Smir Group Acquires Aquaculture Technology Firm Ambiente Aqua AS
NORWAY
Friday, September 20, 2024
Smir Group, a leader in aquaculture technology and services, has finalized an agreement to acquire Ambiente Aqua AS, a technology company based in Årland, Norway. As part of the acquisition, all rights to Ambiente Aqua's proprietary technologies will be transferred to Smir Group.
"We've been collaborating closely on two key projects that leverage UV-LED technology, and we view this as a promising area of investment for Smir Group. Ambiente's innovative solutions align perfectly with our goals, which led us to pursue this acquisition,"said Frank Øren, CEO of Smir Group, in a press release.
Ambiente Aqua AS, founded in 2021 by Kurt Magne Berge, Roald Rø, and Gunder Andre Johansen, specializes in developing advanced light and energy systems, with a particular focus on UV-LED technology.
Øren highlighted the strategic value of this acquisition for Smir Group:
"One of our primary objectives is to offer preventive solutions for the aquaculture industry, and we see significant potential in UV-LED technology when applied effectively. As we continue to innovate and develop new preventive concepts, we are excited about the additional opportunities that Ambiente’s technology will create when integrated with our existing solutions."
This acquisition follows Smir Group's earlier purchase of the service and diving company KB-Gruppen AS in Rørvik, further strengthening its presence in the aquaculture sector.
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
Conxemar has proposed, through a recommendation from the Market Advisory Council (MAC) to the Commission, the need for the European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EUMOFA) to conduct a study on the role played by joint fishing companies with European capital in supplying seafood to the EU market. "Their role in ensuring food security, trade competitiveness, and the sustainable use of resources deserves greater recognition," the association stated.
The report, which would complement the one prepared by the Vigo Free Trade Zone in 2023, should focus on their geographical distribution, their contribution to the supply of EU fishery and aquaculture products, their economic and social impacts, as well as their alignment with the Union's political objectives.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
In the framework of the 20th meeting of the Subcommittee on Fish Trade of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), held from September 8 to 12, Peru, through the Ministry of Production (Produce) and the National Authority for Health and Safety in Fisheries and Aquaculture (Sanipes), was elected to chair the aforementioned FAO Subcommittee.
This appointment, Produce emphasizes, "represents a milestone for the region and international recognition of Peru's leadership in the responsible management of aquatic resources, the promotion of fair and sustainable fish trade, and the defense of global food security."
Source: iPac.acuicultura | 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.
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.
The Supreme Court upheld a fine of nearly $70 million against the company Caleta Bay, after proving that in 2016 it produced more rainbow trout than authorized in its cages in the Reloncaví estuary, in Cochamó, Los Lagos Region.
During that year, the company was permitted to harvest one million fish, but official records showed inconsistencies. While it reported 794,000 fish in the aquaculture inspection system, it declared 809,000 in a sworn declaration to the Undersecretariat of Fisheries. This difference of more than 15,000 fish was compounded by the omission of 50,547 fish that were not reported as output
Source: MundoAcuicola | Read the full article here
The Ministry of Production Releases 42,432 Tons to Ensure the Continuity of Small-Scale Fishing and Announces New Control and Oversight Measures.
The Ministry of Production (Produce) announced the advancement of the harvest of 42,432 tons of giant squid (pota), corresponding to the second phase of the expanded annual quota for this strategic resource. The measure seeks to guarantee the continuity of artisanal fishing activity and preserve the sustainability of the production chain, after the first phase of the catch was exhausted ahead of schedule.
NORWAY
"We've been collaborating closely on two key projects that leverage UV-LED technology, and we view this as a promising area of investment for Smir Group. Ambiente's innovative solutions align perfectly with our goals, which led us to pursue this acquisition,"
JAPAN
EUROPEAN UNION
PERU.png)
In the framework of the 20th meeting of the Subcommittee on Fish Trade of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 
WORLDWIDE
The 
DENMARK
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.
POLAND
Suempol acquires Belgian shrimp processor Van Biesen & Pieters
FALKLAND ISLANDS
INDIA.jpeg)
CHILE.png)
The Supreme Court upheld a fine of nearly $70 million against the company 
The Ministry of Production Releases 42,432 Tons to Ensure the Continuity of Small-Scale Fishing and Announces New Control and Oversight Measures.
