China’s oyster imports softened significantly in 2024, particularly hurting the nation’s key supplier: France.

Official customs data shows China imported 1,570 metric tons (MT) of oysters last year, down on the 2,090 MT imported the year before and down even more than the 2,130 MT China bought in 2022.

France saw its shipments fall from 1,240 tons exported in 2023 to 909 MT last year. 

Author: Mark Godfrey / SeafoodSource l Read the full article here

Salmon is London Heathrow’s single biggest export by volume. Salmon Scotland comment on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

“According to the most recent study, from Frontier Economics, a third runway could increase potential GDP by 0.43% by 2050. Over half – 60% of that boost – would go to areas outside of London and the south-east, including increasing trade opportunities for products like Scotch whisky and Scottish salmon, already two of the biggest British exports out of Heathrow.”

Source: Fish Focus l Read the full article here

Mowi has entered into an agreement with Vigner Olaisen AS to purchase its shares in Nova Sea AS. This will increase Mowi's ownership in the company from 49% to 95%.

Mowi, which is already the world's biggest salmon farmer, will then make a voluntary offer to the remaining shareholders, the company stated in a press release today.

Nova Sea is engaged in salmon farming in production area 8 in Northern Norway and covers the entire value chain from broodstock and smolt production to harvest and sales. The company expects to harvest 52,000 tonnes of salmon in 2025.

Source: fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

Seawork, Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat exhibition, has announced a new feature for its 2025 edition – a third hall, dedicated to associations in the marine sector.

The organisers, Mercator Media, said the new Associations Hall represents part of its ongoing growth and commitment to fostering industry collaboration.

Seawork 2025 takes place over 10-12 June in Southampton, on England’s south coast.

Building on the success of previous years, the expanded Hall 3 will become a dynamic Association Zone, welcoming both long-term supporters and first-time exhibitors.

Source: Fish Farmer l  Read the full article here

The Analytical Center of the Fish Union has published a detailed report titled "Russian-Chinese Trade in Fish and Seafood: Results of 2024."

Key Highlights

Export Performance

In 2024, Russia's fish and seafood exports to China experienced a 13% decline in volume, amounting to 1.1 million tons, and a 5% drop in value, totaling $2.7 billion. Despite these setbacks, the year showcased several promising trends:

1. Growth in Higher-Processed Pollock Products:

   • Exports of pollock fillet and surimi have increased as Russia continues to solidify its competitive position in China, rivaling the United States.

2. Premium Product Expansion:

   • Improved logistics have boosted the export of live crabs, a high-demand premium item.

3. Shift in Herring Exports:

   • The decline in Pacific herring exports aligns with rising domestic production and consumption of herring fillets, which are increasingly sought after in Russia's local market.

The slight decline in frozen fish exports is attributed to the non-salmon year of 2024, a cyclical phenomenon affecting catch volumes.

Import Performance

Conversely, Russian imports of fish and seafood from China rose sharply:

• 66% increase in weight, reaching 84,000 tons
• 57% increase in value, totaling $406 million

Imports primarily consisted of fish fillets and processed seafood for species less abundant or declining in Russian waters, such as:

• Tuna, Tilapia, Halibut, Eel, and Vannamei Shrimp

This growing trade relationship underscores ongoing market diversification and shifting preferences in both nations' seafood sectors.

When confronted with the facts about shrimp farming in Vietnam, it’s hard not to conclude that the sector remains highly inefficient, at the same time struggling to contain its negative effects on the environment. One tonne of shrimp from intensive farms is responsible for 14 tonnes of carbon emissions, while feeds are imported and antibiotic use is high, resulting in production costs double those of top competitor Ecuador.

On the other hand, the extensive farming done by smallholder farmers has no water treatment and is acutely unproductive: as a result, less than a third of shrimp survive, farmers earn very little, ponds are degraded and waste is directly released into the environment.

Source: The Fish Site l  Read the full article here

JR Shikoku selects Saijo City for land-based aquaculture venture.

JR Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s regional railway operators, has announced plans to launch a land-based salmon farming operation in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, as part of its strategy to diversify revenue streams beyond rail transport.

The company will begin operations in April, installing 13 fish tanks at the Hiuchi branch of the Ehime Prefectural Fishery Cooperative. The first batch of juveniles will be introduced into the system shortly after, with commercial shipments expected to begin by January 2026. JR Shikoku aims to reach an annual production capacity of 12 to 13 tonnes by the end of the 2026 fiscal year

Source: SalmonBusiness l  Read the full article here

The All-Russian Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO), in collaboration with the Industry Council on Fishery Forecasting under the Federal Agency for Fisheries, recently convened an academic council to discuss fishing recommendations for Pacific salmon during the 2025 season. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Kirill Kolonchin, Director of VNIRO, took place on January 24th.

During the session, research findings were presented to substantiate projected production volumes for Pacific salmon in Russia's inland waters and territorial seas in the Far East. Olga Maznikova, Director of Anadromous Fish at VNIRO, reported that specialists have estimated the total Pacific salmon catch for the 2025 season at approximately 311,000 tons.

The academic council included key representatives from VNIRO’s Far Eastern branches and other experts who participated via virtual conferencing. Their combined insights will guide strategic decisions for the upcoming fishing season, ensuring sustainable and scientifically supported management of salmon resources.