The Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) begins a new chapter under the leadership of Luis Parot Donoso, who returns as Executive Director following his previous tenure between 2018 and 2022.

Parot, a Fisheries Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Class of 1973) and holder of an MBA, possesses an extensive professional background in the Valparaíso Region, where he held prominent leadership roles in the municipalities of Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Villa Alemana, and Zapallar.

After serving on the institution's Board of Directors between 2013 and 2014, he takes on this challenge with a focus on aquaculture, fisheries, and climate change. Despite a complex financial outlook, Parot emphasizes the urgent need to improve the quality and relevance of research in Chile. To achieve this, he aims for close collaboration with the Undersecretariat of Fisheries, seeking to strengthen the technical advisory services the agency provides to the State of Chile while fostering a work environment built on unity and scientific excellence.

ABANCA and the Foundation Cluster for the Conservation of Seafood Products (FUNPROMAR) have renewed their strategic alliance to promote the dissemination of the sea-industry sector.

The agreement was signed in Vigo by Roberto Alonso, legal representative of the Foundation, and Lino Comesaña, Institutional Business Director of ABANCA in Galicia, Northern Spain, and Portugal.

Key Points of the Agreement:

• Colloquium Cycle: 3 public sessions will be organized in the city of Vigo.
• Themes: Industrial history, sustainability, innovation, and socio-economic value.
• Objective: To bridge the gap between the business world and the public, highlighting the sector's role in food supply and employment.

This collaboration reaffirms the commitment of both entities to the competitiveness of the business framework in Galicia. Through this partnership, they aim to position financing as a key lever for economic progress and social well-being, strengthening the image of an industry essential to the region's development.

New data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China reveals a period of significant expansion and recent stabilization for Russian seafood trade.

In 2025, Russia exported a total of 61,089 tons of live sea urchin to China, reaching a total market value of $317,605.

The sector has seen a massive 71.9% surge in volume since 2023, representing an additional 25,554 tons entering the Chinese market. However, growth hit a plateau over the last year; the increase from 2024 to 2025 was a marginal 0.173 tons (approximately 0.28%).

Despite the record physical volumes, the total import value actually dipped by 3% in 2025. This decline is attributed to the average price per kilogram falling from $5.38 in 2024 to $5.20 in 2025. Even with this slight correction, the industry remains in a strong position compared to 2023 levels, when prices averaged just $4.04 per kilogram, signaling a long-term upward trend in valuation for Russian maritime exports.

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Dr. Steve Lochmann, a professor of fisheries management and ecology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), has been elected 2nd vice president of the American Fisheries Society (AFS). Set to be installed on Sept. 1, Dr. Lochmann will enter the presidential rotation for the world’s oldest and largest professional aquatic society.

Representing over 5,000 professionals and students globally, the AFS focuses on the conservation and research of North American and international aquatic resources. UAPB Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham noted that the election reflects Dr. Lochmann’s national reputation and the university's commitment to advancing natural resource research.

Dr. Lochmann has a deep history with the organization, having served as president of the AFS Arkansas Chapter, the Southern Division, and the Fish Culture Section. In his new role on the Executive Committee, he aims to enhance member engagement and continue training the next generation of biologists. By bringing students to national meetings, he ensures they connect with experts from state, federal, and private sectors to address modern ecological challenges.

Namibia is poised for a blue revolution as salmon farming prepares to transform a coastline traditionally dominated by capture fisheries since the 1940s. While the current commercial fishing sector yields approximately 300,000 tonnes annually, it faces mounting pressure from climate change, illegal fishing, and a rising seal and whale population.

By contrast, Norway—a global leader with a 100,000km coastline—produces over 1,200,000 tonnes of salmon. Leveraging its pristine waters and political stability, Namibia aims to replicate this success. Existing license holders are projected to produce over 50,000 tonnes of salmon, valued at roughly N$6.4 billion.

Economic & Social Impact

• Revenue: Expected injection of N$6.4 billion into the national economy.
• Employment: High potential to absorb skilled labor from traditional fisheries.
• Regional Leadership: Potential to become the food production hub of Southern Africa.

Hiskia Asino, chairperson of the Universal Aquaculture Association and PhD candidate at UNAM Sam Nujoma Campus, emphasizes that institutional research and updated regulations are vital for this "ground-breaking" transition.

Despite his struggles with the courts, U.S. President Donald Trump is continuing his push to block offshore wind power development with all the tools at his disposal – including buying out the developers.

Trump has made blocking offshore wind projects a priority during his second term, immediately issuing an executive order pausing federal approval of wind projects on the Outer Continental Shelf after resuming office in January 2025. He followed up that order by issuing stop work orders for two of the larger wind farms developments on the East Coast, although those orders were ultimately rescinded.

Author: Nathan Strout / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

Atlantic salmon spot prices reached 6.71 EUR/kg in the week ending April 28, according to Kontali, as a shorter harvest and trading week tightened near-term availability.

Kontali revised its May and early summer price outlook slightly upward. The coming six months are expected to see lower supply growth and intensifying competition for available volumes.

February supply reached 244,000 tonnes whole fish equivalent, up 16% year-on-year, according to Kontali’s April 29 market update. 

Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here

Scotland-based aquaculture innovation body SAIC is inviting experienced professionals from across aquaculture and related fields to join its independent Science Panel. The call is open until May 29.

Established in 2014 as the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre and recently re-named as the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster Ltd, SAIC aims to accelerate sustainable growth across Scotland’s aquaculture sector by funding and facilitating collaborative R&D activity. It connects businesses with researchers to tackle key challenges, enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and support long-term resilience across finfish, shellfish, and seaweed.

Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

The UAE’s fisheries sector is entering a new era of transparency as Fujairah officially joins the SFS Fisheries system. This pioneering platform, developed by Seafood Souq, is the first of its kind in the region designed to track fish landings and verify the origin of local catch.

The expansion was formalized via an MoU between the Fujairah Fishermen Association and Seafood Souq, signed by Fahim Al Qasimi and Mahmood Hassan Al Ali. Supported by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the initiative aims to create a unified, sustainable management framework across all emirates.

Key Impact & Data:

• Proven Success: In Sharjah, the system has already digitally verified over 140,000 kilograms of seafood from 130+ vessels and 50 local species.
• Tech Integration: Each vessel is assigned a unique QR code linked to a mobile app and electronic logbook.
• Full Traceability: Real-time data on catch type, origin, and quantity replaces manual systems, ensuring "sea-to-market" authenticity.

Fahim Al Qasimi noted that digital traceability is essential for global competitiveness, positioning UAE seafood to access high-value international markets while ensuring long-term ecological sustainability.