Spotlight on African Women in Aquaculture as the AUDA-NEPAD,World Aquaculture Society (African Chapter) and Partners commemorate the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026

Women are central to fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, fulfilling critical roles across producing, harvesting, processing, trading, and retail, and often underpinning household food security and local economies. Women comprise a significant proportion—particularly in post-harvest segments—where their labour adds value, reduces losses, and sustains market systems, yet their contributions remain largely informal and undervalued.

According to AUDA-NEPAD, empowering women in fisheries and aquaculture value chains is a matter of equity, and also a strategic imperative for achieving inclusive economic growth, improved nutrition, and resilient aquatic food systems. Evidence shows that when women have equitable access to resources, finance, technology, and decision-making platforms, productivity increases, incomes rise, and benefits are more likely to be reinvested in families and communities. Strengthening women’s roles in fisheries and aquaculture also accelerates progress toward continental priorities, while unlocking the full potential of aquatic foods as a driver of sustainable development

This webinar marks the beginning of a undertake this year. This journey will involve outreach initiatives to identify women aquaculture farmers across various regions of Africa, along with regional webinar sessions and other online engagements and activities – following up to the Communications Handbook and Toolkit.

The commemoration will culminate in a final event at the Aquaculture Africa 2026 Conference (AFRAQ2026)

Young’s, the UK’s No.1 seafood brand, is expanding its restaurant-inspired range ‘Gastro’ with the launch of the Young’s Gastro Luxury Fish Pie, designed to attract more shoppers into frozen seafood by offering a richer, more indulgent meal occasion.

Rolling out into major retailers over the coming weeks, the single-serve Luxury Fish Pie brings together four types of seafood – Atlantic Salmon, Pollock, Smoked Pollock and King Prawns – in a mature cheddar and white wine sauce, topped with mashed potato, and a cheddar and chive breadcrumb for added texture and depth of flavour..

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

The Lerøy Seafood Group has reported higher salmon and trout volumes during the first three months of this year.

In a first quarter trading update, the group said in a Stock Exchange announcement that it harvested 39,900 metric tons (GWT) compared to 38,200 tons a year earlier, representing an increase of nearly 5%.

The figures exclude harvest volumes from Scottish Sea Farms which will become available when the full Q1 report is published next month.

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

Argentina authorized the opening of the Illex squid (Illex argentinus) fishery north of the 44°S parallel starting April 6, 2026, as announced by the Undersecretariat of Aquatic Resources and Fisheries. The decision was based on findings from the INIDEP (Note DNI No. 27), which indicate improved biological conditions for the species.

The survey reported an increase in the average size and weight of specimens, along with a lower proportion of immature individuals, supporting the sustainable exploitation of the stock. Authorities also confirmed the continued presence of onboard observers under the Cephalopod Fisheries Program.

During the survey, the jigging fleet operated south of 44°S with uneven results and sporadic catch improvements. Following the new measure, vessels are expected to move north to explore the authorized area within the Bonaerense-North Patagonian Stock (SBNP).

Between January 1 and March 31, 2026, total landings reached 169,387 tons: 142,928 tons from the jigging fleet, 24,530 tons from freezer trawlers, and 1,926 tons from the fresh fish fleet.

October 1st and 2nd. These are the dates on which the 2026 edition of the Forum on Marine Resources and Aquaculture of the Galician Estuaries (ForoAcui) will be held in O Grove (Pontevedra).

This was announced by its organizing committee, which also announced the opening of the registration period for this event, which brings together knowledge, experience, and commitment to the sea and the people who depend on it. As ForoAcui President Manuel Rey points out, since 1998 it has brought together researchers, companies, government agencies, professionals, and students in a space for meeting, reflection, and knowledge exchange on the main challenges of the sector, "which has allowed it to become a consolidated and leading event within the marine and aquaculture field."

Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here

8 finalists have been selected for the 2026 Seafood Excellence Global Awards, taking place at Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global in Barcelona, Spain from 21 to 23 April 2026. 

The annual competition recognizes the best seafood products presented at the Expo this year. The finalists in this year’s competition span across 17 countries competing for one of two awards: Best Retail Product or Best Hotel/Restaurant/Catering Product (HORECA). Four additional awards will also be announced that highlight achievements in innovation, convenience, retail packaging, and seafood product line.Winners will be announced during a reception on the first day of the Expo, 21 April 2026 at the Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue.   

Source: SeafoodSource| Read the full article here

Salmon price expected to remain stable as export value rises 9%.

Norwegian salmon spot prices are expected to remain broadly stable this week. Prices for superior 3–6kg fish are estimated at around EUR 7.77 (USD 8.95) per kilo, unchanged week on week, reflecting a balance between post-Easter seasonal demand patterns and continued strong supply, according to seafood analysts.

The current week’s price level is also estimated at approximately EUR 7.77 (USD 8.95), leaving the near-term outlook largely unchanged.

Source: SalmonBusiness| Read the full article here

Vessel will be built in Vietnam under Norwegian project management

Norway-headquartered aquaculture supplier ScaleAQ has entered into an agreement with Japan Salmon Farm for the construction of a feed barge in Vietnam.

This marks an important milestone for us. For the first time, a barge will be built in Vietnam under Norwegian project management

The buyer of the new barge is Japan Salmon Farm, a Japanese trout producer expanding its operations in the northern part of Honshu

Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

BUSAN — The market for Russian Alaska pollock roe has opened the season on a weaker note, with prices under pressure and volumes trailing last year’s pace.

According to industry sources, auctions that began in March in Busan have resulted in contracted volumes of about 12,600 tons as of early April, down from roughly 15,000 tons during the same period in 2025. The decline is attributed to delayed transport vessels and a sluggish production start in January–February.

Market sentiment has also been affected by currency dynamics, with a weak yen making Russian supply appear relatively expensive in key Asian markets.

Prices at auction have remained soft. The top-grade STD roe has been trading at around $5 per kilogram, while smaller sizes, including GAMCO and off-grade products, have been sold in the range of $4–$5 per kilogram.

Analysts note that despite lower volumes, cautious buying and ample uncertainty continue to weigh on price recovery prospects in the near term. Source: Minato-Yamaguchi

Scientists at Cherepovets State University have unveiled a breakthrough method to instantly identify stale fish without physical testing, achieving up to 90% accuracy. The innovation, described in the journal “Storage and Processing of Agricultural Raw Materials,” uses hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with a custom neural network to detect freshness.

Illustrative image

The system functions like a smart camera, analyzing subtle structural changes in fish tissue that are invisible to the human eye. This enables rapid, non-destructive inspection in food processing plants, distribution centers, and retail environments.

In trials, researchers examined chilled rainbow trout fillets stored at +2°C over 16 days, successfully tracking freshness decline without opening the packaging. Unlike traditional laboratory methods, the technology works in real time and preserves product integrity.

Separately, FSBI VGNKI, under Rosselkhoznadzor, announced plans to introduce new techniques for detecting counterfeit fish products by 2026, signaling broader advances in seafood quality control.