Saving Seafood

Top 10 list of most-consumed seafood species in US revealed

May 17, 2022 — Consumption of seafood per capita among American consumers sunk slightly in 2020 compared to 2019, due in large part to the disruptions wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the National Fisheries Institute’s (NFI) recently-released top 10 list.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) latest Fisheries of the United States report – which NFI uses to compose its routine top species breakdown – found that Americans consumed 19 pounds of seafood per capita in 2020, down from the 19.3-pound average tallied in 2019.

Read the full story at SeafoodSource

 

National Fisheries Institute Statement on Reinstatement of Tariff Exclusions

March 24, 2022 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is pleased to have helped lead the effort to reduce costs for its members and promote free and fair trade through the reduction of tariffs.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s decision to reinstate previously expired exclusions on fisheries products will not only benefit American workers throughout the seafood value chain but also will help make the healthiest animal protein on the planet more available and affordable. This is ultimately a tax cut for American families, at a time of significant supply chain and inflationary challenges.

NFI continues to advocate for responsible trade policies that directly benefit American seafood workers and the American consumers who depend on those workers for a reliable supply of nutritious seafood.

Robert DeHaan
Vice President, Government Affairs
National Fisheries Institute

National Fisheries Institute Statement on the passing of Representative Don Young

March 21, 2022 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

Congressman Don Young was a champion of Alaska fisheries. A co-author, stalwart supporter, and defender of the Magnuson Stevens Act—his commitment to fisheries management was acclaimed far from just the bountiful waters of the state he represented.  

His long history of legislative work was appreciated by his constituents and colleagues. After 49 years in office, as the longest serving Representative, he was the Dean of the House. 

His delivery and dialogue were often called colorful, but his passion and commitment were never questioned. His dedication to Alaska and the men and women who work its waters, as well as his willingness to get even the difficult things done will be missed. 

John Connelly

President 

National Fisheries Institute Statement on the Confirmation of Dr. Robert Califf as FDA’s new Commissioner

February 15, 2022 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

The National Fisheries Institute welcomes Dr. Robert Califf as the Food and Drug Administration’s new Commissioner.

Many parts of the seafood value chain have been impacted by the pandemic and associated lockdowns over the course of two years. During that time the FDA has been rightly focused on various scientific aspects of protecting public health and we salute the agency for its work.

We ask Dr. Califf to quickly focus FDA’s food safety resources on challenges that are important to the seafood community. Prompt action on things like proper labeling, standards of identity and economic integrity are of critical significance. A lack of attention to these priorities undermines the importance of  FDA’s vital food focus.

We look forward to working with Dr. Califf.

John Connelly
President

Pollock could see big price increases as supplies drop amidst high demand

February 2, 2022 — Experts are predicting a sharp rise in the price of pollock in 2022, with expected strong demand hitting up against supply chain complications and a smaller global harvest.

The global pollock supply is facing its first “meaningful” reduction in supply since around 2008, according to a panel at the National Fisheries Institute’s 2022 Global Seafood Market Conference, which took place 18 to 20 January. Globally, the pollock catch total will decline from 3.49 million metric tons (MT) to 3.22 million MT in 2022, according to the panel. In the U.S., the total allowable catch for Alaska pollock has been set at 1.24 million MT, down 189,000 MT from 2021.

Read the full story at SeafoodSource

 

Southeast Asia attracting seafood processing away from China

January 21, 2022 — As China’s economy continues to evolve and its trade relationship with the U.S. remains strained, it is likely other countries in Southeast Asia will take a larger role in processing seafood, according to a panel of experts at the National Fisheries Institute’s Global Seafood Market Conference.

Trade relations between the U.S. and China became suddenly more volatile when the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump implemented tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump’s stated goal was to put an end to the significant trade imbalance between the two countries – an imbalance that U.S.-China Business Council President Craig Allen said was nothing new.

Read the full story at SeafoodSource

Restaurants’ headwinds include labor, inflation, but pent-up demand in their favor

January 21, 2022 — Restaurant operators face significant challenges – especially finding enough employees – but have pent-up dining demand in their favor, according to B. Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the National Restaurant Association Research and Knowledge Group.

Restaurants’ labor costs are running at the highest rate in more than 40 years, Riehle said at the National Fisheries Institute’s Global Seafood Market Conference (GSMC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A., on Wednesday, 19 January.

Read the full story at SeafoodSource

Global shrimp production to surpass 5 million MT in 2022, CP Foods’ Robin McIntosh predicts

January 20, 2022 — Global shrimp production has continued to trend upward, with a panel of experts at the National Fisheries Institute’s Global Seafood Market Conference predicting that global shrimp production will exceed 5 million metric tons (MT) in 2022.

Current predictions put the production at 5.011 million MT in 2022, a significant increase over the 4.569 million MT grown in 2021, which itself was an increase over the 4.086 million MT produced in 2020. Globally, shrimp production has seen a tremendous upswing – in 2015, global shrimp production didn’t even reach 3 million MT.

Read the full story at SeafoodSource

 

Seafood meets grill: GSMC analysts pick top 2022 trends

January 19, 2022 — Fresh and frozen seafood hit record sales in 2021, and analysts speaking at the National Fisheries Institute’s Global Seafood Market Conference (GSMC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. on Tuesday, 18 January expect the positive sales trend to continue.

The frozen seafood category realized “amazing numbers” last year, IRI Senior Vice President Protein Practice Chris DuBois said, as sales rose 2.8 percent compared to 2020 and 40.8 percent versus 2019 to USD 7.2 billion (EUR 6.3 billion).

Read the full story at SeafoodSource

NFI President John Connelly Announces Planned 2023 Retirement

January 18, 2022 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

John Connelly discussed with the NFI Board of Directors today his intention to retire from NFI in February 2023.  He has served as NFI President since February 2003.

“I very much appreciate working with member company leaders and an excellent and dedicated staff in creating the strong foundation on which NFI can build,” Connelly said.  “The NFI Officers have emphasized over the past two years the importance of an orderly transition and thoughtful succession planning. Announcing this decision now allows NFI leadership the necessary time to engage NFI members to gain critical input as we choose a new president for the future.”

Kim Gorton, President and CEO of Slade Gorton and Company, will lead a Search Committee.  “I am pleased that the Board today approved a search committee comprised of  leaders from various member companies who represent a wide range of experiences and viewpoints,” said Gorton. An important part of this process will be to hear the views of NFI membership regarding NFI’s mission and key objectives over the next decade, and in particular, how NFI can continue to create value for its members. We want to ensure we select the right leader for what NFI members expect and need in the coming years, and not just based on where we are now in 2022.”

“In addition to NFI’ s ongoing technical, communications and advocacy work, this year we have the opportunity to think about the future.  The Board looks forward to working with Kim and John to ensure a robust and smooth succession process,” said NFI Chair Mike Breivik.

Search Committee members include Kim Gorton (Slade Gorton), Joe Bundrant (Trident Seafoods), Ellen Clarry (Ruby Tuesday), Justin Conrad (Bay Hill and Libby Hill), Jeff Stern (Central Seaway), Jan Tharp (Bumble Bee Foods), and Sylvia Wulf (AquaBounty)