IN BRIEF - Japanese 'IWASHI' Sardines in California? A Shocking Discovery in the Pacific
UNITED STATES
Friday, March 14, 2025
We hear from the scientist who discovered Japanese sardines off the coast of California for the first time and discuss what it means for the future.
In 2022, Dr. Gary Longo detected Japanese sardines swimming in the eastern Pacific, off the coast of California. This was the first time they’d ever been seen here—their normal range is in the western Pacific from Korea to Russia, thousands and thousands of miles away. It was a shocking discovery. Sardines are incredibly important to the California current ecosystem and are a key forage fish across the globe.
On this episode of Dive In with NOAA Fisheries, we scratch at this mystery of Japanese sardine appearing in U.S. waters. How did they get here? What does it mean for the native Pacific sardine? Are they staying? (Spoiler alert: so far, yes.)
We hear from Dr. Longo, a research scientist at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center and one of the authors of a new study documenting this discovery. The authors suggest marine heatwaves that warmed the North Pacific over the last decade might have opened a corridor of favorable habitat, which the Japanese sardines followed across the ocean.
New rules widen access across Spanish fleets but impose a limit of one tuna per vessel per trip or day.
Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has authorised 233 tonnes of bluefin tuna by-catch. Quotas include 67 tonnes for the Bay of Biscay, 64 tonnes for Cádiz ports, 55 tonnes for Mediterranean fleets and 47 tonnes for the Gulf of Cádiz.
Foreign fleets operating beyond Argentina’s EEZ could undermine conservation measures for Illex argentinus.
INIDEP warns that IUU fishing threatens squid sustainability in the Southwest Atlantic. In 2026, more than 250 foreign jiggers operated near Mile 201 and 110 around the Falklands/Malvinas, compared with 84 Argentine vessels.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the nationwide campaign in Kishoreganj, highlighting sustainable production, innovation and the growing economic importance of Bangladesh’s fisheries sector.
DHAKA – Bangladesh will observe National Fisheries Week 2026 from August 16 to 30, under the theme “A self-sufficient country in silver fish, Bangladesh first.”
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally open the event on August 16 at the George Institute Mini Stadium in Katiadi, Kishoreganj, and present the National Fisheries Medal (Gold Medal) to 14 individuals and organizations in 13 categories.
The awards recognize outstanding contributions to fish production, research, technological innovation, extension services, administrative efficiency and entrepreneurship.
Fishing associations appeal the environmental clearance granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate, warning of risks to fisheries and marine ecosystems.
The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has appealed the permit granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate, arguing its mining licence expired in 2013. The industry warns the project could affect key fishing grounds and expose fish stocks to heavy metals.The court also found that the company had not complied with the mandatory provisions requiring it to apply within the one-year period.
The AIR Centre has published a new technical document analyzing diversification in aquaculture—"an issue that is becoming increasingly strategic for Atlantic aquaculture," the Centre notes. Titled *Fostering Aquaculture: New Species vs. Established Species*, the article draws on discussions held during the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum (AAF25) in Terceira, Azores, in November 2025.
The document's central argument is that the choice of aquaculture species is no longer a purely technical decision, as the species a region produces impacts the food security of that area.
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
The aquaculture feed giant BioMar and Multi X, the large Chile salmon production company have launched a joint project to explore how regenerative agriculture can help make salmon production feed solutions more sustainable.
The two organisations say agriculture plays an important role in supplying raw materials to produce feed solutions for the aquaculture value chain. But as climate change and pressure on natural resources create new challenges for food production, improving soil health and strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems are becoming increasingly important to maintaining productive and economically viable supply chains over the long term.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Precautionary measure due to low biomass in the Loligo
The Falkland Islands Fisheries Department confirms that fishing within the Loligo Box will be paused for a period of around two weeks as a precautionary measure due to low Loligo squid biomass.
This decision has been taken following close engagement with the fishing industry and reflects a shared view that a temporary cessation of fishing activity represents the most appropriate course of action. Targeted trawling carried out by the fishing industry, and coordinated by the Department, will take place throughout the Loligo Box on 12 August in order to obtain more information on the distribution of squid throughout the fishing area.
This precautionary approach reflects the Department’s commitment to the long-term stock sustainability and responsible management of the fishery.
The Department will continue to work with industry partners throughout this period and will provide further updates once further information is available.
New projects, rising investment and local feed production are strengthening the Sultanate’s aquaculture industry.
Oman is expanding aquaculture as a key pillar of its fisheries strategy, targeting production of 252,000 tonnes by 2030. Aquaculture output reached 9,240 tonnes in 2025, while total investment stood at RO 349 million. Projects cover shrimp, marine fish, oysters, abalone and algae, alongside local fish-feed production aimed at reducing imports and supporting a more competitive and sustainable seafood industry.
Funding will strengthen production, infrastructure and private investment while supporting food security and new jobs.
The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand aquaculture and poultry production in the Republic of Congo. The programme will improve access to feed, infrastructure, finance and technical assistance, while promoting private investment, employment and food security.
Incident highlights risks of close encounters with large marine mammals
Two Fisheries and Oceans Canada officers were injured during an encounter with a humpback whale off British Columbia. The incident underscores the hazards faced by fisheries personnel working around large marine mammals.
UNITED STATES
In 2022, Dr. Gary Longo detected Japanese sardines swimming in the eastern Pacific, off the coast of California. This was the first time they’d ever been seen here—their normal range is in the western Pacific from Korea to Russia, thousands and thousands of miles away. It was a shocking discovery. Sardines are incredibly important to the California current ecosystem and are a key forage fish across the globe.
SPAIN
New rules widen access across Spanish fleets but impose a limit of one tuna per vessel per trip or day.
ARGENTINA.png)
Foreign fleets operating beyond Argentina’s EEZ could undermine conservation measures for Illex argentinus.
BANGLADESH
NAMIBIA.png)
Fishing associations appeal the environmental clearance granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate, warning of risks to fisheries and marine ecosystems.
CAPE VERDE
The AIR Centre has published a new technical document analyzing diversification in aquaculture—"an issue that is becoming increasingly strategic for Atlantic aquaculture," the Centre notes. Titled *Fostering Aquaculture: New Species vs. Established Species*, the article draws on discussions held during the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum (AAF25) in Terceira, Azores, in November 2025.
CHILE
The aquaculture feed giant 
FALKLAND ISLANDS.png)
The Falkland Islands Fisheries Department confirms that fishing within the Loligo Box will be paused for a period of around two weeks as a precautionary measure due to low Loligo squid biomass.
OMAN.png)
CONGO
Funding will strengthen production, infrastructure and private investment while supporting food security and new jobs.
CANADA
Incident highlights risks of close encounters with large marine mammals
