A sudden increase in fresh squid landings reverses a years-long decline, yet an overabundance of smaller fish poses a new challenge for the industry.

TOKYO — The Japanese flying squid catch has shown a dramatic recovery this year, reversing a slump that had brought landings to record lows. According to a new report, the total domestic landing volume from January to July reached 5,588 tons, a significant 78% increase compared to the same period last year.

The surge was driven almost entirely by the fresh squid sector, which saw landings jump by 91% to 5,340 tons. In contrast, frozen squid landings dropped by 28%.

Despite the positive volume, the industry is now grappling with a new problem: the overall size of the squid caught has been exceptionally small. In a market where larger squid command higher prices, this trend could put pressure on the economic value of the catch. The current trend also highlights an extreme imbalance in landing areas, with some regions experiencing bumper catches while others are left behind

Iceland’s fishing and aquaculture organisation SFS has told the Reykjavik government  that the industry can more than double its value creation to more than £5 billion over the next decade.

SFS, also known as the Icelandic Fisheries Association, was commenting on a  proposed government employment policy which is up for consultation.

Together, fishing and aquaculture are worth around ISK 400 billion (£2.4bn) to the Icelandic economy. But SFS says it is more than possible to increase this to around ISK 800 billion – or eventually ISK 900 billion (£5bn plus).

Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here

A new research report shows that material selection and cleaning methods in fish farms can have a major impact on microplastic emissions. The project is led by Norwegian research institute SINTEF Ocean and paid for by fisheries and aquaculture industry research funder FHF.

The goal of the SMARTER research project is to help the aquaculture industry choose the right combinations of nets, impregnation (coating), cleaning methods, and ropes, so that emissions of microplastics are as low as possible.

Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has announced that three-quarters of the whitefish caught in global fisheries is now certified MSC sustainable, representing “a major milestone for the seafood industry'' 

Whitefish represents one of the most compelling sustainability success stories in seafood

Despite recent economic pressures and global supply chain challenges, certified fisheries have consistently met this demand, and we’re now seeing growth through the entry of new fisheries and diversification into additional species

Author: Erin Spampinato / SeafoodSource |  Read the full article here

The startup has secured around €1.7 million to scale production of protein from invasive crab species for use in the feed and food industry.

Danish impact startup Decameal has secured DKK 12.7 million (approximately €1.7 million) in new funding to accelerate its mission of transforming an invasive marine species into a sustainable protein source that could be incorporated into aquafeed. The company extracts protein and other ingredients from overabundant beach crabs, providing a valuable resource for the feed and food industries while helping to restore marine biodiversity.

Source: The Fish Site |  Read the full article here

Suempol acquires Belgian shrimp processor Van Biesen & Pieters

Polish seafood company Suempol has acquired Van Biesen & Pieters, a family-owned shrimp processor based in Sint-Gillis-Waas, Belgium. Financial details were not disclosed.

The deal marks a return to Suempol’s origins in shrimp processing and distribution, while adding to its European portfolio built through acquisitions in Germany, France, the UK and Norway. Founded in 1989, Suempol is Poland’s oldest smoked salmon producer and also supplies a range of fresh and value-added salmon products.

Source: SalmonBusiness |  Read the full article here

STANLEY– The Falkland Islands Fisheries Committee met to discuss the future of the Illex fishery, including a proposal to bring it under the Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system. The meeting took place as the second Loligo season faces a third consecutive year of low catches, prompting increasing calls for more research into the causes of the decline.

According to data presented to the Committee, the total catch for the current Loligo season, after 26 days, is far below the historical median. This ongoing disruption is causing significant concern among producers, who are urging officials to investigate the reasons behind the low yields.

The discussion on the Illex fishery’s potential shift to the ITQ system is a key point on the agenda, as the government seeks to balance resource management with the economic needs of the industry. The move would represent a major change in how the fishery is managed, following a model already in place for other species.

Source: David Astill from FITV

A four-member delegation from India’s Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fishery (CICEF) recently conducted a five-day visit to Sri Lanka to study the proposed development of the Point Pedro fishery harbour in the Northern Province. The team, representing the Indian Ministry of Fisheries, was in the country from September 8 to 12, 2025.