The storm two weeks ago has already taken a toll on East Coast fishing activity, and with the one that hit last weekend, conditions remain extremely challenging for fishermen up and down the coast. Back-to-back storms have significantly reduced safe fishing days, forcing many vessels to stay docked longer than usual.
High winds, rough seas, and freezing temperatures are limiting offshore trips across key fisheries, including groundfish, lobster, and scallops. With little opportunity for boats to get out between storms, fresh landings remain light, and supply gaps are beginning to show in certain categories.
East Coast oyster farmers are also feeling the impact. Prolonged cold and ice coverage have made harvesting difficult in many areas.
On Tangier and Salt Shaker oyster grounds, beds are currently frozen over, preventing access. Farmers are hopeful to resume harvesting as soon as ice clears, but availability remains limited in the short term.
For buyers, this means continued tightness on fresh product and possible delays as weather clears and boats return to the water. Pricing may remain firm on items dependent on daily landings, while frozen and previously harvested inventory will help bridge the gap.
We’ll continue to monitor weather conditions closely and provide updates as fisheries reopen, boats go out, and harvesting resumes.
In the meantime, please reach out to your account representative for more information. Please stay safe and stay warm.