IN BRIEF - Pelagic fishing season 2024: sardine and mackerel fisheries continue to grow
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Monday, July 15, 2024
The progress of the pelagic fishing season was discussed at a meeting of the headquarters at the Federal Agency for Fisheries.
Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries Vasily Sokolov noted that catches are currently 2 times higher than the level of the previous year.
According to the industry monitoring system of the Federal Agency for Fisheries (Federal Fisheries Monitoring System), by July 10, the total catch of sardine, mackerel and saury by Russian fishermen totaled more than 117 thousand tons.
The main share of the catch is Iwashi sardine - 115.3 thousand tons, including in the Russian EEZ - 100.5 thousand tons, mackerel catch - 1.9 thousand tons.
In the period from 1 to 7 July 2024, pelagic fish species were fished by 17 Russian fishing vessels (16 vessels in the Russian EEZ).
According to industry scientists, in the near future the hydrometeorological conditions will be favorable for a stable catch of Iwashi sardine.
Following the results of the headquarters, Vasily Sokolov instructed to work with users on continuing the fishery in July-August, taking into account the favorable scientific forecast.
Opmega arrives this Monday at Seafood Barcelona "with a completely renovated stand, larger than in previous editions and equipped with several meeting areas, ready to host the most comprehensive work agenda that the mussel producers' organization has ever deployed at the fair." This is according to the organization, chaired by Ricardo Herbón. The board of directors and sales managers of Opmega will hold meetings with operators and buyers from various countries, in what is expected to be "a particularly busy edition in terms of international business activity."
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
An intense three-day agenda full of strategic meetings, networking, and analysis of the latest trends in the seafood market begins in Barcelona. Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, organized by Diversified, kicks off its largest edition yet in the Catalan capital, with more than 52,950 net square meters of exhibition space. The trade fair, which runs until April 23 at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, ??expects to host more than 2,300 exhibiting companies from 86 countries and 65 national and regional pavilions, bringing together seafood professionals from across the global supply chain.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Compact, operator-assisted unit delivers precise head cuts, reliable gutting, fast cleaning, and simple maintenance, built to integrate easily in both new and existing factory layouts.
Carsoe today announced the launch of the Heading and Gutting Machine CS3063 (patent pending), a standalone, operator-assisted solution designed for efficient and accurate deheading and gutting of cod, pollock, and haddock.
Built as a compact unit for medium to large-scale processing, the CS3063 is engineered to deliver consistent results shift after shift, without adding complexity to the factory floor.
Andfjord Salmon Group said it has entered into a strategic post-smolt partnership with Eidsfjord Sjøfarm, which has committed to invest NOK 100 million (€9.10 million) in the land-based salmon farming company through a private placement.
The announcement was made in a stock exchange filing on Monday.
The partnership includes significant deliveries of post-smolt from Andfjord Salmon to Eidsfjord Sjøfarm in 2026 and 2027.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Salmon farmer Mowi has recorded a 26% increase in its first quarter harvest this year, with Scotland making a major contribution.
The company has also disclosed, however, that the algae attacks which hit southern Norway last month cost the world’s largest Atlantic salmon farmer around 10 million euros (£8.7m). Despite this setback, Mowi’s Norway division made good progress in the first part of this year.
Mowi’s global harvest of 136,000 tons gutted weight against 108,000 tons last year, was a record high first quarter figure.
The operational EBIT for the Group was approximately 221 million euros (£192m) against €214 million (£186m) in Q1 last year.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Ahead of Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona (21–23 April), a delegation from Chile representing Indigenous leaders and small-scale fishers will deliver a clear message to the global seafood industry: production choices must reflect their real impact on ocean ecosystems and coastal communities.
At an interactive stand designed for dialogue, the group will move the discussion beyond volume and efficiency, emphasizing the value of traditional knowledge and territorial governance. They will highlight Chile’s Indigenous coastal management model (ECMPOs) as a proven approach supporting ocean sustainability and long-term business viability.
Using messages such as “The ocean also pays the bill”, the delegation positions Indigenous communities and artisanal fishers as key actors in ocean governance.
Spokespeople will be available for interviews, sharing first-hand insights across the value chain—from seaweed harvesting to mussel production—and stressing that integrating local communities is not only an issue of equity, but essential for the future of global seafood systems.
A new report from Nofima reveals that combining hyperspectral imaging with waterjet technology can automatically remove parasites—commonly known as “kveis”—from cod fillets. The research, funded by FHF, targets a costly and time-consuming challenge in the whitefish industry, where parasites are currently removed manually.
Using advanced imaging technology (Maritech Eye), parasites can be detected inside fillets without cutting. Two methods were tested: a waterjet system (FleXicut), operating at about 40 cm per second, and a robotic arm equipped with a precision cutting tool.
Economic analysis shows strong potential: automated removal could generate a net value between $0.4 million and $7.2 million over 10 years, depending on scale. Benefits include higher yield per fish and reduced labor costs.
However, challenges remain. The robotic system achieved only 6 successful removals out of 44 attempts, while the waterjet method currently removes entire sections rather than individual parasites.
The project—costing $0.4 million—involved Nofima, Marel, Maritech, NMBU, and industry partner Lerøy. Researchers conclude that combining waterjet speed with future robotic precision could transform fish processing worldwide.
BioMar Australia has named Matt Whittle as its new Commercial Director, effective August 2026, reinforcing its leadership team as the Australasian aquaculture sector continues to expand.
A native of Tasmania, Whittle brings extensive industry experience, combining expertise in farm-level production, customer engagement, and commercial strategy. His strong ties to both Tasmania and mainland Australia position him to deepen relationships across key aquaculture regions.
Managing Director David Whyte said the appointment reflects the company’s emphasis on local knowledge and practical experience. “Matt’s blend of commercial insight and hands-on aquaculture expertise makes him well suited to lead our commercial team and strengthen partnerships with producers,” he said.
As part of the transition, Mike Thomson will move into the newly created role of Service Delivery Director in September 2026. He will oversee supply reliability, logistics, and on-farm support, with a focus on improving customer experience.
Whyte noted that Thomson has been instrumental in shaping the company’s commercial strategy, adding that the new role will enhance execution while maintaining strong client relationships.
These leadership changes align with BioMar Australia’s long-term strategy to boost local capability and support sustainable growth in the Australian aquaculture industry.
A three-day training programme on certification and traceability in aquaculture concluded at the State Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kakinada on Friday, highlighting the urgent need for stronger quality assurance and food safety standards.
Officials reported that India’s seafood exports reached nearly $7.45 billion in 2024–25, with Andhra Pradesh contributing 70–75%. Maintaining strict compliance with international certification norms and controlling antibiotic residues were identified as key to sustaining global competitiveness.
Participants emphasized the importance of traceability systems, including the state’s 11-digit alphanumeric coding for aquaculture units. Testing protocols such as PHT, PET, and FPI were also reviewed to ensure adherence to global standards.
The programme underscored that consistent quality control remains essential for protecting export markets and strengthening India’s position in the global seafood trade.
The Russian national flag was officially raised on the trawler “Captain Yunak” at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg, marking a significant milestone for the country’s fishing fleet.
A report broadcast on Russia-1 highlighted the ceremony and the vessel’s completion, emphasizing its role in strengthening Russia’s maritime industry.
Ilya Shestakov, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries, praised the achievement, stating: “I’m incredibly proud that our shipbuilders were able to build such a vessel, and that we have investors who are willing to support construction at Russian shipyards and believe in the investment quota program.”
The launch reflects ongoing efforts to modernize the fleet and boost domestic shipbuilding under state-backed initiatives.
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