• The duty-free quota for "Loligo" squid has increased by 50% compared to 2024, as a result of a better fishing season and the improvement of European regulations promoted by Conxemar.
• Compared to 2023, the year before the regulatory change, the quota has skyrocketed by 600%.

As Cyprus begins its presidency of the Council of the European Union, environmental organisation Oceana is calling on the island nation to set a clear and ambitious course for Europe’s ocean future, centred on recovery, resilience and long-term food security.

The first half of 2026 is expected to be pivotal for EU marine policy. During this period, the European Commission will conclude its evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and decide whether to revise one of the bloc’s most important fisheries laws.

Source: Worldfishing | Read the full article here

A number of Norwegian seafood and salmon-related companies have laid off workers as problems gather around some sections of the industry.

Reports from Norwegian trade press suggest that smaller independent companies have been finding life difficult.

Alf-Gøran Knutsen, CEO of 1814 Salmon, told the regional newspaper Eidsvoll Ullensaker Blad that the company has laid off between 40 and 60 employees, including himself.He said the company managed to avoid full layoffs last year, but this time it had not been possible. He added that it was hoped to start back again as soon as possible.

Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here

Gigante Salmon completes first harvest from autumn 2024 generation.

Gigante Salmon has completed its first commercial harvest, reporting a total volume of 345 tonnes head-on gutted from its Generation Autumn 2024 stock.

In an operational update published on 8 January, the land-based salmon farmer said the harvested fish had an average weight of 3.0 kg HOG, with a superior quality share of 94 percent. The economic feed conversion ratio was reported at 1.04.

Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here

GLOUCESTER, MA – In a move to catalyze early-season commercial activity, NOAA Fisheries has officially transferred Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the year-end December period to the January–March 2026 window.

The temporary rule, effective January 8, 2026, reallocates tonnage within the General category, significantly increasing the first-quarter subquota to 63.7 metric tons while reducing the December allocation to 11.0 metric tons.

Key Impacts for Vessels

The adjustment applies to General category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat vessels with commercial sale endorsements. By front-loading the quota, NOAA aims to provide immediate opportunities for operators during the traditionally slower post-holiday market.

• Market Timing: Increased landing limits allow for better dealer coordination and auction planning during Q1.

• Regulatory Context: This is an interim measure while NOAA aligns 2026 baseline quotas with recent ICCAT international conservation decisions.

Immediate Next Steps for Operators

Fishermen should verify that all permits and endorsements are current before targeting bluefin. Because this is a temporary shift, operators are encouraged to coordinate closely with dealers and monitor landing records to ensure the fleet stays within the revised 63.7 mt limit.

Keep an eye on upcoming 2026 rulemaking, as further baseline adjustments are expected later this year.

With a 37-year history in the Magallanes Region, Pesca Cisne has consolidated its leadership in the Chilean Seabass (Patagonian Toothfish) industry with the addition of the "Isla Edén."

This world-class longliner represents an investment exceeding $8 million and will be officially inaugurated this Friday, January 15, at the Arturo Prat pier in Punta Arenas.

Cutting-Edge Technology for the Drake Passage

The "Isla Edén" is more than just a vessel; it is a sophisticated processing plant designed in Norway to withstand the extreme conditions of the far south. Key specifications include:

Impact on the Magallanes Economy

The arrival of this ship strengthens a network that currently supports 100 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect positions in the region. "This investment not only modernizes our fleet but also injects dynamism into the local economy and improves the quality of life for our workers," the company stated.

With the "Isla Edén," Pesca Cisne reaffirms its commitment to the development of Magallanes, focusing on high-quality extraction and environmental responsibility.

Welsh Government funding of up to £1.85m is being opened to support the marine, fisheries and aquaculture sector, with applications accepted from 7 January until 31 March.

The funding, delivered through the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme, is intended to support sustainable growth across the sector while strengthening coastal communities. Grants are available across 11 categories, covering a broad mix of operational, environmental and business-focused activities.Eligible projects range from upgrades to aquaculture sites and vessel equipment aimed at reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency, to professional advice on marine environmental sustainability, business planning and marketing.

Source: Worldfishing | Read the full article here

Chinese abalone firm Fujian Xiangbin recently acquired Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) two-star certification in an effort to expand sales in the domestic premium market and also grow international sales of its products.

Securing BAP two-star status in late 2025 marked a “milestone breakthrough” for the company, according to Xiangbin CEO Xiuying Chen.

Located in the Southeastern Chinese province of Fujian where much of China’s abalone production is centered, Xiangbin started out in live abalone trading in 2003 before expanding into farming, processing, distribution, and global sales

Author: Mark Godfrey / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here