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).
HANOI — The Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export and the U.S. Soybean Export Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance sustainable aquaculture development and boost the global competitiveness of Vietnamese seafood.
The ceremony gathered key representatives including Nguyen Hoai Nam (VASEP General Secretary), Le Hang (Deputy General Secretary, VASEP), Lukas Manomaitis (USSEC Director of Aquaculture Technology for East Asia), Justin Sherlock (ASA Director), and Ralph Bean (Agricultural Counsellor), alongside officials from the U.S. Soybean Association and Foreign Agricultural Service.
The agreement targets improved aquaculture quality and sustainability, support for international certifications such as ASC, BAP, and GlobalG.A.P, and wider use of U.S. soybeans in aquafeed production. It also aims to strengthen trade connections and enhance value across the seafood supply chain, marking a new phase of bilateral cooperation.
With five vessels over five days, a survey will be conducted north of the 44° South parallel to determine whether the illex squid population is ready for full fleet harvesting.
If results are positive, authorities could bring forward the season opening, with early signs pointing to a strong campaign for the bonaerense–northern Patagonian stock.
The Consejo Federal Pesquero, in its Act 6, addressed inquiries from the jigging sector about advancing the northern season. To respond, it consulted the INIDEP, whose Cephalopod Program had initially deemed a survey unnecessary. However, following a drop in southern yields, the Institute confirmed that the critical threshold had been reached and recommended proceeding.
The survey was immediately approved, and five vessels were selected to carry it out. If the size of the resource proves adequate, the fishery could be opened and the season begin as early as April 1. Ensuring responsible management will be key to sustaining the resource and advancing toward international certification.
For the second consecutive year, PacificBlu has obtained Zero Waste certification from the international certification body SCS Global Services, after achieving a 98.32% recovery rate for the waste generated at its plants during 2024.
This result represents significant progress compared to the previous year, when the company reached 95.53%, demonstrating continuous improvement in waste management and the implementation of practices related to the circular economy.
The recovery rate was achieved through various management methods, such as recycling, composting, and the reincorporation of waste as raw material in new production processes.
They prioritize local use and sell it at exorbitant prices to foreigners
At Orpagu (Organization of Longline Fishermen of A Guarda), Juana Parada, its manager, is experiencing déjà vu. Reliving the start of 2020. Encountering problems she only remembers from the COVID era. Back then, ships that hadn't touched a Galician port for years arrived in Vigo or A Guarda to moor. Today, six years later, "we're in the same situation," she says. Shipowners are considering heading to Galicia to moor their vessels, "if this continues." By "this," she means with diesel prices skyrocketing, logistical costs soaring, crews practically having to circumnavigate the globe to reach their destination, and, in some cases, even without access to fuel.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
Following two years-long investigations, NOAA Fisheries has levied a total of USD 222,902 (EUR 193,328) in civil penalties against two seafood importers accused of mislabeling tuna cans as “dolphin safe.”
In conducting retail market spot check audits, NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce’s Tuna Tracking and Verification Program identified two suspect seafood import firms that were importing yellowfin tuna from Mexican purse seiners that were improperly labeled as “dolphin safe.”
An 11-month investigation revealed that a distribution company had imported 74 shipments – weighing a total of 2.2 million pounds – of the improperly labeled canned and pouched tuna.
Author: Nathan Strout / SwafoodSource | Read the full article here
Rising fuel costs are placing significant pressure on the fishing fleet, with some vessels facing additional daily expenses of up to £1,200, according to a report in The Shetland Times.
The Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) reports that fuel prices have increased by around 30p per litre since the onset of conflict in the Middle East. For larger vessels consuming more than 4,000 litres per day, this equates to a substantial rise in operating costs.Smaller whitefish vessels are also affected, typically using around 2,000 litres of fuel daily
“Opening the EU market to Indonesia, home to the largest tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean: at what price?” This is the question posed by the European fishing industry association Europêche in response to the draft EU-Indonesia agreement, recently published by the European Commission, which grants preferential access to the tuna market.
Under the proposed agreement, fresh and frozen tuna fillets would be fully liberalized, with a 0% tariff from the date of entry into force and no quotas, while processed tuna products would be subject to tariff quotas: 5,000 tons per year for tuna loins and 800 tons per year for canned tuna, both duty-free only within the quota.
Source:Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Line Ellingsen has been re-elected as chair of Sjømat Norge following the organisation’s annual general meeting in Trondheim.
Ellingsen is chief executive of Ellingsen Seafood in Skrova in the Lofoten archipelago and also serves as vice president of NHO, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise.
“It is a recognition of the work the board has done during the current period, and I look forward to starting a new term together with the rest of the board,” Ellingsen said in a statement.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Lower, more stable prices in the salmon market helped Iceland Seafood International, the big Nordic salmon and whitefish exporter, which has told investors than 2025 was a year of “solid progress” for the business.
Presenting the company’s annual report, group CEO Ægir Páll Friðbertsson said lower, more stable prices in the salmon market had helped through last year. He said that all divisions within the Group had delivered strong results during in 2025, despite various external challenges, highlighting the business’s resilience and competitiveness.
In 2025, prices for cod, related species, and mackerel increased, while demand remained stable in our key markets.
Author:Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
The main shareholder in the Norwegian salmon farmer is reviewing its ownership in the company, while chief executive Helge Kvalvik is stepping down.
The news was stated in two stock exchange announcements yesterday afternoon.
Heimstø AS, which controls around 70% of the shares in Måsøval, has decided to initiate a strategic assessment of its ownership. The company emphasises that no decision has been made regarding a transaction, but that various alternatives will now be considered.
DNB Carnegie is engaged as financial advisor in the process.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
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VIET NAM
The ceremony gathered key representatives including Nguyen Hoai Nam (VASEP General Secretary), Le Hang (Deputy General Secretary, VASEP), Lukas Manomaitis (USSEC Director of Aquaculture Technology for East Asia), Justin Sherlock (ASA Director), and Ralph Bean (Agricultural Counsellor), alongside officials from the 
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If results are positive, authorities could bring forward the season opening, with early signs pointing to a strong campaign for the bonaerense–northern Patagonian stock.
CHILE
For the second consecutive year, 
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At 
UNITED STATES
Following two years-long investigations, 
UNITED KINGDOM
Rising fuel costs are placing significant pressure on the fishing fleet, with some vessels facing additional daily expenses of up to £1,200, according to a report in The Shetland Times.
EUROPEAN UNION
“Opening the EU market to Indonesia, home to the largest tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean: at what price?” This is the question posed by the European fishing industry association 
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Line Ellingsen has been re-elected as chair of
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Presenting the company’s annual report, group CEO Ægir Páll Friðbertsson said lower, more stable prices in the salmon market had helped through last year. He said that all divisions within the Group had delivered strong results during in 2025, despite various external challenges, highlighting the business’s resilience and competitiveness..png)
The news was stated in two stock exchange announcements yesterday afternoon.
