May 19, 2026
United Fishermen of Alaska Begins Search for New Executive Director, Welch Named to CFEC
Alaska’s largest fishing organization is recruiting a new executive director, following recent legislative confirmation of former ED Tracy Welch to be one of two commissioners at the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission.
UFA’s executive director position carries a starting salary of $90,000-$100,000 according to the job description.
Welch joins Rick Green, who was appointed March 1, 2025. Welch was appointed by Governor Mike Dunleavy April 21, 2026 and was confirmed by the state Legislature in recent...
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United Fishermen of Alaska Begins Search for New Executive Director, Welch Named to CFEC
Alaska’s largest fishing organization is recruiting a new executive director, following recent legislative confirmation of former ED Tracy Welch to be one of two commissioners at the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission.
UFA’s executive director position carries a starting salary of $90,000-$100,000 according to the job description.
Welch joins Rick Green, who was appointed March 1, 2025. Welch was appointed by Governor Mike Dunleavy April 21, 2026 and was confirmed by the state Legislature in recent...
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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 »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 »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 »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 »Louisiana-NOAA Joint Patrols Result in Eight Fishing Citations in the Gulf
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents and NOAA Fisheries officers cited eight individuals for alleged fishing violations during joint patrols conducted on May 15 in the Gulf of America.
The citations included both recreational and commercial violations across multiple fisheries. Among the violations were possession of red snapper over legal limits, fishing without required federal permits, and possession of species during closed seasons.
Notable cases included a Mississippi shrimp vessel captain cited for lacking a federal shrimp permit, a Louisiana angler possessing eight red snapper...
Full Story »ILO Adopts First Global Workplace Safety Code for Aquaculture
A new international code aimed at improving workplace safety in aquaculture has been adopted by experts representing governments, employers and workers, marking the first global guidance of its kind for the fast-growing industry.
The code, developed through the International Labour Organization (ILO), is designed to help countries and industry stakeholders strengthen occupational safety and health protections for aquaculture workers, who often face poor working conditions and preventable job-related injuries and illnesses.
Aquaculture has become an increasingly important source of food production and rural...
Full Story »Canada Invests $816 Million to Expand Coast Guard Maritime Security Role
Canada announced a $816 million, seven-year investment to strengthen maritime security and expand the Canadian Coast Guard's monitoring capabilities, particularly in Arctic waters where vessel traffic and security risks are growing.
Key components include establishing a year-round Maritime Domain Awareness Hub in Iqaluit, adding reconnaissance equipment to helicopters, installing four new long-range radar sites along the Northwest Passage and Hudson Strait, and acquiring surveillance drones to extend Coast Guard reach.
The investment supports the Coast Guard's new security mandate under the Strengthening Canada's...
Full Story »Nova Scotia's Clark's Harbour Seafood Expands From Live Lobster to Global Processing Operation
Clark's Harbour Seafood has transformed from a traditional live lobster operation into a vertically integrated seafood business with global ambitions, according to a new case study from Invest Nova Scotia.
Under owner Jim He's leadership since 2016, the southwestern Nova Scotia company now operates alongside sister companies Atlantic ChiCan Seafood and Stoney Island Fisheries, creating an integrated supply chain spanning harvesting through export.
The evolution accelerated in 2019 when Clark's Harbour Seafood began diversifying beyond live lobster exports...
Full Story »US House Committee Advances Bill to Close 'Port Shopping' for Imported Seafood
The House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously advanced legislation giving the FDA authority to order the destruction of contaminated seafood and other hazardous imports, marking a significant step toward closing a regulatory loophole that has allowed rejected products to re-enter US markets.
The Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act (H.R. 2715) passed the committee last week with a 43-0 bipartisan vote, sending it to the House floor for consideration. The bill targets "port shopping," where exporters withdraw contaminated merchandise flagged by the FDA at one port and...
Full Story »Padilla, Seafood from Norway Recognized for Award-Winning US Campaign
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Padilla has earned a series of national and regional communications awards for its Sea-To-Table Restaurant Week 2025 campaign developed with Seafood from Norway, highlighting the program’s impact on consumer engagement and seafood sales in the Northeast U.S.
The agency recently received two 2026 PRSA Silver Anvil Awards in the categories of Marketing: Consumer Products – Regional Focus and Events + Observances for associations, government and nonprofit organizations. Additional recognition included a Certificate of Excellence in the 2026 PRovoke Media Innovation SABRE Awards North America...
Full Story »WTO’s Nordquist Urges Faster Action on Fisheries Subsidies at Monaco Blue Initiative
At the Monaco Blue Initiative on Wednesday, WTO Deputy Director-General DJ Nordquist urged governments to speed up acceptance and implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and to keep negotiating tougher rules on subsidies tied to overcapacity and overfishing.
In her remarks, she said harmful fishery subsidies continue to threaten ocean health, food security and coastal livelihoods, even as sustainable fisheries remain critical to jobs and economic resilience. “We are at a critical moment for global fisheries governance and for the future...
Full Story »Scientists Map Regional Differences in Chinook Salmon Diets
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A new study from University of Victoria and the Pacific Salmon Foundation has found that adult Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea rely heavily on herring for food, though their diets vary by region and season.
The research, published in Fisheries Oceanography and led by UVic PhD student Wesley Greentree, analyzed thousands of salmon stomach samples collected by recreational anglers through the Adult Salmon Diet Program.
Researchers found herring were the dominant prey year-round across the Salish Sea. But regional differences emerged...
Full Story »Copper River Season Opens with 39,000 Sockeye Catch, Elevated Early-Season Prices
Cold temperatures, wind and rain greeted the fleet that made it out to the Copper River fishing grounds for the 12-hour season opener last Friday. A total of 39,000 sockeye salmon and 967 Chinook salmon were caught, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).
Expana market reporter Joshua Bickert reports that both sockeye and kings are seeing elevated wholesale prices, though levels remain typical for early-season product. Market participants largely believe that prices should fall rapidly...
Full Story »Conservation Groups Sue to Block Seafood Imports From Eight Countries Over Marine Mammal Bycatch
Conservation groups filed suit against the National Marine Fisheries Service in the US Court of International Trade seeking to halt seafood imports from eight countries they claim fail to meet US marine mammal protection standards.
The lawsuit targets imports from Argentina, Ecuador, India, Norway, Taiwan, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and Vanuatu, alleging that their commercial fisheries kill unsustainable numbers of marine mammals as bycatch and use gear including gillnets, longlines, and trawls.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the US must ban seafood imports from countries...
Full Story »Norwegian Police Recover 18 Tons of Stolen Salmon in Hijacked Semi-Trailer
Norwegian police recovered 18 tons of stolen salmon Sunday after an observant citizen spotted the hijacked semi-trailer used to transport the fish at a Circle K gas station in Vestby, according to Nettavisen.
The salmon was stolen from the seafood company 1814Salmon in Dal early Saturday morning, with police receiving the burglary report at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Hours later, authorities received a separate report about two stolen semi-trailers taken from Skarnes the night before.
The breakthrough came when the victim of the trailer theft posted...
Full Story »The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Shifts Toward Father’s Day Grilling Demand
Cold and wet weather across several regions of the country dampened Memorial Day grilling plans, likely creating a softer-than-anticipated kickoff to the unofficial start of the summer grilling season.
Attention is now quickly turning toward the next major grilling occasions of the summer—Father’s Day and the Fourth of July holiday period. These seasonal events historically begin to influence demand patterns for grilling staples such as bellies, loins, ribs, and steaks.
Following Memorial Day, protein promotions have shifted more heavily toward seafood, which now accounts...
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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 »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...
Full Story »Trans-Ocean Products Makes Key Hires in Quality, Compliance and Product Development
Trans-Ocean Products has made three staffing moves as the surimi seafood producer looks to strengthen its work in quality assurance, regulatory compliance and product development.
The company named John Viechnicki audit and compliance manager, a role that will have him overseeing customer and regulatory audit requirements as well as industry standards. He will also work with ingredient and packaging suppliers to help ensure they meet the company’s food safety and quality expectations. Viechnicki brings 14 years of experience at Trans-Ocean, along...
Full Story »Global Seafood Alliance Unveils Expanded Agenda for 25th Responsible Seafood Summit in Bangkok
The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has rolled out an expanded agenda for this year’s Responsible Seafood Summit, marking the event’s 25th edition. The conference will take place September 21–24 at the Shangri‑La Bangkok and is being hosted in partnership with The Center for Responsible Seafood.
Designed as a four‑day gathering for seafood professionals across the supply chain, the Summit will combine conference sessions, networking events and optional industry field trips. Organizers say the updated program is intended to deliver...
Full Story »ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Estimates for May Show 5.2% Rise as Timing Factors Drive Activity
May 2026 import estimates, adjusted for the remaining four days of the month, point to total volumes of approximately 150.5 million pounds, representing a 5.2% year-over-year increase. This uptick occurs against the backdrop of elevated inventory levels and pricing dynamics that suggest supply growth is outpacing demand fundamentals.
Peeled shrimp leads estimated volumes at 65.9 million pounds, though this represents a 3.5% decline versus the particularly strong May 2025 performance. Breaded shrimp emerged as the standout category with a 26.8% year-over-year...
Full Story »Artificially Bred and Grown Eels to be Marketed for the First Time
The Fisheries Research and Education Agency and Marino Forum 21 will begin trial sales of artificially bred and grown eel on May 29th. Yamada Suisan of Saiki City in Oita Prefecture, which received the technology transfer, will be selling the eels. This marks the world's first introduction of fully farmed eel products to the market. The selling price will be 9,720 yen ($61.00), including sales tax, for a pack of two frozen grilled eels, which works out to just under...
Full Story »New Policy Brief Highlights Major Gaps in US Seafood Import Monitoring
Conservation groups have highlighted a new policy brief released by the US Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing & Labor Rights Coalition, which revealed significant gaps in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP).
The brief stems from a technical report by John Simeone of Simeone Consulting, LLC, which outlined reforms needed to prevent IUU fishing and human rights abuses-linked seafood from entering the US market.
The analysis found that in 2024, the US imported $25 billion in seafood, yet over 60%...
Full Story »Menhaden Industry Fires Back at Conservation Group Over 'Double Standard' Criticism
The menhaden fishing industry is pushing back against the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership's criticism of recent fisheries management decisions, accusing the conservation group of applying inconsistent standards to protect recreational anglers while targeting commercial fishermen.
The Menhaden Fishermen's Coalition responded Monday to TRCP's May 6 blog post that criticized the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's decision to form a work group on Chesapeake Bay menhaden management rather than immediately advancing harvest cuts.
TRCP had called the ASMFC decision "another delay for Chesapeake Bay menhaden conservation" and argued...
Full Story »COREMAHI Honors Ocean Allies Winners for Responsible Bycatch Release
The Committee for Responsible and Sustainable Mahi-Mahi (COREMAHI) recognized winners of its Ocean Allies contest at an awards ceremony in Lima, Peru highlighting fishers in the country, as well as Ecuador, for responsible handling and release of marine wildlife during the 2025-26 mahi-mahi season.
Funded by Publix Super Markets and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership’s Global Mahi Supply Chain Roundtable and carried out by COREMAHI, the contest aimed to reward fishers already using strong bycatch handling and release practices. Participants submitted videos...
Full Story »DoorDash, Deliveroo and Wolt Launch First Global FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign
DoorDash is taking its FIFA World Cup 2026 sponsorship global, launching a new international campaign with Deliveroo and Wolt as the three brands come together in a shared marketing push for the tournament.
The campaign, titled “Deliver Us to Fútbol,” rolled out today across TV, BVOD, out-of-home, paid digital, audio and social channels. It marks the first international creative campaign spanning DoorDash and its global portfolio brands, with local activations, events and partnerships planned across the US, Canada, the UK...
Full Story »Webinar Explores Seafood Market Outlook for H2 2026, Price Trends and Sourcing Risks
Seafood markets are entering H2 2026 under real pressure.
How will shifting trade flows, disease outbreaks, evolving consumer demand, and shipping volatility shape seafood procurement and pricing in the coming months?
In just 30 minutes on May 28, Expana's seafood experts Angel Rubio and Janice Schreiber will walk you through the latest price movements, supply dynamics and sourcing risks potentially impacting your supply chains in H2 2026.
● Shrimp: Where farmed output from Ecuador, India, Vietnam are heading, antidumping duties updates - and the impact on US and EU prices.
● Salmon: Supply vs. demand for Norwegian and Chilean Atlantic salmon, impact of sea lice...
Full Story »Brazil Eyes Return to EU Fish Market After Decade-Long Ban
Brazil’s fishing industry is preparing for a crucial European Union audit next month that could reopen the European market to Brazilian fish exports after nearly 10 years.
The issue was the focus of the 27th Ordinary Meeting of the Sectorial Chamber of Fish Production and Industry (CSPES), held Monday at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) in Brasília.
The EU mission, scheduled for June 8–19, will include inspections of industrial fishing vessels in Rio Grande do Norte and Santa Catarina. Industry and...
Full Story »Hokkaido Okhotsk Scallop Production Projects 220,000 MT, a 15% Down YOY
In the Okhotsk region of Hokkaido, full-scale scallop fishing operations began in mid-May at some fishing cooperatives in the northern area. The scallop catch plan for fiscal year 2026 (April 2026 to March 2027), including fishing ground development and farmed scallops, is projected to decrease in both the northern (Soya-Esashi) and southern (Omu-Utoro) areas, falling 15% further from the previous year's figure of 220,250 tons—the first time in seven years that the catch has fallen below 300,000 tons. However, signs of improved scallop growth...
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