IN BRIEF - NCCOS Hosts Algal Toxin Training for Partners
UNITED STATES
Monday, March 24, 2025
Last month, NCCOS scientists taught staff from NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) how to analyze freshwater algal toxin data collected by NCCOS-designed sensors.
GLERL researchers Duane Gossiaux (left) and Danna Palladino (right) analyze a microcystin array as part of the training. Credit: NOAA.NCCOS toxin sensors are used in the moored (left; being deployed) and the mobile (right) Environmental Sample Processors (ESPs), both seen here in Lake Erie. Credit: Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (moored ESP) and NOAA (mobile ESP)
The sensors are deployed on GLERL’s moored Environmental Sample Processors (ESPs) in Lake Erie from July through early October, when harmful algal blooms most commonly occur in the lake.
These sensors, integrated into GLERL's moored Environmental Sample Processors (ESPs), provide near real-time microcystin measurements, crucial for early warnings to drinking water managers during harmful algal blooms. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's new mobile ESP, featuring a miniaturized NCCOS toxin sensor, expands GLERL's monitoring capabilities. The data from both moored and mobile sensors contributes to NOAA’s Lake Erie harmful algal bloom forecast, aiding in informed management decisions for drinking water treatment, recreational activities, and fishery operations.
Nearly 7,000 verified environmental and social improvements were recorded at Aquaculture Stewardship Council-certified farms around the world in 2025, according to the ASC’s newly published 2025 Impact Report.
The report also reveals there were 2,543 ASC-certified farms across 51 countries operating last year, and that more than 2.9 million tonnes of ASC-certified seafood was produced, up 9% year-on-year.
The number of ASC-certified feed mill sites reached 91, up from 22 in 2024, and there were 30,236 ASC-labelled products available globally.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
Regional agencies seek closer coordination on management, monitoring and control
Bulgaria and Romania discussed joint action with the GFCM and Ukraine, sharing expertise and improving fisheries management, inspections and monitoring across the Black Sea.
Measure targets imports and strengthens inspections and labeling
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced the Ecuador Shrimp Tariff Act, proposing tariffs up to 40% by 2029 plus $0.10/kg to fund inspections and tighter origin labeling.
Ecuador, now supplying over 40% of U.S. shrimp imports, shipped 316 million lb in H1 2026.
The Galician company retains ownership of its frozen products division. The Ecuadorian firm, specializing in Vannamei shrimp, is advancing its expansion across Europe.
Nueva Pescanova has completed the sale of its chilled products business in France to the Ecuadorian group Omarsa, a specialist in the production and vertical integration of Vannamei shrimp. The transaction is part of a strategic asset review launched by the Galician seafood company earlier this year to improve efficiency and boost value creation following a return to profitability—posting a profit of €1.1 million on revenues of €1.035 billion.
Author: Alejandra Pascual / La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
Universo TUNI teaches primary pupils about fishing, oceans and responsible consumption
Bermeo Tuna World Capital launched Universo TUNI, a pilot educational project with UN Etxea and 3 Bermeo schools.Through 6 learning modules, pupils explore the tuna and albacore value chain, from fishing and science to processing and consumption, promoting environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Plan targets youth training, farm deployment and entrepreneurship
Olam Nigerian Limited seeks an NYSC partnership to deploy more corps members to aquaculture farms, especially in Kwara State. About 200 members already work with Olam.
The plan includes training, nationwide farmer placements and Bank of Industry support for graduates to launch businesses.
Norwegian regulators are moving towards a more coordinated inspection model for salmon farming.
The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Mattilsynet, said they had carried out a joint inspection campaign in production area 4, stretching from Nordhordland to Stad.
The operation was risk-based and brought the two agencies together to follow both fish and documentation across different parts of the production chain.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Ross-shire firm highlights responsible growth as a model for aquaculture
Aquascot, based in Alness, became Scotland’s first seafood processor certified B Corp. The salmon and trout supplier to Waitrose says the milestone shows commercial success can combine with animal welfare, environmental management and responsible aquaculture.
Official figures reveal a huge increase in escaped farmed fish during 2025.
Scotland recorded 86,606 farmed fish escapes in 2025, up from just 301 in 2024. The surge was driven by about 75,000 salmon escaping into Loch Linnhe after storms damaged a Mowi farm. The figures have renewed concerns over interactions between escaped farmed salmon and vulnerable wild stocks.
Sushi may be one of the fastest growing seafood categories, but it has been around for more than 2,000 years ago, starting out in southern China as a way of preventing fish from going bad, using, initially, fermentation in cooked rice and then vinegar.
With the availability of refrigeration in modern times, vinegar is now used as a flavour pairing rather than a preservative. Sushi was enthusiastically adopted by Japan, where it has since developed into a national favourite. Salmon only came into the picture in the 1980s after a Norwegian seafood delegation flew to Tokyo on an export mission.Now the dish has dramatically taken hold in arguably the most important market of all – the United States.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
UNITED STATES
WORLDWIDE
Nearly 7,000 verified environmental and social improvements were recorded at 
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Regional agencies seek closer coordination on management, monitoring and control
ECUADOR
Measure targets imports and strengthens inspections and labeling
SPAIN
The Galician company retains ownership of its frozen products division. The Ecuadorian firm, specializing in Vannamei shrimp, is advancing its expansion across Europe.
Universo TUNI teaches primary pupils about fishing, oceans and responsible consumption
NIGERIA
NORWAY
Norwegian regulators are moving towards a more coordinated inspection model for salmon farming.
UNITED KINGDOM
Ross-shire firm highlights responsible growth as a model for aquaculture
Official figures reveal a huge increase in escaped farmed fish during 2025.
With the availability of refrigeration in modern times, vinegar is now used as a flavour pairing rather than a preservative. Sushi was enthusiastically adopted by Japan, where it has since developed into a national favourite. Salmon only came into the picture in the 1980s after a Norwegian seafood delegation flew to Tokyo on an export mission.Now the dish has dramatically taken hold in arguably the most important market of all – the United States.
