Initial Black Sea Catches Show Bonito Scarcity, But Anchovy and Horse Mackerel Abundance Fuels Optimism

Following the lifting of the ban, Türkiye's fishing season officially opened in Poyrazköy, Istanbul, at the exit of the Bosphorus into the Black Sea. The initial days of fishing have presented a mixed picture for fishermen.

Although early catches have not included sufficient quantities of anchovy (hamsi) or bonito, there are promising signs. In Ordu, fishermen from Fatsa reported catches of whiting, red mullet, and horse mackerel.

Ilhami Demirtürk, Chairman of the Fatsa Fisheries Cooperative, stated in an interview with Daily Sabah newspaper: "For now, the season looks promising. Bonito is currently scarce, but hamsi and horse mackerel are abundant. Hopefully, we will all have a safe and productive season."

Despite high temperatures affecting fish size in Rize, local fish markets have maintained a modest supply. Furthermore, the fishing boom has generated essential food resources and new job opportunities, especially for local workers unloading the catch.

Fishermen across the country remain hopeful that yields will improve as the season progresses.

Salmon farmer reports good biology, but weak financial results in year of low prices

Salmon producer Scottish Sea Farms (SSF) has increased its 2025 harvest volume guidance by 1,500 gutted weight tonnes to 33,500 gwt due to good biological development, co-owner SalMar said in its Q3 2025 report today.

SSF has reported good harvest weights in the period, although revenue, operating profit, and harvest volume in Q3 were all lower than in the same period last year, when prices were higher.

Author: Gareth Moore / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

Leading Russian companies are showing significant interest in applying genetic technologies to boost domestic aquaculture. The industry's continued growth hinges on developing native production of high-quality seed material to raise in-demand fish species.

This pressing need was the focus of the roundtable, "Smart Breeding: How Genetics is Transforming Russian Aquaculture," held at the International Fisheries Forum.

Nikolai Müge, PhD in Biology and Head of the Molecular Genetics Department at the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO), highlighted the potential. "Thanks to the unique biological properties of fish, genetic technologies unavailable for other farm animals have great potential for application in aquaculture. These methods don't replace selection, but rather accelerate it and increase its efficiency."

The Center for Genomic Selection at VNIRO is actively working to identify individuals with superior traits by analyzing the genotypes of aquaculture species. Developments are most promising in studying carp and trout. Scientists use high-throughput genotyping or whole genome sequencing to identify offspring with the best combinations of traits that influence consumer characteristics, such as body weight and head size.

The goal is to implement these scientific solutions to produce fish with improved consumer properties, marking a strategic step toward securing Russia's aquaculture future.

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 18.3 billion in October. This is a decrease of NOK 122 million, or 1 per cent, compared with the same month last year. Despite the decline, October was the second highest month for Norwegian seafood exports.

“The main reason for the decline in the value of seafood exports in October was a sharp fall in the export volume of mackerel and herring. Most other major species saw an increase in value in October.

For salmon, there was an export record for a single month, both in terms of volume and value, in addition to an increase in value for cod, trout, saithe and haddock

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Peru’s Production Ministry (PRODUCE) has authorized a 7 November start for the second anchovy-fishing season of 2025 in the nation’s North-Central zone.

PRODUCE established a provisional total allowable catch (TAC) of 500,000 metric tons (MT) for the season, with a final quota to be confirmed once the results of a scientific survey overseen by PRODUCE’s technical arm Imarpe are available.

In comparison, Peruvian authorities established a TAC of 3 million MT for the first North-Central season of the year in April – the second-highest seasonal quota set in the last decade. 

Author: Christian Molinari / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

Esselunga, a leading Italian retailer, has launched Italy’s first land-based smoked salmon for consumers, signaling a major move towards sustainable seafood.

Available since October 9th under The Icelander brand, the product is a result of a collaboration between Norwegian land-based farmer Salmon Evolution and processor Milarex.

The launch meets a growing consumer demand in Italy for products that combine quality, taste, and environmental responsibility. Esselunga is pioneering the introduction of healthier, more sustainable choices to Italian households.

Antonio Pellin from Milarex highlighted the market shift: “Introducing land-based salmon in partnership with Esselunga allows us to meet that demand and bring real innovation to Italian households.”

Salmon Evolution’s approach focuses on transparency and responsibility, raising the salmon in pristine Norwegian waters to align with Italy's increasing focus on sustainability, animal welfare, and health. This partnership strengthens Esselunga’s position as a retail innovator.

Pescanova has launched its new Christmas campaign, once again focused on the prawn (langostino), the star product of the festive table.

This seafood is an undisputed classic: last year, consumption during this period reached 10,000 tons in Spanish households, representing 25% of the total annual volume.

Under the slogan "Which one do you choose?" ("¿Y tú, cuál eliges?"), the advertising campaign seeks to highlight the variety and versatility of the Pescanova prawn range. The brand offers options for all tastes:

• Whole vannamei prawns: Ideal for more traditional diners and classic recipes.

• Peeled Rodolfo shrimp: Designed for the more modern consumer looking for convenience, versatility, and practicality to innovate in the kitchen without complications.

The brand's new spot reinforces this message, ensuring that both formats add a touch of distinction to the celebrations. The campaign concludes with the already emblematic slogan "Good things turn out well" ("Lo bueno sale bien"), associating Pescanova with quality and enjoyment during the Christmas season.

The government has appointed biologist José Edgardo Allemant Sayán as the Director General of Aquaculture at the Ministry of Production (Produce), according to Ministerial Resolution N.° 364-2025-PRODUCE, published in the official gazette El Peruano.

Questions Over Repsol Link

The appointment has generated controversy because Allemant Sayán was, until recently, the Repsol official in charge of directing the negotiation, compensation, and conflict resolution process following the serious oil spill that occurred in January 2022.

Context of the Spill

This ecocide contaminated the coasts of Ventanilla, Santa Rosa, Ancón, Aucallama, and Chancay with more than 12,000 barrels of crude oil, severely impacting the incomes and jobs of thousands of artisan fishermen and those dependent on tourism in the area.

Allegations Regarding Compensation

CoopAcción highlights that leaders from the affected zones alleged that the compensation process led by Repsol was marked by injustices, with the company imposing criteria that resulted in amounts far below what was adequate to compensate those who lost their livelihoods. To date, the State has also failed to provide a complete report on the status of the cleanup and restoration of the affected areas, more than three years after the spill.