Editor’s choice: Canada’s salmon farmers blindsided by new rules; NOAA advances US import bans

By EMEA editor Neil Ramsden – a roundup of the main stories from last week.

Shanghai International Fisheries and Seafood Exhibition

Last week, our team reported live from the 19th edition of the Shanghai International Fisheries and Seafood Exhibition in China, one of the key events in the seafood industry calendar. You can explore their extensive coverage here.

Regulatory Surprises in Newfoundland and Labrador

In breaking news, Atlantic salmon farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador expressed frustration upon discovering that new aquaculture regulations had been in effect since August 7. Despite prior consultations regarding the policy framework, industry participants, including Keith Sullivan, executive director of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, were taken aback by the sudden enforcement. Sullivan commented, “Industry participants were aware that new aquaculture regulations were soon to be released… however, they were surprised when informed on Aug. 20 that they were in effect since Aug. 7.”

US NOAA Moves to Ban Imported Seafood

In a significant development south of the Canadian border, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced plans to ban seafood imports from 46 nations unless they comply with the US Marine Mammal Protection Act by 2026. Under the new provisions from the National Marine Fisheries Service, exporting countries must demonstrate that their regulatory programs for marine mammal bycatch mitigation are equivalent in effectiveness to those of the United States.

Opportunities for Chile in Australia’s Market

Chile is eyeing a unique opportunity to penetrate Australia’s tightly regulated seafood market in light of mass salmon deaths in Tasmania this year. A government-backed trade report from ProChile indicated that the loss of around 10,000 metric tons of fish in February and March has heightened supply pressure on Australian domestic producers, who manage over 40% of the market.

Red Lobster’s Brand Revival

Damola Adamolekun, the 36-year-old CEO of the US restaurant chain Red Lobster, is gaining recognition for his efforts to revitalize the brand following its bankruptcy in 2024. His strategic initiatives are aimed at restoring the company’s former glory and appealing to a new generation of seafood lovers.

Legal Proceedings in Russia

Russian authorities have initiated legal actions to seize assets of the Vostok-1 Fishing Collective Farm, alleging illegal foreign control and seeking almost $500 million in damages. This move adds to the ongoing challenges facing the Russian fishing industry.

Norwegian Fishing Vessels Face Threat

In another concerning development, Russia has issued an ultimatum to Norway to lift sanctions against its fishing vessels within one month. Failing to do so may result in the closure of Russian waters to Norwegian boats and other repercussions.

US Court Ruling on Tariffs

Finally, in the United States, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit delivered a ruling that deemed seven out of eleven of President Donald Trump’s seafood industry-damaging tariffs illegal. This decision sets the stage for a potential Supreme Court showdown, as the US seafood industry has reportedly incurred over $444.5 million in tariffs on approximately $7.5 billion worth of imports since the tariffs were enacted on August 7.

For the Rest of Last Week’s Headlines

To stay updated on the other significant stories from last week, explore the links below:

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