The coronavirus has had a significant and widespread impact on the fishing and seafood industry. Fear of the virus, job losses, social distancing and stay-at-home orders have all caused the sector to face unexpected challenges. As a result, COVID-19 has impacted the entire fishing supply chain and industry — from fishermen to the foodservice industry at large.

COVID-19’s Impact on the Fishing Industry Supply Chain

Grocery store seafood staples, as well as luxury seafood ranging from crab to lobster, have all faced plummeting sales because of COVID-19. Measures to stop the spread of the virus, along with a decrease in demand, have affected both the domestic and international supply chains.

Local fisheries are not fishing at the level they used to or need to be, and with the fluctuations in demand, many fishermen don’t know whether or not it’s financially worthwhile to spend the time and money required to resume normal fishing activity. With hotels, resorts, country clubs and restaurants either closed or not operating at full capacity, the need for seafood — especially premium seafood — is just not there.

COVID-19 has also impacted the international fishing industry. Much of the seafood found in grocery stores and restaurants comes from overseas. With transportation and border travel restrictions, international trade has faced difficulty trying to thrive during the pandemic.

The Virus’ Impact on Grocery Stores and Restaurants

Along with the overall supply chain, grocery stores and restaurants have faced unexpected challenges from the virus. Though more consumers are cooking and consuming their meals primarily at home, grocery stores are still experiencing fluctuating sales. Many stores have cut down on their fresh seafood offerings, opting for prepackaged items to limit close contact with customers.

Most restaurants have had to close their dining rooms, transform into a takeout or curbside restaurant or shut their doors completely. Even with the adjustment in operations, restaurants have seen a large drop in sales — especially seafood sales.

What Does the Future of the Fishing Industry Look Like?

The future of the fishing industry is without a doubt uncertain. After all, a pandemic like the coronavirus has never impacted the industry before. However, the field has faced difficulty before. Being able to recover from past challenges and adapt offers hope for the future. From restaurants offering curbside pickup and home delivery services to fishermen selling directly to consumers, many changes have already taken place to allow the industry to bounce back and continue providing consumers with fresh and flavorful seafood.

USS Nemo: Delivering Savory and Safe Seafood

At USS Nemo, we’re continuing to craft our signature seafood dishes prepared with a Pan-Asian twist, but we’ve taken various measures to keep our diners safe along the way. We offer alternative options — such as curbside pickup — for you to enjoy our dishes.

Call and order now for curbside pickup, or book your reservation today to eat in our undersea-themed restaurant!