As spring awakens across the country, so do some of the most anticipated seasonal fisheries in the seafood world. At All Fresh Seafood, we're proud to bring you closer to the water with every catch — whether it's a delicacy from the Eastern Shore or a prized salmon from Alaska’s pristine rivers. This week, we're diving into three timely topics: the opening of Maryland Soft Shell Crab season, the beginning of the Wild Alaskan Salmon run, and the current state of tariffs in the fresh fish industry. Here's what you need to know:
🦀 Maryland Soft Shell Crab Season Has Begun!
Few ingredients say "spring" quite like fresh soft shell crabs. This iconic seasonal delicacy is now arriving in full swing from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. At All Fresh Seafood, we celebrate the start of the Maryland soft shell crab season not just for the flavor — but for what it means to tradition, sustainability, and local economies.
Why seasonal soft shell crab is so important:
- Naturally timed harvest: Soft shell crabs are only available during their molting phase, which happens in warmer months. Harvesting during this short window ensures quality and sustainability.
- Supports small watermen communities: Many of the crabbers in Maryland are multi-generational families who depend on this fishery for their livelihood each year.
- Preserves ecosystem balance: Seasonal management helps avoid overfishing and keeps the blue crab population in check for future generations.
Look out for fresh soft shells arriving several times a week — cleaned and ready for your grill or pan. This is a fleeting season, so don’t miss it!
🐟 Wild Alaskan Salmon Season Is Around the Corner
Another highly anticipated fishery is about to make waves: Wild Alaskan Salmon season is nearly underway. From king (chinook) to sockeye, these wild salmon runs are among the most sustainable, nutritious, and flavorful seafood offerings of the year.
Why this fishery is managed so closely:
- Science-backed quotas: Alaska’s fisheries are strictly regulated using real-time data, ensuring only surplus fish are harvested.
- Tribal and local stewardship: Many Alaskan Native communities co-manage the fisheries, prioritizing sustainability and tradition.
- Global benchmark for sustainability: Alaska sets the gold standard in how wild fisheries should be run — balancing ecology, economy, and cultural significance.
We’re hopeful that this season will bring strong landings after a few unpredictable years. As soon as the fish start running, we’ll have them flown in fresh for next-day delivery nationwide.
🌍 Tariffs and the Pressure on U.S. Fishermen
While seasonal seafood brings excitement, the broader industry faces some tough headwinds. Tariffs on imported seafood — particularly from Asia and Europe — have had ripple effects across the entire fresh fish market. Prices on certain imported species have risen, increasing demand on domestic sources.
How U.S. fishermen are adapting under pressure:
- Increased demand on domestic landings: American fishermen are being asked to deliver more, more quickly, and at consistent quality to fill the gaps left by import slowdowns.
- Tight profit margins: Many small fisheries already face rising fuel, equipment, and labor costs. Tariffs add to the pressure without increasing dock prices.
- Logistical challenges: Moving fish from remote areas like Alaska or the Pacific Northwest to national markets is more complex and costly than ever.
Despite these challenges, American fishermen are rising to the occasion — and we’re right there with them.
🛒 How All Fresh Seafood Is Keeping Prices Fair
At All Fresh Seafood, we believe fresh, high-quality seafood shouldn't be a luxury. That’s why, even in the face of tariff pressures and global market volatility, we're working overtime to keep prices manageable and fair for our customers.
Here’s how we’re doing it:
- Leveraging our vast domestic network: We've built decades-long relationships with fishermen and their families across the U.S., from Maine to the Gulf to the Pacific Northwest.
- Buying direct, cutting out the middleman: By working directly with boats and cooperatives, we reduce unnecessary markups and pass the value on to you.
- Flexibility in sourcing: When one region is tight, we pivot to another — always focused on freshness, sustainability, and supporting American fisheries.
We're proud to say that every order you place supports real people — not big corporations or mass brokers. When you buy from All Fresh Seafood, you’re investing in community-based seafood that’s caught with care and shipped with purpose.
Stay Fresh, Stay Seasonal
From Chesapeake soft shells to wild Alaskan salmon, spring is one of the most delicious times of the year for seafood lovers. Be sure to check back often or subscribe to our email list for the latest arrivals and specials.
Because at All Fresh Seafood — we don’t just sell fish. We sell a connection to the people, waters, and traditions that make it all possible.