IN BRIEF - Glenn Cooke, Co-founder and CEO of Cooke Inc., wrote a letter to Premier Furey requesting the withdrawal of the Federal NMCA
CANADA
Wednesday, December 04, 2024
Cooke Inc. Opposes Proposed NMCA in South Coast Fjords
In a personal letter sent to Premier Furey of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Glenn Cooke to protect local industries and the families that rely on them rather than impose restrictive measures that will lead to their demise.
Cooke Inc., a major Seafood Group, is urging the Newfoundland and Labrador government to withdraw from the proposed National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in the South Coast Fjords. The company argues that this initiative, spearheaded by the federal government, would have severe negative impacts on local communities and the seafood industry.
The NMCA would restrict fishing and aquaculture activities, jeopardizing the livelihoods of many people who depend on these industries. It would also hinder the growth of the aquaculture sector, particularly salmon farming, which has been identified as a key driver of economic development in the region.
Cooke Inc. emphasizes the importance of sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices and highlights the company's commitment to environmental responsibility. They argue that the NMCA would undermine these efforts and limit opportunities for future growth.
The company urges the provincial government to prioritize the economic and social well-being of coastal communities and to reject the proposed NMCA.
Compassion in World Farming has welcomed a landmark victory after Nueva Pescanova abandoned plans to build the world’s first commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria, Spain.
The farm, proposed by Spanish seafood company Nueva Pescanova for the Port of Las Palmas, would have confined around one million octopuses a year in barren tanks and caused serious damage to our oceans.
The plans sparked global outcry from animal welfare organisations, scientists, campaigners and members of the public. Today’s news follows a recent push by Compassion in World Farming to get the Las Palmas Port Authority to officially close the planning application for the farm.
Abanca and Conxemar—the Spanish Association of Wholesalers, Importers, Exporters, and Processors of Fishery and Aquaculture Products—have once again joined forces to boost the 27th edition of Conxemar, the International Seafood Trade Fair. The event will take place from October 6 to 8, positioning Vigo as a global benchmark in the sector.
The agreement was signed by Víctor Casal, Executive Director of Corporate, Business, and SME Banking at Abanca, and Eloy García, President of Conxemar, accompanied by Javier Fraga, Director of Abanca Mar. This long-standing collaboration allows Abanca to remain a sponsor while also supporting the fair through key institutional events and business generation efforts, facilitated by a dedicated Abanca Mar stand.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
A coalition of 11 environmental organisations, led by the Blue Marine Foundation, has launched the MPA Legal Coalition to push for stronger protection of Europe's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The group claims that Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain continue to allow destructive activities, including bottom trawling, even within officially protected marine areas.
After filing complaints with the European Commission in 2025 with little progress, the coalition is calling for stricter enforcement of the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives and greater government accountability. According to the organisations, many MPAs remain protected only on paper while activities that cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems continue.
The initiative aims to build local expertise and expand aquaculture output by 2030.
Senegal has begun testing marine aquaculture for the first time as part of efforts to develop alternative fish production systems and reduce pressure on traditional fishing resources.
Two 25-metre floating fish cages aim to boost fish production and create up to 1,000 indirect jobs.
Senegal has launched its first marine aquaculture pilot project featuring two 25-metre floating fish cages in Palmarin, backed by an investment of more than FCFA 350 million (US$607,000). The initiative supports the country's goal of increasing aquaculture production to 20,000 tonnes by 2030, while strengthening food security and employment.
A Chilean company that recycles salmon farming waste has reached a milestone by exporting 30 tonnes of compressed expanded polystyrene (EPS) to Europe
Ceresal SpA developed its operation in Puerto Aysén in 2022, promoting solutions aimed at the recovery and valorisation of waste from the aquaculture industry.
After several years of work and collaboration with different actors in the territory, the company finalised the shipment of compressed EPS to Spain and Belgium, marking its first export and opening new opportunities for the circular economy from the Aysén Region.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
Norwegian authorities are investigating a suspected case of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) at a SalMar farming site in Troms.
SalMar Oppdrett notified the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on July 28 after tests on fish at the Mjøsund Vest site in Ibestad municipality returned positive PCR results consistent with the disease.
The authority will take additional samples to determine whether the diagnosis can be confirmed.
Restrictions have been imposed at the site while the investigation continues, including a ban on moving fish without specific permission.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Expert calls for turning public policy into concrete action to strengthen governance, aquaculture, and the blue economy.
Dr. Nazia Sher : is a Research Associate at the NIMA, Pakistan -->
Pakistan must translate its policy progress into practical measures to ensure sustainable fisheries, according to an analysis published by The Financial Daily. The proposal highlights the need to strengthen fisheries governance, modernize management, expand aquaculture, and protect marine ecosystems to advance the Blue Economy while improving food security.
An equally important priority is the establishment of a National Fisheries Coordination and Advisory Task Force operating within Pakistan’s broader maritime governance framework.
The Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill that consolidates and updates regulations to strengthen investment, animal health, and sector competitiveness.
Rwanda's Parliament has approved a new bill governing the livestock and fisheries sectors, replacing four laws that have been in force for 16 years. The legislation aims to professionalize both industries, strengthen animal health, improve product quality, encourage private investment, and align the regulatory framework with international standards to boost competitiveness and food security.
The institute will present a RAS system featuring live yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) to promote technology transfer and support commercial aquaculture development in Argentina.
INIDEP will showcase a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) with live yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) during FIP 2026, to be held from September 17–19 in Mar del Plata. The initiative aims to bring aquaculture technology closer to the private sector and demonstrate the commercial potential of farming this high-value species.
The Indonesian government sees rural aquaculture as key to increasing protein production, expanding fish exports and improving welfare nationwide.
The programme will cover 40,000 villages from 2026, with technical support and fry supply to strengthen food security, rural employment and exports.
Indonesia will launch an unprecedented nationwide aquaculture expansion to increase fish and shrimp production, improve access to protein, boost local economies and reinforce its position as a global aquaculture powerhouse.
CANADA
Cooke Inc.
SPAIN.png)
Compassion in World Farming has welcomed a landmark victory after Nueva Pescanova abandoned plans to build the world’s first commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria, Spain..png)
Abanca
EUROPEAN UNION.jpg)
After filing complaints with the European Commission in 2025 with little progress, the coalition is calling for stricter enforcement of the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives and greater government accountability. According to the organisations, many MPAs remain protected only on paper while activities that cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems continue.
SENEGAL.png)
Two 25-metre floating fish cages aim to boost fish production and create up to 1,000 indirect jobs.
CHILE.png)
Ceresal SpA developed its operation in Puerto Aysén in 2022, promoting solutions aimed at the recovery and valorisation of waste from the aquaculture industry.
NORWAY.png)
Norwegian authorities are investigating a suspected case of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) at a SalMar farming site in Troms.
PAKISTAN
Expert calls for turning public policy into concrete action to strengthen governance, aquaculture, and the blue economy.
RWANDA.png)
Rwanda's Parliament has approved a new bill governing the livestock and fisheries sectors, replacing four laws that have been in force for 16 years. The legislation aims to professionalize both industries, strengthen animal health, improve product quality, encourage private investment, and align the regulatory framework with international standards to boost competitiveness and food security.
ARGENTINA.png)
INDONESIA
The programme will cover 40,000 villages from 2026, with technical support and fry supply to strengthen food security, rural employment and exports.
