IN BRIEF - Amendment to the law on the management of large bluefin tuna has been enacted
JAPAN
Thursday, June 20, 2024
It will provide material for negotiations on quota increases.
A bill amending the Fisheries Law and the Fisheries Distribution Optimization Law aimed at strengthening resource management through individual management of large Pacific bluefin tuna (over 30 kg) was passed by a majority vote at the House of Councilors plenary session of the 213th regular Diet session held on the morning of the 19th. The Fisheries Law requires reporting of the number of large bluefin tuna caught in addition to the catch volume and requires records such as the name of the vessel used and the weight of each individual. The Distribution Optimization Law requires distributors to transmit recorded information at the time of capture. It will be promulgated within 30 days and take effect no more than two months after its promulgation.
An illustration of the new reporting requirements for large Pacific bluefin tuna
Following the failure to report catches that occurred in Oma, Aomori, the government has been rushing to put in place a system that allows for individual comparisons of large Pacific bluefin tuna and significantly strengthens penalties. In case of failure to comply with the reporting obligation, the previous penalty was up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 300,000 yen (US$1,898) and will be increased to a prison sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to 500,000 yen. (U$D 3,164), only for large Pacific bluefin tuna
Source: The Suisan Keizai (translated from original in japanese)
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) warns of a jump from 20 cases in 2016 to 410 in 2025, a phenomenon linked to opaque fleets, flags of convenience, and routes under sanctions.
The oceans are filling up with ships "adrift" in both the literal and legal sense. What was a rarity a decade ago is becoming a trend: 410 cases of abandoned ships have been recorded in 2025, compared to 20 in 2016, according to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), a global union organization that tracks these incidents.
The Ministry for Ecological Transition wants to declare it endangered, and science advises eliminating further substantial impacts to protect it
A meeting between Sara Aagesen, Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, and nine well-known chefs from the Euro-Toques Spain association, "promoters of the 'No Thanks' eels campaign," resulted in a new attempt to declare the eel endangered, but only in Spain. The Committee on Wild Flora and Fauna will decide today whether to approve a measure that, in practical terms, would prohibit fishing for and selling eels and their fry (elvers) in Spain, even if other countries catch them, and without the additional protections recommended by scientists.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
The digitalization of fisheries management is a strategic priority for public administrations, driven by regulatory requirements, the need to improve traceability, operational efficiency, and data quality throughout the entire value chain. Satlink has established itself as a leading international technology partner in the design and implementation of integrated digital systems for the management of fleets and marine resources, collaborating with more than 40 governments worldwide.
Malta's new Integrated Fisheries Information System (FIIS) is a national project that establishes a new European standard for digital fisheries governance as a replicable technological model adaptable to different regulatory environments, fleet types, and administrative structures.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Food and drink manufacturers set out top priorities for government to support UK food manufacturers in new EU trade agreement.
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has set out ten priorities for UK food and drink manufacturers for the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU
With food exports to the EU falling a quarter since Brexit, removing the additional cost and complexities food and drink manufacturers have faced when trading products with the EU since our exit in 2021 will benefit the sector
However, alignment with EU regulation comes with potential risks and unintended consequences. Manufacturers are calling for government to keep businesses well informed on the scope of the SPS agreement
Bluegreen has just announced that it is now supporting SalMar in the process of taking the Marine Donut from the development phase into regular commercial operations.
A week ago Bluegreen disclosed that the second production cycle was broadly in line with expectations.
Now, in a new move, the facility is being adapted for post-smolt production – an application that sets new technical requirements for the system’s design.Marine Donut has so far been operated under a development licence, with a primary focus on food fish production.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Tilapia Prices Post Moderate Gains and Remain Stable Across Brazil
Tilapia prices recorded slight increases between February 9 and 13, maintaining stability in Brazil’s leading producing regions, according to the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea).
In Northern Paraná, the highest average price reached US$ 1.96 per kilogram (converted from R$ 10.24/kg), reflecting a 0.10% weekly increase.
In the Great Lakes region and Morada Nova de Minas, prices were equivalent to approximately US$ 1.84/kg (from R$ 9.62/kg), with gains of 0.63% and 0.43%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Western Paraná recorded an average of about US$ 1.67/kg (from R$ 8.74/kg), up 0.15%. In the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba region, tilapia averaged roughly US$ 1.88/kg (from R$ 9.82/kg), marking a 0.31% increase.
China has called on Japan to strictly observe the China-Japan Fisheries Agreement following the seizure of a Chinese fishing vessel in waters off southwestern Japan.
According to Mainichi, citing the Japan Fisheries Agency, the Chinese captain was released at 7:55 pm Friday after submitting a written guarantee for bail. He had been arrested after Japanese authorities claimed he attempted to evade inspection upon entering Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
The incident occurred on Thursday, with 11 crew members aboard the vessel, described by Kyodo News as a “tiger net fishing boat” commonly used to catch mackerel and horse mackerel. It marked the first seizure of a Chinese fishing boat by Japan since 2022, the Japan Times reported.
Speaking at a press briefing, Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, said China requires its fishermen to comply with laws and firmly protects their legitimate rights. He urged Japan to ensure fair law enforcement and safeguard the crew’s safety.
The Chinese Consulate General in Fukuoka is assisting with the crew’s return.
Earlier this week, Wu Jianghao, Chinese Ambassador to Japan, warned that bilateral ties face their most severe challenges since diplomatic normalization.
The Ministry of Fisheries has uncovered cases of underreporting in Fiji’s seafood export sector, with several companies declaring lower volumes than those actually shipped overseas.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries Saimone Tauvoli said a review of export data revealed significant discrepancies between company reports and official shipment records. “There were clear gaps between what was declared and what left our shores,” he stated.
In response, fisheries officials have been deployed to seafood outlets nationwide to monitor trade activities and ensure compliance. The Ministry is also cross-checking catch data directly with fishers and verifying that buyers hold valid licences.
Tauvoli stressed that only licensed sellers must operate in the trade to prevent the confiscation of produce and protect fishers’ incomes. He added that while pricing depends on quality, preventing spoilage and ensuring fair treatment of fishers remain top priorities.
The Ministry of Fisheries confirmed monitoring efforts will continue in collaboration with industry stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of Fiji’s export industry.
Three initiatives advance to final round of NASF Sustainability Award.
The North Atlantic Seafood Forum (NASF) has announced three finalists for the inaugural NASF Sustainability Award 2026, recognising initiatives and organisations focused on advancing sustainability in the global seafood industry.
The award forms part of NASF’s annual programme in Bergen, one of the seafood sector’s largest international meeting points, which brings together producers, processors, technology suppliers, investors, feed companies, and policymakers to discuss market conditions, regulatory developments, and long-term industry strategy.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
U.S. retail chain Target has announced it plans to cut around 500 jobs as CEO Michael Fiddelke, who took over the top position on 1 February, is aiming to return the retailer to profitability.
The job cuts, which include 400 distribution center jobs and another 100 jobs across its regional district level, were announced in an internal memo sent to employees on 9 February, per Fast Company, and were partly made to reallocate financial resources to boost the in-store customer experience.
The move does not affect store-level jobs
Author: Christine Blank / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here
EU–India Free Trade Agreement Set to Reshape European Tuna Market European Union
Indian exporters gain tariff edge as Vietnamese producers face mounting competitive pressure
The announcement by the European Union (EU) and India that negotiations for a landmark Free Trade Agreemen...
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JAPAN
WORLDWIDE
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) warns of a jump from 20 cases in 2016 to 410 in 2025, a phenomenon linked to opaque fleets, flags of convenience, and routes under sanctions.
SPAIN
A meeting between Sara Aagesen, Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, and nine well-known chefs from the Euro-Toques Spain association, "promoters of the 'No Thanks' eels campaign," resulted in a new attempt to declare the eel endangered, but only in Spain. The Committee on Wild Flora and Fauna will decide today whether to approve a measure that, in practical terms, would prohibit fishing for and selling eels and their fry (elvers) in Spain, even if other countries catch them, and without the additional protections recommended by scientists. 
The digitalization of fisheries management is a strategic priority for public administrations, driven by regulatory requirements, the need to improve traceability, operational efficiency, and data quality throughout the entire value chain. 
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According to Mainichi, citing the Japan Fisheries Agency, the Chinese captain was released at 7:55 pm Friday after submitting a written guarantee for bail. He had been arrested after Japanese authorities claimed he attempted to evade inspection upon entering Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
FIJI
The Ministry of Fisheries has uncovered cases of underreporting in Fiji’s seafood export sector, with several companies declaring lower volumes than those actually shipped overseas..png)
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