Seafood

In a deal favored by conservationists, regulators and watermen, Virginia will allow blue crabs to be harvested from the Chesapeake Bay an extra two weeks this year but will require a new collection system next year that's expected to limit catches of the prized seafood. …

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute is seeking Alaska’s help to promote Alaska seafood species around the world with a photo contest. …

The bay scallop season, a celebrated event for most East End residents, began on November 5. However, facing a scallop die-off most believe was caused by algae blooms and hampered by Hurricane Sandy followed by a nor’easter a week later, it was only this week that the fall bay scallop truly began as the DEC reopened many of the waters in East Hampton and Southampton towns for shellfishing after almost a two-week ban. …

SCS Global Services (SCS) has conducted a series of pilot audits under the newly launched Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification program, which recognizes responsible fish farming practices. The veteran third party certifier, among the first accredited certification bodies for the ASC, conducted pilot audits of an abalone (Great Southern Waters) farm in Australia and other aquaculture operations. …

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and Registrar Corp are pleased to announce a partnership to assist members and their foreign suppliers fulfill FDA food facility registration renewal and U.S. Agent requirements. …