Benchmark Genetics is bolstering its commitment to the UK aquaculture industry
As a leading provider of aquaculture genetics globally, Benchmark continues to develop its product and service offering with a customer-centric focus.
The Scottish salmon industry is one of the company’s key markets, and valued customer partnerships guide the local strategic priorities commercially and in R&D.
Author: Janice Johnston / Fish Farmer l Read the full articlehere
Data from EUMOFA paints a picture of resilient demand, but with subtle adjustments driven by seasonality, differences between species, and increased price sensitivity.
For years, tuna has occupied a unique place in the landscape of fish consumption in Europe. It's a versatile product: it suits different budgets, is sold in a wide variety of formats—from fresh to canned—and regularly appears on the shopping lists of millions of households. Precisely because of this constant presence, analyzing how tuna (and related species) is bought and consumed offers valuable insights not only into this product but also into the overall state of the food market and the fishing industry.
The draft Law on Control, Inspection, and Sanctions for Maritime Fishing, promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA), has begun its parliamentary process in the Congress and the Senate after its approval by the Council of Ministers on October 21. Pending debate, this is one of the laws—as of the publication of this article—threatened by the obstruction of the national government by Junts per Catalunya.
The text updates the fisheries control framework in Spain in accordance with European Union regulations and seeks to guarantee compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy while strengthening the sustainability of fishing activity.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Salmon farming project in Fukushima advances toward commercialization.
A land-based aquaculture project focused on Benizake, or sockeye salmon, in Fukushima Prefecture is moving from pilot scale toward commercial development after expansion plans were selected for national subsidy support.
The project is being undertaken jointly by Okayama University of Science, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation, and Ichii Inc.. The partners plan to expand operations and construct new facilities in Namie, following their selection under Japan’s Subsidy for Business Location to Support Self-Reliance and Return, and Create Employment.
Source: SalmonBusieness | Read the full article here
Salmon supplies out of northern Norway face disruption this week following heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures.
There are cancellations on fish trains and trucks between Narvik and Stockholm, and other onward destinations in Sweden.
And all trains between Narvik and Gällivare, an important railway junction in Sweden for salmon traffic, have been cancelled.
A warning of further heavy snow and string winds has been issued by the weather authorities.The Nordland region of Norway is a major salmon producing area. However, it is often prone to disruption at this time of year, which has a knock-on effect on prices.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
The spot price for market-influencing Norwegian salmon increased by NOK 14.18 per kilo in week 52, ending at NOK 98.93 (£7.29) per kilo.
However, the price saw an even bigger rise in the last week of 2024 (+30.21 NOK) so this year's price is NOK 16.94 below the level from then.
The average weekly price of Norwegian salmon in 2025 ended at NOK 77.21 per kilo. This is NOK 15.53/kg below the average price for 2024 of NOK 92.74/kg.
Author: Pål Mugaas Jensen / fiahfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
WASHINGTON D.C. — In a decisive move to solidify maritime leadership, the U.S. Senate confirmed Timothy Petty on December 19, 2025, as the new Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. Petty will now spearhead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) fisheries division.
A Strategic Leadership Role
As the head of NOAA Fisheries, Petty is tasked with a massive mandate: managing the nation’s marine fisheries and ensuring the conservation of protected ocean species. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) noted that Petty will act as second-in-command at NOAA, likely stepping into the role of NOAA Deputy Administrator.
Background and Expertise
Petty, a seasoned geologist, brings extensive legislative and administrative experience to the Department of Commerce:
Department of the Interior: Served as Assistant Secretary for Water and Science (2018–2021).
Capitol Hill: Former senior staffer for the House Subcommittee on Water and Environment.
During his October confirmation hearing, Petty faced rigorous questioning regarding stock assessments and the streamlining of disaster relief funding for coastal communities. His appointment comes at a critical time as the agency balances commercial fishing interests with escalating climate-related challenges in federal waters.
During his recent annual televised Q&A session, President Vladimir Putin addressed a growing concern for Russian households: the lack of affordable fish. Despite Russia’s vast maritime resources, domestic consumption continues to fall short of national health standards.
Barriers to Consumption
The President identified several systemic bottlenecks preventing the fishing industry from meeting public demand. Currently, high costs and logistical hurdles mean that high-quality catch from the Far East often struggles to reach the more populated European regions of Russia at competitive prices.
The Strategic Roadmap
To bridge the gap between the ocean and the dinner table, Putin outlined a multi-pronged strategy:
Logistical Optimization: Streamlining supply chains to ensure fish products move across the country more efficiently.
Reduced Transport Costs: Implementing measures to lower the price of shipping from eastern ports to the West.
Tax Incentives: Reviewing taxation policies to alleviate pressure on the fishing industry.
Fleet Modernization: Creating favorable conditions to continue the construction of domestic fishing vessels.
"We need to ensure that fish products can reach consumers as cheaply as possible," Putin emphasized, signaling that the government will prioritize infrastructure and affordability to improve the national diet.
This maritime sector, located off the coast of Río Negro Province (between parallels 41° and 43° S and extending to the 62° W meridian), is currently under a strict bottom-trawling ban for shrimp per Resolution CFP No. 7/2018. The proposed mission aims to:
Evaluate population dynamics within the protected reserve.
Analyze potential yields in light of recent changes observed in the commercial fishery.
Provide empirical data to support future management and sustainability decisions.
Technical Rationale
The decision follows an assessment of fleet behavior and catch yields in open fishing grounds over recent seasons. By gathering updated technical information, autho
The ship will replace the flagship of the French fleet, the Charles de Gaulle, starting in 2038
French President Emmanuel Macron has officially launched the construction of the new aircraft carrier that will eventually replace the flagship of the French Navy, the Charles de Gaulle. The president himself announced the plans for the construction of this next-generation vessel in February 2023. At that time, French media, citing sources close to the project, estimated that the final phase would begin around 2031. The ultimate goal is for the new aircraft carrier to be ready for deployment by 2038, as confirmed this Sunday on her Twitter account by Defense Minister Catherine Vautin, the year the De Gaulle will be decommissioned.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
MBA Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson, reflects on 2025.
December always brings with it one of the highlights of our calendar, the Annual General Meeting, and with it an invaluable moment to reflect on our science, our community and our impact. Despite what has been an undeniably challenging period for the wider world, the ocean and the academic sector, the MBA has continued to deliver.
Our?2025 Annual Report?captures this story in more detail and I would personally like to share a few highlights that illustrate the strength, ambition and impact of the MBA today.
UNITED KINGDOM
EUROPEAN UNION
Data from 
SPAIN
The draft Law on Control, Inspection, and Sanctions for Maritime Fishing, promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA), has begun its parliamentary process in the Congress and the Senate after its approval by the Council of Ministers on October 21. Pending debate, this is one of the laws—as of the publication of this article—threatened by the obstruction of the national government by Junts per Catalunya.
JAPAN
A land-based aquaculture project focused on Benizake, or sockeye salmon, in Fukushima Prefecture is moving from pilot scale toward commercial development after expansion plans were selected for national subsidy support.
NORWAY.png)
There are cancellations on fish trains and trucks between Narvik and Stockholm, and other onward destinations in Sweden.
The spot price for market-influencing Norwegian salmon increased by NOK 14.18 per kilo in week 52, ending at NOK 98.93 (£7.29) per kilo.
UNITED STATES
As the head of NOAA Fisheries, Petty is tasked with a massive mandate: managing the nation’s marine fisheries and ensuring the conservation of protected ocean species. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) noted that Petty will act as second-in-command at NOAA, likely stepping into the role of NOAA Deputy Administrator.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
ARGENTINA
FRANCE.png)
French President Emmanuel Macron has officially launched the construction of the new aircraft carrier that will eventually replace the flagship of the French Navy, the Charles de Gaulle. The president himself announced the plans for the construction of this next-generation vessel in February 2023. At that time, French media, citing sources close to the project, estimated that the final phase would begin around 2031. The ultimate goal is for the new aircraft carrier to be ready for deployment by 2038, as confirmed this Sunday on her Twitter account by Defense Minister Catherine Vautin, the year the De Gaulle will be decommissioned. 
MBA Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson, reflects on 2025. 
