IN BRIEF - How Underwater Drones Are Transforming Fisheries Data Collection in Remote Areas
UNITED STATES
Friday, December 06, 2024
Hear how gliders are used to survey Antarctic krill, the foundation of the region's food web.
Glider “Adrian” getting deployed from the R/V Laurence M. Gould. Credit: Andrew Titmus
Remote underwater gliders—or underwater drones—present opportunities for all kinds of data collection and oceanographic research. They're incredibly cost effective, requiring less staff and equipment than traditional methods. They can remain deployed longer than a ship can be out, and they can go places where a ship can't go. And, you can pilot them anywhere with a laptop and an internet connection—even from your couch!
On our latest podcast, we talk with Jen Walsh, a research biologist and glider pilot for the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. She talks about how we're using gliders in remote areas, like Antarctica, and how they're changing the way we collect fisheries data and learn about the ocean.
“The industry is growing, and meeting places are evolving accordingly. We see a need to be present where we can best meet customers, partners and decision-makers,” said Ståle Økland, CCO of AKVA group.
The event’s location near Oslo offers improved access for international employees and customers, while also strengthening ties with media and political stakeholders. According to the company, Global Aqua provides a more strategic platform due to its accessibility and lower overall costs.
As the industry expands, AKVA group plans to showcase key innovations, including deep farming technologies, post-smolt solutions, and digital systems, alongside its focus on sustainability in the future of aquaculture.
According to Japan’s Fisheries Agency, Japanese fishermen will be allowed to catch 2,050 tons of salmon within Japan’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone. In return, Japan will pay between 180 million and 313 million yen (approximately $1.13–1.97 million). The quota remains unchanged from 2025 levels.
Lawmakers in Japan’s upper house of parliament ??????????? ???????? ??????????, noting its role in maintaining stable ties between the two nations.
The agreement reflects long-standing cooperation: joint fishing arrangements between Japan and Russia have been in place since 1984–1985, with annual negotiations determining catch limits. The waters of the Pacific Ocean near Japanese islands are key fishing grounds, as they host salmon migrating from Russian rivers.
The renewed deal ensures continued access for Japanese fisheries while supporting regulated, sustainable use of shared marine resources.
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.
UNITED STATES
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“The industry is growing, and meeting places are evolving accordingly. We see a need to be present where we can best meet customers, partners and decision-makers,”
JAPAN
Lawmakers in Japan’s upper house of parliament ??????????? ???????? ??????????, noting its role in maintaining stable ties between the two nations.
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.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 
SPAIN.png)
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.
