Saving Seafood

National Fisheries Institute Applauds the Opening of Expanded Fishing Grounds in the Pacific

June 12, 2026 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

We applaud today’s announcement by President Trump to restore commercial fishing access to nearly half a million square miles in the Pacific Ocean.  Seafood is the healthiest protein on the planet and Americans do not eat enough of it. Removing unnecessary restrictions on American seafood production will lower seafood prices and support American jobs.

NFI has long supported NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service in their effort to balance the responsible management of marine national monuments ecosystems with the engagement of commercial fisheries, including coordination with the regional fishery management councils.

We thank Secretary Lutnick and the Trump Administration for this critical step to improve the health of both Americans and the seafood industry.

Lisa Wallenda Picard
President & CEO

Kura Sushi’s stock climbs after Trump investment

May 21, 2026 — Shares in Irvine, California, U.S.A.-based conveyer belt sushi chain Kura Sushi USA rose more than 6 percent on 18 May, after it was disclosed that U.S. President Donald Trump bought USD 1 million (EUR 861,000) to USD 5 million (EUR 4.3 million) of the company’s stock.

The Trump Organization’s latest quarterly financial disclosures included shares in Amazon, Chipotle, and a number of other companies, along with Kura Sushi, per Bloomberg.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

National Fisheries Institute Applauds House Natural Resources Committee Passage of the FISH Act

April 21, 2026 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

The House Natural Resources Committee’s passage of the Fighting Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act is an important step for a significant bill.

The FISH Act is the definitive statute designed to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. It offers concrete solutions that target bad actors and avoids unnecessary regulatory burdens that cost American seafood companies. Targeting vessels and owners while building upon government-to-government relationships is a strategy that address the challenge at its core.

Thank you to the committee for its work and Representatives Crenshaw, Begich, and Magaziner for introducing the bill. We look forward to working with Congress to see the FISH Act become law.

 

US sushi industry soars to USD 22 billion valuation with little signs of slowing, NFI Sushi Council report finds

April 9, 2026 — The U.S. sushi industry has rapidly grown to become a USD 22 billion (EUR 18.8 billion) industry, according to a new report from the National Fisheries Institute’s (NFI) Sushi Council, which found that its consumption has expanded far beyond traditional sushi restaurants to mainstream casual dining restaurants, retail delis, and other channels.

The report said that sushi has experienced “explosive demand” among U.S. consumers, particularly among Gen Z and millennials who are attracted to sushi’s perceived health benefits, convenience, and global flavor profile. Notably, lower-income Gen Z consumers report higher sushi consumption frequency than higher-income baby boomers, “signaling a broadening and democratization of the category,” NFI said.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

NFI Sushi Council Releases Landmark U.S. Sushi Industry Report

April 3, 2026 — The following was released by NFI Sushi Council:

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council has announced the release of the U.S. Sushi Industry Report, a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive analysis of sushi’s expanding footprint across retail and foodservice channels and the key trends driving its continued growth.

Sushi has experienced explosive demand among U.S. consumers, expanding far beyond traditional sushi restaurants and appearing everywhere from retail delis to mainstream casual dining menus. To quantify these developments, and to fill in needed data gaps presented by new channels, the NFI Sushi Council commissioned the report to measure total market size and better understand the dynamics shaping the category. 

 The report, conducted by market research firm Spheric Research, finds that the U.S. sushi industry is now valued at approximately $22 billion, with $16 billion generated through restaurant sales alone, underscoring sushi’s emergence as a major driver of seafood consumption. 

 Growth is no longer confined to coastal markets. The report highlights that inland states are now among the fastest-growing regions for sushi, driven by increased consumer interest and limited historical availability. Retail expansion has played a critical role with more than 12,500 sushi kiosks across the U.S., the vast majority located in grocery stores. 

 Consumer demand continues to rise, particularly among younger demographics. The report shows that Gen Z and millennials are contributing to increased consumption, attracted to sushi’s perceived health benefits, convenience, and global flavor profile. Notably, lower-income Gen Z consumers report higher sushi consumption frequency than higher-income Baby Boomers, signaling a broadening and democratization of the category. 

 “Sushi’s growth in the U.S. is one of the most compelling stories in seafood today, with strong momentum across both retail and foodservice channels,” said Dick Jones, Executive Director of the NFI Sushi Council. “This report gives our industry the first comprehensive view of the category’s size, its drivers, and—importantly—the significant white space that still exists. From inland markets to non-traditional venues like hospitals and corporate dining, the opportunity for continued expansion is substantial.”

 The NFI Sushi Council is a precompetitive collaboration between sushi stakeholders that acts as a unified voice for the value chain on food safety, economic integrity, and the marketing and promotion of sushi as a driver for seafood consumption.

 “The Sushi Council has quickly grown into THE opportunity for industry to coalesce around innovation and shared standards in the sushi category,” said Michael McNicholas, Founding Chairman of the NFI Sushi Council and CEO of Oddisea SuperFrozen. “The council’s landmark report will continue to evolve annually to further appraise the category and to drive increased value to our members. We welcome additional members from around the world who have an interest in the U.S. sushi market and a commitment to collective impact to join the conversation.”

The U.S. Sushi Industry Report is available to NFI Sushi Council members as a member benefit, and the council welcomes new members. The report is available for non-members to purchase. To learn more, visit the NFI Sushi Council website.

 

National Fisheries Institute Lauds USDA’s Investment in Invasive Species Processing

March 19, 2026 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to invest $2 million in efforts to create new markets for the processing of invasive species in Maryland and Illinois is a terrific example of how holistic strategies can benefit business and support sustainability.

Rep. Andy Harris, from Maryland’s First District, has long understood the synergy between healthy fisheries and an improving economy.  In announcing these grants Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins noted the significant ecological impact of certain species and how investments in processing can steer the market towards solutions.

The seafood industry has long understood that sustainability stands on three legs: economic, environmental and social. This strategy fits those tenets by supporting the market, addressing the on-the-water challenge and creating jobs.

NFI thanks USDA for this important step forward in supporting fishermen and advancing the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Lisa Wallenda Picard
President & CEO

NFI part of new coalition to support USMCA as it reaches first review period

February 6, 2026 — The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is participating in a new coalition that aims to keep the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USCMA) in place as the trade deal approaches its first major joint review in July 2026.

The new coalition, titled the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA, is working to advocate for maintaining the trade agreement – with some targeted adjustments to benefit agricultural industries. NFI is joined on the coalition by several other major agricultural and trade organizations including the Global Cold Chain Alliance, National Corn Growers Association, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation, and more.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Seafood companies, representative orgs praise new Dietary Guidelines for Americans

January 9, 2026 — The U.S. government recently updated its set of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a change that has been largely welcomed by seafood companies and representative groups across the country.

Released on 7 January by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the new 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which advise Americans on healthy eating habits, represent “the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in our nation’s history” and encourage Americans to “eat real food” by calling for a push away from processed foods “laden with refined carbohydrates, added sugars, excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives.”

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

National Fisheries Institute Welcomes Release of 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

January 7, 2025  — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

Today, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) welcomes the release of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which emphasize the importance of eating more seafood.  Seafood is a whole-food source of both key nutrients the new Guidelines encourage Americans to prioritize, protein and healthy fats, specifically omega-3s.

NFI supports the Guidelines’ user-friendly format, which aims to deliver concise messaging that can help Americans understand the benefits of eating a seafood-rich diet.  The new Guidelines recommend early introduction of seafood at six months and ongoing consumption across the lifespan.  Seafood is especially important during rapid growth periods like adolescence, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. 

Seafood naturally fits within the simple, overarching message of the Guidelines, “Eat Real Food.”  All forms of whole seafood—including fresh, frozen, and canned—count and work together to make a healthy diet affordable and accessible to American families.  While the full range of seafood offerings is too long for health policy makers to list, the new food pyramid graphic features a variety of options including salmon, shrimp, and canned tuna. NFI looks forward to helping Americans put the Guidelines into practice and enjoy the health benefits of all types of seafood in their daily diets.

Commercial fishing groups welcome new USDA seafood liaison position

November 18, 2025 — Commercial fishing groups are praising U.S. lawmakers for establishing a new seafood liaison position within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – a long-held goal for the industry. 

“American seafood is a heart-healthy protein, and our fisheries are managed for sustainable harvest. Support from USDA will provide well-deserved support to U.S. fishermen to ensure Americans have ready and continued access to domestic and locally harvested seafood,” Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association Executive Director Linda Behnken said in a release.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource