Despite a production increase, Rio Grande do Norte state must tackle logistical bottlenecks and bureaucratic complexities to unlock its full aquaculture potential.

Natal, Rio Grande do Norte - Aquaculture in Rio Grande do Norte experienced a modest 2.32% growth in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a production volume of 4,400 tons, according to data from Peixe BR. The state maintains its strong position in tilapia farming, which dominates production with 3,100 tons. It also demonstrates notable activity in the cultivation of native species, accounting for 700 tons. The combined production of carp, trout, and pangasius, while present, remains at 600 tons.

Despite this positive trajectory, the state's aquaculture sector faces considerable challenges hindering more substantial expansion. Intense competition from neighboring states, particularly Pernambuco with its more established and robust production, acts as a constraint on growth in Rio Grande do Norte. While the state benefits from favorable natural conditions, notably its climate and abundant water resources ideal for tilapia farming, these advantages are not fully capitalized upon.

A promising development involves the increasing collaboration between academic and research institutions and aquaculture companies. These partnerships have fostered innovation and contributed to enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of farming practices.

Barcelona – Balfegó Grup,  a global leader in bluefin tuna fishing, aquaculture, and commercialization, was awarded yesterday with the Prize for Business Ambition and Purpose at the José Manuel Lara Awards, granted by the Barcelona Circle of Economy. Alicia Romero, the Minister of Economy and Finance of the Government of Catalonia, presented the distinction, which recognizes companies that develop their activity with a transformative vision, a strong commitment to the environment, and the integration of sustainability as a strategic pillar of their business. Manel Balfegó, co-president of Balfegó Grup, received the award.

[Image caption: Pere and Manel Balfegó accept the award from the Circle of Economy]

The jury highlighted Balfegó's purpose of generating a positive environmental and social impact, as well as its successful trajectory based on traceability, technological innovation, gastronomic excellence, and animal welfare. The award also recognizes the company's intention to go beyond economic results and contribute to building a more responsible future for the food industry.

Upon receiving the award, Manel Balfegó stated that this recognition reaffirms their business model, which harmonizes ambition with responsibility, growth with sustainability, and innovation with tradition. He emphasized the company's commitment to the responsible management of marine resources, total traceability, and scientific research, as well as to society and the environment.

Viciunai Group of Lithuania and Kalaneuvos Oy of Finland, won the top prizes in the 2025 Seafood Excellence Global Awards at Seafood Expo Global, the world’s largest seafood trade event. The winners were selected from a field of 40 finalists and were announced this evening at a special Seafood Excellence Global Awards reception. The competition recognizes the best products exhibited at Seafood Expo Global.

The top award for Best Retail Product was presented to Viciunai Group for its entry, Cold-smoked Atlantic Salmon with Truffles. 

Source: Fish focus l Read the full article here

Total cumulative production of fishmeal and fish oil increased in March 2025 compared to the same period of 2024, according to IFFO, the Marine Ingredients Organization.According to IFFO’s market intelligence – which accumulates data from IFFO members in Chile, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, the Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Norway, U.K., U.S., Peru, South Africa, and Spain – global production is up roughly 29 percent in March 2025 compared to March 2024. 

Author: Chris Chase / SeafoodSource l Read the full article here

Giant trade show Seafood Expo Global / Seafood Processing Global begins in Barcelona today with a host of new countries and regions adding to the already diverse range of exhibitors.

New participating exhibiting countries and regions include Albania, Egypt, Georgia, Malta, Nigeria, Réunion, and Greenland, one of the regions coveted by expansionist United States president Donald Trump.

There are 2,187 exhibiting companies from 87 countries and 69 national and regional pavilions at the Fira Gran Via venue this year

Source: fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

Barramundi Group Ltd. (“the Company”) (EURONEXT: BARRA) – Reference is made to the stock exchange notice dated 25 April 2025 regarding the Company’s restructuring update and application for an extension of the Moratorium Order.

The High Court of the Republic of Singapore (“the Court”) has today, under section 64 of the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 (“IRDA”), granted the Company a two-month extension of the Moratorium Order from 11 May 2025 to 11 July 2025.

Any further extension shall be applied for and granted at the discretion of the Court. Further updates will be provided as the restructuring process progresses.

Further updates will be provided as the restructuring process progresses.

Microsoft Corp. has teamed up with NOAA Fisheries to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model that forecasts how changes in river flows affect salmon habitat in the Columbia River Basin.

The two-year collaboration, led by Morgan Bond of NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center, aims to modernize habitat assessment using satellite imagery and cloud computing.

As part of its AI for Good Lab, Microsoft is providing $5 million in Azure cloud credits and technical support to analyze high-resolution imagery. This approach replaces traditional field-based studies, enabling faster, more cost-effective evaluations across a much larger scale.

The AI model will help fisheries managers see in near real-time how water flow variations alter available salmon habitat. A key goal is to assess the actual impact of restoration efforts, such as securing water rights, by predicting how much habitat is gained per investment.

“This tool helps us identify where small changes in flow could make a big difference,” Bond said. “It’s about maximizing restoration outcomes.”

Microsoft’s Chief Data Scientist Juan Lavista Ferres noted the broader significance: “Protecting wild salmon runs is vital to the region. Our technology can help NOAA better understand water dynamics and support sustainable fish populations.”

The project represents a major step in aligning cutting-edge tech with ecosystem recovery, providing actionable insights to improve salmon restoration strategies throughout the basin.

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has announced the full implementation of an Electronic Sanitary Certification (E-Cert) system for seafood imports originating from Peru, marking a significant step toward digitalizing import health documentation.

Effective for shipments departing on or after May 1, 2025, the transition from paper-based to electronic certification follows the completion of a pilot program and aligns with Korea’s broader strategy to adopt blockchain-enabled systems for enhanced traceability, document integrity, and streamlined import procedures.

Key Implementation Details:

• Scope: All seafood products imported from Peru
• Effective Date: May 1, 2025 (date of shipment departure)
• Change: Importers must now input a unique electronic certificate number in place of paper documentation

An MFDS spokesperson highlighted the expected benefits: “This transition will significantly enhance the efficiency, transparency, and safety of Korea’s seafood import controls. Close collaboration with importers and competent authorities in exporting countries will be critical to a smooth rollout.”

Despite a 53% year-on-year decrease in imports from Peru in the first four months of 2025 (4,992 metric tons vs. 10,867 tons in 2024), the country remains Korea’s ninth-largest seafood supplier by volume during that period.

The move is part of Korea’s ongoing efforts to modernize its food safety and logistics infrastructure

Source: Union Forsea Corp.