Land-based yellowtail farmer The Kingfish Company has reported a sales volume of 556 tonnes for the last quarter of 2024, up from 343 tonnes year-on-year.
The Netherlands-based company said in its latest trading update that sales for Q4 had been driven by “strong holiday season demand and a well-executed go-to-market approach.”
Growth in both retail and food service channels reached new levels compared to previous years. However, revenue per kg declined to €13.4, impacted by seasonal promotions and the need to sell an increased amount of small sized fish to adjust the biomass.
Author: Robert Outram / FIsh Farmer l Read the full article here
The sandeel stock has declined continuously from its peak in 2020. It is now at a historically low level, even after very low catches in the past two years. The survey in December also suggests that the 2024 year class is weak.
Predatory fish have made it difficult for researchers
In addition, the survey in recent years has given an overly optimistic picture of how many yearlings we can find in the sandeel fields in the spring.
"There has been a lot of haddock and whiting in the sandeel areas in the North Sea. These have probably grazed on the young sandeel before the fishing has started in the spring",explains marine researcher Espen Johnsen. According to the management model, the preliminary quota recommendation should be cautious. The researchers provide an updated recommendation when they receive new information about the stock through a trawl and acoustic survey in April-May.
Little older fish and little new fish
Last year, the acoustic survey showed that the amount of sandeel was historically low. It was almost only area 3 (see map) that had catchable amounts.
"Low stock in the starting point, and signs of weak recruitment mean that we recommend keeping all areas closed from the start. We will come with an updated recommendation by mid-May", says Espen Johnsen.
The Atlantic Salmon Federation is releasing more video this week condemning the province’s aquaculture industry and calling for more enforcement, but the industry says the information is false.
The turbulence in the frozen seafood sector continues.
Following recent bankruptcies of Proa Internacional, Pescados Rubén, and Aquamar Gold, Alimarket has exclusively learned that a prominent, family-owned group, ranking 38th in the TOP 100 with annual sales exceeding €110 million and a volume of nearly 9,000 tons, is facing significant operational constraints.
The company has been operating at a reduced capacity for several weeks while exploring various strategic alternatives and divestments to ensure its long-term viability. This report details the factors contributing to the group's current situation and the measures being considered to address these challenges.
Read the full story here (only available in spanish)
Vannamei shrimp farmers in Ungkea Village, North Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, recently discovered a unique, golden-colored shrimp during a harvest.
Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) are adaptable to saltwater, brackish water, and freshwater environments, and are found throughout the Pacific, coastal Mexico, the US, and Central America. They are also commercially farmed in Ungkea, a village known for its tourism, agriculture, and fisheries. Shrimp farming is a significant contributor to Indonesia's foreign exchange earnings.
Veteran shrimp farmer Mahmud Nusu, who has decades of experience, expressed surprise at the discovery. While harvesting 20 tons of shrimp, he noticed the unusual golden shrimp."During harvest, one of the shrimp caught our attention," said Nusu. "Its color was a yellowish gold. Perhaps this is a natural sign, or perhaps farmers can capitalize on this 'golden shrimp' and Ungkea can become a leading Vannamei shrimp producer for North Morowali Regency and even Central Sulawesi Province."
Elin Balyk, a long-established fish farm in Turkmenistan, is diversifying its aquaculture operations with the introduction of Rosenberg freshwater prawn breeding.
Located on a 130-hectare site along the Karakum River in the Ak Bugday district of Ahal province, the farm has been operating for over a decade. Its facilities include 20 ponds (totaling 400 square meters), six indoor rearing facilities for various life stages of fish and shrimp, and a newly commissioned hatchery equipped with Russian, Iranian, and European technologies.
Elin Balyk utilizes modern aquaculture practices, featuring a closed water recirculation system that minimizes water consumption (10% water loss) and an intensive, chemical- and antibiotic-free approach with optimized oxygenation.
The farm has recently begun breeding Rosenberg freshwater prawns ( Macrobrachium rosenbergii), a species native to Thailand known for its large size (up to 100 grams) and distinctive appearance.
Further expansion is planned with the introduction of Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), a saltwater species. Elin Balyk has invested in training its personnel in Iran and Thailand to acquire the specialized aquaculture techniques required for this new venture. The company anticipates receiving an additional land allocation to support this expansion.
Operation Atalanta recommends all ships to register in order to be able to help them
Operation Atalanta, the European Union's naval mission to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean, is investigating a possible pirate attack on a Yemeni-flagged fishing boat near the coast of Eyl, in Puntland (Somalia). In a statement, the headquarters of Operation Atalanta, based in Rota (Cádiz), explained that it received the notice of the possible pirate attack near Somalia last Sunday, February 9.
Source: La Voz de Galicia l Read the full article here
Following the approval of the Fisheries Committee, the European Parliament has now given the final green light to the fishing agreement with Cape Verde that allows 56 EU vessels to fish tuna and similar species during the next five years in its waters. Specifically, 24 freezer tuna purse seiners, 10 pole-and-line tuna vessels and 22 surface longliners from Spain, France and Portugal will benefit, allowing them to catch up to 7,000 tonnes of tuna and tuna-like species each year until 2029.
In return, the EU will provide a financial contribution of €780,000 per year, €350,000 for access rights to Cape Verde waters and €430,000 to support the country's fisheries policy and blue economy.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras l Read the full article here
A new reporting series by CNN has focused on India’s shrimp-processing industry, alleging ongoing labor issues and a lack of oversight.
The report, which is part of CNN’s ongoing “The Great Illusion” series, interviewed migrant women and girls working at seafood plants in Andhra Pradesh, India. While the majority of those interviewed said their lives had improved overall thanks to the jobs, it also revealed what CNN described as extreme working and living conditions with long shifts and no days off – in violation of India’s labor laws.
Author: Chris Chase / SeafoodSource l Read the full article here
Seafood Industry Supports Proposed Fisheries Rule Changes New Zealand
Seafood New Zealand has expressed strong support for proposed changes to commercial fishing regulations, citing benefits for consumers, common sense, and sustainability.
The proposals, released by th...
Illex Squid Season Resumes Strong Pace After South Atlantic Storm Argentina
Following several days of inactivity due to a severe storm affecting the Argentine coastline from Mar del Plata to the Falkland Islands, the jigging fleet has resumed fishing operations for Illex arge...