Scientists are using an ecosystem approach to aquaculture, growing multiple seafood products together in a sustainable system.

Have you ever heard the expression “What grows together, goes together”? In our latest podcast, we'll hear about an innovative aquaculture system that's more complex than growing a single species of fish (or kelp or shellfish). It also has the potential for greater returns. What's unique about this system is that the wastes from one species gets transformed into resources for another. That’s right, we’re talking about fish poop—which can be a costly and challenging issue for commercial aquaculture operations.

It’s called integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, which means growing more than one species in the same place at the same time. For example, researcher Dr. Mike Acquafredda grew striped bass, worms, and edible sea beans in a connected system. The fish thrived; the worms ate nearly half the fish poop; and he produced almost 50 pounds of sea beans—all in a fairly small space.

Learn more about his research and the future of this cost-effective, sustainable way to grow seafood.

Source: NOAA Fisheries

In August 2024, South Korea imported 1,367 tons of fresh salmon, a 14% decrease from 1,596 tons during the same period in 2023.

The cumulative import volume by August 2024 reached 10,872 tons, down 14% from 12,590 tons in the previous year. This accounts for 1.86% of the total seafood import volume of 583,751 tons.

Norway was the dominant supplier, accounting for 98% of the refrigerated salmon imports with 10,649 tons, followed by Canada (85 tons), Australia (59 tons), Chile (50 tons), and the UK (29 tons). 

The import price per country was highest for Norway at USD 13.42/kg, followed by Canada at USD 12.29/kg, and Australia at USD 10.97/kg.

The import value for August 2024 amounted to USD 14.06 million, a 35% decline from USD 21.51 million in August 2023. The cumulative import value for the year reached USD 145.58 million, down 23% compared to USD 188.49 million in the same period last year. The average import price was USD 13.39/kg, an 11% decrease from the USD 14.97/kg recorded in the previous year.

Source: Union Forsea Corp.

In samples taken from two batches of canned cod liver from a manufacturer in Primorsky Krai, violations of organoleptic indicators were found, namely, the smell of oxidized and rancid fat was detected.

The studies were conducted in the Primorsky branch of the National Center for Safety of Aquatic Products and Aquaculture of the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSBI "NCBRP").

“A possible reason for the violation of veterinary and sanitary rules was the failure to comply with production or storage technology, as well as the violation of the conditions for transporting canned goods,” the institution’s experts commented .

The results of the studies were entered into the automated Vesta system. The information was then transferred to the central office and territorial departments of Rosselkhoznadzor, the veterinary departments of the regions of the Russian Federation and other departments for taking response measures. Information about violations was also communicated to the owner of the products.

It is worth noting that the problem of violation of organoleptic indicators in producers of canned cod liver has been identified repeatedly. Earlier, the Fish Union conducted a study of such canned goods.

Icefish 2024 concluded with record-breaking success, attracting 12,387 attendees from 60 countries and celebrating the event's 40th anniversary. It marked a return to pre-COVID visitor levels, reinforcing Icefish as a global hub for the fishing industry and highlighting Iceland’s leadership in fisheries. 

The event featured an awards ceremony recognizing innovation, sustainability, and technology in the sector, alongside the Fish Waste for Profit Conference, which focused on maximizing value from fish by-products and promoting sustainable practices. With a strong emphasis on AI, automation, and sustainability, Icefish 2024 showcased the industry's resilience and future potential for growth and innovation.

Icefish 2024 was not just a reflection of the industry's resilience in the wake of global challenges, but a forward-looking celebration of its capacity for growth, innovation, and transformation.

The organizers of the event  are very excited to build on this incredible momentum and look forward to even more groundbreaking achievements at future editions of Icefish.

OTTAWA — After months of negotiations, Canada and France have reached an agreement allowing fishers from the French archipelago of St-Pierre-Miquelon to access a portion of the annual Atlantic halibut catch, officials announced Monday.

The deal grants French fishers 3% of the total allowable catch, which is set annually by Canada, according to the federal Fisheries Department. Negotiations had been ongoing since 2016.

Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier stated, “This agreement ensures the long-term sustainability of Atlantic halibut stocks, while supporting both Canadian and French coastal communities.”

Photo: Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck/FIS

Most Atlantic halibut are found in Canadian waters, though a smaller portion lives within the maritime zone of St-Pierre-Miquelon, located about 25 km off Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula.

Under the new deal, French fishers can operate in French waters and international waters, but not in Canadian zones. The agreement is also expected to foster collaboration on scientific research.

In 2022, Canadian Atlantic halibut landings were valued at approximately $70 million.

Neither the union representing Newfoundland and Labrador harvesters nor other fishing organizations offered immediate comment on the agreement.

The head of the European employers' association Europêche, Javier Garat, asked the European Commission to help fishermen regain hope, instead of continuing to "hit" the sector, after the EU's position this week in relation to the cut in anchovy quotas in the Gulf of Cadiz.

Garat held meetings in Brussels with the Community vice president Maros Sefcovic and with advisers from the permanent delegations of different Member States.

Source: Faro de Vigo l Read the full article here

Anfaco-Cecopesca has called on the European Union to take measures to reactivate fishing trade with Brazil after the “loss of commercial opportunities” resulting from the sanitary blockade imposed in 2017, originating in the livestock sector. The association, in what concerns its competences, has shown its “commitment” to recover “trade normality” with the Latin American power and has called on the EU to lift the blockade, as Roberto Alonso, secretary general of Anfaco-Cecopesca, Roberto Alonso, conveyed to the delegation of the Brazilian Government that visited the headquarters of Anfaco in Vigo within the complete agenda of cooperation with the government of Spain in the fight against IUU fishing (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) and the improvement of traceability.

Source: Fishing Industries l Read the full article here

Three Iceland seafood ready meals have enjoyed a 15% lift in sales after a relaunch introducing the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification labels on their packs.

The retailer’s trio of products are the only ready meal products currently available in the UK to carry both labels and the sales boost comes at the end of Sustainable Seafood September – the MSC’s month-long campaign to encourage more people to eat sustainable seafood.

Source: Fish Focus  l Read the full article here

Japan and China might be among the leading nations in terms of developing blue carbon markets, but there are still many unknowns and uncertainties in this space - something a forthcoming innovation studio aims to help solve.

Some concerns have been raised regarding China’s attitude to blue carbon credits. Critics point to examples such as a case in March 2024 when a court in Xiangshan, Zhejiang province, convicted two individuals for illegal fishing. Part of their penalty - $2,600 - was paid using "blue carbon credits" generated by a seaweed farming operation.

Author: Peter Green l The Fish Site l Read the full article here