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)
SANTIAGO — A report by La Tercera, citing data from the Central Bank of Chile, reveals that the country’s salmon and trout exports are expected to reach $6.55 billion by 2025, marking a 3% year-on-year increase and the third consecutive year of growth.
This performance positions salmon and trout as Chile’s third largest export sector, behind copper and cherries. The industry now represents 6% of total exports, 15% of non-mineral exports, and 48% of processed food exports.
Exports of salmon alone are projected at $6.212 billion, while trout is expected to contribute $338 million.
The United States remains the leading market, accounting for 40% of export revenue—around $2.399 billion. It is followed by Japan with $1.044 billion and Brazil with $796 million, highlighting strong demand across key international markets.
Upon closing of the transaction, Cooke would assume operational control of one of the leading marine aquaculture companies in the Mediterranean.
The Canadian group Cooke Inc. has announced in a press release the signing of a memorandum of understanding through which it will acquire Avramar Greece's debt from its creditors—and therefore the debt of Avramar Aquaculture S.A., Andromeda S.A., Perseus S.A., and Avramar Commercial and Logistics S.A. The Canadian group also states that, in addition to this preliminary agreement to acquire the Greek company's share capital, Cooke will assume operational control of Avramar Greece upon closing of the transaction.
Source: iPac.aquaculture | Read the full article here
New data reveals food and drink manufacturing’s £42bn contribution to the UK economy, providing almost half a million jobs right across the UK
While the sector saw growth in every region of the UK, food manufacturers also saw production costs increase 4.4% on average, rising up to 5.3% for small businesses1
Rapidly rising energy costs are a concern – with energy embedded in every stage of the food and drink manufacturing process, the sector is calling to be included in the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme to mitigate these costs
FDF is urging government to support the industry in growing to reach £50bn GVA, shoring up industry resilience in the face of persistent shocks and inflation, helping hard-pressed budgets
It’s well known that floating closed containment pens require more electricity than standard net pens, but the difference may be greater than many people realise.
The company has a closed containment pen that has been connected to shore power since 2014, and by 2026 will have three net pen locations with shore power and two with hybrid power.
It therefore has real figures to compare the electricity consumption from closed production to traditional open cages. The figures show a consumption of around 3.87 kWh per kilogram of fish produced in closed pens, compared to 0.07 kWh in open pens.
Author: Ulrik Tallhaug Sydnes / fishfarming | Read the full article here
In a snub to Aqua Nor, the world’s biggest aquaculture trade show, technology group AKVA has opted to switch to its new competitor, Global Aqua.
Global Aqua launches next year with a trade show based at NOVA Spektrum in Lillestrøm, just outside Oslo, taking place over 7-9 September, just a few weeks after Aqua Nor takes place in Trondheim (26-27 August).
The new show is being organised by conference specialist AqKva and brand marketing agency NPG.
Author: Robert Outram / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
In 2025, the event generated €98.4 million in production and 1,246 jobs.
Although it seemed unlikely that the Vigo fairgrounds could continue to accommodate more companies and visitors, the Conxemar trade fair has grown once again. This is reflected in the report on the socioeconomic impact of the event on the city and its surrounding area, prepared by the University of Vigo within the framework of the Ardán Chair, in collaboration with the Conxemar association and the Vigo Free Trade Zone. The study indicates that between October 7 and 9, commercial agreements worth €831.7 million were reached at the Ifevi facilities, a figure representing approximately 4.5% of the total revenue of the fish processing and marketing sector in Spain.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
The President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, announced that the country has proposed a 7% annual increase in tuna fishing rights to the European Union as part of its agreement, thus reducing the previously requested 30% increase. The EU, for its part, only offered 3%, according to the Seychelles News Agency (SNA).
Patrick Herminie explained that due to the current context, marked by the conflict in the Middle East, the country was forced to request the 7% increase. He stated: "We are trying to obtain greater benefits for our resources. The European Union explained why it could not accept 30%, which was in line with inflation over the last six years."
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Thai Union Group is accelerating its sustainability agenda with new investments in digital traceability and crew welfare, signalling a broader shift toward technology-driven accountability across the global seafood sector.
The company has announced a strategic partnership with Wholechain to roll out end-to-end digital traceability across its global operations, alongside a separate commitment to provide free Wi-Fi access on fishing vessels. Both initiatives form part of Thai Union’s SeaChange programme, which marks its 10th anniversary this yearThe Wholechain collaboration will introduce a fully interoperable, data-driven traceability system, initially covering tuna and shrimp before expanding to other species.
The platform will enable real-time visibility across the supply chain, supporting regulatory compliance and improving transparency for consumers.
Chile’s Ministry of Finance has moved to unblock around 200 suspended aquaculture concession relocations under its proposed “National Reconstruction” bill, in a step that could release projects delayed for more than a decade.
Regional authorities in Los Lagos and industry participants have backed the measure, describing it as a potential catalyst for renewed investment and a way to ease structural constraints on sector growth.The policy centres on relocating farms away from areas with accumulated environmental pressure
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
In Kamchatka, participants of the 34th session of the Joint Russian-Chinese Commission on Fisheries expanded their agenda beyond meetings with a visit to the Kamchattralflot fishing and processing complex.
The Chinese delegation observed the full production cycle, from raw material intake to high-value products such as fillets, minced fish, and canned goods. The tour highlighted ongoing investments in fleet modernization and coastal infrastructure, key to boosting efficiency and maximizing the use of aquatic resources.
Officials emphasized that these upgrades allow Russian producers to deliver ready-to-eat products that comply with international quality standards.
The visit provided tangible evidence of Russia’s commitment to the sustainable development of its fishing industry and strengthened cooperation with Chinese partners.
Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo)
JAPAN
CHILE
CANADA
Upon closing of the transaction, 
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While the sector saw growth in every region of the UK, food manufacturers also saw production costs increase 4.4% on average, rising up to 5.3% for small businesses1
NORWAY.png)
The company has a closed containment pen that has been connected to shore power since 2014, and by 2026 will have three net pen locations with shore power and two with hybrid power.
In a snub to 
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Although it seemed unlikely that the Vigo fairgrounds could continue to accommodate more companies and visitors, the 
SEYCHELLES
The President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, announced that the country has proposed a 7% annual increase in tuna fishing rights to the European Union as part of its agreement, thus reducing the previously requested 30% increase. The EU, for its part, only offered 3%, according to the Seychelles News Agency (SNA).
THAILAND.png)
The company has announced a strategic partnership with Wholechain to roll out end-to-end digital traceability across its global operations, alongside a separate commitment to provide free Wi-Fi access on fishing vessels. Both initiatives form part of Thai Union’s SeaChange programme, which marks its 10th anniversary this yearThe Wholechain collaboration will introduce a fully interoperable, data-driven traceability system, initially covering tuna and shrimp before expanding to other species.
Chile’s Ministry of Finance has moved to unblock around 200 suspended aquaculture concession relocations under its proposed “National Reconstruction” bill, in a step that could release projects delayed for more than a decade.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
