January 21, 2024 — Trident Seafoods has terminated its membership in the National Fisheries Institute – the largest seafood industry trade group in the U.S. – and ended its participation in NFI’s Executive Committee.
In a Jan. 17 statement, Trident said the decision was in response to a disagreement with NFI on the latter organization’s desire for the U.S. to import Russia-sourced seafood.
“Trident has been a proud member of NFI since 1978, and the decision to change our membership status is not one we take lightly. Unfortunately, Trident has hit a crossroads with NFI as it relates to two important areas,” Trident said. “NFI did not stay neutral on a significant public policy disagreement within its membership and made no effort to address opposing views clearly and transparently, contrary to well-established rules of the road for trade associations.”
The U.S. seafood industry has been split in its reaction to U.S. President Joe Biden’s effort to ban Russian seafood through two executive orders – the second of which, issued Dec. 22, includes imports of Russia-originated seafood processed in third countries, including China.