These are the Top Operational Changes Restaurants are Making in Response to the Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused a massive disruption to daily life. Some states have issued stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, and a majority have implemented social distancing measures, like closing down restaurant dining rooms, in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. As a result, the National Restaurant Association says that 3% of restaurants have already closed for good—and an additional 11% of operators could permanently close in the next 30 days. Those that remain open have...

Voice Recognition Software Tracks Fish Catches

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch – Tracking Alaska’s fish catches by voice, hands free. More after this -

“Leopard skate, 19.56… set weight 12.25…big mouth sculpin, 12.05…Table, count five…Edit row two…Set species – Pacific cod… Edit row three…Set species, northern rock sole” … (fade out)  

That’s a NOAA Fisheries scientist in a video showing the use of new voice recognition software that helps track data on fish coming over the rails.

During yearly trawl surveys each summer in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea, scientists must identify, sort and...

COVID-19: Updated Compendium of Closures/Meeting Changes

Several state and federal agencies and private businesses made announcements over the past month about closures and changes to schedules or logistics due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. SeafoodNews.com staff broke the story about the coronavirus in January and have kept our readers updated about how the pandemic is affecting the seafood industry. In that vein, the SeafoodNews staff is keeping a list of meeting and event changes and announcements that could affect your business. We will update the list as new announcements are made ...

Luke’s Lobster Launches E-Commerce Platform to Send Seafood Across U.S.

Can’t get to a Luke’s Lobster location? No problem. The restaurant chain, which has over 25 locations across the U.S., has just launched an e-commerce platform to send sustainably sourced seafood right to your door. 

“In response to the global pandemic, we're officially launching our e-commerce platform to deliver fresh lobster and premium sustainable seafood right to your door,” the company announced. “We'll deliver Maine lobster shipped anywhere in the continental U.S. making your #LukesAtHome dreams a reality.”

Haunted by the Coronavirus, Vietnam’s Seafood Industry Suffers

The coronavirus outbreak has exerted destructive influence on global seafood trade. Vietnam, one of the greatest victims, has seen about 50% of its overseas orders either canceled or postponed this March, though exporters have cut prices by about 25% to 30%. There is not enough space to hold all the unsold seafood, said one insider.

As the country’s customs statistics show, its aquatic export has contracted by 10% to US$0.989 billion during this January and February compared with the same period last year. Its lower exports to China is...

Russian Fish Processors Call on Government to Lift Restrictions on Fish Imports to Domestic Market  

Russian leading fish processors have called on the national government to lift the existing embargo on the imports of fish to the domestic market – in a move to ensure regular supplies of raw materials for their needs and to create conditions for the reduction of prices for fish and seafood in Russia, according to recent statements, made by representatives of some of Russian leading fish processors and local analysts.  

So far, the petition, signed by processors was sent to the office of the...

Land-based Farm Pure Salmon Poland Earns Ocean Friendly Label

Land-based salmon farm Pure Salmon Poland's fish was recommended by Ocean Wise Seafood programs as an ocean-friendly farmed fish option.

Pure Salmon Poland is based in Warsaw and is co-owned by aquaculture company AquaMaof and private equity funds from 8F Asset Management.

The Ocean Wise Seafood program is a conservation program that helps consumers and businesses choose sustainable options.

Ocean Wise's symbol on a seafood item gives buyers peace of mind as it was harvested with the environment and the health water sources around the globe in...

The Winding Glass: Processors Now Key to Lobster and Crab Survival in Canada

[The Winding Glass is an opinion and commentary column by John Sackton, Founder of SeafoodNews]

This week economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic will become more visible, and the success or failure of economic decisions will have a big impact on our lives, as much as the success or failure of pandemic containment actions.

The big money fisheries in Atlantic Canada are lobster and snow crab, and how these fisheries navigate the next few months will be critical to the survival of many shore communities and... 

Canadian Government Ensures Support for Seafood Industry During COVID-19 Pandemic

Canadian Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan and a plethora of provincial ministers ensured the support and safety of the seafood sector as the coronavirus continues to impact life in the country.

“We continue to work together, across all levels of government, and in partnership with harvesters, processors, seafood farmers, and industry, to keep Canadians safe and communities supported,” the statement said. “The seafood sector, and the hard working women and men behind it, are essential to our collective food security and to Eastern Canada’s economies...”

China's Struggling Tilapia Industry Encounters More Trouble With Coronavirus Outbreak

China’s tilapia industry has been under great pressure within recent years. The country’s customs statistics show that its exports plummeted last year, and the industry has worked harder to expand the domestic market in hopes that it can fill the gap. The export of tilapia fillets, for example, has dived by 46% to only 77,000 tons. Meanwhile, that of whole ones has reduced by 19% to 109,000 tons. And the coronavirus outbreak has made this year even more brutal and left great quantities unsold in ponds...

Thai Union Donates Shelf-Stable Seafood to Red Cross

Since mid-February, when Thai Union sent humanitarian aid to the city of Wuhan, the world’s largest producer of shelf-stable tuna products has been supporting the medical workers and facilities that are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crises. To date, more than 130,000 units of shelf-stable, high protein tuna products have been donated.

Last week the Bangkok-based producer joined a humanitarian assistance program for the Red Cross, along with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade in Thailand. The company  delivered 42,000...

Russia Hopes to Significantly Increase Exports of Pollock Fillets to U.S. Market This Year

NMFS Says 'No' to West Coast Groundfish, Swordfish Vessels Seeking Waivers for Observers

West Coast industry concerns about taking observers out on vessels or having catch monitors dockside at processing plants due to the risk of COVID-19 is not a concern, according to the NMFS West Coast Region. Unlike Alaska, where travel restrictions make obtaining observer coverage difficult, the West Coast has no such restrictions -- yet.

The National Marine Fisheries Service issued an emergency action last week to provide the authority, on a case-by-case basis, to waive observer coverage, some training, and other program requirements while meeting ...

State of Louisiana Steps Up to Connect Consumers with Local Harvesters as “Matchmaker”

The tradition of excellent marketing of Louisiana seafoods continues with a direct to consumer website called Louisiana Direct Seafood. During the COVID-19 outbreak and on the heels of last year’s flooding, the website [https://louisianadirectseafood.com] is the go-to place for people who want to buy fresh seafood with a minimum of effort.

“We can help the industry by pitching in and purchasing Louisiana seafood whenever possible. The more, the better,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “Remember that each dollar you spend helps fishermen, their families, and ...

Alaska’s NOAA Fisheries Waives Observer Coverage on Partial Coverage Fleet For Two Weeks

NOAA Fisheries has temporarily waived the requirement for observers on vessels in the partial coverage fleet of the North Pacific Observer Program, for the next two weeks. The action was announced yesterday and will be in effect through April 9, when the waiver will be evaluated for future extentions.

“We are taking this action to protect public health and to ensure the safety of fishermen, observers, while maintaining an ongoing supply of fish to markets,” said Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator for the Alaska Regional Office...

FFAW Recommending that DFO Postpone Snow Crab Fishery

FFAW-Unifor announced this week that they are recommending that the DFO postpone the snow crab fishery due to the coronavirus. The current suggestion is that they push back the season until at least April 20. 

“The situation is unprecedented on many levels,” explained the organization. “Fish harvesters are committed to social distancing and doing their part to flatten the curve of COVID-19 here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ensuring all of our members and their families stay safe is the number one priority right now...

Maine Opening Elver Fishery Following COVID-19 Protection Measures 

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) will open the lucrative elver season at 8 a.m. on March 30, 2020. The DMR put new protocols in place to protect fishermen, dealers and communities.

Under the authority established by Governor Janet Mills' March 15 Civil Emergency Proclamation, licensed elver harvesters may fish for and sell the quota of another licensed harvester, the DMR announced on March 26.

Elver dealers have also agreed to limit transactions by only buying one pound or more of product...

Local Catch Network Capitalizes on Pandemic to Broaden its Fresh Seafood Scope

During the coronavirus pandemic, some people are realizing they don’t have a strong relationship with the food system or local food producers.

Local Catch can help remedy that, University of Maine Assistant Professor of Marine Policy Joshua Stoll said in a press release.

The Local Catch Network is a community of fishermen, researchers and consumers committed to providing local, healthful, low-impact and economically sustainable seafood directly from harvesters.

The Seafood Finder map allows people to pinpoint ...

Bumble Bee CEO Appointed to Plant-based Food Company’s Board of Directors 

Bumble Bee CEO Jan Tharp is the newest addition to Gathered Foods’ Board of Directors. The announcement of her appointment comes less than a month after Bumble Bee announced a  joint distribution venture with the plant-based food company.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jan to our Board of Directors, as she brings years of leadership, innovation and superb operational expertise in the seafood industry, along with a shared passion for the health of our oceans," said Chris Kerr, CEO and Co-Founder of Gathered Foods...

Louisiana Oyster Task Force Reaches Out to Newsroom Ink to Tell Their Story

The Louisiana Oyster Task Force, through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, has enlisted Ed Lallo and Newsroom Ink to assist in their ongoing effort to tell the story of the of the Louisiana Gulf oyster, the people dedicated to ensuring its sustainability, as well as its importance to the State’s economy, culture and culinary cuisine.

“We know the work of Lallo since the days of the BP Oil Spill,” said Mitch Jurisich, chairman of the task force. “At that time his he and his partners...

Chicago Restaurant Owners File Lawsuit Against Insurance Company Over Business Interruption Policy

As SeafoodNews reported earlier this month, many business owners are trying to deal with the fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19). A majority of restaurants across the U.S. have been forced to close their dining rooms and instead offer only take-out or delivery. The result has been a decrease in sales, a rise in unemployment, as well as permanent and temporary closures. These businesses are turning to their insurance policies for relief. Unfortunately, many are discovering that their business interruption policy does not cover losses due to...

NMFS Approves Final Measures for Atlantic Sea Scallop Management Plan for 2020 Season

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) approved the Framework Adjustment 32 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan ahead of the season opening on April 1, 2020.

The plan will help set scallop specifications and other measures for the 2020 and 2021 fishing seasons. The adjustments will help protect small scallops and reduce bycatch of flatfish, according to a notice on the Federal Register.

The Framework also sets specifications for “days-at-sea, individual fishing quotas, sea scallop access area trips and Northern Gulf of Maine"...

CenSea National Sales Director Dave Bennett Retiring After More Than 25 Years With The Company

CenSea announced that Dave Bennett, its National Sales Director, is retiring effective April 30 after more than 25 years with the Company.

Bennett joined CenSea in 1994. Over the course of his tenure, Bennett helped drive CenSea’s growth in a number of areas, significantly bolstering the Company’s brand as well as its retail business. Bennett also hired and trained a number of CenSea’s key salespeople.

Joe Rosenberg, CenSea’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “We thank Dave for his 25 years of service...

Lobster Fishery Delayed in Two New Brunswick Areas, Other Fisheries Waiting on Decisions

According to the CBC, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans accepted a request to delay the start of the lobster season in areas 36 and 37 of southern New Brunswick due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.

The request was sent by the Fundy North Fishermen’s Association, the delay will push the start of the fishery from March 31 to April 30.

"In light of the current circumstances, and with input and support from groups involved, DFO has accepted this request and will be...

During One Week, Bishops From Five States Lift Ban on Eating Meat During Lent

It started in New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, when five bishops and one cardinal began releasing Catholics of skipping meat on Fridays, when most Catholic consumers would then eat seafood.

The practice of giving up meat on Fridays has provided an uptick in seafood sales for decades, and a reliable promotional period for fish products each year. 

But lifting the ban -- in dioceses from Boston to Louisiana -- may not ultimately have much of an impact on overall sales since it began...

Coronavirus Traps Fishing Crew of Japanese Long-Distance Tuna Vessels

The global spread of the novel coronavirus is beginning to significantly affect the activity of pelagic tuna fisheries, according to the Suisan Keizai Shimbun, a Japanese fisheries industry newspaper. The number of countries that regulate boarding and disembarking of crewmembers at major supply ports overseas has increased. In the current situation, where boats are moored at overseas ports, crewmembers are unable to return to Japan by air. Some vessels are having trouble deciding whether to hurry to return to Japan or continue...

TAKING STOCK: Economic Gauntlets & Seafood Market Waves 

This weeks Taking Stock analysis is a review of more stimulus measures thrown down by central banks to bolster financial market morale, and the subsequent impact on share values of the seafood companies analysed over the previous weeks.  

Despite a range of rescue efforts in the form of helicopter money and fiscal aid, stock market volatility remains above levels witnessed in 2008.   

Financial markets struggled to find a bottom in recent weeks as a series of drastic rate cuts and asset purchase programs by international central banks did little to...

An Explanation of Canada’s Quarantine Exemptions for Temporary Foreign Workers and Truckers

New measures are being put in place everyday to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Just last week Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced travel restrictions, putting a stop to non-essential travel. Then, this week, the country invoked the Quarantine Act, which requires all international travelers crossing the border to self-isolate for 14 days. 

“Travelers returning to Canada, with the exception of essential workers, will be subject to a mandatory 14-day isolation under the Quarantine Act...

Updated MSC Fisheries Certification Process Manual Now Available

The Marine Stewardship Council issued a new version of their 187-page Fisheries Certification Process (FCP) on Tuesday that addressed, among other things, shark finning and separating certified and non-certified catch while fishing. Both have been contentious issues in recent years.  

The FCP is the go-to source for eligibility criteria and the process by which fisheries are assessed against the MSC Fisheries Standard.

The changes came about from concerns stakeholders have brought to MSC's attention. A 24-month consultation process with industry and experts took place before the new version ...

Pescanova Introduces New Toss & Serve Shrimp as Convenient, Healthy At-Home Dinner Option

Pescanova USA is expanding their U.S. retail range. The company announced on Thursday that they’ve introduced new Toss & Serve Shrimp products featuring sustainably farmed white shrimp. 

“We are very excited to make shrimp dinners accessible to anyone who wants it, regardless of their cooking skills or time constraints,” said Pescanova USA CEO Chris Maze. “At Pescanova USA, we believe sustainable seafood should be a part of everyone’s diet, and this is just one expression of that goal...