BioMar Australia has named Matt Whittle as its new Commercial Director, effective August 2026, reinforcing its leadership team as the Australasian aquaculture sector continues to expand.

A native of Tasmania, Whittle brings extensive industry experience, combining expertise in farm-level production, customer engagement, and commercial strategy. His strong ties to both Tasmania and mainland Australia position him to deepen relationships across key aquaculture regions.

Managing Director David Whyte said the appointment reflects the company’s emphasis on local knowledge and practical experience. “Matt’s blend of commercial insight and hands-on aquaculture expertise makes him well suited to lead our commercial team and strengthen partnerships with producers,” he said.

As part of the transition, Mike Thomson will move into the newly created role of Service Delivery Director in September 2026. He will oversee supply reliability, logistics, and on-farm support, with a focus on improving customer experience.

Whyte noted that Thomson has been instrumental in shaping the company’s commercial strategy, adding that the new role will enhance execution while maintaining strong client relationships.

These leadership changes align with BioMar Australia’s long-term strategy to boost local capability and support sustainable growth in the Australian aquaculture industry.

A three-day training programme on certification and traceability in aquaculture concluded at the State Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kakinada on Friday, highlighting the urgent need for stronger quality assurance and food safety standards.

Officials reported that India’s seafood exports reached nearly $7.45 billion in 2024–25, with Andhra Pradesh contributing 70–75%. Maintaining strict compliance with international certification norms and controlling antibiotic residues were identified as key to sustaining global competitiveness.

Participants emphasized the importance of traceability systems, including the state’s 11-digit alphanumeric coding for aquaculture units. Testing protocols such as PHT, PET, and FPI were also reviewed to ensure adherence to global standards.

The programme underscored that consistent quality control remains essential for protecting export markets and strengthening India’s position in the global seafood trade.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

The Russian national flag was officially raised on the trawler “Captain Yunak” at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg, marking a significant milestone for the country’s fishing fleet.

A report broadcast on Russia-1 highlighted the ceremony and the vessel’s completion, emphasizing its role in strengthening Russia’s maritime industry.

Ilya Shestakov, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries, praised the achievement, stating: “I’m incredibly proud that our shipbuilders were able to build such a vessel, and that we have investors who are willing to support construction at Russian shipyards and believe in the investment quota program.”

The launch reflects ongoing efforts to modernize the fleet and boost domestic shipbuilding under state-backed initiatives.

United States shrimp imports extended their downward trend in early 2026, following a sharp drop in the second half of 2025. In January 2026, imports totaled 66,935 tons (-6% year-on-year), while February recorded 58,198 tons (-8%). Combined imports reached 125,133 tons, marking a 7% decline.

In value terms, imports stood at $630 million in January (unchanged) and $513 million in February (-7%), totaling $1.135 billion (-3%).

By category, frozen peeled shrimp led with 64,508 tons (-5%), followed by frozen whole shrimp at 30,879 tons (-11%) and processed shrimp at 18,120 tons (-16%). In contrast, breaded shrimp rose to 11,567 tons (+17%).

On the supply side, Ecuador surged to 41,243 tons (+25%), while India dropped sharply to 38,395 tons (-31%). Indonesia reached 23,329 tons (+6%), Vietnam 8,071 tons (-6%), and Thailand 5,302 tons (+19%).

In 2025, total imports hit 795,641 tons (+2%) valued at $7.034 billion (+9%), before declining later in the year.

At the April 16 international conference “Blue Horizon: Ocean and Prosperity”, executives from Chile’s salmon sector called on the government to adopt short-term measures to accelerate industry expansion, according to El Mercurio.

Leaders warned that regulatory and planning barriers are slowing growth in the country’s second-largest export industry. Manuel Ariagada of Camanchaca emphasized the need to address relocation and consolidation of aquaculture zones, arguing that strategic adjustments could reduce environmental impact while improving productivity.

Meanwhile, Sadi Delgado, head of AquaChile, said industry groups have already submitted a package of proposals, including legislative and administrative reforms, some of which could deliver rapid results if implemented.

Geraldo Balbontín of Blumar highlighted rising operational costs, blaming excessive regulation and urging authorities to reassess which rules genuinely add value.

Industry leaders stress that timely policy action is critical to maintaining Chile’s global competitiveness in salmon production.

The European Union and Iceland strengthened their partnership on ocean policy during a High-Level Dialogue in Reykjavik, focusing on sustainable fisheries, Arctic governance, and the blue economy.

Commissioner Costas Kadis met with Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson to assess progress under the EU–Iceland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2025. The agreement builds on cooperation dating back to 1993, expanding collaboration on marine sustainability, research, and energy transition in fisheries.

Talks addressed Arctic cooperation, fisheries management, and ocean governance, with emphasis on conserving fish stocks, improving quota systems, and strengthening engagement in Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).

Kadis highlighted shared challenges such as climate change and pressure on fish stocks, stressing the need for science-based policies and stronger international coordination.

During his visit, Kadis traveled to Grindavík, affected by volcanic eruptions since 2023, meeting local fishers, and visited the Iceland Ocean Cluster, a key hub for innovation in the blue bioeconomy.

The dialogue reaffirmed a joint commitment to healthy oceans, resilient coastal communities, and a sustainable future.

Expo Foodtech 2026 and Pick&Pack will showcase cutting-edge solutions in smart sensors, active and biodegradable materials, and data-driven packaging systems for the food industry.

Packaging managers from companies such as Mahou-San Miguel, Eroski, and Florette, among others, will analyze the impact of intelligent packaging that helps extend shelf life and improve food traceability.

Smart packaging is revolutionizing the way food products are protected, monitored, and delivered, combining cost reduction with greater value for consumers. In this context, F4F – Expo Foodtech 2026 and Pick&Pack for Food Industry, taking place simultaneously on May 27 and 28 at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), will bring together packaging managers from renowned food companies alongside packaging industry experts to showcase cutting-edge solutions such as smart sensors, active and biodegradablematerials, and data-driven packaging systems that optimize shelf life, traceability, and sustainability.

During the two-day fair, more than 300 international experts will take the stage at the Food 4 Future World Summit to share the latest trends, success stories, and technological solutions transforming the entire food value chain, including food packaging. The Packaging Summit will demonstrate how trends such as smart packaging, eco-friendly materials, and design strategies influence purchasing decisions.

https://www.expofoodtech.com/

Puerto Montt - Exports from the Los Lagos Region reached US$2.093 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 5.7% increase compared to the same period last year, according to a report from ProChile.

The fisheries and aquaculture sector consolidated its position as the region’s main economic driver, with shipments totaling US$1.964 billion (+6.2%), led by salmon and trout, which accounted for 82.59% of total exports. Within the sector, mussels reached US$77 million, fish and crustacean meal US$41 million, and horse mackerel US$38 million.

“The sector reaffirms its leadership in the region,” said Ricardo Arriagada, Regional Director of ProChile Los Lagos, highlighting its adaptability and strong international competitiveness.

The agricultural sector recorded exports of US$89 million, while manufacturing reached US$10 million and services totaled US$2 million.

Top destination markets included the United States with US$646 million

The Province of Santa Cruz promoted a key training initiative to strengthen control of the shrimp fishery in national waters. Through the Secretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture, a course was held to train onboard observers on trawler vessels.

The activity took place on April 13 and 14 at the SUM of the Santa Cruz Port Executing Unit (UN.E.PO.S.C.), in Puerto Caleta Paula, Caleta Olivia, and was led by specialists from the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP), Juan de la Garza and Emiliano Pisani.

A total of 20 participants attended both in person and virtually, aiming to improve the collection of biological and operational data. Onboard observers play a key role by recording essential information to assess the state of the resource and ensure sustainable management.

Topics covered included catch estimation, sex composition, production, discards, and sampling. Undersecretary David Noriega emphasized that these initiatives “improve the quality of information for decision-making.”

The province plans to expand these trainings to other species such as hake, squid, and king crab, reinforcing sustainable development in the fishing sector.