IN BRIEF - Norway's Farmed Fish Confirmed as Safe After Rigorous Testing
NORWAY
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
Annual report shows no illegal or harmful substances found in thousands of samples.
Photographer: Johan Wildhagen/Norwegian Seafood Council
OSLO—A new report from the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) confirms that Norwegian farmed fish remains a safe and healthy food choice for consumers worldwide. The annual monitoring, conducted on behalf of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, found no levels of illegal or undesirable substances exceeding EU limits.
The 2024 report, based on over 30,000 test results from 888 farmed fish samples, confirms the safety of species like salmon, trout, halibut, and cod. Martin Skaug, communications director at the Norwegian Seafood Council, stated that these findings show Norway's rigorous monitoring program gives consumers "the confidence to eat farmed Norwegian fish that has a clean bill of health."
The comprehensive monitoring process checks for a wide range of substances, including unauthorized drugs, veterinary medicines, and environmental pollutants like PFAS and mercury. While some residues from lice treatments were detected, all were well below legal limits. This annual testing is a requirement under both Norwegian law and EU regulations, ensuring that the industry maintains its high standards for food safety and resource management. The new report reinforces Norway's position as a leader in sustainable and safe aquaculture.
The CEO of the Scottish Seafood Association is granted the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his dedication to the industry.
LONDON—Jimmy Buchan, a prominent leader in the UK seafood sector, has been formally granted the Freedom of the City of London. The prestigious award, a significant milestone in his career, was presented at a ceremony at London's historic Guildhall.
This honour follows his recent admission as a Liveryman in the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers in March 2025. It acknowledges Buchan's decades of dedication, from his early career as a fisherman and skipper to his current role as Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Seafood Association, a position he has held for the past eight years.
Buchan expressed his gratitude, calling it a "deeply humbling experience" that recognizes not just his journey but also the "incredible people across the seafood sector." The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, one of the oldest Livery Companies in the city, reserves this honor for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the trade. The award solidifies Jimmy Buchan's legacy as a true ambassador for the industry.
The company presented the Sunbeam and Brusoeyskjaer vessels at the Callao Naval Base, which stand out for their capacity, safety, and technology.
The Peruvian fishing company, TASA, announced the addition of two new vessels to its fleet: the Sunbeam, from Scotland, with a capacity of 1,200 m³, making it the fishing vessel with the largest hold capacity in Peru; and the Brusoeyskjaer, of Norwegian origin, with high operational relevance. Both vessels will be available to operate in the second central-northern fishing season in 2025.
Offshore aquaculture in Norway now has three defined areas for development. The Norwegian Government announced on Tuesday the areas where deepwater and offshore aquaculture can be developed in the country. "An important new milestone," said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss. These areas are "Norskerenna South," which excludes some overlapping areas such as the one used by the Norwegian Armed Forces; "Frøyabanken North," and "The Norwegian Government announces the three areas where offshore aquaculture can be developed," which excludes the coastal area north of Lofoten.
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
Brazil’s largest beef and poultry firm, JBS, and Japanese seafood company Nissui are searching for opportunities to invest in the Chilean salmon-farming industry.
JBS has held talks with salmon-farming firms Ventisqueros and Australis in the past, but no deals have arisen yet, while Nissui has evaluated purchasing the assets of Yadrán, local paper Diario Financiero reported.
JBS, which is also Brazil’s second-largest pork producer, already has a presence in the global seafood industry; it purchased Australia’s Huon Aquaculture for more than USD 400 million (EUR 343 million) in 2021
Author: Christian Molinari / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here
Feed producer BioMar, black soldier fly farmer Innovafeed, and European retailer Auchan have committed to the large-scale integration of insect protein into commercial shrimp feed in Ecuador.
The companies said the move marks a turning point for both the insect and aquaculture industries, demonstrating that insect protein is a viable part of the solution in responsible and resilient shrimp farming.
As well as providing protein, insect meal contains functional nutrients such as antimicrobial peptides. Recent research from BioMar showed a unique functional benefit in shrimp feeds, making it possible to substitute it for a similarly valued ingredient currently in use.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
China leads value growth as Norway’s August market mix shifts.
Poland, the United States and China were Norway’s largest single markets for seafood in August 2025. China delivered the strongest growth in value, up NOK 350 million ($34.0 million), or 47 percent, compared with August last year. The US slipped year on year, while Poland remained the largest outlet despite a decline.
China’s expansion arrives as market conditions diverge. The US was not the top single destination in August after leading through the first five months of the year.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
French and Spanish cannery producers demand "rigor and seriousness" because it does not exceed the limit set by health authorities
Seven French cities, including Paris, Lyon, Lille, Grenoble, Montpellier, and Rennes, have decided to ban tuna and tuna-based foods from school cafeteria menus due to the alleged risk to children's health, even if health regulations are followed.
These seven cities, which together represent a population of 3.5 million and are all governed by left-wing coalitions, rely in particular on the position of the environmental associations Bloom and Foodwatch, which issued a warning in October about the presence of quantities of mercury in tuna that they consider dangerous.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
It is a highly consumed species in the country, so authorities are urging people to opt for alternatives.
Today, the common hake ban begins in Chile and extends until the 30th of this month, prohibiting capture, landing, transportation, and marketing. "Common hake is one of the most typical fish of our country; it is part of our identity, and we must protect it during the month of September, when it is closed because it is in its reproductive period. Therefore, we urge all those who buy this product to refrain from consuming this product during September.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
FAI has announced the launch of Tilapia Health Welfare Indicators, its latest online course giving vets, farmers and seafood supply chain professionals access to more expert training than ever before. Available through FAI’s training portal, FAI Academy, this free course completes a set of five welfare-focused modules forming the new Tilapia Welfare Training Programme.
According to FAI, through Tilapia Health Welfare Indicators, participants learn how to assess health indicators and why they matter. They will also understand the significance of common diseases in tilapia, the difference between fish health and welfare and how prioritising both reduces losses and improves productivity.
Produce Sets New Limits for Giant Squid Artisanal Fishing in Peru Peru
The Ministry of Production has amended regulations for the capture of pota (Dosidicus gigas), the country's second most important fishery, adjusting fishing periods and catch limits for artisanal flee...
NORWAY
UNITED KINGDOM
PERU
The company presented the Sunbeam and Brusoeyskjaer vessels at the Callao Naval Base, which stand out for their capacity, safety, and technology.
Offshore aquaculture in Norway now has three defined areas for development. The Norwegian Government announced on Tuesday the areas where deepwater and offshore aquaculture can be developed in the country. "An important new milestone," said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss. These areas are "Norskerenna South," which excludes some overlapping areas such as the one used by the Norwegian Armed Forces; "Frøyabanken North," and "The Norwegian Government announces the three areas where offshore aquaculture can be developed," which excludes the coastal area north of Lofoten.
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Brazil’s largest beef and poultry firm, 
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The companies said the move marks a turning point for both the insect and aquaculture industries, demonstrating that insect protein is a viable part of the solution in responsible and resilient shrimp farming.
China leads value growth as Norway’s August market mix shifts.
FRANCE
CHILE
It is a highly consumed species in the country, so authorities are urging people to opt for alternatives.
WORLDWIDE
FAI has announced the launch of Tilapia Health Welfare Indicators, its latest online course giving vets, farmers and seafood supply chain professionals access to more expert training than ever before. Available through FAI’s training portal, FAI Academy, this free course completes a set of five welfare-focused modules forming the new Tilapia Welfare Training Programme.
CANADA
The long running row over 
