Wednesday, December 10, 2025
- admin04655
- Dec 10, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Alaska
Alaska seeks more federal financial relief for Bering Sea snow crab fishery
SeafoodSource News by Nathan Strout - December 9, 2025
The U.S. state of Alaska has asked the U.S. Department of Commerce to issue a fishery disaster determination for the 2024/2025 Bering Sea snow crab season, which despite reopening after two years of closure, remains well below recent averages in terms of both harvest and revenue.
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Bristol Bay shows up in full force at the 2025 Pacific Marine Expo
KDLG by Margaret Sutherland - December 9, 2025
Fishermen, seafood processors, small-business owners and others from across the country gathered in Seattle last month (Nov. 19) for this year’s Pacific Marine Expo.
West Coast
Chinook Salmon denied consideration to be labeled endangered species
KCBY by Dan Kelly - December 8, 2025
For the second time in seven years the National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have determined that Chinook Salmon do not meet the requirements to warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act.
National
Local Fishmongers Brace for the December Seafood Rush
The Courier-Times by Bella Bucchiotti - December 10, 2025
The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in the United States will increase 3.7% to 4.2%, or up to $1.2 trillion, in November through December. The portion of that spending going to fish and seafood purchases is unknown, but experts predict sales will remain high.
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US bill would authorize disaster funding for commercial fishers hurt by foreign subsidies
SeafoodSource News by Nathan Strout - December 8, 2025
U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced legislation that would allow fishery disaster funding to be awarded to commercial fisheries hurt by foreign subsidies, predatory pricing, and illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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Senate Passes Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to Combat Marine Debris and Boost Water Infrastructure
Expana by Natasha Estremera - December 10, 2025
US Senators Dan Sullivan and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Representatives Buddy Carter and Suzanne Bonamici, celebrated the Senate's unanimous approval of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Marine Debris Infrastructure Programs Reauthorization Act (S. 3022).
This act will renew key EPA programs aimed at fighting ocean trash and microplastics. These programs were initially authorized by the 2020 Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, which marked a significant step by Congress to tackle marine debris. Representatives Carter and Bonamici have also introduced similar legislation in the House.
"Clean water and a healthy ocean support every family in the country and every sector of the economy," said Representative Bonamici. "Extending these successful EPA programs will strengthen the recycling and water systems that stop plastic at its source and support projects that clear debris that damages our shores. These tools work. They deliver cleaner recycling operations, safer drinking water systems, stronger wastewater treatment, and faster trash removal. I’m glad that the Senate advanced our bipartisan bill and look forward to its swift passage in the House to keep families and the environment healthy."
"Alaska has more coastline than the Lower 48 states combined, which means our state feels a disproportionate impact of the global marine debris crisis," said Senator Sullivan. "These programs, last authorized by our Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, have helped our coastal communities clean up the debris that washes up onto our vast shoreline, provided access to clean drinking water, and supported the health and livelihoods of Alaskans, including our fishermen. I want to thank all my Senate colleagues for working to protect our coastal communities, ecosystems and economies, and I urge my House colleagues to join us in renewing these critically important programs before the end of the year."
"In the first round of grants from one of our Save Our Seas 2.0 programs, every eligible state and territory requested funding," said Ranking Member Whitehouse. "It is a clear demonstration of the enormous demand from both red states and blue states to address dangerous plastic pollution, and I’m pleased that the Senate has come together to reauthorize these programs. Together, we can protect our clean water and tackle the scourge of plastic waste washing up on shores from coast to coast."
"From East to West, all Americans deserve access to clean water. Protecting our oceans, rivers, lakes, and drinking water is not a partisan issue. Reauthorizing these programs will keep trash out of U.S. waters, keep plastic out of our drinking water, and improve water systems across America. This is a must-pass bill that will make our citizens safer and help our environment thrive," said Representative Carter.The legislation also reauthorizes programs like the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants, which help with recycling and waste management.
Under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $275 million was allocated to these grants from 2022 to 2026, with Alaska communities and tribes having already received $24 million in grants.
Moreover, the Recycling Partnership notes that recycling generates $65.23 in wages per ton of materials. They estimate that enhancing residential recycling could save taxpayers $9.4 billion in landfill fees over five years. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes the Trash Free Waters and the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Programs, which aim to address marine debris and improve water infrastructure.
International
Japanese surimi sector warns of renewed cost strain as 2026 A season hikes loom
Japan’s finished surimi product makers are appealing for understanding from retailers and consumers as rising costs outpace internal savings and Alaskan pollock surimi prices look set to climb again in the 2026 A season
Undercurrent by Masahiko Takeuchi - December 8, 2025
Japan's surimi sector has appealed again for understanding from retailers and consumers as raw material, labor, packaging and energy costs continue to rise, with the national industry association now warning that Alaskan pollock surimi prices are already...
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US Seafood Industry Calls to Protect USMCA Duty-Free Trade Framework
Expana by Ryan Doyle - December 9, 2025
The National Fisheries Institute (NFI)’s Director of Public Policy, Morgan Bell, delivered testimony before the US International Trade Commission this week, underscoring the essential role of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) in supporting a thriving North American seafood trade.
Speaking on behalf of the entire commercial seafood value chain — from harvesters and processors to distributors and retailers — Bell highlighted the remarkable growth in seafood exports under the USMCA since its 2019 implementation. American seafood exports to Mexico have surged 65%, while exports to Canada have increased 17%, reflecting the strength of duty-free trade access in the region.
“Tri-national seafood trade has thrived, benefiting US seafood suppliers, their employees, and the millions of consumers they serve,” Bell said. She emphasized that Canada remains the largest market for US seafood exports, purchasing roughly one-fifth of US seafood sold abroad, and spotlighted the unique cross-border partnerships in lobster, snow crab, salmon, sea scallops, and whitefish.
Bell warned against any attempts to impose new tariffs or reopen market access negotiations, which could destabilize an efficient and resilient supply chain and invite retaliatory measures, recalling losses from China’s past trade actions.
Duty-free access keeps supply chains efficient, supports American harvesting and processing jobs, and helps maintain affordable prices for US consumers,” Bell said. “Our industry cannot afford another disruption from dependable trading partners.”
The testimony also advocated preserving the trilateral structure of USMCA, which promotes regulatory harmony, predictable market conditions, and stronger negotiating leverage for the US.
"Weakening or radically altering the USMCA would jeopardize American jobs, undermine coastal economies, and destabilize a supply chain that is indispensable to the competitiveness of our industry," Bell added.
She also referenced President Trump’s April 2025 Executive Order aimed at strengthening the US seafood industry, framing USMCA’s continued vigor as a direct step towards fulfilling that goal.
Record Prices, Record Imports, Record Shifts — 2025 Crab Trade Turns Upside Down
SeafoodNews, Les Hodges Consulting by Les Hodges with Hiroshi Onuma - December 9, 2025
The holiday period remains the most active stretch of the year for global king and snow crab, and this season is no different.
‘A lot of our members are really worried’: New EU regulation spooks importers
It is a month until a new EU regulation on digital traceability kicks in. Trade association Seafood Europe predicts chaos.
Intrafish by Jostein Matre - December 9, 2025
From Jan. 10, a new EU regulation requiring full end-to-end digital traceability for all seafood products entering the trading bloc will be implemented.
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Russia Eyes 3–4% Pollock Catch Increase in Major 2026 Sea of Okhotsk Season
SeafoodNews by Eugene Gerden - December 10, 2025
Russia is optimistic about the forthcoming pollock fishing season in the Sea of Okhotsk, set to begin next month.
Alexey Buglak, president of the Russian Pollock Association, said at a recent Far Eastern Scientific and Commercial Council meeting that Russian fishermen plan to increase pollock catch by 3–4%, targeting 870,000–880,000 tons during the primary fishing season.
The largest fishing season in Russia—the Sea of Okhotsk pollock run—starts January 1, 2026. Season "A" will last 100 days, ending April 10.
“According to our estimates, the catch by the end of the run will be 870,000–880,000 tons of pollock, 3–4% higher than 2025. Including other areas, the catch in the first 100 days will exceed 1 million tons. Daily catches during peak periods will surpass 11,000–12,000 tons, with maximum weekly catches reaching up to 70,000 tons,” Buglak said.
He added that the outlook for the upcoming season is positive, as key factors influencing commercial fish stocks are expected to be favorable. Buglak emphasized that Russia is the world’s largest pollock catcher. By early December, Russia’s pollock catch had surpassed 2 million tons, accounting for about 47% of the country’s total catch.
To boost domestic demand and fish consumption, ADM launched Russia’s first pollock promotion program in 2023—“Far Eastern Pollock.”
Environment/Science
NOAA awards over $26.4 M for marine debris removal
National Fisherman by Margaret Bauman - December 9, 2025
Thirteen new projects have been funded for over $26.4 million under the NOAA Marine Debris Program, with a focus on abandoned and derelict vessels and fishing gear, and the use of proven debris interception technologies.
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Federal Register
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Oregon Coast and Southern Oregon and Northern California Coastal Chinook Salmon Evolutionarily Significant Units Under the Endangered Species Act
A Rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 12/09/2025
We, NMFS, have completed a comprehensive status review of the Oregon Coast (OC) and Southern Oregon and Northern California Coastal (SONCC) Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) in response to a petition to list these species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to designate critical habitat concurrently with the listings.
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