The European Union and the Cook Islands have sealed a new seven-year protocol (2025-2032) to their Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement.

This renewed deal grants the EU fleet access to some of the Pacific Ocean’s most robust tuna stocks, permitting a total of 40 fishing days annually within Cook Islands waters.

In return, the EU has committed to a total financial contribution of €3.22 million ($3.74 million) over the seven years. A significant portion, €295,000 annually, is earmarked to boost the Cook Islands’ capacities for sustainable fisheries management, control, surveillance, and blue economy development. EU shipowners will also contribute €90,000 for authorization fees.

The protocol reinforces both parties' shared commitment to sustainable fishing and mutual economic progress.

As active members of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the agreement aims to strike a balance between providing fishing opportunities for the EU fleet and ensuring the long-term environmental sustainability of the ecosystem.

Morocco has significantly strengthened its position as the world's leading exporter of canned sardines, according to the Spanish newspaper La Razón. The country's annual production volume has surpassed 15,000 tons, confirming its global market leadership.

The Kingdom exports its canned goods to diverse international markets, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Strategic Advantage and Economic Impact

This success is attributed to Morocco's integrated maritime and industrial system, which is underpinned by a vast network of processing facilities. These facilities, concentrated mainly in Agadir, Safi, and Laayoune, are a massive employment engine, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs (Source: FishRetail.ru).

Morocco's deliberate strategy to prioritize sardine canning over fresh or frozen fish sales has proven highly profitable, easing access to global markets. This industry is vital to coastal economies, providing major employment opportunities, particularly for women.

Quality and Modernization

The country has also invested in modernizing its fishing fleet, implementing traceability systems, and securing international certifications. These steps guarantee high product quality, boost consumer trust, and solidify Morocco's authority in international trade agreements.

Source: FishRetail.ru

The annual meeting of the Joint Russian-Norwegian Fisheries Commission (JRNFC) has commenced, held via videoconference. The Russian delegation is led by Ilya Shestakov, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries.

Shortened Agenda Due to Sanctions

This year’s session is significantly shortened due to the unilateral sanctions imposed by Norway against Russian fishing companies. Consequently, Russia has decided that the four standing working groups (on statistics, scientific cooperation, monitoring, and seals) will not meet.

The discussions will be strictly limited to the core mandate: establishing the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and distributing quotas for jointly regulated aquatic bioresources in the Barents and Norwegian Seas.

The JRNFC, established in 1976, is crucial for ensuring the sustainable use of these shared stocks. This focused session will nevertheless aim to finalize the critical resource management decisions for the coming period.

Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries

The Ministry of Production (Produce) and the Artisanal Fishermen's Guild of Loreto – Iquitos have signed a key agreement to ensure an organized and sustainable management of the Artisanal Fishing Landing Dock (DPA) La Punchana in the department of Loreto.

Agreement Details

• Main Objective: To promote a more efficient and transparent administration of the DPA, guaranteeing its continuous operation under sectoral guidelines.

• Focus: To strengthen collaboration between the State and artisanal fishermen in the Amazon region.

The Minister of Production, César Quispe Luján, emphasized that the agreement will allow for "transparent management and a real strengthening of their productive activity."

For its part, the Artisanal Fishermen's Guild highlighted the importance of this stable cooperation framework for maintaining the operability of the dock and improving services for the region's fishermen. The agreement establishes clear commitments and responsibilities to promote efficient management articulated with fishing organizations.

Thai Union Group PCL, a global seafood leader, together with i-Tail Corporation PCL and Thai Union Feedmill PCL, has delivered assistance to those affected by severe flooding in Southern Thailand. The support includes essential food products and daily necessities valued at a total of THB 3.4 million, aimed at easing the hardship faced by local communities while supporting frontline workers and volunteer organisations involved in relief efforts.Thai Union has provided a range of essential food items and supplies—including SEALECT tuna products, SEALECT canned mackerel, ready-to-eat meals, soy milk, drinking water, cooking ingredients, as well as pet food for dogs and cats. 

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here 

Britain’s seafood sector – both farmed and wild caught – is facing major changes in the New Year for exports to the European Union.

The changes mainly concern the data companies must submit to enable their exports to flow smoothly, and will affect Scotland more than any other part of Britain.

The upcoming regulations will apply to every link in the supply chain, from fishers and merchants to processors and exporters.

Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here 

Aker exits SalMar stake after offshore aquaculture split.

Aker has sold all its shares in salmon farmer Salmar, disposing of a holding worth around NOK 500 million, according to communications director Atle Kigen.

Holdings data show that Aker Capital recently sold 400,000 Salmar shares for NOK 241 million. Although the register still lists Aker Capital with 445,000 shares, Kigen said the remaining shares have also been sold.

The shares stem from Aker’s earlier offshore aquaculture venture with Salmar, initially branded Salmar Aker Ocean, launched in August 2021 with plans to develop large offshore salmon farming units and a potential stock market listing. 

Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here 

Mutag has successfully acquired the Intellectual Property (IP) rights and product portfolio of Alpha Aqua, significantly expanding its offering in water treatment components and support systems.

The acquisition allows Mutag to centralize technical responsibility, documentation, and future development, offering both existing and new customers a single supplier for service and upgrades.

Previously focused primarily on biomedia production, Mutag's range now includes Alpha Aqua’s prefabricated filtration solutions and skid systems for Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) plants. This encompasses Alpha Aqua's technical solutions and design basis for filtration and water treatment in RAS.

Mutag confirms its strategic focus remains on components and support systems, not complete (turnkey) RAS deliveries. Alpha Aqua customers will receive ongoing service, maintenance, and upgrades directly through Mutag.

Jesper WN Nielsen, CBDO at Mutag, stated, "This is an important step towards delivering more integrated solutions."

Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, has signed an agreement to renew the country's hosting of WorldFish for another 25 years.

The move aims to cement Egypt’s role on the African continent as a leading producer of aquatic foods and a hub for cutting-edge research in sustainable aquaculture.

The international research centre for aquatic food systems has been hosted in the country since 1997. WorldFish has been an integral part of Egypt’s journey in becoming a powerhouse of aquaculture production, increasing it 12-fold in 25 years

Source: The Fish Site | Read the full article here