Urner Barry to Steer the Ship as SeafoodNews Founder John Sackton Steps Down 

After 25 Years Reporting Seafood Industry News, Sackton Leaves a Legacy in His Wake

John Sackton, whose unrivaled contributions to the seafood industry are widely celebrated, will be ending his role as Publisher of SeafoodNews as of September 29, 2019.

This is the two-year anniversary of the acquisition of Urner Barry by AgriBriefing, the world’s leading agribusiness media, price reporting and intelligence company, which also included the purchase of SeafoodNews, founded by Sackton. Since that time, Urner Barry has transitioned to managing all editorial operations and...

ANALYSIS: Chinese Catfish Stays Domestic Due to African Swine Fever

According to an analysis from Urner Barry's Pork Market Reporter, Russ Barton, the U.S. exported more pork to China than Japan in July, the first time ever in history. With China essentially consuming more pork than all other countries combined, the impact on global pork and subsequent center-of-the-plate protein trade could be substantial as they try to fill the gap left by ASF.  [see Russ Barton's full analysis here]

One segment where we are seeing the effects is in the seafood industry...

Listen: Interview with Lobsterman Sonny Beal; Clipper Seafoods-Blue North Merger and More

Join SeafoodNews Podcast hosts Lorin Castiglione and Ryan Doyle as they discuss StarKist’s price-fixing sentence; the approved merger of Clipper Seafoods and Blue North; Russia’s seafood export plans along with an interview with lobsterman Sonny Beal!

This episode was brought to you by Maine Lobster. The rocky coast of Maine is home to one of the most iconic and sustainable fisheries in the worlds. With 5,600 independent lobstermen from multi-generational families, the Maine Lobster industry is committed to bringing sustainably harvested lobster from...

West Coast Cable Removal Could Open New Fishing Grounds

An old trans-Pacific cable system from Oregon to China is scheduled to be removed this month, which is good news for trawlers. Not only will removal open up new fishing grounds, but it will reduce the risk of a trawl net snagging a cable on the ocean floor.

The China-US (CHUS) system cables off Whisky Run, just south of Cape Arago near Coos Bay, Ore., are scheduled to be recovered Mertech Marine, a global cable submarine telecommunication cable recycling company based in South Africa...

Bristol Seafood Hires Mike Lodato as New Vice President of Sales

Bristol Seafood announced the hiring of Mike Lodato as the new Vice President of Sales. Lodato will be tasked with growing Bristol’s portfolio of foodservice and retail account.

“Bristol is a socially responsible company focused on producing premium, sustainable seafood,” Lodato said. “I look forward to helping get it on the plates of more Americans.”

Lodato previously worked with Diversified Communications, the owner of the seafood shows in Boston and Brussels, as well as Seafood Source. He spent 22 years with...

Omega Protein Statement on the Chesapeake Bay Menhaden Cap

Omega Protein issued a statement last week that they will comply with Virginia law when it comes to recognizing the fishing cap for menhaden in Chesapeake Bay, but they will take more than allowed under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

Describing ASMFC’s cap as “low and unscientific” for 2019, Omega Protein said the 2006 cap of just over 109,000 mt was a “political compromise, not ... a scientific necessity.” The ASMFC wrote at the time that the cap was precautionary and not based on a scientifically quantified harvest threshold, fishery ...

China’s Suspension of Fish Meal Tariffs First Glimmer of Hope for Seafood Industry

The recent round of de-escalation in the trade war is the first significant action that will directly improve the export outlook for Alaska.  In the last week, China removed tariffs on 16 US products including shrimp broodstock and fishmeal, and the US delayed by two weeks the deadline for further tariffs, and then China suspended major tariffs on pork and soybeans.

All of this is a prelude to talks to be held in Washington in October that may lead to a temporary halt to escalations which have now threatened to crash the US economy in an election year.

The lifting of the fishmeal tariff is significant because China is the primary export market for pollock fishmeal produced in Alaska.  Every catcher processor and shore plant produces...

Russia Eyes Increasing Harvests of Antarctic Krill, Toothfish, Other Species

Russia plans to significantly increase the volume of fish and seafood harvested in the Antarctic region, according to recent statements by senior officials of the Russian Federal Agency of Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo) and domestic fishermen.

Ilya Shestakov, head of Rosrybolovstvo, said as part of these plans, particular attention will be paid to the increase of catch of Antarctic krill, along with squid, mackerel, icefish and toothfish. Some Russian fishermen plan to increase their toothfish catch, despite the existing restrictions on its production...

Friday the 13th: Superstitions at Sea

A life of danger and uncertainty has seafarers observing a strict set of rules steeped in myth and superstition.

Many sea going beliefs are based on the Bible, for example, Friday is the worst day to set out to sea.

Most sources credit that to the belief that Christ was crucified on a Friday.

Similarly, Sunday is the best day to begin a voyage, because Christ’s resurrection on that day is seen as a good omen. Thus the old adage, ‘Sunday sail, never fail...’

Gold Seal Celebrating 100 Year Anniversary

Gold Seal, one of the top canned seafood providers, is celebrating its 100^th anniversary. Gold Seal, now under Ocean Brands has become a household name.

Back in 1868, the Canadian Fishing Company began producing Gold Seal. Just over 50 years later, Gold Seal received its trademark. Since then, Gold Seal has become known for its wild salmon products for which the recipe hasn’t changed since it was created a century ago.

 “We are so pleased to be celebrating this incredible milestone and recognizing the success of a true Canadian brand,” Ian Ricketts...

Walmart to Roll Out Grocery Delivery Membership to Over 1400 Stores

Walmarts Grocery Delivery Membership, Delivery Unlimited will expand to 1,400 stores during fall 2019.

The service allows customers to receive unlimited Walmart Grocery Delivery orders, without a delivery fee. The option is still open for those that want a pay-per-delivery service, but the membership expansion will now reach a larger audience.

Customers can pay monthly, at a price point of $12.95 or a yearly fee of $98.

“Grocery Delivery takes convenience to a new level, and our customers love it,” Janey Whiteside chief customer officer...

ANALYSIS: Atlantic Whole Farmed Salmon at 52-Week Lows; Weakness in Market

12-14-pound Atlantic whole farmed salmon FOB Seattle and Los Angeles are currently at 52-week lows with a still barely steady to weak undertone heading into the end of the week. Current pricing for 12-14s are 16.7 percent lower than the three-year average and 15.5 percent lower than the same period last year.

6-7-kilogram Atlantic whole out of Norway also continues to weaken with appears to be applying additional downward pricing pressure to what seems to be a market saturated with...

Clipper Seafoods and Blue North Merger Approved by DOJ, New Company has 37% of Longline Pacific Cod Quota

The Department of Justice has approved the pending merger of Clipper Seafoods and Blue North, following a request for an anti-trust review from the Bristol Bay Native Corp.

Clipper Seafoods operates six vessels, with 20% of the longline Pacific cod quota, and Blue North operates five vessels with 17.5% of the TAC, including F/V Blue North the modern high tech vessel launched in 2016.

Once the merger is complete, Bristol Bay Native Corp will purchase an estimated 75% of the combined company.  This will be the first BBNC venture in seafood.  The company is an investment vehicle with $1.7 billion in revenue.

As the prospect of buying both longline cod companies...

NOAA Disappointed in Maine Lobstermen’s Association Decision to Withdrawal from TRT Agreement

In a message from Assistant Administrator Chris Oliver, NOAA announced their disappointment in the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) due to their decision to back out of an agreement with the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team.

The agreement stated that the MLA would have to commit to regional measures to reduce its risk of right whale injuries and deaths.

NOAA said the MLA presented information to suggest that the reduction target of 60 percent was higher than necessary while highlighting the risk of entanglements posed by other...

UK Retail Giant ASDA to Feature Seafood from Norway

400 ASDA stores across the United Kingdom will begin to stock Norwegian cod and Norwegian haddock with the Seafood from Norway origin branding.

ASDA will have visuals and marketing on display to show-off Norwegian seafood to its customers. The partnership marks the first major retail campaign which targets British consumers with the Seafood from Norway origin mark.

“Together with New England Seafood and ASDA we can communicate the unique qualities of Norwegian cod and haddock to a huge proportion of seafood loving British consumers through this partnership..."

StarKist to Match First $25,000 Donated to Feed the Children to Help Those Impacted by Hurricane

StarKist is partnering with Feed the Children to provide critical disaster response supplies to the many children and families affected by Hurricane Dorian. As part of their commitment, StarKist® is matching the first $25,000 raised in donations through the nonprofit organization to assist in recovery, as well as sponsoring a semi-truck filled with food and supplies that will soon be deployed to the area.

As the first major storm of the season, Hurricane Dorian wreaked havoc in the Bahamas...

Seafood Nutrition Partnership to Honor Five For Going “Above and Beyond”

In its first-ever Honors program, the Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) will honor five individuals who have ”gone above and beyond to support the SNP mission, inspiring a healthier America with exceptional outreach and impact in raising awareness about the essential nutritional benefits of eating seafood,” according to an SNP announcement on the awards.

The inaugural honorees are: Laurel Bryant, NOAA Fisheries; Annessa Chumbley, RDN and TV host; Jack Kilgore, retired President of Rich Products Consumer Brands Division; Judson Reis, Gorton's Seafood; and Detlef Schrempf former NBA All-Star ...

Another ASC Milestone in Japan as Restaurant Chain Offers Certified Seafood

For the first time Japanese diners can enjoy responsibly produced ASC certified seafood in a traditional Japanese restaurant, at six locations operated by Kijima Group Co.

Kijima operates six traditional Japanese restaurants, mostly around Yokohama. In recent years they have increasingly focused on social responsibility, and environmental issues related to the ingredients and materials they use at the restaurants. As part of this, the group decided to provide its customers with responsible options in the form of ASC and MSC certified seafood...

The Atlantic Salmon Fish Farmers Call ASF’s Comments on Escapes “Fearmongering”

Susan Farquharson, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association, challenged statements made last week by the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) about the transparency of reporting farmed salmon escapes.

“Salmon farmers do not want to lose a single fish. Their fish are their livelihood. When escapes do happen, they are largely a result of extreme weather events. Occasionally escapes are due to equipment malfunction or human error when fish are being handled (i.e. harvesting, fish health inspections). Salmon farmers are already transparent about escapes,” Farquharson ...

Chinese Market Welcomes Large Shrimp, but Small Shrimp Also Expected to Sell During Holidays

During late August, shrimp prices have begun to rise in South China. As available statistics show, depending on their sizes, the increase ranges between 0.5 yuan ($0.07 USD) to 2 yuan ($0.28 USD) per jin (1 jin=0.5 kg) compared with prices in mid-August in Zhuhai of Guangdong. And in Beihai of Guangxi, the increase is between 2 yuan ($0.28 USD) to 3 yuan ($0.42 USD) per jin.

In North China, prices...

Pew Report Finds Transshipments in Western and Central Pacific Likely Underreported

With the passage of the Port States Convention that strengthens country’s documentation requirements for offloads, and gives countries legal authority to ban or blacklist vessels suspected of IUU fishing, transshipment at sea has become one of the major avenues by which IUU fish enters international commerce.

Pew has released a study of the Western and Central Pacific that combines new satellite AIS data with machine learning to document the extent of transshipment that is likely occurring.

They found that it was likely to be five times higher than the transshipments that were reported to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. 

The report’s key findings include:

• At least 140 carrier vessels 

NIOSH, USCG Award $5.25 Million for Fishing Industry Research and Training

Commercial fishermen are getting a boost in safety research and training, thanks to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the U.S. Coast Guard. A program operated by both agencies awarded $5.25 million to nine recipients to further fishing safety.

This is the first time funding from the 2019 Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research Cooperative Agreement and Training Project Grant Program was awarded. NIOSH and the USCG said another round of funding will...

Coast Guard Seeks Tips for Threatening Radio Broadcast

The Coast Guard is seeking information regarding a person making threats and hoax calls on marine band radio off the gulf coast of Florida.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center received the latest threat on Aug. 13, 2019 via VHF channel 22A.

In this call, the male caller makes threats against the Coast Guard personnel, aircrafts and vessels. The broadcast sounds like the same person who has made other radio broadcasts that start with MAYDAY three times and then talks about, “scrambling all jets we are under nuclear attack...”

StarKist Ordered to Pay $100 Million Fine for Price-Fixing Scandal

StarKist was sentenced to pay a maximum criminal fine of $100 million for its role in a canned tuna price-fixing conspiracy. The company was also sentenced to a 13-month term of probation.

According to the Wall Street Journal, StarKist CEO Andrew Choe said that the company takes full responsibility and had cooperated with the investigation.

After StarKist’s attorneys tried to lower its criminal fine in June, U.S. District Judge Edward M. Chen found that StarKist had not proven that its financial situation justified a smaller...

Alaska Sockeye Harvest Largest Since 1995, Fishing Winding Down Except for Late Runs

Total Alaska sockeye landings as of September 10 are 55.21 million fish, the largest landings since 1995, when 63.35 million were caught. 

Although Bristol Bay accounts for most of that, the area that brought the total over the top for this year was Kodiak, still fishing for sockeye, late run pinks, and coho. 

Kodiak’s total landings as of Sept. 10 were 2.06 million sockeye, about average for this date; 32.8 million pinks, also about average; and 515,000 chum, slightly below average. So far, 365,000 coho have been ...

VIDEO: Ocean Acidification Research; Russian Seafood Exports; SALT Traceability and Lobster Analysis

Join SeafoodNews Weekly Video hosts Lorin Castiglione and Ryan Doyle as they discuss global ocean acidification research efforts; Russia's long-term seafood export plan; SALT's traceability hub; and the latest lobster analysis.

This episode was brought to you by Maine Lobster. The rocky coast of Maine is home to one of the most iconic and sustainable fisheries in the worlds. With 5,600 independent lobstermen from multi-generational families, the Maine Lobster industry is committed to bringing sustainably harvested lobster from trap to table...

Argentine Red Shrimp Encounter Challenges in Chinese Market

Argentine red shrimp used to be a popular star among foodies in China, but that star may be fading. According to Argentine statistics, there is a reduction in both fishing and export of these shrimp. To be specific, fishing volume has contracted by 7.4% from this January to July compared with same period last year, while exports have dropped by 16.4%.

One comfort is that its total seafood export volume to China, the largest buyer, has been stable, though the value declines to some extent. And some believe that its red shrimp...

Fishmeal: Triple Nine Reportedly Cutting Danish Staff Amid Lower Volumes

Wild American Shrimp Calls for 2019 Chef of the Year Nominations

The American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA) marketing program, Wild American Shrimp, is calling for nominations for the 2019 Chef of the Year award.

Out of 38 advocates who represent the program, one “Admiral of Advocacy” will be named in 2019.

Nominees of the award must meet certain criteria including: displaying how they promoted Wild America Shrimp through social media, television appearances, and other avenues; philanthropic and sustainability efforts; have restaurants that feature multiple shrimp dishes; and one or more culinary excellence awards...

Russia Ready to Double Seafood Exports in Next 4-5 Years

Russia is ready to implement its earlier announced plans and double its revenue from fish and seafood exports during the next 4-5 years, according to recent statements made by senior officials of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and industry analysts.

Total revenue of Russian fish exports is estimated at US$4 billion, however, according to state plans, these figures should reach US$8 billion by 2023.

One of the ways to implement this is to create conditions for a further increase of the volumes of fish...