Hi all -- The event season is upon the seafood industry, and begins this week with the National Fisheries Institute's Global Seafood Markets Conference.

The event is once again well-attended by the North American seafood elite, and the discussions there will set the tone for the critical coming months.

Hanging over the event, of course, is the death of NFI President John Connelly, who succumbed to an aggressive cancer last year. Executive Editor John Fiorillo interviewed the newly named president, Lisa Wallenda Picard, who recounted a touching story of the advice Connelly gave her as she started her job.

The industry is already seeing M&A action, with Cooke striking at some scallop assets and Inland buying its way further West. More to come soon, no doubt. Fiorillo is reporting from the event, and will breaking news and insight from the show floor.

Must-reads

You think your job is tough? Imagine if you faced a daily onslaught of armed gangs. That's what's plaguing the Ecuadorian shrimp industry, which has seen 10 incidents, including one death, in less than 15 days this year.

It's a bit of a head-scratcher: The US lobster fishery has had its Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification suspended and its fishery downgraded by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but the Canada side hasn't faced the same issue. Senior Reporter Rachel Sapin looked into why in this excellent piece.

And finally, what's a "super female," and how might it reshape the shrimp farming sector? Editor Rachel Mutter has the answer.

Reader Favorites

Here are a few of the stories that caught our readers' interest the most last week:

European buyers unlikely to see relief on Alaska pollock prices with US market strong

Coast Seafood acquires Danish salmon processor: 'Deal important for quick access to Europe,' CEO says

2022 was a rough year for US retail seafood sales; will there be a rebound in 2023?

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