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)
Chilean aquaculture has positioned itself as a global production powerhouse, particularly in salmon farming. However, the current international landscape presents a deeper challenge: moving from a leadership model based on volume to one based on innovation, technology, and exportable knowledge.
Chile is currently a global leader in aquaculture due to its scale, production efficiency, and specialization, particularly in the salmon industry. However, when we talk about aquaculture innovation in the strict sense—that is, the capacity to develop its own technology, generate intellectual property, scale solutions, and export knowledge.
The intensity of the damage suffered by the fishing and aquaculture sector will be directly proportional to the duration of the military crisis and the level of disruption to fossil fuel extraction infrastructure. This was the conclusion reached on Monday by the Spanish Aquaculture Business Association (APROMAR), Cepesca, and the National Federation of Fishermen's Associations at a meeting convened by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, to analyze the consequences of the recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran for the fishing and aquaculture sector. The meeting focused particularly on the situation arising from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the disruption to oil and natural gas flows.
Source: iPac.aquacultura | Read the full article here
With Seafood Expo North America taking place in Boston on 15-17 March, Rob Lewis, head of technical and innovation at Catapult Print, a leading US-based linerless label provider for the seafood sector, discusses the advantages of linerless labels in driving operational efficiency, reducing waste and delivering quality and compliance.
With so much volatility and price fluctuation in the seafood market, hanging on to market share and margin is more challenging than ever. Keeping quality high and costs down is critical, which is why both seafood producers and retailers are increasingly looking to linerless labels to help them achieve both of those goals.
Labels may not seem like a major part of the cost profile for seafood products, but when labelling fails, the impact on production is immediate and significant. Quality issues, such as labels detaching due to moisture or smearing under stress, can result in inconsistency across SKUs, compliance failures, and even rejected shipments.
Nearly 40% of fish died in first hit from 2025 algae crisis.
A research paper published in the Journal of Fish Diseases has documented 39.5% acute mortality at the first salmon farm struck by the 2025 algae bloom in northern Norway.
The first signs were reduced appetite and turbid water, followed by behavioural changes and rapid fish death. Water samples confirmed dominance of Phaeocystis pouchetii and Chrysochromulina leadbeateri. Post-mortem examination and histopathological findings in gills and liver confirmed algae as the cause of death.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Air China Cargo has expanded its operation between Chengdu and Glasgow Prestwick Airport to a daily service on the back of rising demand
The service between Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Prestwick was launched in June 2025 and had been operating four times per week until yesterday, when the frequency was increased. It carries Chinese goods to Scotland and exports such as salmon, caught seafood, and whisky, to China.
Daily connectivity enables Scottish exporters to move premium products such as salmon, seafood, and whisky into China while also supporting faster and more reliable imports into Scotland from one of China’s most dynamic manufacturing regions
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
The managers of Profand and Lanzal explain how Galician companies are consolidating their presence in Patagonia and learning to cope with economic and labor fluctuations
With wild shrimp as their flagship product, Galician companies located in Argentine Patagonia are consolidating their presence in the region and learning to deal with the ups and downs of the economy. Bureaucracy, inflation, currency exchange rates, taxes, and a highly conflictive labor environment are some of the issues mentioned by the managers of two of the most important Galician fishing companies: Profand and Lanzal.
Despite the risks and challenges, wild shrimp is a premium product that can only be found in Argentine waters. "The main problem we have is competition from vannamei shrimp."
Author: Cecilia Valdez / La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
At the initiative of the Ministries of Energy and of the Sea and Fisheries, the French government convened an emergency meeting with the fishing sector to assess the impact of rising fuel prices on fishing activity following the Iran-Contra conflict and the mitigation measures to be adopted. During the meeting, several commitments were made to establish an initial aid package. It was agreed that, like price increases, reductions in fuel prices would be reflected at the pump, that retailers would review potential price support measures using existing tax instruments, and that banks would immediately assess, on a case-by-case basis, the situation of fleets facing liquidity difficulties.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
ULMA Packaging UK has appointed Paul Morican as managing director, strengthening its senior management team as the business continues to expand its offering of automation and packaging solutions across the UK and Ireland.
Having joined the business at the end of January 2026, Morican brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the packaging technology, processing equipment and industrial manufacturing sectors.
He began his career as a Royal Naval officer before moving into the packaging equipment sector in 1996. During spells since in industrial coding and marking, industrial and food processing sectors, he has built a strong commercial track record, delivering growth and developing performing teams as key account manager, sales team manager, head of sales and sales director.
The UK arm of supermarket chain Lidl has confirmed it has eliminated eyestalk ablation from its core own-brand farmed prawn range — effective since January 2026 — and said it will implement electrical stunning by the end of 2026.
Animal welfare organisations have hailed the announcement as a success following a campaign that has now seen 10 out of 11 UK supermarket chains setting time-bound welfare standfards for shrimp in their supply chains.
Until recently, welfare issues for crustaceans were seen as a low priority by retailers and the public.
Author: Robert Outram / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Mowi CP of Americas, a subsidiary of Bergen, Norway-based salmon-farming firm Mowi, is unveiling new packaging across several brands at the 2026 Seafood Expo North America (SENA).
At this year’s SENA, the subsidiary is highlighting both its core product lines along with new products across fresh, smoked, and frozen salmon categories. Additionally, it is rolling out a new packaging identity, designed to rejuvenate its Mowi, Ducktrap, and Marine Harvest by Mowi brands.
Ducktrap’s new packaging in particular, developed over many months, will begin rolling out in 2026 and transition fully through 2027, according to the firm.
Author: Christine Blank / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here
Global Scallop Trade Shifts as U.S. Faces Shortage of Premium Sizes Worldwide
Chinese small scallops fill U.S. supply gap while French exports reshape China’s seafood imports
As the U.S. Atlantic scallop fishing season approaches its close, the market is experiencing a p...
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JAPAN
CHILE
Chilean aquaculture has positioned itself as a global production powerhouse, particularly in salmon farming. However, the current international landscape presents a deeper challenge: moving from a leadership model based on volume to one based on innovation, technology, and exportable knowledge.
SPAIN
The intensity of the damage suffered by the fishing and aquaculture sector will be directly proportional to the duration of the military crisis and the level of disruption to fossil fuel extraction infrastructure. This was the conclusion reached on Monday by the Spanish Aquaculture Business Association (
UNITED STATES.png)
With so much volatility and price fluctuation in the seafood market, hanging on to market share and margin is more challenging than ever. Keeping quality high and costs down is critical, which is why both seafood producers and retailers are increasingly looking to linerless labels to help them achieve both of those goals.
NORWAY
A research paper published in the Journal of Fish Diseases has documented 39.5% acute mortality at the first salmon farm struck by the 2025 algae bloom in northern Norway.
CHINA.png)
The service between Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Prestwick was launched in June 2025 and had been operating four times per week until yesterday, when the frequency was increased. It carries Chinese goods to Scotland and exports such as salmon, caught seafood, and whisky, to China.
ARGENTINA.png)
With wild shrimp as their flagship product, Galician companies located in Argentine Patagonia are consolidating their presence in the region and learning to deal with the ups and downs of the economy. Bureaucracy, inflation, currency exchange rates, taxes, and a highly conflictive labor environment are some of the issues mentioned by the managers of two of the most important Galician fishing companies: Profand and Lanzal.
FRANCE
At the initiative of the Ministries of Energy and of the Sea and Fisheries, the French government convened an emergency meeting with the fishing sector to assess the impact of rising fuel prices on fishing activity following the Iran-Contra conflict and the mitigation measures to be adopted. During the meeting, several commitments were made to establish an initial aid package. It was agreed that, like price increases, reductions in fuel prices would be reflected at the pump, that retailers would review potential price support measures using existing tax instruments, and that banks would immediately assess, on a case-by-case basis, the situation of fleets facing liquidity difficulties.
UNITED KINGDOM.png)
Having joined the business at the end of January 2026, Morican brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the packaging technology, processing equipment and industrial manufacturing sectors..png)
The UK arm of supermarket chain 
Mowi CP of Americas, a subsidiary of Bergen, Norway-based salmon-farming firm 
