Global farmed salmon supplies have felt a multitude of impacts this year, resulting in headaches for suppliers around the world – including us!  Like wholesalers around the world, we’ve been working our way through product shortages and price increases.

This isn’t new news…Decreasing supplies from Chile  began in 2009, forcing harvest increases from other areas.  These increases led to larger harvests than farmers had planned for, and those increases are now impacting us.  Farmers are ready to start harvesting their current year class – unfortunately the fish aren’t ready, having not had enough time to reach harvest size yet.  These fish will not be ready until late summer.

These shortages have impacted almost every salmon farm on the planet as producers have scrambled to fill supply gaps.  There is simply not enough fish to go around.   As you know, limited supply means price increases.  Additional pressure from lingering supply glitches as Europe cleans up from the volcano’s impact on shipping and the industry gets ready for Mother’s Day will add to our troubles…

The bottom line on farmed salmon, no matter where it’s from, is tightening supply and increase prices.  Pleasebe aware that this situation is unlikely to improve in the short term.  As always, Santa Monica Seafood works to keep our supply of salmon constant and affordable, but it might a good time to discuss alternatives with your sales rep.

Your best bet is to look ahead to spring and summer wild salmon openings – Copper River starts on Thursday, May 13^th (fingers crossed we’ll see our first shipment about 3 days later – let your rep know if your interested).  Troll caught kings are also available – supply has been a little spotty due to weather, but were getting offers out of OR, WA and Vancouver Island.