Saving Seafood

NFI Becomes the National Seafood Association

September 14, 2026 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

After more than eight decades of serving the U.S. seafood industry, the National Fisheries Institute is now the National Seafood Association. The mission of the association remains to advocate for all aspects of the seafood industry: harvesters, producers, importers, exporters, distributors and suppliers, all who play a role in bringing safe and sustainable seafood to U.S. consumers.

“National Seafood Association is a name that aligns with who we are today,” said Justin Conrad, Chair of the National Seafood Association and President and CEO of Bay Hill Seafood. “Our new name honors our legacy while positioning us for the decades ahead.

“This change stemmed from the association’s strategic plan and the seafood industry’s critical role in feeding U.S. consumers,” said Conrad.

The new identity follows more than a year of research and engagement led by the organization’s Executive Committee and a rebranding subcommittee. The process included stakeholder engagement, member listening sessions, brand research and extensive evaluation of potential names before arriving at National Seafood Association.

“For more than 80 years, we’ve brought together businesses across the seafood value chain to advance science-based policy, educate consumers and policymakers, and champion seafood as the healthiest, most sustainable animal protein available,” said Lisa Wallenda Picard, President and CEO of the National Seafood Association. “The National Seafood Association builds on that and where the seafood industry sees itself going forward.”

The organization’s new logo features a contemporary compass mark, symbolizing leadership, collaboration and the industry’s shared direction, alongside flowing water that represents seafood’s journey from source to table. The accompanying tagline — Science, Education & Advocacy since 1945 — underscores the organization’s longstanding mission.

“It was important for the rebranding to honor the legacy of the association while capturing the vibrant industry we are today,” said Michelle Faist, Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations at StarKist Co. and a member of the Rebranding Subcommittee. “Members were fully engaged in the process and made it clear how passionately they feel about their association. The result is a new name that resonates deeply with our companies.”

The announcement coincides with the National Seafood Association Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where members from throughout the seafood supply chain are gathering to help shape the industry’s future.

The National Seafood Association will begin rolling out its new identity across communications, programs and digital platforms during this week’s events, including a celebratory reception on Sept. 16 for members and invited guests on Capitol Hill.

For more information and the branding kit, visit aboutseafood.com.

NFI rebranding to National Seafood Association

September 9, 2026 — The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is planning a rebrand, which will involve changing its name to the National Seafood Association – a first since the organization’s founding,

NFI was founded in 1945, and for over 80 years has been advocating for the U.S. seafood industry. Throughout that time period, the organization’s areas of focus have gradually expanded from just U.S. fisheries to the wider supply chain, including things like aquaculture and processing.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

National Fisheries Institute Statement on the Announcement of NOAA Fisheries Priorities

September 2, 2026 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

Today’s announcement illustrates a commitment by NOAA Fisheries to reduce regulatory burdens on the industry and better support the whole seafood community. Whether it’s the men and women who work the water or the producers, processors and distributors who supply seafood to American families, there are more than a million jobs at stake.

Calls for modernization and a return to a true risk-based regulatory structure, rather than the inertia of persistent bureaucratic expansion, could go a long way to mitigating the operational and administrative burdens the agency has committed to reduce.

We congratulate NOAA Fisheries and the Trump Administration for these new efforts and stand as a resource as the agency begins implementation.

Lisa Wallenda Picard
President & CEO

Industry groups launch US Shrimp Coalition to defend imports

July 31, 2026 — Multiple groups representing U.S. industries including the National Retail Federation and National Fisheries Institute have formed the U.S. Shrimp Coalition to advocate for retaining access to shrimp imports.

Announced on 31 July, the coalition said it was formed in response to increased effort to restrict shrimp imports in the U.S., though it did not name any specific effort.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

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