IN BRIEF - Pacific Groups join global call for WTO to target big fishing fleets
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Pacific civil society groups have joined others from around the world in an open letter calling on trade negotiators at this week’s World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial to ensure that any outcome on fisheries subsidies targets those fleets most responsible for overfishing, protects small-scale fishers and doesn’t stop small-island stated from developing their own fishing fleets.
The WTO Ministeral starts today in Dubai, with expected attendance from WTO Pacific Ministers and delegations.
“The negotiations on subsidies that contribute to overfishing are failing to address the real problem those historically responsible for overfishing, and is instead creating loop holes that the big fleets will be able to use. The current agreement lets those most responsible off the hook”, commented Adam Wolfenden, Deputy Coordinator of the Pacific Network on Globalisation.
The open letter has been endorsed by over 65 organisations from around the world, including in the Pacific Islands region.[...]
Health authorities in France have issued an alert regarding the voluntary recall of fresh albacore tuna loins under the Bigfish brand after detecting histamine, a toxin that causes severe food poisoning and allergic reactions.
The fish, sold vacuum-packed with skin in 2 and 6-kilo formats, was distributed between August 4 and August 7, 2026, through Super U in Plouarzel. The action targets batch 26072026, featuring traceability code MDV/LHP/ALAM6/23G26/YFT and an expiration date of August 9, 2026.
The official body RappelConso, which released the notification on August 17, 2026, urges consumers not to eat the product and to return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. Consuming this toxin can rapidly trigger symptoms such as flushing, facial swelling, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal distress.
The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East and its impact on maritime traffic have left their mark on Germany's main port—and one of Europe's most important ones. The Port of Hamburg closed the first half of 2026 with a total throughput of 56.1 million tonnes, a 3.1% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has largely attributed this decline to a drop in imports of petroleum products resulting from the war in Iran.
Despite the decline in total traffic, container throughput showed positive growth during the first six months of the year. Hamburg handled 4 million TEUs between January and June, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.8%. In terms of tonnage, growth reached 4%.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, Njuki-ini Fish Farm has grown into a family-run business focused on ornamental fish and expanding aquaculture opportunities in Kenya.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many folks were compelled to stay at home in various countries worldwide. Many people lost their jobs, and others were forced to shut down their businesses completely. However, for some others like Pastor Charles Kariuki, the disruption created an unexpected opportunity. With more time at home, he decided to try fish farming and established Njuki-ini Fish Farm in Sagana, central Kenya.
Author: Peter Changtoek / The Fish Site | Read the full article here
Seafood Expo Asia says it is drawing exhibitors and guests from across four continents for its big show early next month.
The event which spans aquaculture and fishing, reflecting Asia’s growing seafood demand, takes place between 2-4 September at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.
It will be the 14th edition of the exhibition. The organisers say the main hall will feature the full spectrum of seafood innovation and seafood products.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
The latest penalty brings fines imposed on foreign vessels for illegal fishing in Argentine waters during 2026 to more than ARS 4.533 billion.
Argentine authorities sanctioned the Hai Xing 2, a Chinese-origin vessel sailing under the Tanzanian flag, after detecting fishing activity inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Golfo San Jorge.
The vessel received a fine of nearly ARS 1.9 billion, becoming the fourth foreign fishing vessel sanctioned by Argentina in 2026 for illegal operations in waters under national jurisdiction.
FFA-coordinated surveillance operation strengthens regional efforts to detect and deter illegal fishing across Pacific waters.
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) flagged 16 vessels for further investigation during a regional surveillance operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The coordinated crackdown reinforces cooperation among Pacific nations to identify suspicious fishing activity, improve compliance and protect the region’s valuable tuna and marine resources.
The 3D-COAST system is designed to automate oyster handling, cut labor needs and produce up to 125,000 oysters per raft annually.
An oyster farm in Maine, US, is testing 3D-COAST, a floating vertical conveyor powered by two solar panels. The technology moves oyster baskets between water and air, automating tumbling and helping control biofouling.
Nissui targets 10,000 tonnes by 2030 as domestic production gains momentum.
Japan’s salmon farming sector is expanding, especially in Tohoku, driven by strong Asian demand and rising costs. Nissui plans to increase annual production from 4,200 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes by 2030.
The measure runs until October 15, 2026, covering fishing, trade, storage and export along all Omani coasts.
Oman has imposed its seasonal kingfish ban to support stock recovery and sustainable fisheries. In 2025, production reached 19,743 tonnes, worth RO 44.4 million. Violations may result in fines of up to RO 300 and imprisonment.
Time-temperature, colour-changing labels help airlines, cruise lines, and rail operators protect perishable food quality from preparation to onboard service
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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
FRANCE.png)
GERMANY
The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East and its impact on maritime traffic have left their mark on Germany's main port—and one of Europe's most important ones. The Port of Hamburg closed the first half of 2026 with a total throughput of 56.1 million tonnes, a 3.1% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has largely attributed this decline to a drop in imports of petroleum products resulting from the war in Iran.
KENYA
Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, Njuki-ini Fish Farm has grown into a family-run business focused on ornamental fish and expanding aquaculture opportunities in Kenya.
SINGAPORE
Seafood Expo Asia
ARGENTINA.png)
Argentine authorities sanctioned the Hai Xing 2, a Chinese-origin vessel sailing under the Tanzanian flag, after detecting fishing activity inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Golfo San Jorge.
AMERICAN SAMOA
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) flagged 16 vessels for further investigation during a regional surveillance operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The coordinated crackdown reinforces cooperation among Pacific nations to identify suspicious fishing activity, improve compliance and protect the region’s valuable tuna and marine resources.
UNITED STATES.png)
The 3D-COAST system is designed to automate oyster handling, cut labor needs and produce up to 125,000 oysters per raft annually.
JAPAN
OMAN
The measure runs until October 15, 2026, covering fishing, trade, storage and export along all Omani coasts.
WORLDWIDE.png)
Time-temperature, colour-changing labels help airlines, cruise lines, and rail operators protect perishable food quality from preparation to onboard service
