SEATTLE, Washington, US -- Undercurrent News blogged live from the annual meeting of the Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP), held in Seattle, Washington. 

The GAPP meeting, which took place in the W Seattle hotel, comes amid a time of unprecedented turmoil for the US sector, which is engaged in a market battle with Russia on fillets and surimi.

Click the headline links below to recap all of Undercurrent's coverage: 

• 'Shocking' Europe still purchasing Russian pollock, says Alaska senator Murkowski

A priority of Alaskan senator Lisa Murkowski is to get its allies to stop buying Russian pollock, she told the GAPP conference. 

• Global Seas' Desautel laments costs of vessel building in US

Bob Desautel, the CEO of pollock catcher boat operator Global Seas and the current chairman of GAPP, said the US sector "needs some help" when it comes to building new vessels in the country.

• US senator Sullivan: Canada 'very interested' in Russian seafood ban

Canada is "very interested" in banning Russian seafood, according to US senator Dan Sullivan.

• Sullivan 'making progress' on stopping EU using 'Alaska' on Russian pollock

US lawmakers are making headway on changing the labeling of Russian pollock as "Alaska" in Europe, said senator Dan Sullivan.

• Alaskan pollock industry drives global expansion with $9.5m partnership program, says GAPP CEO

Craig Morris, CEO of GAPP, emphasized the pivotal role of its partnership program in driving the growth of the Alaskan pollock industry during his speech.

• Alaska pollock closes awareness gap with cod, tilapia

Alaska pollock has pulled ahead of haddock in terms of consumer awareness and is closing the gap with cod and tilapia, said Lauren Hasse of Ketchum Analytics.

• Pollock fishery in Bering Sea approaches quota, with closure in central Gulf of Alaska

Ron Rogness, representing GAPP, described the Alaskan pollock fishery in the Bering Sea as more "deliberate" during the 2024 B season, particularly for the catcher-processor sector.

• US pollock fillet exports surge 26% while surimi remains flat

Alaska pollock fillet exports surged to 59,570 metric tons in the first seven months of this year, marking a 26% year-on-year increase, with production up by 11% as of Sept. 7, according to the presentation by Ron Rogness of GAPP.

• Angulas Aguinaga launches Japanese-themed surimi products to stem consumption slide

Spain's Angulas Aguinaga has launched surimi products with a Japanese theme to stem dropping consumption in the country.

• Global H1 surimi output estimated down 10.5% to 383,600t

Global surimi production is projected to reach 383,600t in the first half of 2024, a decline of 10.5% compared to the previous year, according to a presentation by Angel Rubio of Expana.

• Japan consumes 40,000t of pollock roe per year

The global output of pollock roe was estimated at 50,000t in 2023, according to the presentation by Tatsuya Gake, representing Japanese seafood giant Nissui Corp.

• Trident sees crab stick sales grow amid Japan's declining seafood consumption

Japan's seafood consumption has hit a record low, driven by rising prices and a reduction in domestic catches, Japanese panelists told the audience.