Brazilian Fish, a leading tilapia producer, has announced a pioneering move into genomic technology, leveraging genome editing to accelerate genetic improvements in farmed tilapia.

In partnership with the U.S.-based Centre for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT), Brazilian Fish aims to enhance disease resistance, feed efficiency, and growth rates in commercially farmed Nile tilapia .

The collaboration with CAT, a global leader in aquaculture genetics, positions Brazilian Fish at the forefront of innovation in tilapia farming. By integrating advanced breeding technologies, the company aims to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in Brazil’s aquaculture sector, setting a new benchmark for tilapia production.

Source: The Fish Site l Read the full article here

Despite China's blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports, Japan achieved a record high in food exports for the twelfth consecutive year in 2024, driven by increased sales to the United States and other markets, reports Nippon.com.

Japan's exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and foodstuffs rose by 3.7% year-on-year to ¥1.51 trillion (approximately $10.1 billion USD based on average 2024 exchange rates). This milestone marks the twelfth consecutive year of record-breaking export figures. China's import suspension, implemented in August 2023 in response to the release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, significantly impacted exports to Chinese ports. However, Japan successfully mitigated this shortfall through robust sales to the United States and other regions. While exports continue to rise, achieving the government's 2025 target of ¥2 trillion (approximately $13.4 billion USD) appears challenging.

Fishery Export Performance

Overall fishery exports experienced a 6.3% decline due to import restrictions in China and Hong Kong. Nevertheless, successful efforts to diversify scallop markets resulted in a 0.9% increase in sales, maintaining scallops as the top exported fishery product with a value of ¥69.5 billion (approximately $465 million USD).

Growth and Increased Attendance Mark the Return of the Unified Event

Visitor numbers rose by 30% compared to the 2024 edition. With over 110 exhibitors, 20 conference sessions, and more than 150 speakers, the success of the 2025 edition was firmly established.

The 8th edition of AquaFarm concluded on a high note, marking the successful return of the unified event alongside NovelFarm and AlgaeFarm—now in their 6th and 4th editions, respectively—under one banner at the Pordenone Exhibition Centre.

Source: Fish Focus l Read the full article here

SHM Solutions and Kort Propulsion announce strategic partnership.

SHM Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with UK-based Kort Propulsion, expanding its product offerings to include thrusters and propulsion systems under the SHM brand. The collaboration aims to provide integrated equipment solutions for a wide range of vessels worldwide.

Kort Propulsion, which has over 90 years of experience in propulsion technology, sees the partnership as an opportunity to extend its market reach and enhance service capabilities.

Source: SalmonBusiness l Read the full article here

Alotta, which makes floating solar panel systems, has signed a contract with Norwegian salmon farmer Emilsen Fisk for the delivery of an Alotta Solar Hybrid 120 to its site at Båfjordstranda, Trøndelag. It will be the world’s most northerly floating solar power plant.

The project has received support from the Norwegian government’s green transition agency Enova with a grant of 45%, which the parties said has been an important incentive for realising the green energy solution.

Source: fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

Container freight rates from Asia to both Europe and the United States continue their downward trend.

The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), published by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) on February 14th, registered 1758 points, a 138-point decrease from the previous week.

Route-specific data reveals that freight rates for 40-foot containers to North America's East Coast have fallen to $4825, dropping below the $5,000 threshold for the first time since December of last year.

This $665 weekly decline represents the most significant drop observed in 2024. Simultaneously, freight rates to North America's West Coast decreased to $3544, a $400 reduction from the previous week.

Science, the fishing sector, and conservation join forces to combat ghost fishing and protect marine biodiversity.

• Ghost fishing and abandoned fishing gear, a silent threat to the fishing sector, find a response in an initiative co-financed by the European Union that seeks to transform the Mediterranean into an example of sustainability and collaboration.

The Mediterranean, a vital enclave for biodiversity and maritime activity, faces a challenge: every year, a considerable number of sea turtles can become trapped in lost or abandoned fishing gear (ALFG). However, this is not the only risk factor for them. As a sea shared by multiple countries and in which various fleets operate, the protection of its ecosystem requires coordinated action and shared responsibility.

This situation not only impacts biodiversity, but also the sustainability of fisheries and maritime safety. To respond to this problem, LIFE OASIS is born, a pioneering project that combines technology, research and direct collaboration with the fishing and maritime sector at an international level.

- Patricia Ordóñez, formerly Researcher in the Acoustics Department, has been appointed as the company first Director of Science and Sustainability, a newly created position that will report to Zunibal's director and shareholder, Ibone Rodríguez de Pablo.

- The appointment reinforces the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability, promoting technological solutions and projects that optimize the efficiency of the fishing sector and contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems.

Vizcaya, - Zunibal, leading company in technological solutions for sustainable fisheries, has appointed Patricia Ordóñez as Director of Science and Sustainability. In this new position, Patricia will lead the implementation of Zunibal's sustainability strategy, integrating environmental, social and circular economy practices in the fishing sector.

Before assuming this responsibility, Patricia Ordóñez played a key role in the technological and scientific development of the company. Her relationship with Zunibal began during her doctoral studies at the Universitat Politècnica de València, when she collaborated in R+D projects that combined academic knowledge with practical solutions for the fishing sector.