The Takaichi Sanae Cabinet, inaugurated on October 21, has appointed Norikazu Suzuki as the new Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.

Suzuki (LDP, member of the House of Representatives), who is 43 years old, is a former bureaucrat at the same ministry and originally hails from the rice-producing region of Yamagata.

In his first press conference on October 22, the young minister clearly stated his priority: "I would like to visit as many sites as possible, put the site first, and approach agricultural, forestry and fisheries administration with the sensibilities of those on the ground." 

This declaration underscores the shift in his leadership's focus. In addition to his experience as a former Vice Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (2011–2012), Prime Minister Takaichi has given him a specific mandate: to promote the nation's food security.

Suzuki pledged to work together with the ministry's 20,000 staff members to implement policies that prioritize the needs of farmers, foresters, and fishermen. His appointment, and his emphasis on the field, send a clear signal about the importance of local production on the government's agenda.

Four companies from the Los Lagos Region, Chile, are participating in a trade mission organized by ProChile at AquaExpo Guayaquil 2025, the most significant shrimp farming event in Latin America, taking place in Ecuador from October 20 to 23.

The main objective is to showcase aquaculture innovation from southern Chile and strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Chile and Ecuador.

The firms Kura Biotech, Keepex, Innovex, and Pesquera La Portada represent the region at this key platform.

Ricardo Arriagada, ProChile Los Lagos Regional Director, emphasized that this mission is a continuous effort to diversify export offerings and connect Chilean suppliers with major markets on the continent, allowing them to establish strategic alliances and drive internationalization.

Meanwhile, Susan Rojas, ProChile Commercial Director in Ecuador, highlighted the strong positioning of Chile, and Los Lagos in particular, within the Ecuadorian industry. Chilean knowledge and experience are the major differentiator sought by sector players. This relationship has been further strengthened by the prior participation of Ecuadorian companies in ENEXPRO, contributing to stronger bilateral cooperation and commercial opportunities in the aquaculture sector.

This event underscores Chile's commitment to innovation and the expansion of its aquaculture technology solutions across the region.

PRODUCE Announces Final Dates for Giant Squid (Dosidicus gigas) Fishing and Warns of Sanctions for Non-Compliance

LIMA – Peru's Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), through its General Directorate of Supervision, Inspection, and Sanction (DGSFS-PA), has officially announced the deadlines for the fishing activity of the giant squid or pota (Dosidicus gigas), a vital hydrobiological resource for the artisanal fleet.

According to Communique N° 031-2025-PRODUCE/DGSFS-PA and within the framework of Ministerial Resolution N.° 000123-2025-PRODUCE, all fishing vessel owners are informed:

• The last departure date for artisanal fishing vessels was October 19, 2025.

• The final and unextendable landing of the resource must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on October 28, 2025.

Peruvian authorities have emphasized the strictness of these dates. They warn that any unauthorized departure or landing outside the established deadline will lead to the initiation of administrative sanctioning procedures and the application of corrective measures, in accordance with Supreme Decree N.° 017-2017-PRODUCE. Additionally, legal actions may be filed with the competent authorities. This measure seeks to ensure the sustainable management of this valuable marine resource.

LOMÉ – The third edition of BlueInvest Africa transformed Lomé, Togo, into the nerve center of Africa's blue economy between October 15 and 16, 2025.

The event, organized by the European Union with Togolese support, gathered over 300 in-person and 100 online participants, connecting innovative entrepreneurs with investors to drive solutions in food security, marine pollution, and climate resilience.

Twenty-three startups and SMEs from countries like Senegal and Zambia pitched their projects. Six received session awards, and the Grand Prize went to Mohamed Trimeche, from Société Tunisienne d’Élevage de Poissons – STEP (Tunisia), for his scalable sustainable aquaculture. Other winners included projects from Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, and Madagascar.

Leaders from institutions such as the EIB, UNDP, FAO, and the World Bank participated in strategic discussions. Stanislas BABA, Minister Secretary-General of the Government of Togo, highlighted the country's importance as a maritime hub: "Over 90% of Togo's trade is carried out by sea." Gwilym Ceri Jones, EU Ambassador to Togo, emphasized that Togo's selection was not "casual."

Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission, underscored that success is measured by the positive impact on people's lives. The initiative will continue in 2026 in South Africa, solidifying its role as a key platform for African blue innovation.

Seafish is pleased to announce the appointment of Colin Faulkner as its new Chief Executive.

Colin will join Seafish on 12 January 2026. He is currently Head of International Fisheries and Seafood Trade Policy at Defra.

He will succeed Marcus Coleman, who leaves Seafish on 17 December after a decade in post.

Marcus will take up the role of Chief Executive of the Water Management Alliance and its Member Boards in January.

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Welfare scheme seeks to increase percentage of animals protected 

Farmed animal welfare assurance scheme RSPCA Assured has launched a refreshed brand identity which it says marks the next stage of its mission to transform the lives of millions more farmed animals.

The new label will start appearing on packaging over the coming weeks, with full roll-out of the new label expected by October 2027. 

Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

Handy Seafood and Acme Smoked Fish recently launched products into U.S. retail stores that align with growing consumer preferences for Asian fusion food.

To accommodate these preferences, Salisbury, Maryland, U.S.A.-based Handy rolled out a new Shrimp Birds' Nests product that includes frozen shrimp in two-count and six-count packages. The product, which can be baked or air-fried, includes a mixture of shrimp, sweet onions, carrots, and kale coated in crispy tempura batter, and includes a tangy chili sauce packet.

Consumers are actively seeking out these kinds of bold, exciting flavors. By incorporating them into shrimp, Handy is meeting that demand

Author: Christine Blank / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

IFOP and IMARPE Renew Agreement for Sustainable Management of Shared Resources, Driven by "Humboldt II"

VIÑA DEL MAR – A milestone for marine management in the Southeast Pacific was reached with the signing of a key addendum to the scientific and technical cooperation agreement between Chile's Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) and Peru's Marine Institute (IMARPE). The ceremony, held in Viña del Mar during the "Integrated Management of Protected Marine and Coastal Areas" conference, aims to optimize the exploitation of shared fishing resources.

Rear Admiral Jorge Paz Acosta (IMARPE) and Gonzalo Pereira Puchy (IFOP) signed the agreement. This third addendum to the original 1992 agreement will intensify scientific exchange, promote collaborative research on species of common interest, and analyze environmental conditions, focusing on climate variability and an ecosystemic approach. It will also facilitate the exchange of biological and fishing data.

The binational project GEF/PNUD/SUBPESCA/Vice Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture “Humboldt II”, launched in 2022, drove this update for optimal exploitation. Gonzalo Pereira highlighted the common vision of IFOP and IMARPE as "sister institutions." Jorge Paz added that this agreement solidifies joint work since 2024, already materialized in the exchange of over 25 professionals per country, benefiting both nations, leading fishing countries in South America.