Norway and the other EFTA countries today signed a historic free trade agreement with Thailand. The agreement will grant virtually all products from Norway zero tariffs to Thailand.

Israel's instrument of acceptance brings to 89 the total number of WTO members that have formally accepted the Agreement. Twenty-two more formal acceptances are needed for the Agreement to come into effect.

DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “I welcome Israel's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Each additional acceptance brings us closer to the threshold for the entry into force of these vital rules that will curb harmful subsidies and protect global fish stocks. I urge remaining WTO members to submit their own letters of acceptance, thereby helping to safeguard our oceans — and the livelihoods that depend on them — for future generations.”

Minister Barkat said: “Israel is proud to have successfully completed the domestic approval process of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, being the first agreement of its kind to focus on environmental sustainability. The agreement marks a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable development and we are glad to bring Members closer to its implementation. We remain not only optimistic, but also confident in the transformative potential of this agreement to rejuvenate and accelerate the processes leading up to the 14th Ministerial Conference. I extend my gratitude to the Director-General for her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment in guiding this agreement to fruition.”

The Agreement will enter into force upon acceptance by two-thirds of the membership.

Norwegian salmon flooding EU Market, Danish industry raises concerns.

New tariff rules have increased Norway’s access to the EU market for smoked salmon, sparking criticism from Danish seafood leaders.

As of January 1, Norway has been granted an additional export quota of 2,500 tonnes of tariff-free smoked salmon under the compensation mechanism tied to the EEA agreement, bringing the total annual allowance to 5,250 tonnes.

Source: SalmonBusiness l Read the full article here

Salmon farming company Bakkafrost has agreed to continue its sponsorship of the Faroese men’s national football team.

Bakkafrost has not given a financial figure but said the support will continue for the next four years.

Bakkafrost has been a long-term supporter of the Faroese national team, which is seen as one of the minnows in international soccer although it occasionally springs surprises.

However, the choice of players is very limited as the population of the Faroe Islands is only 57,000, the size of a town like Weymouth in the UK.

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

Fish farmer and business executive Stewart Hawthorn has been appointed as the new chief executive of Akaroa King Salmon in New Zealand.

Hawthorn is managing director of Loch Long Salmon which is seeking to establish floating closed containment farms in Loch Long and Loch Linnhe in Scotland, and is a former farming director of Scotland trout producer Dawnfresh, now owned by Mowi.

He spent almost 13 years in New Zealand as general manager aquaculture for the New Zealand King Salmon Company between 1997 and 2010.

Author: Gareth Moore / fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

When choosing cod liver, experts recommend paying attention to several facts. 

For example, where the canned food was produced and what is in its composition - chilled or frozen raw materials, says consumer goods quality specialist Marina Kovalchuk.

“If you see that the raw material has been frozen, it’s better to put that jar aside,” she advises .

According to her, liver from chilled raw materials will have a more delicate taste and will not be bitter.

Another important point is the region of production. It is better to choose those canned goods that were produced directly in the regions where cod is caught, for example in Murmansk or Arkhangelsk. According to Marina Kovalchuk, such products are of high quality, so it is important that the place of production coincides with the region of catch.

But the names "cod liver Murmansk style" or "Scandinavian style" should be treated with caution. According to Marina Kovalchuk, often these inscriptions hide pates or canned goods with added milk.

This information was confirmed to Veterinary Science and Life by the National Center for Fish and Agricultural Safety (FSBI NTSBRP Rosselkhoznadzor). Last year, the center's laboratory examined 95 samples of canned cod liver. Of these, 13 samples did not meet quality and safety requirements. Instead of cod liver, salmon milt and heavy metals (arsenic) were found in the cans. In addition, discrepancies in organoleptic indicators were found.

Brazilian Fish, a leading name in the fish industry, has launched an innovative product set to make waves in the market: Gelafish Protein, an ice cream packed with 7.8 grams of tilapia protein per serving, enriched with omega-3, and free from added sugar.

This groundbreaking addition combines nutrition with indulgence, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking something unique.

In addition to Gelafish Protein, Brazilian Fish is introducing nine other exciting products: Salmon Fillet, Dogfish Steak, Hake Fillet, Panga Fillet, and Pollock Fillet. The lineup also includes Tilapia Gnocchi, offered in three convenient variations: sugo sauce, white sauce, and a plain version for customizable preparation. These new offerings reflect a commitment to innovation, quality, and practicality.

Brazilian Fish, in collaboration with the Ambar Amaral Group, continues to bring pride to Santa Fé do Sul, solidifying its reputation both nationally and internationally. This dynamic partnership underscores their dedication to elevating regional traditions while gaining widespread recognition.

Endúr ASA has completed the acquisition of VAQ AS, which was first announced on December 23, 2024.

VAQ has expertise in the dimensioning, design, construction and operation of land-based aquaculture facilities with RAS technology, and is headquartered in Asker, outside Oslo.

This acquisition, which involves the purchase of 100% of the shares from majority owner Broodstock Capital, the founders and several employee minority shareholders, strengthens our position in the market and expands our services, they write. 

They write in the stock exchange announcement that the acquisition is strategically important and complements Endúr's existing business.

As part of the acquisition, Endúr has issued and transferred a total of 937,566 shares to the sellers. Of these, 887,566 shares have been issued through a capital increase, while 50,000 shares have been transferred from the company's holdings of treasury shares. 

After the capital increase, the company's share capital is NOK 18,888,858, divided into 37,777,716 shares, each with a nominal value of NOK 0.5.