Barcelona – The participation of the Organization of Mussel Producers of Galicia (Opmega) in the Seafood Expo Global fair, held in Barcelona from May 6 to 8, concluded with resounding success. The organization attended with the aim of consolidating commercial relationships, showcasing the work of its members, and opening new avenues for collaboration, all of which were more than fulfilled.

During the three days of the fair, the Opmega stand received visits from numerous clients, suppliers, distributors, and institutional representatives, including representatives from the Consellería do Mar (Regional Ministry of the Sea), who showed their support for the sector and the work carried out by the organization.

The Opmega board of directors maintained an intense schedule of meetings, both commercial and institutional, in which they were able to highlight the quality of Galician mussels and the producers' commitment to sustainability and innovation. The video shown at the stand, subtitled in English, offered a detailed look at the cultivation process, from seed collection to hanging on rafts, sparking the interest of visitors from different countries.

One of the elements that generated the most attention was the presentation of ready-to-eat mussel trays, a format that is already successful in the national market and is beginning to consolidate internationally as well, due to its convenience, quality, and respect for the original product.

Land-based fish farmer Stolt Sea Farm has become the only farmed turbot producer in the world to achieve Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for all its farms.

ASC chief executive Chris Ninnes presented the certification to Stolt president Jordi Trías at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona yesterday, commending the company’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility across its nine turbot farms.

Source: fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

Salmon Scotland urges renewed trade talks as UK-US deal leaves 10% salmon tariff in place.

Salmon Scotland has called on the UK Government to pursue further negotiations with the United States after confirmation that Scottish salmon will remain subject to a 10% tariff under the new UK-US trade agreement.

The trade body, which represents the UK’s largest food export, said the continued tariff is a missed opportunity to support growth in one of Scotland’s most important overseas markets.

Source: SalmonBusiness l Read the full article here

Grieg Seafood has published a preliminary first quarter update, in advance of its main report, showing mixed performances at its Norwegian and Canadian locations.

The company said it expects operational and financial performance for the period to be above previous guidance in Rogaland, and slightly below consensus in Finnmark, British Columbia, and Newfoundland.

The change in Rogaland is primarily related to lower farming costs and higher harvest volumes. The site harvest in Q1 showed better-than expected biological performance throughout the cycle.

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

Aquaculture feed giant Skretting achieved DNV certification under the new ASC Feed Standard at Seafood Expo Global. 

Barcelona – The standard ensures responsible aquafeed production, covering social/labor rights, safety, environment, and responsible sourcing. DNV's Stefano Crea lauded Skretting's sustainability commitment, emphasizing the standard's role in transparency and ethical seafood. 

Skretting's Sergio Alanis highlighted the standard's robust risk mitigation for raw materials and human rights focus. From Oct 31, ASC-certified farms must use certified feed. This certification strengthens Skretting's position for ASC-certified customers, aligning with their standards and Skretting's "Feeding the Future" sustainability commitment.

China's FM asserts its Yellow Sea aquaculture facilities in the PMZ comply with Chinese and international law, refuting S.Korean concerns about maritime delimitation. 

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized dialogue during the China-S.Korea maritime affairs meeting in Seoul. Both sides agreed to enhance communication, manage differences, advance delimitation talks, and boost cooperation in marine science, environment, SAR, fisheries, law enforcement, and security, aiming for a peaceful, friendly, and cooperative Yellow Sea. 

They discussed fishery aquaculture in the southern Yellow Sea. Yonhap News Agency reported S.Korean concerns over Chinese steel structures near Suyan Islet, with Seoul stressing its maritime rights. The dialogue established subcommittees for maritime order and cooperation. China maintains Suyan Islet is in the East China Sea, with overlapping EEZ claims, advocating consultation over confrontation. Experts suggest hype harms S.Korea, urging stronger China ties post-US tariffs.

Improved fishing success for Danish vessels leads to a significant increase in Norway lobster landings and value across key ports, reports Svend Boye Thomsen of Fiskeritidende.

Danish fishermen have experienced notable success in their Norway lobster fisheries, resulting in a substantial increase in landing figures across several ports, as reported by Svend Boye Thomsen of Fiskeritidende.

During the first four months of 2025, Danish fishermen landed a total of 1,620 tons of Norway lobsters, generating a value of 99 million Danish kroner (approximately EUR 13.3 million).

This represents a significant improvement compared to the same period last year, when landings amounted to 957 tons with a value of 67 million Danish kroner (approximately EUR 9.0 million).

The ports registering the highest volumes of Norway lobster landings this year are Hirtshals Port, Skagen Port, Østerby Port, Strandby Port, Gilleleje Port, and Hanstholm Port. Each of these ports has witnessed a positive increase in lobster arrivals.

The primary fishing grounds contributing to these increased landings are the Skagerrak, which yielded the largest quantities, followed by the Kattegat and the North Sea.

Despite a production increase, Rio Grande do Norte state must tackle logistical bottlenecks and bureaucratic complexities to unlock its full aquaculture potential.

Natal, Rio Grande do Norte - Aquaculture in Rio Grande do Norte experienced a modest 2.32% growth in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a production volume of 4,400 tons, according to data from Peixe BR. The state maintains its strong position in tilapia farming, which dominates production with 3,100 tons. It also demonstrates notable activity in the cultivation of native species, accounting for 700 tons. The combined production of carp, trout, and pangasius, while present, remains at 600 tons.

Despite this positive trajectory, the state's aquaculture sector faces considerable challenges hindering more substantial expansion. Intense competition from neighboring states, particularly Pernambuco with its more established and robust production, acts as a constraint on growth in Rio Grande do Norte. While the state benefits from favorable natural conditions, notably its climate and abundant water resources ideal for tilapia farming, these advantages are not fully capitalized upon.

A promising development involves the increasing collaboration between academic and research institutions and aquaculture companies. These partnerships have fostered innovation and contributed to enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of farming practices.