IN BRIEF - Falkland Islands dispute is causing fishing ‘free-for-all’ in nearby Blue Hole
FALKLAND ISLANDS
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Warning that soaring number of vessels threaten fish stocks and environment as geopolitics prevents agreement to regulate area
The scale of unregulated fishing in a disputed region close to the Falkland Islands has reached an “overwhelming” level that is threatening fish populations and the rich biodiversity of the area, politicians and environmentalists have claimed.
The “Blue Hole”, a stretch of the south Atlantic Ocean lying approximately 200 miles off the coast of Argentina and north of the Falkland Islands, is one of the only areas of sea that is not covered by a regional fishing agreement.
This has created a free-for-all, experts say, where fishing fleets can trawl the ocean, largely free from regulation or oversight. The number of vessels operating in the area has soared in recent months. According to routine monitoring carried out by the government of the Falkland Islands, at the end of January, more than 400 vessels were fishing in the Blue Hole. At the end of November, only 80 vessels had been observed.
“This overwhelming unregulated activity is disastrous,”said Teslyn Barkman, a member of the Falklands legislative assembly.“It’s unreported, unrestricted but legal due to a lack of regional agreement as to how the area should be managed.”
Most of the ships were Chinese, the government said, with many turning their trackers off when entering the area, which made their activities difficult to quantify.[...]
The Supreme Council for Environment of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China have signed an implementing agreement to enhance cooperation in aquaculture, fish farming and fisheries.
The agreement falls under the fifth phase of the technical cooperation programme between the two countries and aims to strengthen collaboration in environmental protection, food security and sustainable development.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs. The signing ceremony was attended by Ni Ruchi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bahrain, who conveyed the agreement signed on behalf of China by Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.
Dr. Bin Daina said the agreement supports Bahrain’s national priorities to enhance food security and develop fisheries resources, highlighting the depth of strategic relations between the two countries. He noted that the project seeks to advance Bahrain’s aquaculture sector through an integrated facility using modern technologies, promoting technology transfer, capacity building and environmental sustainability.
Ambassador Ni Ruchi said the agreement represents a significant step in bilateral cooperation, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting the project through technical expertise and advanced technologies.
Bakkafrost has been included in the Corporate Knights 2026 Global 100, the annual ranking of the world’s most sustainable companies. The company is ranked 83rd globally and second within the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Group.
The Global 100 list is compiled by research and media company Corporate Knights and was published on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos. The ranking evaluates publicly traded companies with revenues exceeding US$1 billion, based on measurable sustainability performance linked to products and services.
Bakkafrost’s inclusion reflects continued, organisation-wide efforts to strengthen sustainability across its operations and value chain. The recognition aligns with the company’s strategy of meeting high international standards for sustainability and transparency, focusing on responsible resource use, minimising environmental impact, respecting people, and creating long-term value for stakeholders and society.
Recently, the Qushan ship of the First Bureau of the China Coast Guard seized two fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing within its jurisdictional waters.
The vessels were carrying nearly 6,800 boxes of fish, totaling over 50 tons. Neither vessel was operating within its designated fishing area, and both had deliberately altered their hull numbers, raising suspicion of illegal fishing activities.
Subsequently, the bureau seized two additional fishing vessels in the same jurisdictional waters, confiscating 2,000 boxes of fish, weighing approximately 4 tons, on site. Neither vessel was fishing within its designated operating area, and both were using nets inconsistent with approved fishing methods. Furthermore, the original hull numbers on both vessels had been painted over with black paint, further indicating suspected illegal fishing.
At present, both cases are under further investigation.
Shetland’s whitefish fleet has received a welcome boost, with nine young men joining crews over the past year despite ongoing pressure from swingeing quota cuts.
Hailing from communities across the isles, the new recruits are gaining experience at sea while looking ahead to long-term careers in the industry, with several already aspiring to become skippers. Their stories feature in the Shetland Fishermen Yearbook 2026, which highlights a renewed sense of optimism within the sector.
Shetland Fishermen’s Association executive officer Sheila Keith said the influx showed the resilience of the local fishing community. “Despite mounting pressures on fisheries, there’s a growing interest among young people in joining the industry. It’s a reminder that the spirit of Shetland’s fishing community remains strong and worth fighting for.”
Among the recruits is 16-year-old Geordie Nicolson of Aith, who joined the Arcturus shortly after leaving school and hopes to work towards his skipper’s ticket. Fellow Aith school leaver Josh Duncan, also 16, has taken up a berth on the Venture with similar ambitions.
Others include Sonny Anderson, 18, fishing aboard the Alison Kay under his father’s command, and Eli Gadsby, 16, who joined the Copious after approaching the skipper directly. Several more young crew member
A Galician trawler, flying the Spanish flag and based in the port of Vigo, has found the body of a man caught in its fishing gear while operating in international waters off Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to sources in the sector consulted by Europa Press, the discovery was made on Wednesday, when the crew hauled in the net and found the lifeless body, which may belong to a man of Chinese origin.
A large number of vessels are currently operating in the area, including several Galician boats, although most are Chinese squid jiggers, engaged in squid fishing.
Sources from the Galician Regional Ministry of the Sea (Consellería do Mar) told Europa Press that, for the time being, the vessel continues fishing in the area and is awaiting authorization to transfer the body, in accordance with established protocols.
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
FALKLAND ISLANDS
Warning that soaring number of vessels threaten fish stocks and environment as geopolitics prevents agreement to regulate area
BAHRAIN
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Bakkafrost
CHINA.jpeg)
UNITED KINGDOM.png)
SPAIN.jpg)
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. 
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.
