Other Media | SeafoodSource: Reaction to COVID-19 relief bill mixed as restaurants close doors
UNITED STATES
Friday, December 04, 2020
Restaurant organizations are reacting both positively and negatively to a new USD 908 billion (EUR 751 billion) COVID-19 relief bill proposed by a group of U.S. legislators.
Due to renewed indoor dining restrictions in several U.S. cities and states, many restaurants are temporarily – or permanently – shutting their doors, and many others are struggling to stay afloat. Seafood suppliers, distributors, and wholesalers are, in turn, taking a hit from the widespread closures.
The congressional proposal, which includes USD 228 billion (EUR 189 billion) for Paycheck Protection Program subsidies focused on small businesses and additional unemployment benefits, is an effort to compromise on an economic stimulus package, which legislators could not agree on before the November election, The Washington Post reported.
Author: Christine Blank / SEafoodSource | Read the full articlehere
On April 28, 2026, the Vietnam Fisheries Society and the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance officially opened VINAFIS EXPO 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC).
This landmark event is the first to cover the entire fisheries value chain, from aquaculture to global distribution.
The expo features over 200 booths, with 40% of exhibitors hailing from international markets including Japan, Thailand, China, and the Republic of Korea. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien highlighted that Vietnam currently ranks third globally in fisheries exports, trailing only China and Norway, with a reach spanning 170 countries.
With a 3,260km coastline and 1.3 million hectares of aquaculture—including 747,400ha dedicated to shrimp—the sector is a vital economic pillar. Running until April 30, the event includes scientific seminars and the VINAFIS AWARD to honor industry excellence. The expo underscores Vietnam's commitment to green, circular development and high-tech integration to overcome climate and market challenges.
Japan’s seafood industry has achieved a remarkable turnaround following the August 2023 import ban imposed by China. According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), overseas shipments have "almost returned to normal levels," signaling a successful strategic pivot.
Record-Breaking Growth
Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reveals that in 2025, total exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products reached 1.7005 trillion yen (approx. $11.12 billion). Specific highlights include:
Total Seafood Exports:423.1 billion yen (approx. $2.77 billion).
Growth Rate: A 17.2% year-on-year increase.
New Milestone: This surpasses the previous 2023 record of 390.1 billion yen (approx. $2.55 billion).
Navigating the Ban
The recovery follows a difficult 2024, where exports dipped to 360.9 billion yen (approx. $2.36 billion) due to China’s reaction to the Fukushima treated wastewater release. By shifting focus toward the United States, Southeast Asia, and Europe, Japanese firms have effectively diversified their market presence and mitigated the impact of the Chinese market gap.
The production of Chilean mussels (Mytilus chilensis) in the Los Lagos Region is an economic pillar currently facing the challenge of fouling.
During the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 seasons, mussel farmers reported an unusual presence of the "skeleton shrimp," an amphipod that competes for substrate on seed collectors.
In February 2026, researchers from IFOP Puerto Montt analyzed samples from the Reloncaví Sound. Researcher Macarena Herrera led the diversity study, while morphological analysis by Sandra Silva identified the specimens as Caprella mutica, a species known for its high colonization capacity.
The identity was molecularly validated at the Austral OMICS laboratory of the Austral University of Chile, using COI and 18S genetic markers, with support from biochemist Dennis Cisternas. This finding in Southern Chile necessitates a rethink of monitoring and management strategies to protect seed collection from competing species.
On April 28, 2026, the Afundación de Vigo headquarters hosted the IV GSSG Forum. The event, held under the motto "Responsibility and Impact," brought together more than 350 people of 20 nationalities and 18 international experts.
The inauguration featured figures such as Marta Villaverde, Abel Caballero, Isabel Artime, and José María Benavent. Villaverde highlighted Galicia as a leader in responsible management, while Caballero emphasized the scientific support of technical institutions located in Vigo.
During the day, key topics were debated, such as:
Blue Transformation: Technical presentation by Diana Fernández de la Reguera.
Fisheries Certification: Participation of Rupert Howes.
Blue Carbon and Mangroves: Analysis by Simone Maridueña and Gianluca Marino.
Socioeconomic Development: Case study of Lüderitz, Namibia, presented by Brigitte Fredericks.
Impact Economy: Closing session led by Gerbrand Haverkamp.
During the first quarter of 2026, salmon exports reached US$1.991 billion, representing 7% of total national exports and registering an 8% increase in value and a 19% increase in volume compared to the same period of the previous year, even though the growth in harvested biomass over the last five years has averaged 2%. These figures are part of the Export Bulletin prepared by the research department of SalmonChile and confirm the sector's importance as an engine of economic development for the country, especially for the southern regions.
According to the report, during the first quarter of 2026, the sector's export growth was most pronounced in January (+14% in value, +23% in volume)
Source: MundoAcuicola | Read the full article here
To protect vulnerable marine ecosystems—those where corals or coral reefs are known or presumed to exist—the European Commission banned all bottom-dwelling fishing gear 43 months ago in 87 areas of Spain, Portugal, France, and Ireland. Although scientists from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) warned that there was only information on the impact of trawling, the Commission also banned gillnets and demersal longlines. The decision was upheld by the European Court of Justice and is now pending an appeal filed by Spain. The latest ICES recommendation proposes banning fishing in between 108 and 126 areas.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
Two companies – Compañía Americana de Conservas and Corporación Leribe – have decided to advance in the certification process within the anchovy fishery. The move marks the next step in work begun in 2016 through a fisheries improvement project (FIP) coordinated by CeDePesca, which is a Buenos Aires, Argentina-headquartered NGO that aims to help fisheries in Latin America work toward implementing more sustainable practices.
Author: Christian Molinari / SeafodoSource | Read the full article here
Corbion has been awarded a new patent covering its liquid suspension of algal biomass with a DHA-rich omega-3 profile, marking another step forward in the development of sustainable feed ingredients for aquaculture and animal nutrition.
The patented innovation centres on a suspension of lysed algal cells in oil, a formulation designed to improve stability and performance in feed applications. The company says this builds on its established algal fermentation platform and strengthens its long-term differentiation in the rapidly evolving omega-3 market.
Corbion’s commercial product, AlgaPrime DHA LS, translates this technology into a scalable solution already widely used across aquaculture, livestock feed and pet food sectors.
Princes Group is set to expand its tinned fish portfolio, with two new premium tuna products.
Princes Ocean Select MSC Yellowfin Tuna Steak will be available to UK shoppers in Tesco from 4th May.
Princes new lightly flavoured tuna steaks will bring Mediterranean inspired flavours to the table, as consumers look to elevate affordable home dining.
The Princes Ocean Select Yellowfin Tuna Steaks will be available in two flavours
Salmon Evolution ASA (OSE: SALME) has officially commenced operations at its Phase 2 facility at Indre Harøy, marking a critical expansion in land-based aquaculture.
The company confirmed the successful completion of the first smolt release for this phase, reporting that the fish have adapted well and feeding has already begun under stable operational parameters.
With Phase 2 now online, Salmon Evolution is significantly scaling its production. The company plans to release approximately 2.8 million smolt at Indre Harøy in 2026. This represents a massive 60% increase from 2025 levels.
"When completed, Phase 2 will more than double capacity at Indre Harøy, being a real game-changer," said Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen (pictured), CEO of Salmon Evolution.
The expansion leverages four years of data from Phase 1. Together, these phases create an unmatched operational platform designed to transform the company's earnings capacity and establish a leader in sustainable, land-based salmon farming.
UNITED STATES
Restaurant organizations are reacting both positively and negatively to a new USD 908 billion (EUR 751 billion) COVID-19 relief bill proposed by a group of U.S. legislators.
VIET NAM
JAPAN
CHILE.png)
SPAIN.png)
During the first quarter of 2026, salmon exports reached US$1.991 billion, representing 7% of total national exports and registering an 8% increase in value and a 19% increase in volume compared to the same period of the previous year, even though the growth in harvested biomass over the last five years has averaged 2%. These figures are part of the Export Bulletin prepared by the research department of SalmonChile and confirm the sector's importance as an engine of economic development for the country, especially for the southern regions.
EUROPEAN UNION
To protect vulnerable marine ecosystems—those where corals or coral reefs are known or presumed to exist—the European Commission banned all bottom-dwelling fishing gear 43 months ago in 87 areas of Spain, Portugal, France, and Ireland. Although scientists from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) warned that there was only information on the impact of trawling, the Commission also banned gillnets and demersal longlines. The decision was upheld by the European Court of Justice and is now pending an appeal filed by Spain. The latest ICES recommendation proposes banning fishing in between 108 and 126 areas.
PERU
Peru’s anchovy small-scale purse seine fishery has begun the process of securing 
NETHERLANDS.png)
The patented innovation centres on a suspension of lysed algal cells in oil, a formulation designed to improve stability and performance in feed applications. The company says this builds on its established algal fermentation platform and strengthens its long-term differentiation in the rapidly evolving omega-3 market.
UNITED KINGDOM
Princes Group 
NORWAY
