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).
The Newfoundland fishing grounds have always been a tough, treacherous, and unforgiving area. A rich fishing ground that the Galician fleet has historically managed to navigate, even with the first large vessels, which were rudimentary in their navigation systems and accommodations, and which often brought the worst news for those waiting on land.
It is an area prone to ice formation, which is why the ships must be equipped to withstand not only blocks of ice at sea, but also the enormous weight of the ice that accumulates on the deck and must be broken off by force. And this Thursday, the Grand Banks of Newfoundland are showing their teeth, and will continue to do so for several days.
Author: Lara Graña / Faro de Vigo | Read the full article here
The multinational salmon farming company Mowi closed 2025 with a record harvest volume of 559,000 tons, driven by growth in Norway and Chile, along with a significant improvement in operating costs.
Mowi ASA, the world's largest salmon producer, reported its trading update for the fourth quarter of 2025, highlighting a record annual harvest and solid financial performance across its global value chain.
During Q4 2025, the company recorded a total salmon harvest of 152,000 tons (GWT), exceeding its previously provided market guidance.
Shamim Nyanda, community manager for the forthcoming Women in Ocean Food Africa venture studio, explains her dedication to empowering the continent’s female blue food entrepreneurs.
Following a joint degree in social sciences and education, Nyanda ventured into activism, with a focus on climate, but soon realised that something was missing.
Nyanda’s new role involves running the latest of Hatch Blue’s global innovation studios, following the success of similar women-focused initiatives in Asia and Latin America.
The year-long programme aims to connect 12 women-led teams that are working in Africa’s blue economy with investors, experts and mentors – something that Nyanda understands the need for only too well.
Author: Rob Fletcher / The Fish Site | Read the full article here
After 16 years’ service as CEO of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA), Ian Gatt CBE has announced his intention to retire from the role, which has resulted in the SPFA Board appointing well-known Scottish fishing industry figure, Hannah Fennell, as CEO Designate.
Hannah Fennell joins SPFA as CEO Designate on 3 February and will work closely alongside Ian Gatt for the next 12-18 months to familiarise herself with the role before then taking over as CEO.
Ian Gatt (64) has steered SPFA through a challenging period for the Scottish pelagic fishing industry, including international disputes over quota shares and increasing regulation affecting the sector.
Sydney, Australia opened a new AUD 800 million (USD 538 million, EUR 459 million), 26,000-square-meter fish market on 19 January in what it called a “major milestone” for the country’s seafood industry.
The new market, located on Sydney Harbour, was designed by 3XN GXN Architects and the New South Wales (NSW), Australia government called the new building “the world’s best fish market” in a release. NSW said it is now the third major landmark on the harbor’s waterfront, located alongside the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Author: Haley Jones / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here
Myanmar earned more than US$278.9 million from fishery exports during the first nine months of the 2025–2026 financial year (April–December), according to the Department of Fisheries.
Over 227,000 metric tonnes of seafood were exported to more than 40 countries, including China, Thailand, Bangladesh and Japan, through both maritime routes and land border trade channels.
Of the total volume, more than 113,500 metric tonnes were shipped by sea, generating an estimated US$177.5 million. A further 114,000 metric tonnes, valued at about US$101.36 million, were exported to neighbouring countries via land borders.
In the previous 2024–2025 financial year (April 2024–March 2025), Myanmar’s fishery exports totalled around 400,000 metric tonnes, earning approximately US$421 million.
Key export products include hilsa, rohu, river catfish, seabass, eel, shrimp and crab, according to the Myanmar Fisheries Federation. The sector is supported by more than 140 cold storage facilities nationwide, with
The MSC's 2025 yearbook confirms that half of the global catch is already certified, but warns of the challenge of extending management agreements and fishing strategies in shared fisheries.
The tuna market is experiencing a quiet acceleration: more traceable product, greater demands for sustainability from large retailers, and a notable increase in the certified supply for consumers. The Sustainable Tuna Yearbook 2025, published by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), quantifies this trend and paints a picture of an industry in transition
The Minister of Rural Affairs, María José Gómez, has asked the Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, what additional "control measures" will be implemented to enforce the agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries. She made these remarks prior to the Sectoral Conference on Agriculture and Fisheries and the Advisory Council on Agricultural and Fisheries Policy for Community Affairs, which she attended remotely, as did her counterpart in Fisheries, Marta Villaverde. As reported by Europa Press, the Minister of Rural Affairs noted that livestock farmers are demonstrating in Galicia and other regions "because it is an agreement that is causing great concern and uncertainty in the sector."
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
Japanese seafood giant, the Nissui Corporation, has announced a series of changes to its board of directors and executive officers, following a resolution at a board meeting held on 19 January.
The company said chairman of the board Shingo Hamada will retire from his role as representative director upon the expiry of his term as a director. His retirement is scheduled to take effect at the conclusion of Nissui’s 111th ordinary general meeting of shareholders on 25 June.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Chile is expecting modest salmon export growth this year, but that prediction was made before President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat against other salmon producing countries.
Chile is unlikely to be paying higher tariffs at least until later in the year.
The Chilean salmon industry is forecast to grow by around 4.2% in 2026, says analyst Cristian Delgado, a PhD student in Economics and Business and academic at the San Sebastián University on the Patagonia Campus.
The prediction is based on projections from the Chile Central Bank.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
BARBADOS 00_44_11.png)
CANADA
The Newfoundland fishing grounds have always been a tough, treacherous, and unforgiving area. A rich fishing ground that the Galician fleet has historically managed to navigate, even with the first large vessels, which were rudimentary in their navigation systems and accommodations, and which often brought the worst news for those waiting on land.
NORWAY.png)
The multinational salmon farming company Mowi closed 2025 with a record harvest volume of 559,000 tons, driven by growth in Norway and Chile, along with a significant improvement in operating costs.
TANZANIA.png)
Following a joint degree in social sciences and education, Nyanda ventured into activism, with a focus on climate, but soon realised that something was missing. 
UNITED KINGDOM
After 16 years’ service as CEO of the
AUSTRALIA
Sydney, Australia opened a new AUD 800 million (USD 538 million, EUR 459 million), 26,000-square-meter fish market on 19 January in what it called a “major milestone” for the country’s seafood industry.
MYANMAR_svg(6).png)
Over 227,000 metric tonnes of seafood were exported to more than 40 countries, including China, Thailand, Bangladesh and Japan, through both maritime routes and land border trade channels.
WORLDWIDE
The MSC's 2025 yearbook confirms that half of the global catch is already certified, but warns of the challenge of extending management agreements and fishing strategies in shared fisheries.
SPAIN
The Minister of Rural Affairs, María José Gómez, has asked the Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, what additional "control measures" will be implemented to enforce the agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries. She made these remarks prior to the Sectoral Conference on Agriculture and Fisheries and the Advisory Council on Agricultural and Fisheries Policy for Community Affairs, which she attended remotely, as did her counterpart in Fisheries, Marta Villaverde. As reported by Europa Press, the Minister of Rural Affairs noted that livestock farmers are demonstrating in Galicia and other regions "because it is an agreement that is causing great concern and uncertainty in the sector."
JAPAN
Nissui announces board and executive changes.
CHILE.png)
Chile is unlikely to be paying higher tariffs at least until later in the year.
