• Binational collaboration: Chile and Peru are working together to sustainably study and manage a shared marine resource of great economic importance.
• Hydroacoustic assessment: Scientists use specialized equipment to estimate the number of fish in a given area.
• Standardization of methods: The goal is to establish common protocols for assessing anchovy, which will allow for more accurate and reliable data.
• Sustainable management: This collaboration seeks to ensure responsible fishing and long-term conservation of anchovy.

The coelacanth, a prehistoric fish once thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in 1938.

This ancient species, dating back 400 million years, has survived largely unchanged. Its unique features, such as its limb-like fins and slow metabolism, have fascinated scientists. The discovery of two distinct species, the Western Indian Ocean coelacanth and the Indonesian coelacanth, further highlights the diversity of this remarkable creature. The coelacanth's survival serves as a testament to the resilience of life and the mysteries that still exist in our oceans.

After the initial discovery in South Africa, another specimen surfaced 15 years later near the Comoro Islands. Further sightings in Indonesia during the 1990s led to the identification of two distinct species:

• Western Indian Ocean coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae)
• Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis)

Scientists attribute its survival to:

• Stable habitats in deep-sea caves.
• Unique physiological traits that support navigation in complex environments.
• A slow metabolism that sustains life even when food is scarce.

The coelacanth reminds us that the natural world holds mysteries waiting to be discovered, inspiring awe and respect for life’s enduring adaptability.

Source: UNIONRAYO

Participating in the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FAA) Operation Island Chief in August, PSS H.I. Remeliik II destroyed 18 illegal Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) and conducted a number of boardings resulting in seizures of fishing equipment.

The PSS H.I. Remeliik II, a patrol boat supported by Australia, has been actively combating illegal fishing in Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It has participated in regional operations, destroying illegal fishing devices and conducting boardings. Additionally, the vessel has provided essential services to remote communities, including delivering supplies and conducting medical evacuations. These efforts contribute to protecting marine resources, ensuring food security, and maintaining regional stability.

Another patrol in October saw PSS H.I. Remeliik II and crew destroy a further 26 illegal FADs. IUU fishing contributes to global overfishing, threatens marine ecosystems, puts food security and regional stability at risk, and is linked to major human rights violations and even organized crime

HANOI,  (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's seafood exports reached nearly 9.2 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of this year, up 11.5 percent year on year, local media cited the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) on Tuesday.

Seafood exports in November alone slowed down but still maintained impressive growth with a turnover of 924 million dollars, up 17 percent year on year, said the association.

Shrimp and tra fish (pangasius) continue to be Vietnam's key seafood export products.

Shrimp exports recorded a 22-percent growth in November and are forecast to reach 4 billion dollars in turnover for the whole year.

Meanwhile, turnover of tra fish exports was estimated at 1.84 billion dollars as of November and is predicted to hit 2 billion dollars by the end of this year.

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.

Read the letter at this link

In 2023, total imports of pangasius into the European Union declined sharply from the previous year. In fact, some 70 000 tonnes were imported, 3 000 tonnes less than in 2022, reports FAO-Globefish.

Main supplying country was Viet Nam with a share of 90 percent of total imports, however the real share is far higher, as the second and third supplier are the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Belgium, which are mere re-exporting countries.

Germany has emerged as main consumer of pangasius fillets, as in this country, price aspects outnumber quality and taste aspects. Spain that used to be a major pangasius consumer some 10 years ago has continuously reduced its imports of this species. In 2023, the country imported 5 500 tonnes, almost 1 000 tonnes less than in the previous year.

In the first nine months of 2024, imports of the pangasius were stable at 2023 levels, some 54 000 tonnes were imported during this period into the EU. German imports of pangasius increased by 2 percent during the period to 9 200 tonnes. Spanish imports increased by 40 percent y-o-y to some 5 500 tonnes during Jan-Sep 2024.

In the first-half of 2024, the combined profit of fishing, fish processing and aquaculture companies in Russia decreased by 14.2% to RUB 60.2 billion (approximate US$550 million), according to a new study from the Russian Association of the Fishing Fleet Shipowners.

While the entire Russian economy is generally not faring well this year, with estimates made by the Russian state statistical service Rosstat finding the net profit of firms decreased by an average 1.8% in the first six months, the seafood industry ranks among the worst financial performers. Indeed, fishing industry union VARPE has calculated that nearly every second Russian fishing company was loss-making in the period.

Source: Worldfishing l Read the full article here 

Sierra Leone's fishing industry is facing significant challenges due to rampant illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Foreign fishing vessels, particularly Chinese, are depleting fish stocks and undermining local livelihoods.

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing and Sierra Leone Fisheries Minister Dugba signed the implementation agreement of the Sierra Leone-aided fishing wharf project

Key Points:

• Economic Impact: IUU fishing costs Sierra Leone millions of dollars annually, affecting the country's economy and food security.
• Local Livelihoods: The fishing industry is a vital source of income for many Sierra Leoneans, but it is being threatened by illegal fishing.
• Government Ineffectiveness: The government has struggled to address the issue of IUU fishing, despite its significant economic impact.
• Community Response: Local fishermen are taking matters into their own hands to protect their livelihoods.

The continued prevalence of IUU fishing poses a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of Sierra Leone's fisheries and the well-being of its people.