Fleet modernization in action: the first longline vessel under construction in the region was launched in Vladivostok

The single-deck diesel longliner F/V 'Nugget' is being built at the Vostochnaya Shipyard (Vladivostok) under the investment quota program.

Currently, a series of crab vessels of project 03140 and 03141 are also being built at the shipyard ==>

This is the first vessel of Project 03142. The crew consists of 34 people, and the gross tonnage exceeds 1,200 tons.

On board there is equipment for processing fish into frozen products in cut and uncut form, as well as storage of finished products. The navigation area is unlimited, regular operation in small-crushed ice up to half a meter thick is possible.

The vessel will be used for longline fishing, which is one of the most environmentally friendly methods of fishing. The work process eliminates damage to the habitat of aquatic bioresources.

Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries

Is the South African navy up to the task of protecting our coastline, more importantly our existing sea life?

Chinese fishing trawlers are decimating our seas as they attempt to feed their exploding population and they do this with impunity. I suggest that it’s time to sink or arrest some of their vessels as they inflict misery and pain on any living creature that crosses their stern or bow.

There are of course other exploding populations like India. Currently, India and China make up one third of the earth’s total population. Those two, unhinged predatory countries are creating havoc with the fishing requirements.

Time for the Admiral of the South African navy to tell us where we stand and if we have the guts, to withstand this onslaught.

Author/Source: Peter Bachtis Benoni / Sowetan Live

The Kingdom of Morocco firmly stated that it is “in no way concerned” by the European Union Court of Justice’s (ECJ) ruling on agricultural and fisheries agreements.

This is according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates.

The Ministry emphasized that Morocco was not involved in any part of the legal proceedings.

“Morocco is not a party to this case, which concerns the European Union on the one hand, and the Algeria-backed ‘Polisario’ on the other.

"Morocco did not take part in any of the procedural phases and, consequently, does not consider itself in any way concerned by the decision,” the Ministry declared.

The Ministry also criticised the ruling, noting “obvious legal errors and suspicious errors of fact,” suggesting “total ignorance” of the case’s realities or potential political bias.

Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted that “the Court has even allowed itself to take the place of the competent UN bodies,” contradicting their established positions.

Morocco called on the EU Council, European Commission, and member states to respect international commitments and protect the integrity of their strategic partnership with the Kingdom.

The Ministry reiterated Morocco’s stance: it will not subscribe to any agreement that does not respect its territorial integrity and national unity.

Source: mapnews.com

By the end of September 2024, South Korea imported a total of 651,137 tons of seafood, a 9% decrease compared to the 714,919 tons imported during the same period in 2023. The total import value for the period reached USD 2.908 billion, a 15% decline from USD 6.411 billion in 2023.

The top 10 imported species by volume included frozen pollock, squid, mackerel, monkfish, small octopus, squid wing, poulp squid, salted jellyfish, pollock roe, and squid bodies. Among these, five species—frozen pollock, mackerel, squid wing,  poulp squid, and squid bodies—saw a decline in import volumes compared to last year,  while five others—frozen squid, monkfish, small octopus, salted jellyfish, and pollock roe—experienced an increase.

The year-on-year changes for key species are as follows:

• Frozen pollock fell by 1% to 105,136 tons, accounting for 16.2% of total imports.
• Frozen squid increased by 29% to 29,588 tons, making up 4.5% of total imports.
• Frozen mackerel dropped by 24% to 25,825 tons, representing 4% of total imports.
• Frozen monkfish rose by 11% to 22,009 tons, accounting for 3.4% of total imports.

This decline in import volumes and values reflects global shifts in marine resources and seafood market dynamics.

Source: Union Forsea Corp

The total exports reached 104,267 tons, worth $514 million, marking a 6% rise in volume and 5% in value compared to August 2023.

China remained Ecuador's largest shrimp importer, with a 4% increase in volume to 57,023 tons, although the value stayed at $252 million due to a 4% price drop to $4.41 per kilogram. Shipments to the U.S. saw a decline in volume by 7%, but an 8% price increase helped offset the impact. In Europe, Ecuador's shrimp exports grew by 14%, with notable gains in France (30% rise in volume). Russia showed the most significant demand surge, with exports soaring 190% in volume and 218% in value.

Despite this success, Ecuador's shrimp industry has faced challenges this year, with overall exports from January to August only growing 2% in volume but declining 6% in value compared to the same period in 2023.

Elver fishing returns to the rivers and fishing grounds of Euskadi in the last quarter of this year, after a season of hiatus. The Basque Government has regulated, as every year, the activity, which will cease to be recreational and become professional, as required by European regulations and happens in the rest of the autonomous communities of the Cantabrian coast. The new regulations establish a series of limitations regarding quotas and dates, which are limited to 30 days, and also the total catches for the 2024-25 season, which will be a maximum of 550 kilograms.

To regulate the activity, the new regulations establish a fishing calendar of only thirty days included between the months of November and March.

Source: EuropaAzul l Read the full article here

Following the High-Level Conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives organised by the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) in Malta in October last year, and almost 10 years after (December 2014) the Bari Regional Aquaculture Conference “Blue Growth in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea: developing sustainable aquaculture for food security”, the GFCM is organising together with the Government of Greece a new Regional Aquaculture Conference under the theme “Shaping sustainable aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea”

Source: iPac.aquaculture l Read the full article here

Lerøy Seafood Group, the world’s fourth largest Atlantic salmon farmer, harvested 51,400 gutted weight tonnes of salmon and trout in the third quarter of this year, it said in a trading update today.

The harvest volume is 2,500 gwt lower than in Q3 last year.

Lerøy’s full Q3 2024 report will be released on November 14.

Source: FIshfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

Seawork, the European commercial marine & workboats exhibition, has announced a new brand for its prestigious European Commercial Marine Awards (ECMAs). From next year’s event, taking place at Seawork 2025 in June next year, these will be known as the Seawork Awards.

The organisers, Mercator Media, said: “This exciting new chapter reflects Seawork’s commitment to innovation, industry excellence, and its strong connection to the global commercial marine sector.

Source: Fish Farmer l Read the full article here