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Customs dispute jeopardizes US fish stick, filet supply

Fishing Woes
Posted at 7:01 PM, Oct 11, 2021
and last updated 2021-10-11 20:10:44-04

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A customs dispute at the U.S.-Canada border is threatening America’s supply of a key fish used for popular products like fish sticks and fast food sandwiches.

The Alaska pollock has a complicated supply chain.

After being caught, it’s transported by ship to New Brunswick, Canada, near the border with Maine.

Then it crosses into the U.S. on trucks.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection alleges that shippers are violating the Jones Act, which requires that goods shipped between U.S. ports be transported on U.S.-owned ships.

The dispute has left 26 million pounds of fish in cold storage in Canada. However, The Associated Press reports that a federal court judge ruled that the fish could be shipped into the U.S.

It's unclear when the fish will make it to the U.S. Both countries were observing holidays Monday.