LOMÉ – The third edition of BlueInvest Africa transformed Lomé, Togo, into the nerve center of Africa's blue economy between October 15 and 16, 2025.

The event, organized by the European Union with Togolese support, gathered over 300 in-person and 100 online participants, connecting innovative entrepreneurs with investors to drive solutions in food security, marine pollution, and climate resilience.

Twenty-three startups and SMEs from countries like Senegal and Zambia pitched their projects. Six received session awards, and the Grand Prize went to Mohamed Trimeche, from Société Tunisienne d’Élevage de Poissons – STEP (Tunisia), for his scalable sustainable aquaculture. Other winners included projects from Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, and Madagascar.

Leaders from institutions such as the EIB, UNDP, FAO, and the World Bank participated in strategic discussions. Stanislas BABA, Minister Secretary-General of the Government of Togo, highlighted the country's importance as a maritime hub: "Over 90% of Togo's trade is carried out by sea." Gwilym Ceri Jones, EU Ambassador to Togo, emphasized that Togo's selection was not "casual."

Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission, underscored that success is measured by the positive impact on people's lives. The initiative will continue in 2026 in South Africa, solidifying its role as a key platform for African blue innovation.

PRODUCE Announces Final Dates for Giant Squid (Dosidicus gigas) Fishing and Warns of Sanctions for Non-Compliance

LIMA – Peru's Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), through its General Directorate of Supervision, Inspection, and Sanction (DGSFS-PA), has officially announced the deadlines for the fishing activity of the giant squid or pota (Dosidicus gigas), a vital hydrobiological resource for the artisanal fleet.

According to Communique N° 031-2025-PRODUCE/DGSFS-PA and within the framework of Ministerial Resolution N.° 000123-2025-PRODUCE, all fishing vessel owners are informed:

• The last departure date for artisanal fishing vessels was October 19, 2025.

• The final and unextendable landing of the resource must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on October 28, 2025.

Peruvian authorities have emphasized the strictness of these dates. They warn that any unauthorized departure or landing outside the established deadline will lead to the initiation of administrative sanctioning procedures and the application of corrective measures, in accordance with Supreme Decree N.° 017-2017-PRODUCE. Additionally, legal actions may be filed with the competent authorities. This measure seeks to ensure the sustainable management of this valuable marine resource.

Welfare scheme seeks to increase percentage of animals protected 

Farmed animal welfare assurance scheme RSPCA Assured has launched a refreshed brand identity which it says marks the next stage of its mission to transform the lives of millions more farmed animals.

The new label will start appearing on packaging over the coming weeks, with full roll-out of the new label expected by October 2027. 

Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

Seafish is pleased to announce the appointment of Colin Faulkner as its new Chief Executive.

Colin will join Seafish on 12 January 2026. He is currently Head of International Fisheries and Seafood Trade Policy at Defra.

He will succeed Marcus Coleman, who leaves Seafish on 17 December after a decade in post.

Marcus will take up the role of Chief Executive of the Water Management Alliance and its Member Boards in January.

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Handy Seafood and Acme Smoked Fish recently launched products into U.S. retail stores that align with growing consumer preferences for Asian fusion food.

To accommodate these preferences, Salisbury, Maryland, U.S.A.-based Handy rolled out a new Shrimp Birds' Nests product that includes frozen shrimp in two-count and six-count packages. The product, which can be baked or air-fried, includes a mixture of shrimp, sweet onions, carrots, and kale coated in crispy tempura batter, and includes a tangy chili sauce packet.

Consumers are actively seeking out these kinds of bold, exciting flavors. By incorporating them into shrimp, Handy is meeting that demand

Author: Christine Blank / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

IFOP and IMARPE Renew Agreement for Sustainable Management of Shared Resources, Driven by "Humboldt II"

VIÑA DEL MAR – A milestone for marine management in the Southeast Pacific was reached with the signing of a key addendum to the scientific and technical cooperation agreement between Chile's Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) and Peru's Marine Institute (IMARPE). The ceremony, held in Viña del Mar during the "Integrated Management of Protected Marine and Coastal Areas" conference, aims to optimize the exploitation of shared fishing resources.

Rear Admiral Jorge Paz Acosta (IMARPE) and Gonzalo Pereira Puchy (IFOP) signed the agreement. This third addendum to the original 1992 agreement will intensify scientific exchange, promote collaborative research on species of common interest, and analyze environmental conditions, focusing on climate variability and an ecosystemic approach. It will also facilitate the exchange of biological and fishing data.

The binational project GEF/PNUD/SUBPESCA/Vice Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture “Humboldt II”, launched in 2022, drove this update for optimal exploitation. Gonzalo Pereira highlighted the common vision of IFOP and IMARPE as "sister institutions." Jorge Paz added that this agreement solidifies joint work since 2024, already materialized in the exchange of over 25 professionals per country, benefiting both nations, leading fishing countries in South America.

South Korea's year-to-date imports of frozen pollock have declined, falling 10% from the previous year, despite a minor increase in September volume.

From January to September 2025, the country imported 95,128 tonnes of frozen pollock, down from 105,136 tonnes in the same period of 2024. This volume accounted for about 14% of South Korea’s total seafood imports.

While the cumulative trend is down, September 2025 saw a slight rise to 17,133 tonnes from 17,127 tonnes a year earlier. The value of these September imports also grew 14% year-on-year, reaching $18.2 million. However, the total import value for the nine-month period saw a slight 1% dip to $100.57 million.

Russia remains the dominant supplier, accounting for a massive 97% of the total volume (95,540 tonnes). The United States and China followed with 2,377 tonnes and 141 tonnes, respectively.

The average import unit price for frozen pollock has risen 10% to $1.06/kg. This price hike is attributed to several factors, including rising exchange rates, increased shipping costs, and supply adjustments in Russian pollock production.

Source: Union Forsea Corp.

Although its roots go back further, the network’s current incarnation was developed by Frédéric Pascal, who joined the seaweed sector after years working with major humanitarian NGOs in some of the world’s most volatile and repressive regions – including Afghanistan, Darfur and North Korea.

Ocean Farmers was formally established in 2017, under the umbrella of the Réunimer Group, a seafood conglomerate based on Réunion island.Although backed by a major seafood business, Ocean Farmers decided to adopt a community-based approach, providing seaweed cultivators with ropes, stakes, training, technical support and guaranteed market access – all under strict sustainability conditions. 

Author: Rob Fletcher / The Fish Site | Read the full article here