The last Consello da Xunta de Galicia of September 2, 2024, has served to approve the continuation of several strategic projects that seek to strengthen the sustainability and diversification of the Galician aquaculture industry, within the framework of the Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) of Galicia for the period 2021-2027.

One of the key projects is the diversification of species in Galician fish farming, focused on the cultivation of the rock mullet (Mullus surmuletus) already underway. During the session, the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Technological Center of the Aquaculture Cluster (CETGA) was approved to continue this research until 2027. The initiative seeks to expand the variety of species cultivated in the region, traditionally dominated by the production of flatfish such as turbot and sole, thus promoting greater biological and economic diversity and adapting to market demands. In parallel, Galicia continues to stand out as a benchmark in the production of bivalve molluscs, both in shellfish farming and aquaculture, thanks to its sustainable practices and the quality of its products. Although it was not presented as a new project in this session, the development of advanced biotechnological tools to improve these practices is an ongoing initiative that is part of the long-term strategy to maintain and increase the quality and sustainability of production.

Source: MisPeces

In the presence of the main chefs of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Cermaq Chile celebrated the launch of AIMON, the new name and brand of its Ultrapremium product.

The whole-fresh product stands out for its texture, freshness, shine, color and flavor; and is the result of good operational practices throughout the entire value chain, which allows for a product of high quality standards: “The launch of Aimon is a milestone for Cermaq Chile, since it is a three-year work where collaboration and excellence are key. That is why we are very happy to be able to materialize this brand that, in its essence, is linked to the roots of our company: Japanese culture,” highlights the general manager of Cermaq Chile, Joachim Wessel.

To achieve the ultrapremium quality of Aimon, Cermaq Chile took on the challenge of adjusting protocols in its value chain, prioritizing technology and animal welfare through stress-free processes in cultivation, harvesting and processing; In addition to a specialized selection of each piece, which intensifies the quality attributes and extends them over time: “A few years ago, we realized that we had a practice that allowed us to guarantee that the salmon was treated delicately and that translated into the quality of the meat.

Source: Aqua

They also demand that the capture of Norway lobster be allowed off the Galician coast

That it does not endanger the economic and social viability of the fleet" by preventing the directed fishing of horse mackerel from Fisterra towards the north, limiting the fishing of pollock so much that we will see how they manage in the northwest with the less than 6,000 kilos that they have left until the end of the year, or prohibiting the capture of Norway lobster on the Galician coast in recent years, in functional unit 25 (UF 25). These are three of the requests submitted by the National Federation of Fishermen's Guilds (FNCP) to the European Commission, taking advantage of the public consultation on fishing opportunities for 2025. In these three cases, the reopening of horse mackerel fishing - now only by-catches are allowed in 8c - can help to save the fleet, by correcting the 53% cut in the pollock quota and by allowing the catching of Norway lobster off the Galician coast, where it has been prohibited since 2017.

If no one remedies this with a transfer of quotas, the inshore fleet and the longliners and bottom-fishing vessels that fish in Galicia and the rest of the Cantabrian Sea could be forced to moor before the end of the year. This will happen if they exhaust the pollock quota, even if they have a quota for other species. And it is not in their hands to decide when or how much of this white fish can fall into their gear, especially in the third quarter of the year, the one with the most catches, along with the first.

Source: LaVozdeGalicia

The grants allow financing up to 50% of investment projects, with a limit of five million euros per project

The objective is to promote the modernisation and digitalisation of the sector, its competitiveness and its sustainable economic growth

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has opened the call for aid for the processing industry of the fishing and aquaculture sector from the European funds of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), with an initial budget of 20 million euros, expandable depending on demand.

With this call, published today in the Official State Gazette (BOE), the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Industry and Tourism respond to the demand of the processing industry of fishing and aquaculture products, which requested its inclusion in the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) Agri-Food. The Spanish processing industry is a leader at the European Union (EU) level and the backbone of the economy in large areas of the Spanish coast.

The call aims to finance investments that begin after the request for aid is made. These investments must be greater than 1.5 million euros and must be executed until June 30, 2026, at the latest.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

The Government reaffirms its “commitment” to marine research and the protection of Mediterranean ecosystems with a contribution of 123,600 euros to the International Commission for the Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea (CIESM). The contribution, approved by the Council of Ministers at the proposal of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, will allow Spanish scientists to continue being part of this international community that works for a more sustainable future for this sea.

Source: IndustriasPesqueras | Read the full article here

Anfaco-Cecopesca has expressed its satisfaction with the call for aid published this Wednesday in the BOE and which, framed in the Agro-Food PERTE, are aimed at the industrial strengthening of companies involved in the processing of fishing and aquaculture products. The business organization considers it a great achievement after a long and arduous process to include this activity - expressly excluded at the time - within the corresponding PERTE with funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR).

Source: Ipac | Read the full article here

Norway’s mackerel exports surged in August, setting new records and highlighting the growing demand in Asian markets.

The country exported 17,367 tonnes of mackerel worth NOK 435 million (€36.57 million, £31.25 million) in August, marking a 155% increase in value compared to the same month last year. This growth in volume, up by 122%, is attributed to the early start of the mackerel season and the diligent efforts of Norwegian fishermen

Source: TheFishingDaily | Read the full article here

Dutch retail chain Albert Heijn has begun stocking farmed shrimp fed on a diet that includes insect meal created by Protix and algal oil from Veramaris.

“Albert Heijn is setting a new standard for sustainable seafood in the Netherlands. They are the first to introduce farmed shrimp that are raised with significantly higher welfare standards and have a low marine footprint, a culmination of several years of collaboration between multiple supply chain partners,” Skretting said in a press release.

Author: Cliff White / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here 

Process flexibility and scalability while utilising 100 percent of the fish: BAADER presents its latest Whitefish innovation at the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition 2024 (Icefish), taking place in Kopavogur, from 18th to 20th September 2024. The global provider of high-quality fish processing equipment, solutions and services will be exhibiting at booth B30.

“Whether onboard or inside a processing facility – our expertise in integration ensures that our equipment seamlessly fits into any processing line.

Source: FishFocus | Read the full article here

Fixed-net Fishing Ban Lifted

Fishermen land the first catch of the season for autumn salmon, also known as chum salmon, in the port town of Taiki, Hokkaido, on Monday. 

The fixed-net fishing ban for the fish was lifted on the day. Fishermen skillfully sorted out the males and females from five boats. Female autumn salmon sold for ¥1,900 per kilogram ($ 12.96) during the bidding, while males sold for ¥950 ($ 6.48). Both were priced higher than an average year.