June 15, 2026
SAWA Bill Would Reshape US Farmer's Labor Costs
As of June 15, a newly proposed bill called "Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act" (SAWA) would update the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program via changes related to worker eligibility, wage calculations, and administrative procedures, reported Fresh Plaza about a topic that would impact US vegetable growers, and other ag market participants as pressure builds to modernize the temporary visa program for farm labor.
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SAWA Bill Would Reshape US Farmer's Labor Costs
As of June 15, a newly proposed bill called "Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act" (SAWA) would update the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program via changes related to worker eligibility, wage calculations, and administrative procedures, reported Fresh Plaza about a topic that would impact US vegetable growers, and other ag market participants as pressure builds to modernize the temporary visa program for farm labor.
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Aquaculture Stewardship Council Fires Back at Senate Over Certification Safety Concerns
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is pushing back hard against US Senate criticism over seafood safety failures, emphasizing that none of its certified products were implicated in contamination cases that triggered a congressional investigation—while revealing significant enforcement actions within its own program.
In a detailed 12-page response to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, ASC CEO Chris Ninnes defended the organization's certification program after Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) questioned major seafood certification bodies about recurring safety failures among...
Full Story »ANALYSIS: Atlantic Halibut's Seasonal Slide Hits Harder From a Higher Perch
Atlantic halibut prices have retreated sharply over the past two weeks, with the average price falling from $14.25/lb on May 28 to $9.00/lb as of June 11 — a drop of $5.25/lb in a span of just two reporting periods. While this type of late-spring softening is not unusual for this market, the sheer velocity of the descent has drawn attention across the trade...
Full Story »Canada Boosts Newfoundland Northern Cod Quota 55% to 59,000 Tonnes
Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador Northern cod quota will jump 55% to 59,000 tonnes in 2026, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced, marking the third consecutive year of significant increases as global cod supplies tighten.
The increase in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) to 38,000 tonnes continues the fishery's remarkable recovery trajectory since its reopening in 2024 after a 32-year moratorium. The decision comes as other major cod-producing regions face declining quotas, creating opportunities for Canadian suppliers in premium markets...
Full Story »USITC Extends Antidumping Order on Vietnamese Fish Fillets Through 2031
The US International Trade Commission determined that revoking the existing antidumping order on certain frozen fish fillets from Vietnam would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury, extending the trade remedy for another five years.
The unanimous decision by Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns ensures the antidumping order will remain in place through 2031, maintaining import duties on Vietnamese fish fillet shipments.
The determination concludes the Commission's fourth five-year sunset review of the trade remedy, which was instituted...
Full Story »Planned EU Sanctions on Russian Fishing Could Hit Bloc’s Fish Processors
Planned EU sanctions against the Russian fishing industry could harm the German fish processing industry as well as fish processing sectors of other EU states.
In accordance with the earlier report of the German business paper Berliner Zeitung, Germany has become the largest European buyer of Russian fish in recent years. In 2025, it accounted for approximately 40% of the value of all Russian fish imports to the EU.
Furthermore, in 2025, Germany imported approximately 109,000 tons of fish and fish products from Russia, valued...
Full Story »Azuma Foods Recalls 545 Cases of Tako Wasabi Products Over Undeclared Fish Allergen
Azuma Foods International recalled 545 cases of its 3-pack Azuma Foods Brand Tako Wasabi-Seasoned Octopus with Wasabi retail packages on June 11.
The recall was initiated because the retail packs may contain undeclared fish, according to a notice published on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
The recalled product was distributed in California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington via retail stores, the FDA said...
Full Story »DFO Arrests Four in Nova Scotia Lobster Poaching Operation
Federal fisheries officers arrested four individuals and seized a vessel, fishing gear and 76 lobsters during an enforcement action at Saulnierville wharf in Nova Scotia on May 31.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) said officers conducted a wharfside inspection that revealed the suspects had been fishing without authorization and possessed undersized lobster that was caught in contravention of the Fisheries Act.
Of the 76 lobsters seized, 46 were below the minimum legal carapace size and were released alive back into the ocean. Officers also confiscated the fishing vessel...
Full Story »BioMar Sagun Secures ASC Feed Certification, Expanding Certified Feed Supply for Export Markets
BioMar has added another ASC-certified facility to its global footprint, with BioMar Sagun now officially achieving ASC Feed Certification. The move enhances the company’s ability to supply ASC-conforming feed solutions to producers in Turkey as well as to customers serving international export markets.
As demand for ASC-certified seafood continues to grow, feed compliance is becoming a more visible part of the certification equation. Producers supplying certified markets increasingly need assurance that feed inputs meet the same environmental, social and...
Full Story »SAWA Bill Would Reshape US Farmer's Labor Costs
As of June 15, a newly proposed bill called "Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act" (SAWA) would update the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program via changes related to worker eligibility, wage calculations, and administrative procedures, reported Fresh Plaza about a topic that would impact US vegetable growers, and other ag market participants as pressure builds to modernize the temporary visa program for farm labor.
Full Story »Alaska 2026 Salmon Harvest Forecast 40% Lower Despite Pink Salmon Gains
If pre-season forecasts prove accurate, 2026 will be a lean year for Alaska wild salmon across most species. Alaska's total harvest forecast calls for 56 million pink salmon, 49.7 million sockeye salmon, 17.2 million chum salmon, and 2.4 million coho salmon. If realized, the forecast for the 2026 total Alaska commercial salmon harvest will be approximately 125.5 million fish—nearly 40% fewer than last year.
However, pink salmon are two-year fish, and even years have traditionally seen smaller returns compared to...
Full Story »Peru Extends Fishing Ban Indefinitely as Global Fishmeal Output Plunges 26%
Peruvian authorities have extended the current fishing ban beyond its June 10 deadline with no termination date announced, covering the maritime area from Peru's northern border to 16°00′S latitude.
The indefinite extension reflects ongoing Coastal El Niño conditions, with warm waters and a high share of juvenile fish indicating a dispersed biomass. The Vice-Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture may lift the measure in full, in part, or gradually, based on IMARPE's scientific assessments and updated biological, fishing, and environmental conditions...
Full Story »EU Prepares New Sanctions Targeting Russian Fish Exports, Including Cod Ban
The EU's new sanctions package against Russia may restrict Russian fishery supplies to Europe, including a complete ban on cod sales, which may lead to serious losses for Russian fishermen.
According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, fisheries have so far been among the sectors not significantly affected by sanctions; this may change soon.
The EU market has been among the most important sales markets for Russian fishermen despite current tensions between the two sides. According to estimates by the Russian Fisheries Union, in 2025, total...
Full Story »Japan's 2025 Frozen Sockeye Imports up 37% from Russia, Plummets 69% from the US
Japan imports wild sockeye salmon, mainly caught in the summer from Russia and the United States, and uses it as a raw material for salted salmon.
According to trade statistics from the Ministry of Finance, Japan's 2025 imports of frozen sockeye salmon increased by 17% year-on-year (YOY) to 18,602 tons, with an average price of 1,150 yen/kg ($7.16/kg), up 14%. While the increase in imports from Russia, the main source, drove the overall increase...
Full Story »Crop-Threatening 'Super El Niño' Also Likely to Create Regional Winners, Say Expana Experts
This year’s (2026-2027) El Niño weather phenomenon can significantly affect global commodities, and food price inflation can be expected, especially if it is confirmed to be what is commonly known as a ‘Super El Niño’.
While most of the mainstream media's focus is on the devastating consequences of the Super El Niño phenomenon, it is worth noting that it will have a large but also highly varied economic impact across different regions. There are both winning and losing countries - and by extension, agricultural commodities
Full Story »Murray Cod Australia Names Kelly Sperl as CFO and Company Secretary
Murray Cod Australia Ltd has appointed Kelly Sperl as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and company secretary, effective June 22, as the ASX-listed premium food company looks to strengthen its financial and operational leadership.
Sperl brings more than 25 years of finance experience across ASX-listed, private and family-owned businesses. She has held senior finance leadership roles at Foster's Group, STIHL Australia, Bakers Delight, Gale Pacific and PaperlinX. According to the company, her background spans financial management, treasury, business transformation, manufacturing operations, ERP...
Full Story »Cousins Maine Lobster Returns to South Texas as Touring Strategy Drives Growth
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Cousins Maine Lobster's food truck tour is an out-of-the-box marketing strategy that was first introduced in 2020 by franchisee Chris Papp. The initiative allows the brand to test new markets while building awareness and connecting directly with customers.
Today, the fast-casual seafood company announced its latest tour, which will return to South Texas. The food truck is scheduled to make stops in Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, Rockport, and Victoria, offering its full menu of fresh Maine lobster dishes, including its...
Full Story »ANALYSIS: Tight Pacific Halibut Supply Conditions Continue to Shape the Market
The Pacific halibut market has remained firm through the early months of the 2026 season, with prices holding near the elevated levels reached at the close of 2025. Support continues to come from an exceptionally tight supply outlook, as the 2026 coastwide quota of 29.33 million pounds represents the lowest total allowable catch in the fishery’s more than 100-year history. Even so, signs of price fatigue have begun to surface, as buyers show greater resistance to historically high Pacific halibut values...
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Federal Judge Denies Bumble Bee Motion to Dismiss Forced Labor Case
A California federal judge has denied Bumble Bee Foods' motion to reconsider her earlier ruling allowing an Indonesian fishermen's human trafficking lawsuit to proceed.
Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant's June 11 order acknowledged that her previous ruling incorrectly stated that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had definitively held that trafficking claims apply to overseas conduct, when the appeals court had only "assumed without deciding" this point.
Despite the correction, Bashant maintained that the four Indonesian plaintiffs can pursue claims under the...
Full Story »Global Shrimp Council Plans First Consumer Pop-Up at Venice Beach in August
The Global Shrimp Council will launch its first-ever live consumer activation August 6-9 at Venice Beach, California, operating a branded shrimp food truck offering free dishes to the public with no purchase required.
The four-day event extends GSC's "Shrimp More Often" campaign beyond digital marketing into direct consumer engagement. On-site chefs will prepare multiple shrimp preparations, including tacos, grilled skewers, and power bowls, drawing from global culinary traditions, all centered around the message that "shrimp is the happy protein...
Full Story »Three New Icebreakers to be Homeported in Alaska — Two in Kodiak, One in Seward
Last Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced, and Alaska Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski held a press conference on the latest addition to their state’s security fleet: three new Arctic Security Cutters, a new class of medium-sized icebreakers, two to be home-ported in Kodiak and one in Seward. According to the Coast Guard, the vessels are the first of their kind in the United States and are designed with a heavier focus on security than the existing three icebreakers. Last April, Secretary...
Full Story »ADM's Bern Aqua Becomes Belgium's First BAP-Certified Feed Producer
ADM subsidiary Bern Aqua has become Belgium's first Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)-certified feed producer, the Global Seafood Alliance announced June 11.
The certification covers Bern Aqua's Olen feed mill, which specializes in hatchery and nursery feeds for shrimp and fish across more than 50 countries. GSA said the milestone "underscores growing industry demand for greater traceability, responsible sourcing and third-party certified feed production."
"We are incredibly proud of this certification, which marks an important step forward in our mission to deliver superior nutrition solutions for...
Full Story »Japan Ministry Launches Large-Scale Seaweed Carbon Absorption Demos
According to a Minato Shimbun report, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment recently selected project implementers for a large-scale demonstration project to cultivate seaweed to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), a major driver of global warming. Among these, Riken Foods will collaborate with Nichimo and others to begin efforts to maximize the productivity of Undaria seaweed and kelp cultivation.
This project is a subsidy program called "Project for the Launch and Implementation of Large-Scale Demonstration Projects Related to Blue Carbon and Other Absorption Source Measures...
Full Story »Trump Opens "Hundreds of Thousands" of Pacific Miles to US Commercial Fishing
President Donald Trump signed an Executive Proclamation on June 11 titled "Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific," opening expanded fishing grounds for American fishermen across three Pacific marine national monuments.
The proclamation restores commercial fishing access to:
-- The Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument
-- The Mau Zone and Ho'omalu Zone and areas seaward of 50 nautical miles within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
-- Waters between 12 and 50 nautical miles surrounding Rose Atoll within the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument...
Full Story »USDA Office of Seafood Secures First Federal Funding in 2027 Appropriations Bill
The US House of Representatives passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act of 2027 (HR 8646) last week with a vote of 213 to 210, allocating $500,000 to fund the USDA Office of Seafood in fiscal year 2027.
The appropriation marks the first federal funding for the office since its establishment in April 2026. The Trump administration created the office, described as the "first of its kind," to provide customer service for American seafood cultivators, producers, and processors seeking to...
Full Story »Expana's Weekly Top 10
From biosecurity threats and trade tensions to sustainability breakthroughs and climate-driven market risks, this week's Top 10 captures the developments commanding attention across global commodity markets. Industry participants are balancing innovation with uncertainty as new packaging and feed solutions emerge, tariffs continue to reshape trade flows, and concerns over animal health, inflation, and weather volatility create fresh challenges for the months ahead as we enter into the traditional summer lull. This list is in no particular order.
Shannon Behary checked in with a pair of headlines in the...
Full Story »House Committee Advances Trade Crime Legislation as Trump Signs Customs Enforcement Order
The House Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the bipartisan "Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes (PAIL) Act" (H.R. 1869) last week by a 23-0 vote, while President Trump signed an Executive Order strengthening US customs law enforcement on the same day.
The PAIL Act, introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) with 42 co-sponsors, would establish a Justice Department task force to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes. The task force would increase investigations of trade fraud while providing advanced training to Homeland...
Full Story »Nueva Pescanova Adds Modern Freezer Vessel to Namibian Fleet
Grupo Nueva Pescanova has acquired the freezer vessel Olupale for its NovaNam subsidiary in Namibia, reinforcing the Spanish company's investment in African fishing operations.
The 59.82-meter vessel features a 900-cubic-meter hold capacity and can accommodate up to 66 crew members. Built in 2024 but not yet operational, the Olupale will primarily target hake processing with the capacity to catch and process up to 2,500 tons of finished product annually.
Nueva Pescanova acquired the vessel from Mar de Arbo SL to replace the Mar del Cabo...
Full Story »Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending June 12, 2026
A US–Iran memorandum to pause the Gulf war could be signed as soon as Sunday, though wording is still being finalized.
Iran is pushing for the deal to also end fighting in Lebanon and includes demands like lifting sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and halting hostilities across all fronts, while nuclear issues would be postponed.
Trump said a “great settlement” was ready and called off new strikes, but details remain unclear. Reports also suggest tensions persist around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
Below is...
Full Story »Canada Launches Mission to Combat IUU Fishing in the North Pacific Ocean
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens national and international fish stocks, ocean ecosystems, and global markets. Last Tuesday, Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) launched its fourth annual high seas patrol to detect and deter IUU fishing in the North Pacific Ocean.
The mission, known as Operation North Pacific Guard (Op. NPG), is led by DFO fishery officers and supported by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The patrol also includes representatives from the US Coast Guard...
Full Story »Winding Glass: Section 301 Tariffs Set to Permanently Twist Seafood Trade
The recent headline that section 301 seafood tariffs will reach $2.9 billion does not tell the industry story. The headline number is the result of an 11.4% blended tariff calculation applied to the value of goods shipped by 60 targeted countries to the US in 2025. That is one result of the Section 301 forced-labor duties proposed by the US Trade Representative on June 2. It is more than the roughly $2.2 billion importers paid last year, most of it under the IEEPA tariffs the Supreme...
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