One hundred years ago, Clarence Birdseye invented flash-freezing and with it launched the frozen food industry. The world was a very different place then, but his invention would change food production and distribution forever.

At that time, few people, if any, recognised the effect human activity was having on our environment and the profound implications of the resulting climate change.

It has long been recognised that freezing food has a vital role to play in reducing food waste: a major cause of the potent greenhouse gas methane. Freezing extends shelf-life with no loss of freshness or nutrients so the food can be enjoyed by consumers when they want it.

Freezing also has the added advantage of portion control: what you don’t need goes back in the freezer for another day, helping cut food waste further.

But like many food businesses, we are not resting on our laurels and, as a responsible industry, we have a duty to ensure we are doing all we can to minimise our impact on the environment.

Now the results of a recent research project funded by Nomad Foods have identified the potential for a significant cut in carbon emissions across the frozen industry.

Working with experts at Campden BRI, Nomad set out to answer the question: can frozen food products be stored at a higher temperature than the –18°C industry standard? [...]

Author/Source: Rupert Ashby and CEO, British Frozen Food Federation / The Grocer

The professional organization of frozen and deep-frozen tuna producers Orthongel obtains certification for five years from the international NGO Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for its catches of yellowfin and skipjack tuna in the Atlantic Ocean

The professional organization of French frozen and deep-frozen tuna producers, Orthongel, which brings together 18 tuna seiners belonging to the three French tropical fishing companies (the Concarnois company Compagnie française du thon Oceanique (CFTO) and its Italian subsidiary, Sapmer and Via Océan ) operating in the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, obtained MSC certification for five years following an evaluation of more than 15 months, for its catches of yellowfin and skipjack tuna in the Atlantic Ocean.

It is in addition to the certification obtained by the CFTO in 2021 for skipjack tuna from the Indian Ocean. [...]

Author/Source: Mélanie Chartier. /Le Marin (translated from original in French)

According to the results of the analysis of the branch’s data, a record number of sturgeon species will take part in the current year’s fish farming season.

Compared to the last season, this year the total mass of mature females is 35% greater, which also means that the volume of caviar planned to be produced at sturgeon hatcheries in the branch’s area of ??operation will be a record one.

In addition to the impressive volume of mature spawners, the 2024 hatchery season will feature a male beluga weighing over 205 kg, which was once harvested from the wild and domesticated. This individual has established itself as a producer with high quality reproductive products; this male has participated in reproduction more than 10 times.

Fish farmers say: “We are always happy to have such fish participate in the spawning campaign. Yes, it's hard! It is really huge, about 3 meters in length and continues to grow. More than 6 people will be involved in receiving sexual products from him - we must keep it! The tail is powerful! Beluga is a smart fish and a predator after all. However, the character is serious.”

The sex ratio for fertilization of beluga eggs is 1:2. However, this male can provide reproductive products for eggs from several females. Working with such individuals is difficult and dangerous due to their mass, which is why special equipment is used in the process.

Source: Glavrybvod (translated from original in Russian)

PESHAWAR: Due to lack of trained human resource and political will, the potential fisheries and aquaculture sub sectors of agriculture could not be fully taped as yet.

The potential for development of fisheries in Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is immense. Recent development between the government of China and the government of Pakistan has provided an opportunity for provision of support to public and private sector to align the sub sector of agriculture and trout aquaculture through adopting a robust policy and development strategy with implementation plan based on 5 Es frame work presented by Ministry of Planning and Development Government of Pakistan for creation of corridor for creation of new jobs with inclusive regional development.

Aquaculture production can contribute to GDP to increase from 1% to 1.5 % and foreign exchange of approximately to the tune of one billion US$ within a period 3-5 years.

Trout fish aquaculture can be developed on cluster mechanism as the resources are located in different localities of each district and for its development proper planning is required to be protected from flood damage and other environmental hazards.

The private sector has to be mobilized to do investment in different components of the trout fish value chain.The existing trout fish production from substance level to commercial level is the requirement of the day to position them for export of trout fish.[...]

Source: brecorder

A recent research project funded by Nomad Foods has identified the potential for a significant cut in carbon emissions across the frozen industry.

A groundbreaking study from frozen seafood giant Birds Eye’s parent company Nomad Foods conducted with science and technology firm Campden BRI, suggests that raising freezer temperatures from -18°C to -15°C could reduce energy consumption by 10% without compromising product quality or safety.

Partnering with experts at Campden BRI, Nomad aimed to determine if frozen food products could be stored at temperatures higher than the industry standard of -18°C.

Source: SalmonBusiness  l Read the full article here

On the occasion of the informal meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers of the European Union, French Minister Hervé Berville wanted to reiterate his position on the recent British decisions to expand the network of marine protected areas, which in fact limits the activities of French fishing vessels. in certain areas.

The British Government introduced a new ordinance that prohibits bottom trawling fishing gear in 13 MPAs of English waters

The Commission must enter into dialogue with London as soon as possible

Source: EuropaAzul l Read the full article here

Spain is, after Denmark, the MS that comes out best in the evaluation carried out by Oceana and Seas at Risk

Achieving 30% marine protection by 2030 is one of the main international goals in ocean matters. All in all, and despite the efforts, Europe would be far from achieving it if it continued with the current trend. This is the conclusion reached by the NGOs Oceana and Seas at Risk after evaluating the commitments of seven Member States on marine protection objectives.

Despite the overall pessimistic outlook, the report leaves Spain in a slightly favorable situation.

Source: Industrias Pesqueras l Read the full article here

Reykjavik, Iceland-headquartered Iceland Seafood International (ISI)’s performance in 2023 was marred by price fluctuations, uncertainty in key markets, and decreased purchasing power driven by inflation that negatively impacted demand, leading some consumers to switch to less-expensive proteins, ISI Chair Birna Einarsdóttir said at the group’s annual general meeting on 21 March.

Author: Jason Holland / SeafoodSource  l Read the full article here

The Chilean salmon farming sector is outperforming the world’s biggest producer, Norway, in terms of fish health and growth, Salmones Camanchaca vice president Ricardo García has said.

But it has the disadvantage of having its main market – the United States – much further away than Norway’s biggest customer, the EU.

Author: Jonathan Garcés / fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

IFPO Chief Calls on Government Support – The Pat Kenny Show on NewsTalk

In an interview on NewsTalk this morning, Aodh O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO), sounded the alarm regarding ongoing negotiations between the European Union (EU) and Iceland, which could potentially grant Iceland access to Irish fishing waters. O’Donnell’s call to action comes amidst fears that such a deal could have dire consequences for Ireland’s fishing industry.

The crux of the issue lies in the trade negotiations underway between the EU and Iceland, where fishing access to Irish waters forms a significant part of the discourse. O’Donnell highlighted the precarious situation faced by Irish fishermen, with vessels largely inactive and only able to access a small percentage of their allocated quotas. The prospect of granting Iceland access to fish in Irish waters exacerbates an already bleak scenario for the domestic fishing industry.

When questioned about the rationale behind granting Iceland access to Irish waters, O’Donnell pointed out that while such a deal may disadvantage Ireland, it could benefit other EU member states. He emphasised the need for Ireland to assert its interests in these negotiations, especially considering past instances where flawed deals left Ireland with minimal benefits.[...]

Surce: The Fishing Daily