Nordic Halibut enjoyed an all-time high price level and what it says was a unique market position for farmed halibut in 2024.

The company, which farms halibut in sea cages, said in its annual review that its price performance was in response to strong market demand for premium halibut and limited supply. It implemented a 4% price increase across all sizes and markets, achieving an all time an all-time high average price of NOK 167 per kilo (£12.07) HOG (head on, gutted)

Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish farmer l Read the full article here

Initially dedicated to stone production, a laborious and precarious job, Hung decided to change course and ventured into aquaculture.

In 2023, she accessed financing from the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization (IMF), a turning point that allowed her to establish and expand her mud-free eel and frog farming facility, "Dong Phat."

Hung emphasizes the agility of the loan process, the absence of required collateral, and the valuable financial advice she received. With the capital, she invested in ponds, water filtration systems, and the breeding of both species, complementing her growth with a business management course from the "Grow My Business" Project.

Today, Dong Phat's production supplies the local market and even exports to China. Hung has diversified her offerings, including prepared eel dishes, which enjoy great popularity. In addition, her enterprise generates employment for local women, improving their income and quality of life.

Hung's success demonstrates the effectiveness of microcredits when combined with support and training. The IMF, in this sense, has facilitated the creation of businesses, the overcoming of poverty, and the attainment of family economic autonomy for many disadvantaged women in rural areas. Her case is a model of economic development in Dong Phu, especially in the field of sustainable agriculture and food processing.

Milestone for modernising artisanal fisheries

Liberia, with World Bank funding under the LSMFP, has launched its first fibreglass fishing vessel production site in Banjor, a significant step towards modernizing artisanal fisheries. NaFAA, partnering with an Indian firm, views this initiative as a "game changer," offering durable, environmentally friendly alternatives to wooden boats.

The first phase will involve 23 solar-powered fibreglass boats managed by Liberian entrepreneurs, with plans for reinvestment and potential expansion. NaFAA also intends to introduce a new vessel management model. The project aligns with Liberia's emissions reduction targets and global climate goals.

Separately, NaFAA's Acting Director General pledged support to the Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association (LAFA), discussing potential reductions in fishing license fees and emphasizing closer collaboration between the authority and fishing communities to foster growth and address sector challenges.

As of May 1, Håvard Walde has taken on the role of Managing Director for Skretting’s salmon businesses in Australia, Chile, North America and Norway.

He brings with him more than 20 years of experience from the aquaculture industry, and he has been part of Skretting for the past 17 years. He served as General Manager of Skretting Norway for the past five years, and as Finance Director of Skretting Norway for 12 years before that. His predecessor Dag Engelsvoll has stepped into a senior advisory role in Skretting, and both of them will be an integral part of the Skretting leadership team. 

Under challenging market circumstances, Skretting Norway has been able to deliver improved customer value through stronger collaboration and partnering with both customers and suppliers.  

“It is a testament to the resilience and strong performance of the team in Skretting Norway that I now step into this role, which also aligns with our focus on people development by promoting leaders from within the company”, says Walde. 

“I am truly excited about working closer with the Skretting teams and their customers to drive growth in Australia, North America and Chile.” 

Walde will remain at the helm in Skretting Norway until a new General Manager is announced.

New quay, office spaces, and production area at Mjølstadneset to increase capacity.

MMC First Process is undertaking a significant expansion of its facilities at Mjølstadneset, including the construction of a 65-meter-long quay, 60 new office spaces, and 600 additional square meters of production space. The project is slated for completion next summer.

"The expansion of our office and production space, along with the new quay, represents a major strategic investment for us and underscores our growth ambitions," stated Lars Erling Krogh to Nett.no. "We intend to pursue further growth, and this expansion is essential to provide the necessary capacity."

The development of the premises and the quay is a direct response to MMC First Process's increased activity in the market. "We have returned to our target performance level, and both this year and next year have a positive outlook," added Krogh.

Tasmania hosts crucial meeting for 28 Pacific nations to define sustainable fisheries and aquaculture strategies.

Top fisheries officials from 28 Pacific Community member countries and territories, including Fiji’s delegation led by Acting Director of Fisheries Nanise Kuridrani, are convening in Tasmania to collaboratively shape sustainable fisheries policy across the region and address critical ocean management and aquaculture challenges.

The high-level gathering brings together these leaders and technical experts to tackle pressing issues facing the Pacific, including overfishing, the impacts of climate change, ensuring food security, and charting the future of aquaculture within the diverse region.

Key discussions are centered on the strategic direction of the Pacific Community (SPC)’s vital Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division, encompassing its oceanic and coastal fisheries programmes.

The outcomes of this significant meeting are anticipated to directly inform policy decisions at the upcoming Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting and the influential Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.

The Tasmania forum provides a crucial platform for participants to review the SPC’s ongoing work in the sector, establish new priorities to address evolving challenges, and explore innovative opportunities to strengthen national capacities in critical areas such as fisheries science, effective resource management, and meaningful community engagement.

GUANGZHOU, (Xinhua) -- At noon on Thursday, South China Sea waters north of the 12th parallel north entered a three-and-a-half-month annual fishing moratorium, according to China Coast Guard.

The South China Sea branch of China Coast Guard, in conjunction with marine fishery law enforcement departments and public security authorities in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, has launched a special law enforcement operation for the 2025 South China Sea fishing moratorium to ensure its effective implementation.

Before the moratorium began, task forces boarded fishing boats and patrolled docks to make known relevant laws and regulations to local fishermen, ensuring that all boats were returned to port, all crew members came ashore and all fishing nets were stored. Law enforcement vessels have also been dispatched to patrol the jurisdictional waters to establish a strict presence from the start of the moratorium. Enditem