IN BRIEF - Canned Tuna Maker Bumble Bee Preps for Bankruptcy Filing
UNITED STATES
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Bumble Bee Foods LLC is preparing to file for bankruptcy within days over mounting legal expenses stemming from its involvement in a conspiracy to fix prices on canned tuna, according to people familiar with the matter.
The San Diego-based company, owned by London-based private-equity firm Lion Capital, is expected to file a chapter 11 petition shortly and will put itself up for sale, the people said. Bumble Bee didn’t respond to a request for comment. Lion Capital, which bought the company in 2010 for USD 980 million, also didn’t immediately respond.
Bumble Bee pleaded guilty in 2017 and agreed to pay a USD 25 million fine for having formed a cartel with its two main competitors, Chicken of the Sea and StarKist Co.
Funded by Spanish fishing sector, Vigo workshop brings together scientists to strengthen knowledge of Illex argentinus.
Scientists specialising in population dynamics, fisheries biology and scientific assessment of fish populations will meet in Vigo, Spain from September 30th – October 2nd for the 4th International Scientific Workshop on Argentine shortfin squid (Illex argentinus).
The workshop will bring together experts in population dynamics, fisheries biology and scientific assessment to advance the development of a regional database and strengthen scientific knowledge of the abundance, productivity and exploitation status of the Illex argentinus population.
Authorities intensify crackdown on illegal foreign fishing
ABF and ADF intercepted an Indonesian vessel near Badu Island, allegedly carrying 29 sharks and 108 reef fish. The crew was detained for investigation.
Operation Broadstaff has made 11 apprehensions and intercepted 25 foreign fishing vessels in northern Australia this year.
China’s aquatic product prices rose slightly on Sept. 21–27, with silver carp +1.0%, crucian carp +0.8% and large yellow croaker +0.5%, according to MOFCOM. Official Sept. 28 prices put crucian carp at RMB 19.42/kg (US$2.90) and silver carp at RMB 10.04/kg (US$1.50).
The trend points to somewhat firmer demand for fish ahead of the holiday celebrations, although the price fluctuations remain moderate.
A German institute is testing a system in Gran Canaria that uses discarded cement to boost the oceans' regenerative capacity.
Can concrete rubble help the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and, in doing so, mitigate climate change? This month, the Geomar Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany, is conducting trials in Gran Canaria to see if it is possible to intervene and accelerate a process that already occurs in nature—and, crucially, whether it is safe for biodiversity.
Those behind the experiment point out that some 5 billion tons of concrete rubble are generated worldwide each year—a waste product of which only a small fraction is currently reused. What would happen if, on a large scale, it ended up in the sea?
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
Two trawlers seized inside protected marine sanctuary
Authorities in Odisha detained 19 fishermen and seized 2 trawlers caught fishing illegally in Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials confiscated 21 nets, GPS/VHF equipment and about 40 kg of fish. Fishing is banned year-round to protect Olive Ridley turtles.
Rockall haddock returns to MSC certification after reforms have strengthened monitoring, fleet management and protection of vulnerable ecosystems
Scotland’s sustainable seafood sector has received a boost after Rockall haddock regained certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard.
The fishery, located around 250 miles west of the Outer Hebrides, was originally certified in 2018 but suspended in 2022 after vessels were found to have entered protected areas containing vulnerable marine ecosystems.
Vietnamese province strengthens VMS, eCDT and port controls as Vietnam seeks to remove the EU yellow card
An Giang is closely monitoring 889 ineligible vessels, including 551 over 15m. In 2026, authorities handled 168 violations involving 92 vessels, imposing fines of VND 5.5 billion (USD 212,000), while tightening vessel registration, VMS, catch traceability and port inspections against IUU fishing.
Court found the state failed its constitutional duty to protect fish stocks
North Carolina appealed an August ruling that found all 13 state-managed coastal fish stocks, including flounder and shrimp, are currently not viable. The state cites climate change and budget limits, while conservation groups seek faster action to rebuild depleted stocks.
Frøy has launched a new 4,500m³ wellboat that will operate under a long-term contract for salmon farmer SalMar.
The Frøy Frohav was launched at the Murueta shipyard outside Bilbao, Spain, and is scheduled for completion in October 2027. The vessel is nearly 90 metres long and has been designed for the transport and handling of live fish.
The vessel will use diesel-electric hybrid propulsion supported by a battery pack. A redesigned well circulation system is intended to improve water quality while reducing power consumption, including through shorter pipe runs and lower pumping heights.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
The Norwegian Seafood Council says the UK is one of the most stable and attractive markets for the country’s salmon.
New figures show that Norwegian salmon continues to play a central role in the UK seafood category, with total sales worth around £1.7 billion and farmed salmon accounting for approximately 92% of its seafood retail sales.
The Seafood Council believes several consumer trends are continuing to support demand. For example, raw consumption, particularly through sushi, has moved firmly into the mainstream, with sushi now worth £228 million in UK grocery retail and salmon accounting for more than half of consumption.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
UNITED STATES
ARGENTINA.png)
Scientists specialising in population dynamics, fisheries biology and scientific assessment of fish populations will meet in Vigo, Spain from September 30th – October 2nd for the 4th International Scientific Workshop on Argentine shortfin squid (Illex argentinus).
AUSTRALIA
Authorities intensify crackdown on illegal foreign fishing
CHINA
Carp and croaker lead modest wholesale gains
SPAIN.png)
Can concrete rubble help the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and, in doing so, mitigate climate change? This month, the Geomar Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany, is conducting trials in Gran Canaria to see if it is possible to intervene and accelerate a process that already occurs in nature—and, crucially, whether it is safe for biodiversity.
INDIA
Two trawlers seized inside protected marine sanctuary
UNITED KINGDOM
Rockall haddock returns to MSC certification after reforms have strengthened monitoring, fleet management and protection of vulnerable ecosystems
VIET NAM
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Court found the state failed its constitutional duty to protect fish stocks
NORWAY
The Frøy Frohav was launched at the Murueta shipyard outside Bilbao, Spain, and is scheduled for completion in October 2027. The vessel is nearly 90 metres long and has been designed for the transport and handling of live fish..png)
