Wednesday, March 11, 2026
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Alaska
Southwest Alaska is home to four of the nation’s top fishing ports
Kodiak Daily Mirror by Terry Haines - March 10, 2026
The Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference held its yearly Economic Summit last week. This confusingly named organization is all about economic development in Alaska’s Southwest Region, which includes Kodiak, Bristol Bay and the Aleutians.
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More earthquakes than usual rattle the western Aleutians
KUCB by Sofia Stuart-Rasi - March 10, 2026
The western Aleutians have seen higher than average seismic activity since March 2, according to the Alaska Earthquake Center.
West Coast
Oregon welcomes USD 1 million in federal funds for fish passage restoration at McKay Dam Reservoir
SeafoodSource by Nathan Strout - March 9, 2026
The state of Oregon welcomed USD 1 million (EUR 860,000) for fish passage restoration at McKay Dam Reservoir, which officials say will help reconnect more than 100 miles of historic salmon and steelhead habitat.
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National
US Customs proposes tariff refund approach that would take 45 days
'[US Customs and Border Patrol] is making all possible efforts to have this new ACE functionality ready for use in 45 days. This new process will require minimal submission from importers' -- Brandon Lord, CBP's Trade Programs Directorate and Office
Undercurrent News by Jason Huffman - March 9, 2026
US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) on Friday (March 6) filed with the US Court of International Trade (USCIT) a proposal for handling tariff refunds that suggests US seafood importers will have to wait only 45 days to get reimbursed after the federal agency gets started.
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Environment/Science
Study: Southern Alaska orca diet shifts across foraging hotspots
National Fisherman by Margaret Bauman - March 10, 2026
Killer whales in Alaska's Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords have a diverse, seasonally changing diet of salmon and groundfish, consumed across regional foraging hotspots, a new study shows.
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NASA joins SCEMFIS advisory board, bringing satellite data to fisheries research
National Fisherman by NF Staff - March 10, 2026
The Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) has announced that researchers from NASA’s Earth Science Division have joined the center’s Industry Advisory Board, a move aimed at expanding the use of satellite-based ocean data in fisheries science.
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Labeling and Marketing
Seaweed Market to Nearly Double by 2033, Driven by Food Demand
SeafoodNews by Peggy Parker - March 10, 2026
A new report pegs the current global seaweed market value at US$10.3 billion in 2026 and projects growth by 2033 to US$19.7 billion. The 91% increase will be driven by consumer demand and the rising use of seaweed products in food, cosmetics, and sustainable bioproducts.
Seaweed has long been used in traditional Asian cuisines and pharmaceuticals, but its global demand is expanding rapidly, the report says, due to rising interest in sustainable food sources, plant-based nutrition, and bio-based industrial materials.
Seaweed is high in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It produces hydrocolloids such as agar, carrageenan, and alginate that has been recognized as significantly important to industrial manufacturing.
Seaweed cultivation requires minimal freshwater, fertilizers, or land resources, making it an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional agricultural crops. Governments and environmental organizations are increasingly supporting seaweed farming as a solution for climate change mitigation and marine ecosystem restoration.
The expanding use of seaweed in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofertilizers is also strengthening market demand. Seaweed extracts are commonly used in skincare formulations due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while agricultural industries utilize seaweed-based fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity.
Regionally, the global seaweed market is dominated by Asia Pacific, followed by North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share of the global seaweed market.
China remains the largest producer of seaweed globally, supported by extensive aquaculture infrastructure and government initiatives aimed at expanding marine farming. Japan and South Korea also maintain significant seaweed industries with strong export capabilities.
North America is witnessing increasing demand for seaweed products, particularly in the food and nutraceutical sectors. Europe is another emerging market for seaweed-based products where consumers show growing interest in sustainable food systems and alternative marine resources. European governments are also investing in seaweed farming initiatives to support bioeconomy development.
Modern seaweed processing facilities are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven analytics to monitor cultivation conditions, optimize harvesting cycles, and improve yield efficiency. These technologies allow farmers to track water quality, nutrient levels, and environmental conditions in real time.
The adoption of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled aquaculture systems is also enhancing seaweed farming operations. IoT sensors and automated monitoring systems help improve crop management and reduce production risks associated with environmental fluctuations.
Seaweed also has an expanding role in supporting the global bioeconomy. Seaweed-derived ingredients are being used in biodegradable packaging materials, renewable biofuels, and eco-friendly fertilizers, contributing to circular economy initiatives.
Growing investments in marine biotechnology and large-scale aquaculture infrastructure along with technological advancements in seaweed cultivation, harvesting, and processing are expected to drive further expansion of the market.
Federal Register
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; 2026 and 2027 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
A Rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 03/11/2026
NMFS announces final 2026 and 2027 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; 2026 and 2027 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
A Rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 03/10/2026
NMFS announces the final 2026 and 2027 harvest specifications, apportionments, and prohibited species catch (PSC) allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI).
FYI’s
Fishing vessel drill conductor course set for Valdez
The Cordova Times by staff -March 10, 2026
A fishing vessel drill instructor course will be offered in Valdez on March 29 by the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA).
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