SALMON/TROUT

Fall chums and Cohos, along with a few river kings, are still being harvested, but the wild salmon season is quickly winding down. Ask your sales rep about the wild selections this week. We offer premium frozen wild sockeye and king fillets during the winter months. Sockeye catch this year fell short of projections by 6 million lbs, with Bristol Bay being hardest hit. Still, prices have remained stable relative to 2010, and it is hoped they will remain that way through the balance of the year.

Atlantic prices remain unchanged this week. Chile seems to be past the ISA crisis of 2007 and 2008 and is poised to remain on track to reach projections of 1.5 million metric tons produced annually, overtaking Norway as the leading exporter. Demand still has not reached peak holiday numbers. We expect prices to firm somewhat, but increases should be tempered by adequate supply.

Trout supply and sizing have improved, albeit at higher pricing. Growers have not taken increases for some time, and trout remains a great value. Ask your Seattle Fish seafood expert to help you select the best option for your menus.

CATFISH

The return of catfish is almost complete. The biggest sign is suppliers offering retail ad volumes. Higher feed and transportation costs increased prices and caused contraction of farms, but current supply and price stability should remain in place for the foreseeable future.

WEST COAST

The 2011 halibut season is scheduled to close November 17, and 94 percent of quota has been harvested. Further reduction of quota is expected next year as a catch share plan comes closer to fruition. Significantly higher prices lately have not reduced demand, so expect more of the same next year.

The Alaska cod season is now closed, and supply will be reduced to by-catch and the small-pot fisherman. Other Alaska and Canadian ground fish, such as shallow water Dover sole and rock cod, will be available as weather permits. High winds this week have hampered supply.

Good news: The Alaska king crab season opened October 15. There is always good news, bad news, and the bad is the quota has been reduced from 14.8 million to 7.8 million lbs. The reason is that this year’s recruitment class is not showing the numbers, and the fishery needs relief. The price of jumbo 6-9 king crab legs could reach $25 or higher. By the way, king crab sizing is the number of whole legs, in this case 6 to 9 legs, per 10 lbs. In other crab news, the total allowable catch for opelio is increased from 50 million lbs last year to almost 90 million this year. Price points, however, have not dropped. The aggressiveness of Japanese buyers and a perceived value over king crab by domestic users will dictate final pricing.

EAST COAST

Scallop fishing remains steady with landings in the 200K-250K range weekly, mostly coming from Hudson Canyon. Additional catch is coming from closed areas I and II, which is generally better quality than the Hudson Canyon product. Our scallops come from the best areas and are graded for color, size and quality. Prices are unchanged this week. Ground fishing has been tight due to weather and available days at sea. Monkfish is scarce and will remain so until the scallop trawlers start bringing quantities. Haddock is also very high, with cod being the only bargain fish.

SHELLFISH

This is the year everyone should have oysters on their menu. Our selection from both coasts will be extensive with unmatched quality. Our sales team will help you with the best choices to fit every need and price range. Book your shucked oysters early, as demand will be strong. If you need something to stuff those oysters into, ask about our fresh, all-natural turkeys for the holidays. Hens and toms are available in the size you need. Place your orders by October 28 for guaranteed delivery.

Hardshell clams from our friends in Dennis, Mass., are available, and quality is excellent. We carry littlenecks, top necks, cherrystones and pasta clams, a perfect mix for any dish. If you need a quick-opening clam for your pasta dishes, ask about our manila clams or New Zealand cockles.

GULF

Shortage of quality tuna continues to be an issue. A few of our gulf boats have returned to port, and we are receiving limited amounts of yellow fins. Our tuna is graded as number 1, sashimi quality, 2+, very high quality color fish and ungraded small tunas. These ungraded fish are under 50 lbs head off, but excellent freshness and value. All our larger loins come from 70 lbs + fish. Ask our sales rep for the perfect fit for your menus.

Other bounty from the gulf includes fresh shrimp, crab meat, snapper and grouper.

GREAT LAKES

Freshwater walleye, whitefish, even carp are available and are flown in several times a week. Supply will be available during the fall months as weather allows. Prices remain steady.

HAWAII

Numbers at the Honolulu auction have been low this week, and quality fish, especially tuna, has increased in price. However, we are entering the time of year when numbers should increase, allowing more shipments to Denver. Our buyers appraise us daily on average prices and offerings. We can make that quick-buy decision based on established price and quality parameters.

SUSTAINABILITY

Our commitment to procuring sustainable fish is resolute. We continually work with our vendors and strongly encourage fishery improvement where required. While a few Mexican shrimp trawlers have not complied with catch requirements, many ensure their boats are equipped with turtle excluder devices (TEDs), by-catch reduction devices (BRDs) and net doors that minimize damage to the ocean floor. Seattle Fish Company is aligned with these types of companies.

As you prepare your winter and holiday menus, check out our Seasonality Guide for ideas.

Regards,

Harry Mahleres
Director of Purchasing

Harry@seattlefish.com
303.329.9595 ext. 121