Tuesday, September 10, 2024

OptiFeeSH pilot program: waiting list now open for aquaculture producers

September 10, 2024 - Sparos Ltd, aquaManager, Flatlantic - Actividades PiscĂ­colas and BlueAnalytix have announced the launch of the OptiFeeSH pilot waiting list following its introduction at AQUA24. OptiFeeSH is an innovative tool designed to optimise fish feeding strategies, and they are now inviting aquaculture producers, especially those focusing on tilapia and seabream, to participate in pilot programs.

Calling all tilapia and seabream farmers

Having worked in the aquaculture industry for years, aquaManager understands the complexities that come with managing feeding processes. OptiFeeSH is their answer - a groundbreaking solution that combines advanced data analytics, technology, fish nutrition expertise and industrial R&D to empower fish farmers with better decision-making and optimised results.

Collaborative innovation for the future of aquaculture

The development of OptiFeeSH is the result of a strong collaboration between four industry leaders - Sparos Ltd, aquaManager, Flatlantic and BlueAnalytix. "Together, we bring a wealth of expertise in fish nutrition, technology and data-driven solutions to deliver a tool that simplifies complex feeding challenges while promoting sustainability and efficiency in aquaculture." says the team.

Why OptiFeeSH?

It offers advanced capabilities to help farmers manage their feeding processes effectively:

  • Select the best feeding plans: Tailored recommendations to meet your farm's specific needs and production goals.
  • Monitor production performance: Real-time insights to help you detect and address any deviations in production.
  • Data-driven decisions: Utilise sophisticated fish simulation models, enriched data and optimisation algorithms to ensure optimal feeding.

Sign ip for the pilot program today

OptiFeeSH is now seeking pilot participants. Be one of the first to trial this tool and help shape the future of aquaculture feeding optimisation. By joining the pilot program, producers will gain early access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to contribute feedback that will shape the final product.

For more information and to sign up, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists

Aquaculture Vietnam 2024 to take place in October

September 10, 2024 - Vietnam benefits from a long coastline and a dense river system, offering great potential for the development of its fisheries industry. Notably, the aquaculture sector plays a crucial role in the fisheries economy, making significant contributions to national food security and exports. 

According to the Directorate of Fisheries, total aquatic production output in the first six months of 2024 exceeded 4.38 million tonnes, marking a 2.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, with aquaculture accounting for over 2.43 million tonnes. The total export turnover of aquatic products reached US$4.355 billion, a 4.9 percent increase over the same period in 2023.

Despite its successes, the industry still faces numerous challenges, including epidemics that cause significant losses for farmers. Climate change, with extreme events like drought and saltwater intrusion, has impacted water quality and production. Environmental pollution from industrial and agricultural activities has also posed many difficulties for the aquaculture sector. Additionally, intense competition and rising trade barriers from major markets such as the US and European Union have created substantial obstacles. 

To adapt to market changes and to ensure sustainable development, the aquaculture industry must focus on several key solutions. First, promote digital transformation and the adoption of modern technology in production. Second, ensure food safety and hygiene by establishing a traceability system, controlling product quality and meeting international standards. Third, expand the market by enhancing trade promotion, exploring new markets and increasing the brand value of Vietnamese seafood. Additionally, international cooperation to gain experience and access new technology is also a crucial strategy.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in aquaculture is a crucial factor in developing a sustainable green economy. One potential solution is to adopt low-emission feed alternatives. Transitioning to algae-based feed or insect protein can help reduce the industry's carbon footprint. Additionally, integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into aquaculture operations can further reduce emissions. These energy sources can power aeration systems, water pumps and other essential equipments, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. 

With a vision for the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, the Vietnamese government and relevant associations have proactively implemented various policies to support farmers. These include offering preferential credit, technology transfer, aquatic breed support and infrastructure development. Additionally, national target programs focused on developing new rural areas and advancing the marine economy, along with preferential policies to attract foreign investment, have also created new opportunities for the aquaculture industry.

With cooperation from governments, businesses and farmers, Vietnam can achieve a sustainable and prosperous aquaculture industry that meets both economic and environmental goals.

Dive into innovation with Aquaculture Vietnam

Aquaculture Vietnam is Vietnam's International Aquaculture Industry Exhibition. This is a comprehensive event that allows visitors to explore the entire aquaculture value chain, from farming and fishing to processing. 

Aquaculture Vietnam offers a dynamic platform for exhibitors to showcase their latest products, services and technologies. Aquaculture Vietnam 2024 will feature over 100 exhibitors and is expected to attract 4000 visitors from more than 20 countries/regions. 

The event brings together industry leaders and experts from around the world, making it a key venue for fostering cooperation, driving innovation and shaping the future of the seafood industry.

Aquaculture Vietnam 2024 collaborates closely with the Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS), the International Collaborating Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries Sustainability (ICAFIS), as well as associations, and media agencies across key aquaculture provinces in Vietnam. This collaboration aims to add new value to the exhibition, making it not only a value for business exchange but also a scientific forum for updating technology, knowledge and emerging trends.

In particular, the following programs and activities are highlighted to promote innovation and sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture industry: 

International Aquaculture Vietnam Conference (6 edition): The conference focuses on the theme 'Greenhouse Emission reduction and Development of Green Economy in Aquaculture' it will span two days, October 9 and 10, featuring five thematic sessions: Aquaculture Species diversity; Technologies towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using renewable energy (RAS, Aquaponic, Solar Energy...); Circular economy to reduce costs and increase values for the aquaculture industry; Multi-product strategies, international certification requirements; Aquaculture production and trading through the value chain. The conference brings together leading professors, experts and speakers from Vietnam and around the world.

Biosecurity Asia Forum: The forum will focus on the directions, methods and implementation of biosecurity - a core value for sustainable development in the aquaculture and livestock industry. This is a standout feature of this year's exhibition.

The conferences are not only scientific forums with in-depth and diverse content but also offer opportunities for businesses and aquaculture households to exchange ideas, engage in discussions and learn from each other. This will also be a valuable opportunity for businesses to connect with their target customers, promote their products and enhance brand awareness.

Aquaculture Vietnam also features a diverse range of highlighted programs, including the Match & Meet Program, Bus-in Program, etc.

Join the journey of innovation and sustainable development at Aquaculture Vietnam 2024 from October 9 to 11 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

The exhibition will take place concurrently with The Vietnam's Premier International Feed, Livestock, Meat Industry Show - Vietstock 2024. This combination promises to be a comprehensive destination, covering the value chain of the livestock and aquaculture industry. It paves the way for breakthroughs and global connections in the future.

The opening ceremony of Aquaculture Vietnam 2024 will be held on October 9, 2024, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). Aquaculture Vietnam 2024 warmly welcomes our partners, customers, visitors and media representatives.

For more information and to register, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists

Friday, September 6, 2024

Tradewind Finance Provides Credit Facility to Indian Seafood Exporter

September 6, 2024 - Tradewind Finance, an international trade finance company, has completed a $900,00 credit facility for an Indian seafood exporter specialising in frozen shrimp. The facility is providing additional working capital for the company to support their growth in line with increasing demand for their value-added shrimp product, which can come peeled, deveined and cooked.

In the arrangement, the seafood company is securing pre-shipment financing from their bank and post-shipment financing from Tradewind. Added working capital and cash flow are being used to procure raw materials, cover packaging costs and to bridge the gap until payments is due from buyers, 90 days after the invoice is issued. The company's shrimp product, regarded for the lean protein it supplies in a consumer's diet, as well as its easy-to-eat preparation, is being exported primarily to the USA.

"We are excited to structure a financing facility that can further strengthen our client's operations and allow them to meet the growing demands of their international clients. Our working capital support enables them to continue delivering high-quality products on time, while maintaining the financial stability needed to navigate the complexities of global trade,"Akash Kanungo, Vice President - Business Development, of Tradewind's India office said.

Tradewind has a track record of supporting businesses in the seafood industry with reliable working capital to sustain growth. Understanding the perishability of seafood products, the firm is able to provide funding with a quick turnaround, reducing the rusk of trade disruption and maximising opportunities for their clients to grow and thrive.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists

AquaExpo 2024 to take place in October

September 6, 2024 - From October 21-24, Guayaquil - Ecuador will host the top technical-commercial event of the global shrimp industry: AquaExpo 2024. International delegations from 50 countries will gather in Ecuador for this activity, which will take place in a 7000 square meters space with over 400 stands, all of which have already been sold out. There will be two main segments in AquaExpo 2024: the commercial fair and the technical conferences.

The Guayaquil Convention Center is expected to receive more than 10,000 visitors, who will learn up close about the trends and innovations in the aquaculture world from exhibitors of more than 200 participating companies in the commercial fair, offering specialised services and products for each segment of the shrimp production chain.

For the technical conferences, there will be two simultaneous halls where global experts will address important topics as: animal health, nutritional strategies, product quality and industry safety, production process efficiency, adoption of emerging technologies, shrimp market outlooks and more.

Additionally, this edition of AquaExpo will introduce a Sustainability Forum for the first time, titled 'Race to the Top', where international experts on this field will discuss the latest news and trends for a much greener production.

To participate in the event:

Technical conferences:

  • General public: $310
  • CNA members: $255
  • Students: $200

Commercial fair

  • General public: $6 (per day)

The National Chamber of Aquaculture is the institution that brings together and represents the Ecuadorian shrimp industry, and has been in charge of the organisation of AquaExpo since 1995. In nearly three decades, the brand has become an important benchmark for technical innovation in the global aquaculture industry.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Outbreaks of Koi herpesvirus disease in 2024

September 5, 2024 - Koi herpesvirus (KHV) is a serious viral disease of fish and is a listed disease in the United Kingdom. It affects all varieties of common and ornamental carp species and can result in large scale mortalities. Fish with HV disease may show the following signs, especially when water temperatures are between 16-28°C.

  • Necrotic (white or brown) patches on the gills
  • Rough patches on the skin and sloughing mucous
  • sunken eyes

You must contact the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) if you suspect an outbreak of KHV. This includes fish with the above signs, or death of carp or carp hybrids.

There is no risk to public health.

Sites with KHV disease must undergo a formal monitoring programme immediately following the outbreak. The FHI visit these sites to look for evidence of disease and to inspect compliance with the conditions of the statutory controls in place.

Confirmed designation

If a notifiable disease is confirmed, FHI places controls to limit the spread of the disease (these are known as confirmed designations). The following conditions are applied under disease controls:

  • No person may, without the previous consent in writing of the FHI, move any aquatic animal including eggs, and gametes, into, our of or within a confirmed designation area.
  • Disposal of dead aquatic animals, including eggs and gametes, must be by an approved method for disposal of Category 2 animal-by-product waste in compliance with local Environmental Health department requirements.
  • Notify the Fish Health Inspectorate immediately should mortalities re-occur or spread to other waters/facilities within the designated area.
  • Notify the FHI in advance of all intended physical changes to sites within the designated area - such as boundaries, number or size of waters, use of the site. FHI written permission will be required beforehand for all such changes.
  • All requests for consents required under this Confirmed Designation Notice must be submitted to the FHI with a minimum of five working days' notice.

New outbreaks

When laboratory testing confirms KHV disease at a site, the FHI place statutory controls to limit the spread of the disease. These controls restrict movement of aquatic animals.

Disease controls have been applied at:

  • JCB Lakes, Rochester, Staffordshire - July 4, 2024
  • Kiveton Waters, Sheffield, South Yorkshire - July 19, 2024
  • Gedges Lakes, Tonbridge, Kent - August 7, 2024
  • West Stow Country Park Lake, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk - August 15, 2024
  • Bovington Lakes, Chelmsford, Essex - August 16, 2024
  • Friezeland Pools, Nuneaton, Leicestershire - August 22, 2024
  • Woolpack Fishery, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire - August 22, 2024
  • Ecclesfield Fishing Pond, Sheffield, South Yorkshire - August 22, 2024
  • Westwoodside Lakes, Doncaster, South Yorkshire - August 22, 2024
  • Tricklebrook Fishery, Tonbridge, Kent - September 4, 2024

For more information, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists

MOU will drive sustainable practice in Indonesian seafood farms

September 5, 2024 - Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and non-profit organisation Kaleka have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to drive sustainable practice in seafood farming in the Seruyan district of Indonesia through the Improver Programme by ASC.

ASC CEO Chris Ninnes and Managing Director of Kaleka Venticia Hukom celebrate signing the MOU at the Global Shrimp Forum in Utrecht

Under the MOU, ASC will guide the implementation of a jurisdictional Aquaculture Improvement Programme (AIP) in Seruyan in collaboration with farmers and other local and international organisations.

The long-term potential of the project could lead to the development of jurisdictional certification requirements within ASC, allowing seafood farmers in the Seruyan district and other regions to become certified under a jurisdictional entity, creating effective assurance mechanisms at scale and driving impact beyond the level of the farm.

This is the first 'jurisdictional approach' within the Improver Programme and the initiative aims to establish sustainable practices across the Seruyan district which will be facilitated by a jurisdictional entity composed of seafood farmers, government and other key stakeholders in the district.

The MOU also serves as a commitment to develop and test a joint verification system to assess the performance of the jurisdiction in meeting sustainability principles and criteria for multiple commodity certification schemes.

The outcomes of the jurisdictional AIP will be used as learning for how future jurisdictional certification for aquaculture could operate and will be promoted to the global marketplace to gain endorsement and market recognition for improvements made.

ASC CEO Chris Ninnes said, "We are excited to embark on this journey with Kaleka in exploring new ways to support seafood farmers using scalable and effective assurance mechanisms to drive transformational change.

"This project is another example of our ongoing work to help farmers who are at the beginning of their journey towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility."

Head of Improver Programme by ASC, Roy van Daatselaar said, "We are incredibly pleased to help design and pilot this jurisdictional approach as it poses the potential for driving impact at scale. Jurisdictional approaches can provide a holistic pathway to managing critical impacts ranging from deforestation and other forms of land conversion to community impacts that go beyond the level of the farm.

Left to right: ASC CEO Chris Ninnes, Managing Director of Kaleka Venticia Hukom, Head of Improver Programme by ASC Roy van Daatselaar and AIP Assurance Manager Lucas Santos

"ASC has set the ambition to transform the industry towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This means that we need to bring transformative change to the sector and we need to rethink how our certification and assurance systems, as well as the support we offer through our Improver Programme, can be replicated at scale."

"The collaboration with Kaleka allows us to develop and test approaches that we believe will be instrumental for that future in terms of how the industry can effectively manage impacts and assurances throughout the supply chain."

Bernadinus Steni Sugiarto, Executive Director of Kaleka said, "We are thrilled to collaborate with ASC to trial the jurisdictional AIP in the aquaculture sector in the Seruyan district in Central Kalimantan.

"Seruyan is currently a pilot for the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) jurisdictional approach and through this partnership, we will learn how large-scale transitions towards sustainability in multiple commodities can be achieved."

The Seruyan District Government is committed to trail a jurisdictional approach to ASC certification and two farmer groups in Seruyan have already obtained government certification for good fish farming practices.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists

World Aquaculture 2025 to be held in Qingdao, China

September 5, 2024 - The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) and the Steering Committee of World Aquaculture China 2025 (WA2025) have announced that China will host the WA2025 event from April 24-27, 2025, at the Qingdao International Convention Centre, in Qingdao city, China. This marks the return of WA2025 to China since its successful debut in 2002.

The event is organised by WAS and the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute (YSFRI) CAFS, hosted by the China Society of Fisheries (CFS), with the support from the National Fisheries Technology Extension Centre (NFTEC), the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences (CAFS) and the State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods (BRESG).

Qingdao, located in the east of Shandong Province, is an international port city known for its significant contributions to marine science, will serve as the venue. It is a major centre for marine research and education, with a strong marine economy and a rich cultural heritage. It has been awarded as one of the Most Ecologically Competitive Cities in China. The Qingdao International Convention Centre is the largest exhibition venue in Shandong Province.

WA2025 invites all aquaculture experts from organisations, institutes, companies and universities to participate in this three-day international conference and exhibition. Attendees will engage in specialised sessions, explore the latest industry products and services, network with peers and form valuable partnerships. The conference theme, 'Aquaculture Transformation: Action Towards High Quality and Food Security,' will be explored through keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive sessions and an exhibition showcasing industry advancements.

Abstract submissions are due by January 31, 2025. Organisations interested in organising or sponsoring the special sessions at WA2025, please contact WAS. They can arrange the meetings rooms for full or half days for the special session. Exhibitors are encouraged to book their booths early, and early registration is recommended to tae advantage of reduced rates.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

A new major study explores the supply and demand for Long-Chain Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

September 4, 2024 - A review led by Dr Brett Glencross, along with a team of renowned fish and human nutrition experts, assessed the current landscape of Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC-PUFAs) as well as their benefits and explored their realistic growth potential. The report, published in Reviews of Fisheries Science and Aquaculture, relies on insights gleaned from a technical workshop held in Stirling, Scotland, in May 2023.

Known benefits, growing needs

LC-PUFAs like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have a wide range of effects both on fish and human physiology: cell membrane structure, regulation of inflammation and disease resistance. Current estimates of EPA and DHA production are around 160 ktonnes/year, with more than 90 percent of this coming from the fishery and aquaculture resources:

  • Estimates of global fish oil production are around 1200 ktonnes/year with an increasing contribution of by-products from various fisheries and aquaculture (53%). Among these oils, EPA and DHA can make up from <2 percent to almost 60 percent of the total fatty acids.
  • Aquaculture is a net producer of EPA + DHA relative to its inputs and a greater contributor to human EPA + DHA supplies than the direct consumption of wild fish.
Global commercial production of EPA + DHA by origin. All are fish derived except “Algal”. Salmon Aqua BP is derived from salmon aquaculture. Data derived from Holtermann (2023)

"Among the aquaculture sectors that are the largest users of LC_PUFA resources (salmonids, shrimp and marine fish), there are varying degrees of capacity by each to synthesise LC-PUFA: this affects the degree to which they must be obtained via the diet" Glencross explains. Deficiency symptoms vary, but often include a reduced growth rate and poorer survival, as well as various pathologies.

Limited capacity for additional growth

Prospects for expanding the volumes of available EPA and DHA are limited and include:

  • Improvements in circular-resource thinking. The scale of the losses of the omega-3 LC-PUFA resource through food wastage alone is equivalent to about 50 percent of that consumed. The model used by the scientists in this review estimates that a total pool of 272 ktonnes of EPA + DHA is available from the combined unutilised by-product resources. 
  • The development of other sources of these fatty acids, including those produced from zooplankton, algae and genetically modified (GM) plants. So far though, only algal oils contribute any significant volume, with an estimate of 12 ktonnes for 2023.

Gaps in knowledge

"Much remains to be done to both improve the understanding of the physiological roles of omega-3 LC-PUFA in aquaculture species and better define their requirement for the myriad of species now being farmed in aquaculture", Glencross states. For instance, the prior nutritional history of an animal and how this affects subsequent requirement responses have not yet been examined. Additionally, dietary formulation strategies have changed significantly over the last decades and should be considered to determine intake levels of all the nutrients needed by the fish. Finally further research is needed to elucidate the multi-faceted role that it is likely that LC-PUFAs play, including interactions among the different PUFAs.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists