Urner Barry Launches Expanded Shrimp Market Coverage in Europe

Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, is excited to announce an expansion in its coverage of shrimp trading within the European market.

Adding to the existing European coverage of  Coldwater (Pandalus Borealis) and Red Argentine (Pleoticus Muelleri) shrimp, Urner Barry has expanded coverage to include Vannamei (White) shrimp coming into Europe with a key focus on value added imports from both South Asia and South East Asia as well as whole and headless items from Latin America. In addition, Urner Barry has also added Penaeus Monodon (Black Tiger shrimp) to the European shrimp complex.

Leading this initiative is Market Analyst Michael Nesbitt, who recently reported that shrimp trading is...

ANALYSIS: May Shrimp Imports Decline 29.4 Percent

May shrimp imports were released today and in-line with expectations of the first year-over-year decline. That data showed May imports at 83.357 million pounds, 29.4 percent below May 2019. This was near the forecast by Urner Barry Consulting in early June. 

Of our top five trade partners, a change of leadership was seen with gains only from Indonesia (+10.5%), pushing this country to the number one spot. Less shrimp was shipped from India (-57.8%), Ecuador (-25.2%), Vietnam (-8.7%), and...

Alaska’s Daily Rate of COVID Cases Up Sharply, Seafood Cases Now 10% of all Cases

In the last week, the daily count of coronavirus cases has nearly doubled with a record-breaking 45 new cases last Monday and 42 on Tuesday. As of midnight Tuesday, a total 436 resident cases were considered active. 

In the 198 non-resident cases, 126 are related to the seafood industry. Because testing is part of an approved protocol during the 2020 fishing season, a high percentage of those who tested positive have no symptoms. Those cases still follow the quarantine requirements but without the...

Massachusetts Releases Update On Allocation of $28 Million Received From CARES Act 

In early May, over a month after the CARES Act was passed, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the allocation of $300 million in fisheries assistance funding. Of that $300 million, Massachusetts received the third largest amount of funding: $28,004,176. Now, the state is working on setting up the application process to disperse those funds.

The Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) released an update Thursday morning to provide industry participants with the latest information regarding the dispersal process...

Update: Bristol Bay Run Still Building, Ocean Temperatures Close to Normal, Patches Higher

As of yesterday, Bristol Bay’s total catch of salmon was 2.6 milion salmon, including 2.5 million sockeye. Escapement into all five river systems is at 1.3 million, with observers noting that the 4 milion mark in the run is expected in the next 24 hours. 

The Port Moller Test Fishery’s latest stock compilation summary is expected later today. Indices for catching stations on the PMTF’s grid have seen higher values in recent days. 

The vessels have been hampered by extreme weather, but co-manager Scott Raborn says ...

Seven Lessons Foodservice Can Learn from a Pandemic 

As states begin to reopen, restaurants are adapting to a new normal to welcome diners back. These adaptions include providing outdoor seating, incorporating stricter sanitary procedures, and paperless menus. According to a recent report by Datassential, there are seven lessons foodservice operators can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic that will benefit their business going forward. 

The first lesson is goodbye fear, hello caution. As more places begin to ease coronavirus restrictions, consumers are feeling more comfortable returning to public spaces if certain safety measures are met. After restrictions are lifted, about 63% of those surveyed feel safe eating at a restaurant with outdoor dining. Around 54% feel safe returning to a convenience store, and the same percentage feel comfortable with...

Massachusetts Delegation Calls for State’s Lobster Industry to be Part of Potential Tariff Relief

Massachusetts politicians are looking to get the state’s lobster industry included in potential financial assistance for its losses during the U.S.-China trade war.

A delegation led by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06), and William R. Keating (MA-09), wrote the Trump administration asking that the Massachusetts lobster industry be a part of any trade relief assistance that may be distributed in response to China’s retaliatory tariffs...

SeafoodNews Not Publishing on Friday, July 3

SeafoodNews will not be publishing on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. We will return to our normal publishing schedule on Monday, July 6.

In the meantime, catch up on our recent major news stories by checking our Featured Stories page.

From all of us here at SeafoodNews, we wish you a safe and happy holiday! 

All Seafood Products in Pair of Albertsons Product Lines to Get Sustainability Logos on Packaging

Albertsons Companies announced that all seafood in its waterfront BISTRO and Open Nature lines of Own Brands products will display the Responsible Choice logo created for sustainable sourcing.

The logo signifies that the product meets the company’s Responsible Choice Logo standards, which means the caught or farmed seafood “in ways that safeguard future supplies and help keep ecosystems thriving. The logo also signifies that sourcing is third-party audited to ensure the highest standards...

Conagra Brands Partners with MSC to Boost Sustainable Seafood in U.S.

Conagra Brands announced a partnership with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to bring more sustainably sourced seafood options to the American consumer.

Starting this summer, Conagra Brands' Van de Kamp's and Mrs. Paul's frozen fish fillets and fish sticks will bear the MSC blue fish label, meaning that the wild-caught products are now third-part certified for sustainability.

Along with the partnership with Conagra, the MSC is attempting to boost consumption of sustainable seafood through its 'Little Blue Label, Big Blue Future' (#bigbluefuture) campaign...

NOAA Changes Course, Observer Redeployment Delayed Through July 31

NOAA Fisheries announced the redeployment of observers will be delayed through July 31, 2020 less than 24 hours before at-sea monitors were set to be aboard vessels in the Greater Atlantic Region.

Over the past four weeks, fishery councils, stakeholders and politicians have spoken out against the return of fishery observers, citing concerns regarding the health and safety of captains, crews and observers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Although NOAA Fisheries had announced plans to resume observer deployments on July 1, we recognize the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve..."

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced Today Authorizes $3 Billion for Coastal Communities

Alaska Congressman Don Young and Florida Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell introduced the bipartisan Shovel-Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act of 2020 today in the U.S. House. 

The legislation authorizes $3 billion for resilience projects to help bring back jobs lost by COVID-19 and strengthen infrastructure of coastal communities.

"Alaskans know how important the ocean is to our fishing industry and our broader economy," said Young. "Removing marine debris, bolstering ecological infrastructure, and increasing coastal resiliency will be critical to protecting our coastal communities ...

NOAA: Vessel Collision Led to First U.S. North Atlantic Right Whale Death of 2020

NOAA Fisheries released its preliminary findings of the necropsy performed on a North Atlantic right whale calf which was spotted floating off the coast of New Jersey last week.

The necropsy revealed evidence of at least a pair of vessel collisions. The first wounds indicated a collision that happened several weeks before the whale’s death. However, a more recent vessel collision was found to be the likely cause of death as it happened shortly before the calf died...

JAPAN: Fresh Squid Landings in January-May Lowest in Recent Years, but Shows Sign of Improvement

The Japan Fisheries Information Service Center (JAFIC) compiled the total amount of fresh squid landed in Japan from January to May. According to JAFIC, the total amount landed was 2930 tons, down 2% from the same period of the previous year. In addition, it was only over 80% of the 6-year average (3,500 tons), which is the lowest level in recent years of poor fishing, reported Minato Shimbun.

In Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, small squid fishing landed 842 tons in May...

Seafood Show Tokyo to go on September 30-October 2

The secretariat of the Japan International Seafood and Technology Expo decided to hold in the direction of 3 days from September 30 to October 2. However, unlike the usual years, the 22nd edition of the show will seek to hold it with priority on taking proper measures against infectious coronavirus. Depending on future developments, the possibility of cancellation will not be ruled out.

Under the circumstances, the show will not recruit exhibitors from overseas in consideration of the current situation. The show organizer will accommodate overseas exhibitors who have...

Zoetis Purchases Fish Vet Group, Boost Fish Farm Diagnostic Offerings

Animal health company Zoetis acquired Fish Vet Group from Benchmark Holdings, PLC in a move to boost its Pharmaq business which develops and commercializes fish vaccines and services in vaccinations and diagnostics for aquaculture.

The acquisition will grow Zoetis’ geographic reach and boost the company’s diagnostic and testing services, including environmental testing that Pharmaq’s reference lab can now offer fish farmers in key aquaculture markets.

“Raising healthy fish to meet the demands of our growing global population while respecting the environment is critical for a healthier, more sustainable future,” said Rob Kelly, Executive Vice President and President of International Operations, for Zoetis...

F3 Fish-Free Feed Competition Registration Extended; Prize Money Doubled 

The organizers of the F3 Fish-Free Feed Competition are extending the  registration deadline due to the coronavirus. And that’s not all. The third year of the challenge - which is being called the “Carnivore Edition” - is also doubling the prize money in each category.

“Due to the fast-changing situation with COVID-19, the F3 Team has made the decision to extend the registration period for the F3 Challenge - Carnivore Edition,” an update on the F3 website reads. “Companies may continue to register until a new deadline is announced...

Landings Report: AK Salmon Season Lags Behind Recent Years, Keta Harvest Picking Up

Overall, Alaska’s salmon season continues to lag behind previous years, reports economist Garrett Evridge in his weekly report produced by the McDowell Group for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.  Nearly six million salmon -- 5.8 million -- have been landed to date compared to nearly 14 million fish landed at the same point in 2018.

With current data through Sunday, June 28, YTD sockeye landings are more than 70% lower than 2019 and the 5-year average. Bristol Bay landings have been slow with production down about 80% from ...

NYC Pulls Back on Indoor Dining as U.S. Sees Biggest One-Day COVID-19 Spike Since Start of Pandemic

New York City is not taking any chances when it comes to the coronavirus. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday that indoor dining will no longer move ahead as scheduled.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been reopening the state by regions. New York City, which was one of the regions hit the hardest by the coronavirus, was expected to enter Phase 3 of reopening on Monday, July 6. Phase 3 was supposed to include indoor dining at no more...

Japan: May Seafood Exports Increased by 3% to 630,000 Tons; Frozen Scallops, Albacore Perform Well

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, exports of marine products in May increased by 3% year-on-year to 63,450 tons and decreased by 2% to 17.2 billion yen ($159.9 million). On a monetary basis, the rate of decrease was double-digit from January of this year, with a 22% decrease in March and a 35% decrease in April, but it recovered in this month. Among the leading products, frozen scallops exceeded the same month last year in volume and...

RODA Challenges Coast Guard Study Related to Offshore Wind

The Responsible Offshore Wind Development Alliance (RODA) called for the U.S. Coast Guard to revise its Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Access Route Study (MARIPARS), claiming the study contains serious errors.

RODA filed a formal Request for Correction under the Information Quality Act in order to improve the objectivity and utility of the disseminated information.

MARIPARS examined current waterway uses in areas off of Massachusetts and Rhode Island which are potential offshore wind energy sites. RODA cited “serious foundational and analytical errors that merit correction” in the study...

Norpac Fisheries Export Recalls Shrimp Poke Due to Listeria Monocytogenes

Norpac Fisheries Export recalled all of its fresh Garlic Shrimp Poke distributed in the Hawaiian Island between May 11, 2020 and June 25, 2020 because it had the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The product was distributed in Hawaii on The Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai through its retail customers, specifically Safeway Stores.

According to a release from the company posted on the FDA website, the shrimp poke is distributed as "pre-mixed in plastic pouches and go to service counters and then...

Torchy’s Tacos Introduces New Prawn Taco For July’s Taco of the Month

Popular taco chain Torchy’s Tacos is starting the month with a brand new taco: The Prawn Star.

The Prawn Star is Torchy’s “July Taco of the Month” and features coconut lime shrimp ceviche with fresh mango, avocado and cilantro on a crispy tandem tortilla. It’s a new edition to their menu, and debuting for just $5.50 all month long.

“We’re excited to reveal a never-before-seen Taco of the Month that’s perfect for hot summer days,” said Mike Rypka, founder of Torchy’s Tacos...

City Water Woes Worsen Industry Upheaval in Newport, Ore.

A pair of summer crises has taken the "working" out of Newport's working waterfront.

Newport, Ore., takes pride in its waterfront street that, on one side, is lined with processors and docks and, on the other, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. First, a COVID-19 outbreak hit the harbor town and interrupted the usually busy waterfront during the start of coldwater pink shrimp and Pacific whiting seasons.

But at the same time, another crisis was unfolding: iron particles clogging city water filters. City staff noticed the problem in May ...

More Food Delivery Consolidation? Uber in Talks to Buy Postmates

Another major acquisition in the food delivery world could potentially be in the works. Uber is reportedly in talks to buy Postmates after their deal with Grubhub fell apart a few weeks ago.

While Uber and Postmates have declined to comment, The New York Times reported on Monday that Uber made an offer to acquire Postmates for about $2.6 billion. However, their offer comes at the same time that Postmates has reportedly decided to revive their plan for an initial public offering. Postmates, which is considered the fourth largest...

Vietnam Runs into Trouble Again in Basa Exports to China

Under the influence of coronavirus, Vietnam has taken a hit in exporting seafood such as basa this year. In April with the country gradually recovering from the epidemic, it has seen some rebound in basa exports to neighboring China, one main buyer. In that month, its exports reached 1,131 containers, while this May has witnessed the volume increase by 147 containers to 1,139 containers, compared with the same period last year.

However, in June the rising trend was disrupted by coronavirus found on a chopping board used by...

Pair of U.S. Squid Fisheries Obtain MSC Certification

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) announced longfin squid (loligo) and Northern shortfin squid caught by Seafreeze Limited and Sea Fresh USA off the east coast has achieved MSC certification.

The MSC said the certification puts the US as a global leader of certified squid production as the only two MSC-certified fisheries operate in U.S. Atlantic waters.

“The U.S. being a leader in certified sustainable squid is a testament to the hard work by the fishermen and shows important leadership by the companies,” said Brian Perkins, regional director for the Americas at...

U Maryland’s Wilberg Wins President’s Science Award for Oyster Management Work

Citing the importance of not only understanding the science behind fisheries management, but being able to express it to layman, University of Maryland’s President Peter Goodwin named Professor Michael Wilberg the latest recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Application of Science.

The prestigious award recognized Wilberg’s “ongoing and impactful efforts on the science and outstanding communication of oyster management with stakeholders, partners, and policymakers.”

A professor in fisheries science at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Southern Maryland, Wilberg works on ...

Atlantic Capes Fisheries Donates 10,000 Pounds of Fresh Seafood to South Coast Food Banks

Atlantic Capes Fisheries has partnered with local food banks in Fall River and New Bedford, Massachusetts, to donate 10,000 pounds of fresh seafood.

“It’s important for us, as part of the South Coast community, to support members of our community who are in need,” said Jeff Bolton, CEO of Atlantic Capes Fisheries. “We hope that this donation of fresh seafood will provide some relief to those experiencing food insecurity during this difficult time.”

Over the past few weeks...

FeedKind Aquafeed Project's First Commercial-Scale Plant to be Built in Chongqing