Catch the Current: Alaska Pollock Take Center Stage

In this week’s episode of Catch the Current, hosts Amanda Buckle and Lorin Castiglione dive into an eye-popping development: the US Department of Agriculture’s announcement to purchase a staggering $100 million worth of Alaska pollock products. When combined with previous records, this bold investment is sure to leave listeners amazed.

<h2>Record-Setting USDA Investment</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">This unprecedented commitment to Alaska pollock represents a significant investment into the seafood sector, underscoring the USDA's reliance on previously collected tariffs to fund such initiatives. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed that this $100 million allocation is part of a broader plan, which includes a total of $230 million for fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables aimed at supporting food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the nation.</span></p>

<p>Remarkably, of this $230 million allocation, $120 million goes to seafood, with Alaska pollock taking the largest share. In stark contrast to fiscal year 2019, which previously held the record for USDA purchases of Alaska pollock at $76.3 million, 2025 is shaping up to redefine expectations.</p>

<h2>Salmon Season Updates</h2>
<p>In addition to Alaska pollock discussions, <em>Undercurrent News</em> reporter Jacob Resneck joins the podcast to provide insights on Alaska's salmon season. As the season reaches its halfway point, more than 106 million fish have been caught, with the wild sockeye salmon being a standout success, particularly in the Bristol Bay region where harvests showed a remarkable uptick of 29% compared to last year.</p>

<h2>Addressing Maritime Law Enforcement</h2>
<p>Following Resneck's recent visit to the Coast Guard base in Alameda, California, he shares insights on the US maritime law enforcement scenario in the Bering Sea, which is increasingly monitored due to the presence of Russian and Chinese vessels. The US Coast Guard is continually working to uphold regulations in federal waters, ensuring compliance from the domestic fishing fleet and keeping an eye on foreign activities.</p>

<h2>Tariff News Still Dominates</h2>
<p>Amidst the exciting seafood developments, U.S. President Donald Trump is once again making waves in the seafood market with changes to import tariffs. Recently announced increases on Indian shrimp imports have raised concerns, especially given that India supplies roughly 40% of frozen shrimp to the U.S. market. This move ties into the broader economic landscape influenced by ongoing international conflicts.</p>

<h2>Revisiting the Exciting World of Seafood</h2>
<p>With ongoing discussions about tariffs and investments, there's an air of optimism regarding the seafood market's future. The overall demand for wild salmon and other seafood products is expected to remain strong as the logistics and pricing continue to evolve.</p>

<h2>Wrap Up and Episode Resources</h2>
<p>For more in-depth insights, stay tuned to <em>Catch the Current</em> available on platforms like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UCNCatchtheCurrent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4osBRgZYetMvbo5kEGoE3P">Spotify</a>, and more. Don't miss the chance to listen to Season 1, Episode 29 for a full transcript of the engaging discussions about Alaska pollock, salmon, and the ever-changing landscape of the seafood industry.</p>

<p>Special thanks to our sponsor, <a href="https://www.wisefish.com/catch-the-current" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wisefish</a>, for supporting this informative episode.</p>