IN BRIEF - Galician Mussel Farmers Unite in Opposition to Altri Pulp Mill in Arousa Estuary
SPAIN
Friday, March 21, 2025
Mass Participation Planned for Saturday's Protest in A Pobra.
Vilagarcía de Arousa – A significant portion of Galicia's mussel farming sector ("bateeiro" sector) has confirmed its participation in the upcoming demonstration against the proposed Altri pulp mill in the Arousa estuary. "We have consistently voiced our unequivocal opposition to this project, which directly threatens our livelihoods and the ecological integrity of the estuary," representatives stated.
The mussel farmers' primary concern centers on the potential impact of the Altri plant on the Arousa estuary's water quality. The proposed mill, located in Palas de Rei, plans to extract up to 46,000 cubic meters of water daily from the Ulla River and discharge 30,000 cubic meters of treated wastewater. As the Ulla River empties into the Arousa estuary, the discharge of this treated water raises serious concerns about potential harm to the marine ecosystem, specifically water quality and shellfish and mussel ("bateeira") production.
Despite receiving environmental approval from the Xunta de Galicia, the shellfish and environmental sectors remain deeply concerned about the potential for irreversible damage. The Arousa estuary is a critical ecosystem for mussel cultivation and a vital economic engine for Galicia.
Health authorities in France have issued an alert regarding the voluntary recall of fresh albacore tuna loins under the Bigfish brand after detecting histamine, a toxin that causes severe food poisoning and allergic reactions.
The fish, sold vacuum-packed with skin in 2 and 6-kilo formats, was distributed between August 4 and August 7, 2026, through Super U in Plouarzel. The action targets batch 26072026, featuring traceability code MDV/LHP/ALAM6/23G26/YFT and an expiration date of August 9, 2026.
The official body RappelConso, which released the notification on August 17, 2026, urges consumers not to eat the product and to return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. Consuming this toxin can rapidly trigger symptoms such as flushing, facial swelling, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal distress.
The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East and its impact on maritime traffic have left their mark on Germany's main port—and one of Europe's most important ones. The Port of Hamburg closed the first half of 2026 with a total throughput of 56.1 million tonnes, a 3.1% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has largely attributed this decline to a drop in imports of petroleum products resulting from the war in Iran.
Despite the decline in total traffic, container throughput showed positive growth during the first six months of the year. Hamburg handled 4 million TEUs between January and June, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.8%. In terms of tonnage, growth reached 4%.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, Njuki-ini Fish Farm has grown into a family-run business focused on ornamental fish and expanding aquaculture opportunities in Kenya.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many folks were compelled to stay at home in various countries worldwide. Many people lost their jobs, and others were forced to shut down their businesses completely. However, for some others like Pastor Charles Kariuki, the disruption created an unexpected opportunity. With more time at home, he decided to try fish farming and established Njuki-ini Fish Farm in Sagana, central Kenya.
Author: Peter Changtoek / The Fish Site | Read the full article here
Seafood Expo Asia says it is drawing exhibitors and guests from across four continents for its big show early next month.
The event which spans aquaculture and fishing, reflecting Asia’s growing seafood demand, takes place between 2-4 September at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.
It will be the 14th edition of the exhibition. The organisers say the main hall will feature the full spectrum of seafood innovation and seafood products.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
The latest penalty brings fines imposed on foreign vessels for illegal fishing in Argentine waters during 2026 to more than ARS 4.533 billion.
Argentine authorities sanctioned the Hai Xing 2, a Chinese-origin vessel sailing under the Tanzanian flag, after detecting fishing activity inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Golfo San Jorge.
The vessel received a fine of nearly ARS 1.9 billion, becoming the fourth foreign fishing vessel sanctioned by Argentina in 2026 for illegal operations in waters under national jurisdiction.
FFA-coordinated surveillance operation strengthens regional efforts to detect and deter illegal fishing across Pacific waters.
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) flagged 16 vessels for further investigation during a regional surveillance operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The coordinated crackdown reinforces cooperation among Pacific nations to identify suspicious fishing activity, improve compliance and protect the region’s valuable tuna and marine resources.
The 3D-COAST system is designed to automate oyster handling, cut labor needs and produce up to 125,000 oysters per raft annually.
An oyster farm in Maine, US, is testing 3D-COAST, a floating vertical conveyor powered by two solar panels. The technology moves oyster baskets between water and air, automating tumbling and helping control biofouling.
Nissui targets 10,000 tonnes by 2030 as domestic production gains momentum.
Japan’s salmon farming sector is expanding, especially in Tohoku, driven by strong Asian demand and rising costs. Nissui plans to increase annual production from 4,200 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes by 2030.
The measure runs until October 15, 2026, covering fishing, trade, storage and export along all Omani coasts.
Oman has imposed its seasonal kingfish ban to support stock recovery and sustainable fisheries. In 2025, production reached 19,743 tonnes, worth RO 44.4 million. Violations may result in fines of up to RO 300 and imprisonment.
Time-temperature, colour-changing labels help airlines, cruise lines, and rail operators protect perishable food quality from preparation to onboard service
Vitsab®, a global leader with over 20 years of temperature monitoring expertise, is proud to highlight Freshtag® Onboard Catering, a colour-changing, full-history smart indicator designed to monitor passenger meals and other perishable products in refrigerated or passive storage environments for time/temperature abuse from the preparation kitchen until service onboard. By giving operators an easy-to-read visual indicator powered by Freshtag’s stoplight technology, which provides a simple colour-based cue, Freshtag Onboard Catering helps teams quickly validate whether onboard food has remained within safe handling conditions throughout transport, storage, and service.
SPAIN(1).png)
The mussel farmers' primary concern centers on the potential impact of the Altri plant on the Arousa estuary's water quality. The proposed mill, located in Palas de Rei, plans to extract up to 46,000 cubic meters of water daily from the Ulla River and discharge 30,000 cubic meters of treated wastewater. As the Ulla River empties into the Arousa estuary, the discharge of this treated water raises serious concerns about potential harm to the marine ecosystem, specifically water quality and shellfish and mussel ("bateeira") production.
FRANCE.png)
GERMANY
The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East and its impact on maritime traffic have left their mark on Germany's main port—and one of Europe's most important ones. The Port of Hamburg closed the first half of 2026 with a total throughput of 56.1 million tonnes, a 3.1% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has largely attributed this decline to a drop in imports of petroleum products resulting from the war in Iran.
KENYA
Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, Njuki-ini Fish Farm has grown into a family-run business focused on ornamental fish and expanding aquaculture opportunities in Kenya.
SINGAPORE
Seafood Expo Asia
ARGENTINA.png)
Argentine authorities sanctioned the Hai Xing 2, a Chinese-origin vessel sailing under the Tanzanian flag, after detecting fishing activity inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Golfo San Jorge.
AMERICAN SAMOA
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) flagged 16 vessels for further investigation during a regional surveillance operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The coordinated crackdown reinforces cooperation among Pacific nations to identify suspicious fishing activity, improve compliance and protect the region’s valuable tuna and marine resources.
UNITED STATES.png)
The 3D-COAST system is designed to automate oyster handling, cut labor needs and produce up to 125,000 oysters per raft annually.
JAPAN
OMAN
The measure runs until October 15, 2026, covering fishing, trade, storage and export along all Omani coasts.
WORLDWIDE.png)
Time-temperature, colour-changing labels help airlines, cruise lines, and rail operators protect perishable food quality from preparation to onboard service
