IN BRIEF - Barbados hosts largest-ever meeting of FAO fishery body
BARBADOS
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Pressing issues threatening the sustainability of living marine resources across the Caribbean were discussed at the 19th Session of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) held in Bridgetown, Barbados, earlier this month.
The hybrid meeting, which was organised and led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), was attended by 110 delegates from 22 member countries and 11 partner organisations, signalling the highest number of delegates to ever attend in the history of this commission’s plenary meetings.
The delegates of the 19th session discussed the interim Caribbean Regional Management Plan for the Anchored Fish Aggregating Device Fishery (aFAD), and the associated guide for improved monitoring aFAD catches and assessment of aFAD impacts on stocks. They also reviewed the manual on aFAD Fisheries Governance with application to other Fisheries in the Wider Caribbean and the impacts of sargassum on marine resources in the region, a regional socio-economic and environmental developing issue.
The progress made in the strategic reorientation of the commission, the finalisation of the revised 2014 Rules of Procedures, opportunities for collaboration with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), and other critical topics of potential implications for the fisheries in the region, among others two global instruments, the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, were included on the comprehensive agenda for discourse.
In delivering opening remarks, Adrian Forde, Barbados’ minister of environment and national beautification, the green and blue economy, spoke on the significance of the meeting for Barbados and at large, the CARICOM countries, and acknowledged the considerable progress of WECAFC in the preparation of fisheries management advice, especially as it relates to the management of fisheries using anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (aFADs).
Vigo – The Cooperativa de Armadores de Pesca del Puerto de Vigo (ARVI) sent an urgent letter on Thursday, January 29 to the Secretary General for Fisheries, denouncing the serious situation facing the sector due to the defective implementation of the digital CATCH system.
The organization warns that the platform’s structural failures are suffocating both Spanish-flagged fishing companies seeking to export and mixed-capital companies with processing facilities in Spain that need to import product.
ARVI describes the system as an “administrative fiasco”, with at least 11 critical issues that have turned the processing of fishery product exports and imports into a true logistical bottleneck. Among the most serious problems are technical instability, with constant system crashes and outdated limitations such as files of no more than 2 MB; duplication of tasks, forcing operators to enter the same data up to three times; and delays of up to 10 days in the review of applications, resulting in unsustainable logistical cost overruns and a breach of the Level Playing Field.
The cooperative warns that this situation directly threatens the supply of fish to the Spanish and EU markets, and has already led logistics operators to announce generalized tariff increases due to the additional administrative burden. Although the Administration has confirmed a temporary technical adjustment, ARVI considers the response insufficient and is calling for the immediate activation of a contingency protocol.
The company Blumar confirmed that it will proceed with a lawsuit against the State of Chile for the economic effects stemming from the implementation of the new Quota Sharing Law, thus joining the legal action previously announced by Camanchaca. The information was released by Radio Bío Bío.
According to the media outlet, Blumar stated that the company, along with its legal advisor, is in the final stages of preparing a lawsuit for the economic damages associated with the change in the allocation of catch quotas for the main fishing resources.
Source: MundoAcuicola | Read the full article here
According to a GlobeScan study for the GSA, which analyzed five markets: Spain, Canada, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom
A new study conducted by GlobeScan for the Global Seafood Alliance (GSA), the organization responsible for the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification program, reveals that more than half of Spanish consumers prefer to buy fish and seafood certified with organic labels.
The research, which analyzed consumer preferences and purchasing habits in five markets—Spain, Canada, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—places Spain as the country with the highest level of trust in certifications. Specifically, 53% of Spanish consumers say they consciously buy fish labeled with organic labels whenever possible or occasionally.
Source: iPac.acuiculrura | Read the full article here
With over 30 years of aquaculture experience in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, NAPCO Aqua's CEO, Nabil Kammoun, is developing RAS and biofloc projects in the Kingdom, combining farm design, operational management and a 2,000-tonne pilot farm to strengthen the sector.
The company offers comprehensive services covering all stages of aquaculture projects, from conducting feasibility studies to designing farms and hatcheries and executing projects with ongoing technical supervision and operational support. Services also include water quality monitoring, technical assistance, specialised training and supply chain management.
Author: Yomna Elshamy / The Fish Site | Read the full article here
The annual mortality rate for farmed salmon in the sea phase in Norway – the world’s biggest producer of Atlantic salmon - fell to an estimated 14.2% last year, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute said today. In comparison, the mortality rate in 2024 was 15.4% and 16.7% in 2023.
The calculations are made on the basis of monthly records of the number of dead and live fish farmers report to the authorities during the year, when producers in Norway harvested more than 1.4 million tonnes of salmon (round weight).
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
The Japanese marine products group Nissui is to more than double its output in Chile after finalising the takeover of the fish farmer PesqueraYadran SA.
Nissui announced the purchase of the Chilean pioneering business through its subsidiary Salmones Antártica SA shortly before Christmas.
The plan is to build up output to more than 80,000 tons a year, by 2030 strengthening its global position in aquaculture.
The Tokyo Based company said this would mean increasing current production by two and a half times through the combination of operational efforts with Salmones Antártica SA.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Laboratory tests have revealed dangerously high arsenic levels in imported shrimp from Greenland, exceeding the allowable limit by four times, according to Vetandlife. The findings have already been reported to Rosselkhoznadzor.
The analyses were carried out in January 2026 by the All-Russian State Center for Quality and Standardization of Veterinary Medicines and Feed (FSBI “VGNKI”), operating under the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance. The products were tested for compliance with the technical regulations “On Food Safety” and “On the Safety of Fish and Fish Products.”
Tests showed that arsenic levels in a sample of frozen-cooked northern prawn (Pandalus borealis) reached 20 mg/kg, which is four times higher than the maximum permissible limit. The sample was taken from a shipment weighing 18 tons. Details of the violation were forwarded to the Northwestern Interregional Office of the supervisory agency.
Experts warn that prolonged consumption of foods with elevated arsenic can lead to its accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of neurological disorders, skin damage, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, particularly of the skin, lungs, and bladder. In cases of acute exposure, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a sharp drop in blood pressure.
The cities of Dakhla (Morocco) and Dreux (France) are strengthening their cooperation in agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy, and waste management following the signing of a cooperation agreement this Saturday in Dakhla.
The meeting was chaired by Erragheb Hormatallah, President of the Dakhla Communal Council, and attended by Pierre-Frédéric Billet, Mayor of Dreux, who led a French delegation made up of business leaders, investors, and representatives of the GEDIA Group, a key player in the environmental and renewable energy sectors.
PUERTO DESEADO is experiencing an exceptional summer driven by strong activity in the squid jigging sector. According to Mar y Pesca, more than 15,000 tons of squid have already been unloaded at the local port, amid the sustained arrival of vessels dedicated to harvesting the resource.
Currently, 25 squid jigging vessels are operating, with new arrivals announced almost daily, encouraged by the sustained abundance of squid, which is increasingly conc
The freezer trawler Playa da Cativa, based in Vigo, was detected by satellite on the 1st in Argentine territorial waters at a speed that the Naval Prefecture considers compatible with fishing. Antonio López Cazorla, Argentina's Undersecretary of Fisheries, confirms that they have opened an investigation for alleged illegal fishing. If the infraction is proven, and because "we are inflexible, it will be fined €850,000," although he also indicates that they expect "the vessel to quickly acknowledge its actions, and, if it cooperates, the fine could be reduced by 25%."
Owned by the Galician company Moradiña, headquartered in Cangas de Morrazo, the Playa da Cativa has its operational base in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Author: Cecilia Valdez / La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
BARBADOS 00_44_11.png)
SPAIN.png)
The organization warns that the platform’s structural failures are suffocating both Spanish-flagged fishing companies seeking to export and mixed-capital companies with processing facilities in Spain that need to import product.
CHILE
The company
A new study conducted by GlobeScan for the Global Seafood Alliance (GSA), the organization responsible for the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification program, reveals that more than half of Spanish consumers prefer to buy fish and seafood certified with organic labels.
SAUDI ARABIA
With over 30 years of aquaculture experience in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, NAPCO Aqua's CEO, Nabil Kammoun, is developing RAS and biofloc projects in the Kingdom, combining farm design, operational management and a 2,000-tonne pilot farm to strengthen the sector.
NORWAY
The annual mortality rate for farmed salmon in the sea phase in Norway – the world’s biggest producer of Atlantic salmon - fell to an estimated 14.2% last year, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute said today. In comparison, the mortality rate in 2024 was 15.4% and 16.7% in 2023.
JAPAN.png)
Nissui announced the purchase of the Chilean pioneering business through its subsidiary Salmones Antártica SA shortly before Christmas.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION.png)
The analyses were carried out in January 2026 by the All-Russian State Center for Quality and Standardization of Veterinary Medicines and Feed (FSBI “VGNKI”), operating under the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance. The products were tested for compliance with the technical regulations “On Food Safety” and “On the Safety of Fish and Fish Products.”
MOROCCO.png)
ARGENTINA
The freezer trawler Playa da Cativa, based in Vigo, was detected by satellite on the 1st in Argentine territorial waters at a speed that the Naval Prefecture considers compatible with fishing. Antonio López Cazorla, Argentina's Undersecretary of Fisheries, confirms that they have opened an investigation for alleged illegal fishing. If the infraction is proven, and because "we are inflexible, it will be fined €850,000," although he also indicates that they expect "the vessel to quickly acknowledge its actions, and, if it cooperates, the fine could be reduced by 25%."
