE, Gulf States Set for Boost Under New Trade Framework
Scottish salmon exports are expected to jump after the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) inked a trade deal on May 20.
Salmon Scotland, which describes itself as the voice of Scotland's farmed salmon industry, said the deal will ensure tariff-free access for UK goods to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, removing 5% tariffs on certain salmon exports.
Last year, salmon exports to the aforementioned countries reached 670 metric tons worth £6.5 million...
Full Story »Friendly’s Rolls Out Summer Menus, Expanded Drinks and Value Updates to Drive Seasonal Traffic
Friendly’s is rolling out a slate of seasonal menu updates and value-focused offerings designed to drive traffic as summer begins, combining limited-time items, expanded beverages and refreshed in-store value options.
“At Friendly’s, summer is all about families and friends coming together to enjoy a mix of tradition and something new, whether that’s a lobster roll, a fun drink or a simple meal that fits the day,” said Dawn Petite, president of Friendly’s Restaurants. “This menu brings...
Full Story »Mexico Launches Multi-Agency Crackdown on Shrimp Smuggling Operations
Mexico's National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (Conapesca) coordinated sweeping anti-smuggling operations across seven states this week, targeting illegal shrimp imports.
The May 18 operations involved joint inspections with customs agency AGACE, health regulator COFEPRIS, the National Guard, and food safety agency Senasica at 15 strategic locations spanning major commercial hubs from Tijuana to Tapachula. Inspectors verified documentation, sanitary compliance, legal origin, and regulatory adherence for shrimp imports and derivatives.
Notably, Conapesca specifically cited protecting domestic producers from "irregular entry of products from non-market economies" – trade terminology...
Full Story »Steakholder Foods To Launch Perfecta Premium Plant-Based Meat in US Later This Year
Steakholder Foods Ltd. (Nasdaq: STKH), a supplier of whole cuts of plant-based meat using 3D-printing technology, announced plans to launch Perfecta™ Premium Plant-Based Meat in the US market in the second half of 2026.
The campaign will use the slogan “Plant-Based Meat, Perfected!” and position the products as next-generation plant-based protein options, including Marbled Steak, Filet Mignon, Salmon Patties, Chicken Breasts, and White Fish Patties.
In a statement announcing the campaign...
Full Story »Circle Seafoods Sets 2026 Alaska Seine Prices, Holds Pink Base at $0.61
Circle Seafoods announced its 2026 Southeast Alaska seine season base prices, setting pink salmon at $0.61 per pound, chum at $1.07 per pound, and sockeye at $2.50 per pound, with payments processed within weeks rather than months.
The company is maintaining its 2025 final pink price of $0.61 as the 2026 base, citing retail demand built through its Ultra Low Temp Pink Salmon Fillets, now available in 4,000 US stores, including Publix, Whole Foods, H-E-B, and Sprouts Farmers Market...
Full Story »Alaska's Attorney General Voids 5 Board of Fish Regulations on Area M, Due to Ethics Violation
Alaska's highest law enforcement authority sent a letter to Alaska's Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Dahlstrom, yesterday, “disapproving” of the Alaska Board of Fisheries' actions on five proposals that were adopted into regulation at its February 18 – 24, 2026, meeting.
The regulations, all affecting Area M salmon fisheries, would have taken effect on June 1, 2026.
Acting Attorney General Cori Mills, a 14-year veteran of the AG's office, acted under the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act as a matter of state government accountability, independently...
Full Story »Study Finds Juvenile Fraser River Chinook Exposed to Hundreds of Contaminants
A new study focused on juvenile Harrison River Chinook finds the fish are feeding and growing in a cocktail of contaminants including common medications, personal care items and industrial chemicals.
"We've shown there's a mixture of chemicals in the Lower Fraser, which not only presents potential risks to juvenile Chinook, but also other aquatic life," says Bonnie Lo, environmental scientist and lead author of the study.
Unveiled by Simon Fraser University, the research tested samples for more than 595 contaminants across up to...
Full Story »Terra Medi Recalls Smoked Herring Over Botulism Risk
Terra Medi LLC of Long Island City, NY, is recalling all imported Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring due to improper evisceration that poses a potential Clostridium botulinum contamination risk. The vacuum-packaged product was distributed to retail stores and wholesale distributors in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York.
The recall affects single whole smoked herring with production date 4/12/2025, best before 4/12/2026, lot code L120425F54. New York State Agriculture and Markets inspectors identified the violation during sampling, with subsequent analysis confirming the issue. Under New York...
Full Story »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...
Full Story »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...
Full Story »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...
Full Story »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...
Full Story »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...
Full Story »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...
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Nova Scotia's LFA 33 Lobster Harvesters Gain Jonah Crab Bait Access in Policy Shift
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced May 21 that lobster harvesters in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 33 can now retain Jonah crab bycatch for use as bait, addressing climate-driven bait supply concerns in one of Canada's most valuable lobstering regions.
Minister Joanne Thompson said the decision allows LFA 33 harvesters to keep Jonah crab caught incidentally in lobster traps, bringing them in line with practices already permitted in neighboring Areas 34-38. Previously, retention was prohibited due to the area's directed Jonah crab fishery...
Full Story »Premier Dixon and Governor Dunleavy Sign Renewed Alaska-Yukon Intergovernmental Accord
Alaska and the Yukon reaffirmed their commitment to several shared issues, including deeper collaboration on research and the ongoing rebuilding of salmon populations in the Yukon River.
Premier Currie Dixon and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy met during the fifth annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, where they discussed shared northern energy priorities and the Arctic’s growing strategic importance.
Both Dixon and Dunleavy emphasized the close, longstanding relationship between Alaska and the Yukon, including cross-border family and friendship connections, ties among Indigenous communities and a shared commitment to...
Full Story »Expana Publication Schedule for the Memorial Day Holiday Period
Expana will be observing the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25, across its Americas offices, which will impact the publication dates of several Expana Benchmark Prices. The closure will also impact news publications across all platforms.
The European and APAC offices’ publication schedules will be unaffected by this holiday.
The Memorial Day holiday period will affect the following markets:
Full Story »Haaland to Play Viking in Norwegian Seafood-Backed Film "ViQueens"
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will expand his role as Norwegian seafood ambassador into Hollywood, appearing as a Viking in the upcoming film "ViQueens" scheduled for a December 2026 release.
The Norwegian Seafood Council announced May 18 that Haaland will take on the role of a "legendary Viking known as 'Haaland'" in director Harald Zwart's film, which follows two Viking girls on an adventure highlighting seafood's importance to Viking-era global trade.
The seafood marketing tie-in represents an extension of Haaland's ambassador partnership with the Norwegian Seafood Council...
Full Story »Hilton Foods Maintains 2026 Outlook Despite Seafood Headwinds
Hilton Food Group reported solid trading performance in its core meat and fresh prepared food businesses while Hilton Food Group reported solid trading performance in its core meat and fresh prepared food businesses while acknowledging continued challenges in its seafood, vegetarian, and vegan divisions ahead of its AGM today, extending struggles that prompted a strategic review earlier this year.
The UK-based food processor maintained its 2026 adjusted profit before tax guidance of £60-65 million despite ongoing pressures in its seafood operations, which became "marginally loss-making...
Full Story »Seafood Nutrition Partnership Launches Fourth Annual Summer Seafood Challenge
Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is launching its Fourth Annual Summer Seafood Challenge, a 60-day push from June 20 to August 20 that asks participants to eat seafood at least three times a week which is the recommendation in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, while raising awareness and funds for SNP’s nutrition education work.
Individuals and teams can sign up and create fundraising pages through GiveLively, inviting friends, family and colleagues to join. New this year, SNP is encouraging “Progressive Parties” — virtual or in-person gatherings that...
Full Story »Canada Launches New Funding Call to Tackle Ghost Fishing Gear
The Canadian government is expanding efforts to tackle abandoned and discarded fishing gear in the country’s waters, announcing a new round of funding aimed at preventing and removing “ghost gear” from the marine environment.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has launched a new call for proposals under the Ghost Gear Fund, Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson announced Wednesday. As outlined in Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature, the federal government will invest $15 million over three years to strengthen efforts to prevent, locate, retrieve...
Full Story »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...
Full Story »Premier Lantz Announces Senior Staff Changes in Prince Edward Island Government
Premier Rob Lantz announced a series of changes to the senior management team within the Government of Prince Edward Island, naming new leadership for several key portfolios.
Brad Colwill has assumed the role of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development, and Tourism, effective May 15, 2026.
In additional appointments, Jodi Zver has been named Deputy Minister of Finance and Affordability, while Jennifer Evans will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Innovation PEI. Both appointments are set to take effect...
Full Story »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...
Full Story »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...
Full Story »Russian Fishermen and Businesses Oppose Possible Export Duties on Fish
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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...
Full Story »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...
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