Shrinking Pollock Yields Trigger Global Price Surge as Supply Chain Strains Intensify

UNITED STATES
Monday, April 13, 2026, 00:40 (GMT + 9)

Declining fish quality in Alaska and supply disruptions across key markets push whitefish prices to historic highs The 2026 Alaskan pollock A season is drawing to a close with mounting concerns over declining meat yields, tightening supply, and escalating global prices, signaling a challenging outlook for the upcoming B season. According to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as of the week ending March 28, about 88% of the Bering Sea pollock quota had been harvested. Catcher processors surpassed 92% of their allocations, with some vessels halting operations early, while shore-based plants still held nearly 20% of their quotas unused. Despite a catch pace similar to 2025, output has dropped sharply due to biological and size-related factors. Falling Yields Despite Stable Catch Volumes The core issue lies in reduced meat recovery. Earlier spawning cycles cause... FULL STORY