In the survey of approximately 3,000 Americans, 32 percent said that it is important to them that the seafood they purchase is sustainably caught, and 21 percent said it is “very important” that their seafood is sustainable. In addition, 22 percent of Americans said they would be willing to pay between 10 to 20 percent more for sustainably-caught seafood, while 51 percent said they would not be willing to pay extra for sustainable seafood.
“Here in the Pacific Northwest, sustainability as a factor in purchasing is higher than 32 percent. Up here, people eat fresh, wild seafood,” Bob Donegan, president of Seattle-based Ivar’s, a chain of quick-service and full-service seafood restaurants, told SeafoodSource. In fact, 91 percent of Ivar’s guests said that sustainability and local sourcing is a “big factor” in deciding where to eat out, in its recent survey of 400 guests.
Mary Smith, marketing manager for Santa Monica Seafood in Santa Monica, Calif., which operates two stores with cafes, has also seen a much higher interest from shoppers for sustainable seafood.
“Our customers tell us they are willing to pay more sustainable seafood just by walking in the door. Our seafood is generally more expensive than other retailers, but you get what you pay for. In our case, that is consistently fresh seafood that is responsibly sourced and carefully ‘curated’ in the case,” Smith told SeafoodSource.
However, many consumers do not “consciously consider the sustainability of their choices,” according to Stephen Gyland, owner of Cod & Capers Seafood, North Palm Beach, Fla. “The driving factor in the buying decision seems to be quality first and value second. Only speaking about our market and guests, I would have to say that inquiries about the sustainability of a choice is the least-asked question that we encounter,” Gyland said.
Meanwhile, the survey demonstrated a challenge that the industry has been struggling with for years: sustainable seafood labels are confusing to consumers. Two-thirds of those surveyed said they were only “somewhat confident” about sustainability labels, and 19 percent were “not at all confident.”
“As a consumer, I would have found it difficult to embrace the MSC certification process without reservations. The mission statement by NOAA on their Fish Watch web site — as well as the wealth of really good information — is much less misleading and confusing for the consumer. We rely on and refer to this source often,” Gyland said.
Building on over three decades of trusted leadership, VASEP is proactively shaping a Dynamic Knowledge Ecosystem where data is transformed into actionable value and forward-looking insights for the business community
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
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