The Far Eastern fishing fleet has been boosted with the addition of the new crab fishing vessel, the Alexander Sapozhnikov.

Built by the Onega Shipyard for the Russian Crab Group under the investment quota program, the national flag was recently raised on the vessel, marking its official commissioning.

The ship is designed for sustainable crabbing and live catch transport. It features a specialized two-level hold with modern monitoring systems (temperature, salinity, oxygen) to ensure a high preservation rate of 98% for the catch.

Ilya Shestakov, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries, emphasized the significance of the new vessel: "Each new vessel is a step toward achieving our strategic goal—the modernization of the domestic fishing fleet... Furthermore, automation and digital process control are ensured for more efficient operations at sea."

The vessel is named in honor of Alexander Anatolyevich Sapozhnikov, who led the Russian Crab Group from 2020 to 2024 and significantly contributed to the company's fleet and staff expansion. (Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries)

The Russian State Duma is considering a draft law to authorize the canning of cod liver oil directly on fishing vessels.

This measure seeks to solve the problem of wasting large quantities of this valuable byproduct, which is often discarded due to its short shelf life and the inability to process it onboard.

The proposal amends the Law on Fisheries to allow vessels equipped with specialized gear to produce canned cod liver during the fishing process.

• Objective: To increase the supply of cod liver to the domestic market, valued for its high content of beneficial fatty acids.

• Economic Benefits: It is expected to reduce resource depletion, increase efficiency, add value, create jobs, and improve fishermen's incomes.

• Implementation: If approved, the regulation will take effect on September 1, 2026. A transition period until 2030 is proposed to allow companies to establish processing plants in the northern region.

Legislators view this initiative as a key step for the development of the Russian fishing sector, especially in the context of declining cod stocks.

Norway & the UK fish & chips industry: A strategic partnership between two cornerstone industries.

Fish & Chips is far more than a beloved British meal—it stands as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage. From its humble beginnings in the 19th century, this dish became a staple for the working class, offering affordable nourishment through times of hardship and war.

Today, Fish & Chips remains a thriving industry, deeply connected to the quality and sustainability of Norwegian cod, and strengthened by close collaboration between British and Norwegian partners. 

Author: Bjørn-Erik Stabell, Country Director UK of the  Norwegian Seafood Council / Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Russian scientists at Kuban State Agrarian University (KubSAU) are developing the country's first oral vaccine for farmed fish to combat the deadly disease aeromonosis.

Logo of the Kuban State Agrarian University

Aeromonosis is a dangerous infection that causes mass mortality in aquaculture. Traditionally treated with antibiotics, the disease has led to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains, making the development of new solutions critical.

The new drug is designed to combine an antigen and an adjuvant into a single molecule. Scientists say this innovative design will allow fish to develop immunity without injections, significantly reducing the need for antibiotics in aquaculture.

KubSAU estimates that the vaccine will help reduce fish mortality and promote herd immunity, ultimately cutting fish farming costs by approximately 19%. Researchers are currently isolating the responsible bacterial strain in the lab, with state registration of the vaccine planned for early 2029.

The Fishermen’s Shipowners’ Cooperative of the Port of Vigo (ARVI) has expressed its deep concern after learning about the agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom on Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for shared species.

ARVI regrets that the pact has "focused exclusively on the environmental aspect," setting catches at the lowest possible limit of the range. The entity criticizes that the social and economic aspects of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)—which should carry equal weight—have been ignored.

This decision adds to a "constant reduction" in fishing opportunities in recent years for key species of their Gran Sol (Faroes/West of Scotland) fleet, such as Hake and Megrim, seriously affecting the sector's viability.

Industry fury as police probe alleged misuse of major salmon brands.

Norwegian police have opened a formal investigation into alleged illegal export practices at Bergen-based salmon trader North Tandem, following NRK disclosures and multiple complaints from industry companies and the Food Safety Authority. Several individuals in the company are charged with document forgery, breaches of the food law and providing false information to the Food Safety Authority. The charges also cover violations of regulations governing the export of downgraded production fish. 

Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here

Andfjord Salmon has brought in a new lead contractor to complete the work at its Kvalnes site in the Norwegian Arctic.

The company dismissed the current contractor AF Hæhre & Contur in an ongoing row which has led to 76 workers being warned they could lose their jobs.

Andfjord said in an Oslo Stock Exchange announcement last night that it has now engaged the company Harald Nilsen together with the concrete specialist Nornebygg.

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

After a slight dip in week 48, the spot price of Norwegian farmed salmon increased by NOK 6.81 (£0.50) per kilo last week (week 49), up to NOK 86.19/kg.

The last time the price was higher was in week 16, which was Easter week.

Last week’s price was also NOK 5.38/kg better than the same week last year.

The average spot price so far this year is NOK 76.25/kg, compared to NOK 92.57 a year ago.

Author: Pål Mugaas Jensen / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

India and Russia are working to form closer seafood ties after the leaders of the two countries met at a business forum in New Delhi, India. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met during the 23rd Russia-India Business Forum in early December, with both leaders reaffirming support for each other and the strengthening of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The partnership, established in October 2000, promises cooperation in a number of areas including security, economic ties, nuclear energy, defense, and natural resources like seafood. As part of those closer ties, the two leaders said India and Russia are setting a trade target of USD 100 billion (EUR 85 billion) to be achieved by 2030. 

Author: Chris Chase / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here