ASC concludes 2024 Discovery Tours on Chilean shores

December 18, 2024 - The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) closed 2024 with a five-day exploration of Southern Chile's salmon farming industry during the final leg of its ASC Discovery Tour, December 2-6, 2024.

Discovery Tour attendees visit Cermaq farm site

What began in 2018 as a one-time trip to observe responsibly farmed Thai Shrimp has evolved into a multi-part educational 'ASC Discovery Tour' series guiding major retail and foodservice companies to unique sites across the globe, where in-demand seafood species like salmon, shrimp and sea bass are being raised according to the world's strictest standards by ASC certified farms.

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December's trip marked the third and final Discovery Tour of 2024 and only the second to Chile in the organisation's history, following earlier tours in Norway and Greece. North America representatives from Sam's Club, Sysco, Holland America and High Liner Foods joined ASC amid a backdrop of snow-capped volcanos for an action-packed agenda covering the full farm to fork journey of ASC labelled Chilean salmon, including:

• Farm site visits to Marine Farms and Cermaq
• Nursery and hatchery tour of Salmones Blumar
• Farm site visit to Mowi Chile
• Indoor post-nursery grow station and processing facility tours at Multi X
• ASC farmer workshop, dialogues and more

As seafood production increases, so do risks

"The rapid increase of seafood farming can lead to pollution, environmental damage and poor working conditions," said Willem de Bruijn, Senior Director, Markets and Communications, ASC. "Yet farmed seafood provides livelihoods and affordable protein for billions of people. That's why it is crucial to ensure seafood is farmed responsibly, with care for people and the planet."

Chile supports one of the world's largest salmon industries, supplying almost a third of all farmed salmon and over half to the US alone. In an industry that employs over 70,000 people with annual exports near $4 billion, it is critical to demonstrate that environmentally sustainable and socially responsible farming practices can still be done. Not all farmed seafood is equal and the Discovery Tour experience showcased the dedication and care that ASC certified farms expend to meet ASC's rigorous Salmon Standard.

"At BluGlacier, we uphold the highest standards in both our farming practices and community efforts, proudly representing Blumar and Ventisqueros in the US" notes Sebastian Goycoolea, CEO, BluGlacier. "Our ASC certification reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and excellence. Visits like this offer our partners a firsthand look at the care and integrity we bring to every aspect of our work."

Providing stakeholders a front row seat

"The ASC's commitment to responsible fish farming has significantly advanced salmon aquaculture in Chile," said Morkel Van Wyk, Fleet Manager, GEPD Environmental Compliance, Holland America Line. "Gaining insight into Chilean fish farming provides Holland America Line with a deeper understanding of sustainable seafood practices. By witnessing the dedication to sustainability, from clean farming operations to responsible resource management, we can enhance our role as ambassadors for sustainable seafood consumption, ensuring our guests enjoy responsibly sources seafood while supporting the health of marine ecosystems."

"Consumer demand for responsibly farmed salmon continues to be very important. ASC certification pays a significant role in the future of sustainable salmon farming." adds Michael Cochran, Senior Merchant - Fresh & Frozen Seafood, Sam's Club. "It was clear to me visiting multiple salmon farm sites in Chile that ASC certified farms are a gateway to improving environmental condition, helping introduce more sustainable farming practices, and deliver a more responsible aquaculture outcome."

The evolution of ASC Discovery Tours

Initially a North American endeavour, the ASC Discovery Tours have since opened to global attendance, with June and September's tours welcoming retailers from Switzerland, Belgium, France, Korea, the UK, US and Canada. Demonstrating demand for ASC products in major seafood markets to producers, farming communities and local organisation has become a singular opportunity to increase the production of responsibly farmed, ASC labeled products.

The Discovery Tours' success has spurred the addition of new locations and species each year, with plans to continue innovating and expanding the Tour's scope in 2025. ASC will likely touch down in Ecuador, In

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Over 400 delegates gather at AlgaEurope 2024

December 16, 2024 - AlgaEurope 2024, one of the leading annual conferences dedicated to advancements and trends in the algae biomass sector, concluded successfully, brining together 424 delegates from 43 countries and 256 organisations. Jointly organised by the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA) and DLG Benelux, the event was held from December 10-13, 2024, in Athens, Greece. Over four days, the conference served as a global platform for science, technology and business collaboration in the algae industry.

"This year's AlgaEurope has set a new benchmark once again," stated Carlos Unamunzaga, President of EABA. "With over 400 participants and nearly 300 abstract submissions, this year's conference has reinforced its role as a key event in the algae sector".

A program designed for impact

Under the supervision of the chairman, Jean-Paul Cadoret, AlgaEurope 2024 featured a comprehensive program with over 20 plenary sessions and presentations from 110 expert speakers. Attendees gained insights into critical topics, including algae physiology, biorefinery, food and feed applications, wastewater management, high-value products and many more. Esteemed keynote speakers such as Dr Kengo Suzuki (Japan), Hélène Marfaing (France), Susan Løvstad Holdt (Denmark) and Liege Laurens (USA) inspired audiences with their expertise and vision for the future of algae biomass. Attendees could also explore 154 poster contributions, offering opportunities for meaningful discussions and collaboration.

Once again, the conference featured an Award Evening, recognising achievements with the Poster Presentation Award, Personality Award and Loyalty Award. After the ceremony, delegates had the chance to connect with fellow delegates and sample algae-based products generously provided by GeenCoLab.

Connecting science, technology and industry

AlgaEurope is renowned for fostering collaboration across the algae value chain. The event combined scientific discourse with practical industry engagement. In addition to industry presentations, delegates explored a dynamic trade show featuring 20 exhibitors, showcasing the latest products, technologies and services driving the sector forward. Additionally, site visits to Solmeyea and Plankton First offered attendees firsthand insights into innovative algae production processes.

"AlgaEurope 2024 demonstrated the strong momentum within the algae sector," noted uno Jacobs, Managing Director of DLG Benelux. "With 424 participants, 20 exhibitors, 110 speakers and 154 poster presentations it was a great opportunity to connect science and industry."

Networking and cultural highlights

Beyond the formal sessions, AlgaEurope 2024 offered attendees unique opportunities to network and experience Greek culture. A highlight was the Conference Dinner held at the Markou Wine Museum, complete with a wine tasting. Enhanced connectivity through the AlgaEurope App further supported interactions among participants, enabling meaningful collaborations to emerge.

Looking ahead

The success of AlgaEurope 2024 underscores the growing importance of the algae biomass sector in addressing global challenges such as sustainability, food security and renewable energy. The event's success was made possible by the support of sponsors, including A4F, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, SCHOTT, GreenCoLab and Brightwave.

The next AlgaEurope conference will take place in Riga, Latvia, from December 9-12, 2025. Organisers are committed to expanding the event's scope and continuing to serve as a pivotal forum for stakeholders worldwide.

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PTG Fridonordica secures delivery contract with Arctic Seafarm

December 16, 2024 - PTG Frionordica AS has signed a significant contract with Eyvi AS for the supply of heat pumps and seawater heat exchangers to Arctic Seafarm AS's new land-based aquaculture facility in Nesna municipality, located on the Helgeland coast.

Arctic Seafarm's new land-based aquaculture facility in Nesna municipality on the Helgeland coast.

"We have been working intensively in the market for land-based aquaculture, and this agreement demonstrates the results of our efforts," says Johnny Valle, Sales and Marketing Director at PTG Frionordica.

The delivery includes two HP 20,000 heat pumps with associated plate heat exchangers, cleaning-in-place (CIP) systems and water pumps. Each heat pump has the capacity to heat 20,000 litres of water per minute with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) exceeding 12. The equipment is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.

PTG frionordica has collaborated closely with the technology company Eyvi AS in Tønsberg, which is responsible for detailed planning of the delivery to Arctic Seafarm. Project Manager Vegard Wigstøl at Eyvi expressed satisfaction with the agreement signed with PTG.

"We selected PTG based on a holistic evaluation, where competitive pricing, quality and their ability to deliver a robust solution with heat pumps and heat exchangers were decisive factors. Water temperature affects both growth and health, and the smallest fish require heated water to thrive optimally. We are confident that PTG's solution will ensure excellent fish welfare, which is a central priority in all our projects," says Wigstøl.

"We are very proud to have been chosen by Eyvi AS for this project and look forward to a strong partnership for many years to come," says Johnny Valle of PTG.

Once the first phase of Arctic Seafarm's land-based aquaculture facility is completed towards the end of 2026, it is expected to produce 10,000 tonnes of salmon annually (8000 tonnes gutted). This will initially provide employment for around 40 people.

"This agreement secures high activity levels at our factory in Malmefjorden in Hustadvika municipality, where we employ approximately 60 staff and apprentices. It is an important milestone for us," concludes Valle.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Ace Aquatec and Shrimp Welfare Project launch new portable in-water stunning system

December 10, 2024 - Sea Farms, a shrimp farm based in Thailand has become the first to install Ace Aquatec's innovative stunning system through a partnership with the Shrimp Welfare Project. This collaboration is part of an ongoing programme aimed at enhancing access to humane stunning solutions for shrimp producers globally.

A-HSU for Shrimp

Ace Aquatec's new A-HSU for Shrimp is a small, self-contained, transportable system for humanely stunning crustaceans prior to slaughter which has been adapted and developed in collaboration with this market. The first of its kind for the region, the system is the result of close liaison and consultation with the shrimp farming industry.

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The entire unit comprises an entrance chute; stun tube; de-waterer; water collection tank; pump; power unit and touch screen control system and is mounted on a small trailer, which allows the unit to be moved easily from factory to pond-side. The unit has been designed to withstand robust biosecurity measures and protocols and can process at a rate up to eight tonnes per hour.

With over 400 billion shrimp farmed each year globally, the new portable system provides effective, safe and rapid in-water stunning in less than a second, reducing handling and therefore stress.

Through the partnership, Sea Farms in Thailand are the first to deploy the new portable system in their factory and pond-side. The Shrimp Welfare Project continues to engage with leading supermarkets, seafood suppliers and producers to explore opportunities for further installations of humane stunning systems, with Ace Aquatec's technology as one of the available solutions.

Tara McGregor-Woodhams, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer from Ace Aquatec, said: "Shrimp producers globally have been calling for a versatile, easy-to-deploy system which can simulatenously make the harvesting process more sustainable and efficient, while also improving quality and streamlining logistics. Working closely with the industry to further understand their needs, we have created a unique product that can be used both in factories and pond-side, and we expect to see it enhance operations for shrimp farmers, both in Thailand and at further installation sites in the future".

Krzysztof Wojtas, Chief Programmes Officer at the Shrimp Welfare Project said: "Our partnership with Ace Aquatec is part of our broader mission to support shrimp farmers in adopting humane harvesting methods. By introducing technology like this stunning system, we are helping producers not only improve shrimp welfare but also streamline their operations in ways that can benefit the entire industry."

For more information, visit HERE.

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Aquaculture Africa 2024 Tunisia Conference lives up to its billing

December 9, 2024 - The third Aquaculture Africa Conference (AFRAQ24) took place on November 19-22, 2024, at the Medina Mediterranean Congress Centre in the coastal city of Hammamet, Tunisia. Themed 'Blue Farming: New Horizons for Economic Growth', the event underscored how partnerships in science, education and technological advancement can help drive innovations in Africa's blue economy agenda.

AFRAQ24 was held at the majestic Medina Mediterranean Congress Centre in Hammamet, Tunisia. Nearly 1300 participants attended the event, which was graced by the Guest of Honour Tunisian Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries: Honourable Ezzedine Ben Chiekh 

There was something for everyone at AFRAQ24, as the event catered to the broad range of interests in aquaculture - providing a learning, information-sharing and networking opportunity for aquaculture professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, technical specialists, students, policymakers and development partners.

Hosted by the government of Tunisia, AFRAQ24 attracted nearly 1300 attendees from industry, academia, government, development partner delegates, spanning from 74 countries around the world, but mostly from Africa. The event was a unique opportunity for attendees to celebrate achievements, to learn, share ideas and create new partnerships that will shape the future of aquaculture in Africa.

The guest of honour was the Tunisian Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries: Honourable Ezzedine Ben Chiekh. Other senior state dignitaries from Tunisia, Zambia, Algeria and Angola as well as high-level and specialist guests including from the African Union (AU), FAO, EU, World Bank and others also featured at the conference. The global World Aquaculture Society (WAS) President, Dr David Cline and African Chapter President, Ms Foluke Areola also attended.

The conference's scientific and technical programme was packed with sessions balancing global and African perspectives. Presentations by renowned experts from development organisations, private sector and academia stimulated debates on strategies and innovations that will shape the future of aquaculture. Overall, the programme featured 41 sessions, 277 abstracts, 46 posters and four training workshops.

The presence of a number of developmental organisations who featured at previous AFRAQs was encouraging. These include African Union Agencies (AUDA-NEPAD and AU-IBAR), FAO, World Bank, WorldFish, the American Soybean Assocaition's World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Program (WISHH), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and others. New feature organisations were the International Atomic Agency (IAEA) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). 

Over 100 industry players and professionals from Tunisia, Africa and globally featured at AFRAQ24. Some of the major industry players visible include Nutrifish (AFRAQ24 Gold Sponsor), Aller Aqua and several other aqua feeds, fish producer, equipment supplies and consulting companies. Large scale aquafeeds companies are always credited for bringing their large network of aquaculture farmers from various countries.

As with all WAS global events, the technical and scientific programme was complemented by a major international trade show which featured 55 exhibition booths from 22 countries. This comprised a Tunisia exhibition pavilion which showcased the country's aquaculture industry and some support projects. Several renowned aquaculture companies in Tunisia and the Mediterranean region featured within the pavilion.

On the sidelines of AFRAQ24, the WAS-AC Executive Board of Directors had the opportunity to convene the Chapter's fourth Annual Board Meeting 2024, where decisions on the way forward for the Chapter were made. WAS-AC also organised the Africa Student Programme Sessions to the benefit of over 80 students who physically participated. The second annual session of the WAS Platform for Portuguese speaking countries (PALOPs) also took place.

The African Union agencies and FAO were strategic sponsors to the event. The WAS African Chapter expresses its profound gratitude to the conference organising committees, various session sponsors, exhibitors, collaborators, media partners, attendees at large and everyone who contributed to make the event a success. The Conference full programme and other information are available on the AFRAQ24 website.

The next WAS African conference is scheduled for Entebbe, Uganda on June 24-27, 2025. This is followed by AFRAQ26 slated for Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania around early December 2026 and then World Aquaculture 2027 scheduled for late November 2027 in Accra, Ghana. 

For more information, visit HERE.

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Mediterranean and Black Sea countries align on shared vision for sustainable aquaculture

December 6, 2024 - Representatives from over 30 countries gathered in Heraklion, Greece, for the largest regional aquaculture conference in the region. Titled 'shaping the future of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea Region', this two-day event organised by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Greece, with the financial support of the European Union, marked a pivotal moment for the future growth of the aquaculture sector.

©FAO-GFCM/Claudia Amico

The conference provided a forum to review the progress, achieved since the inaugural regional conference held ten years ago in Bari, Italy, and discuss how to embrace innovation and sustainability, boost resilience and unlock the full potential of aquaculture in the region, in pursuit of the objective, of the GFCM 2030 Strategy and beyond.

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Aquaculture is becoming increasingly vital for food security, employment and economic development in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region. Over the past decade, the sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with marine and brackish water aquaculture production soaring by 91.3% and revenues climbing by 74.5%.

A shared vision

Participants at the conference outlined a shared vision for the future, taking into consideration major regional and global challenges, including rising global food insecurity faced by a growing population, climate change, pollution, biodiversity degradation and economic instability. 

"A new vision for the sustainable development of aquaculture is taking shape today. Let this conference mark a significant milestone in our journey. Building on its conclusions, we will reflect on how to best address challenges, ensuring that our actions benefit aquaculture and the local communities that depend on it," said Charlene Vitcheva, Director General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission.

High-level decision-makers and stakeholders, including aquaculture experts and representatives from research and academia, international intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, producers and aquaculture farmer associations from across the region and beyond, shared ideas and experiences through a series of keynote speeches, panels and side events. Participants also included small-scale farmers, as well as the newly created Network of Women in Aquaculture, both out of a GFCM initiative to empower women in the sector.

"Aquaculture is a pillar of development for our country and for the wider Mediterranean region. Through our convergences and decisions, we lay the foundations for a sustainable and resilient sector that innovates and respects its natural environment. I am confident that the cooperation of all stakeholders will help us make aquaculture a lever of innovation, sustainability and progress for our country and for the entire Mediterranean," commented Konstantinos Tsiaras, Minister of Rural Development and Food, Greece.

Ten years of remarkable progress

During the event, participants reviewed the impressive progress made by the sector in the last decade, including the many national and regional advances made towards enhancing the sustainability of the sector, such as the development of national aquaculture strategies and the increased engagement of farmer associations.

Highlights include the expansion of allocated zones for aquaculture from 30% to 73% and the development of environmental monitoring programmes from 23% to 60%. Moreover, the different Aquaculture Demonstration Centres established in Egypt, Romania, Tunisia, Türkiye 0 with a new centre foreseen to be created in 2025 in Bulgaria - have been providing.

"The strong representation of the regional aquaculture community at the conference is an important step towards the sustainable development of the sector. Our approach, at the GFCM, encompasses all dimensions of sustainability, from governance and social aspects to environmental stewardship and economic growth. Our countries have a shared vision for the future, deeply rooted in their common goals and aspirations, but also aligned with the realities aquaculture farmers face every day," said Miguel Bernal, Executive Secretary, GFCM.

Five priorities for sustainable aquaculture by 2030

Enhancing food security remains a priority, reaffirming aquaculture's role in providing accessible, affordable and nutritious food to meet a growing global demand, while supporting local economies and reducing reliance on imports.

At the same time, promoting ecosystem-based growth is crucial to support aquaculture practices that integrate ecosystem approaches, towards ensuring social and environmental resilience, while enhancing biodiversity and restoring marine ecosystems.

Additionally, strengthening governance and stakeholder collaboration is essential to enhance the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks with global standards and actively involve stakeholders, including small-scale producers and local communities, in order to foster equitable decision-making and cross-border cooperation.

Finally, ensuring social responsibility and inclusiveness is critical to empowering local communities, prioritising gender equity, improving worker welfare and promoting youth participation to create a more inclusive and socially responsible aquaculture sector.

As countries in the region discuss the conclusions of the conference, it is expected that these outcomes will guide the GFCM and its members in defining new national and regional strategic actions for the sustainable development of aquaculture, including in the context of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference and the next MedFish4Ever Declaration.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Global aquaculture surpasses fishing as a source of fish products

December 4, 2024 - AquaFarm, the international trade fair and convention dedicated to aquaculture and the sustainable fishing industry, is approaching its eighth edition, confirming its unique position in the panorama of events dedicated to agri-food innovation. Th date is February 12-13, 2025, at Pordenone Fiere.

AquaFarm 2025 brings together the entire aquaculture, shellfish, algae and sustainable fishing value chain, with over 130 leading companies involved. With more than 30 conferences and 200 international speakers, the AquaFarm program offers events, workshops and insights into innovations, sustainable practices and emerging trends. AquaFarm represents a unique moment to create strategic relationships and to contribute to redesigning a sustainable future of food.

Overview of the global farming market

In the meantime, important news on the sector is arriving: the new edition of the authoritative FAO report, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, records the historic overtaking of farming over fishing in terms of fish species with 51% of the total corresponding to 94.4 million tonnes (latest certified data for 2022). 62.6% of production takes place with land-based farms, the remainder in coastal waters. There are approximately 730 farmed species, although 60% is represented by just 17 varieties. Growth rate compared to 2020 was 7.6%, more than half of which was concentrated in fish, followed by crustaceans and molluscs.

89% of global aquatic fauna production was intended for direct human consumption, while the remainder was used for other purposes, most of the production of fish feed and oil. The share of production destined for food continues to grow, also thanks to an increased use of waste and by-products from processing. For example, 34% of fish feed and 53% of oil in 2022 came from waste and by-products.

Human consumption was 20.7kg per capita worldwide. Fish products provide high-quality proteins, 15% of animal proteins consumed and 6% of total proteins worldwide, as well as providing crucial nutrients such as Omega-3, minerals and vitamins. The role of aquaculture is increasingly crucial to ensuring healthy and nutritious food for the world population. While fishing has fluctuated between 86 and 94 million tonnes per year since the 1980s, the demand for fish has grown at twice the rate of population since 1961. In 1961, per capita consumption was 91kg. According to FAO forecasts, per capita consumption will grow to 21.3kg by 2032, with total production of 205 million tonnes, with 111 million coming from aquaculture and 94 million, substantially stable, from fishing. In 2022, the share of fish caught in areas where natural replacement of captured individuals is taking place fell by 2.3 points, to 62.3%.

In many low-income countries, fish species are the main source of noble proteins, and for 3.2 billion people, fish products represent at least 20% of the noble proteins consumed. Today, for these people, the majority of fish products come from small-scale fishing activities, which represent 40% of the total catches but 90% of the workers employed, 40% of whom are women. Given the stagnation of catches, the socioeconomic role will have to be taken by small farms, which are the focus of many FAO activities in recent years, which have been hosted at AquaFarm in previous editions.

In Italy

In this context, Italian production, detected by the Italian Fish Farmers Association, fits in with a turnover in 2023 of 400 million euros, excluding shellfish. The most farmed species is trout, with 30,000 tonnes and 280 million embryonated eggs, followed by sea bream and sea bass with 17,000 tonnes. Italy also produces 160 million fry of valuable marine species. For several years, Italy has been the world's second largest producer of sturgeon caviar with 65 tonnes of eggs, after China. From a socioeconomic point of view, fish farming takes place in Italy in 800 production sites, 60% concentrated in the North, 15% in Central Italy and 25% in the South, where more than 25 species are farmed.

This ecosystem of companies of all sizes converges every year at AquaFarm to meet, discuss hot and emerging topics in the sector, discuss new opportunities and discover the latest in research, regulations and the market. The conference programme offers numerous opportunities for discussion and updating, alongside the exhibition area. This year there will be two pavilions, with three specially designed conference rooms. The aim is to improve on last year's positive result also in terms of participation in conference session and research and company workshops.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Innovasea and Mowi extend partnership with renewed global agreement

December 3, 2024 - Innovasea announced a renewed global framework agreement with Mowi, the world's largest salmon farmer.

Innovasea VP Tim Stone and Mowi’s Group IT Manager of Feed and Farming, Arnt Mjøen

The agreement builds upon a history of strong collaboration and officially makes Innovasea the preferred vendor for environmental monitoring equipment and software for all Mowi sites. They have already implemented Innovasea's environmental monitoring systems at multiple locations and will continue to add new sites as part of their ongoing Mowi 4.0 Smart Farming initiative. 

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"We are thrilled to build upon our successful partnership with Mowi as they continue to lead the industry in effective, data-driven techniques," said Tim Stone, Innovasea VP. "As leaders in precision aquaculture, we are excited to help them leverage the information they're collecting to deliver more efficient, sustainable practices."

Innovasea's technology delivers real-time information on environmental factors, such as dissolved oxygen levels, salinity and temperature, to a central cloud-based platform: Innovasea's Realfish Pro. Within Realfish Pro's Environmental Monitoring Dashboard, operators can quickly track water quality across multiple sites and receive instant alerts if conditions degrade. Managers can use this data to optimise feeding and protect their fish even when they are not on site.

"In today's landscape, you must constantly innovate to counter environmental and operational challenges," explained Arnt Mjøen, Mowi's Group IT Manager of Feed and Farming. "Innovasea has made it effortless to receive, analyse and act on our data, whether on the Realfish Pro Platform or contextualised within our MowInsight analytical platform for improved daily operations and fish growth."

As new environmental sensors and systems are added, Mowi will gain greater insights into its many farm environments, giving them an opportunity to make even more targeted decisions for each pen.

"Since working with Innovasea, we've learned a great deal about our site and pen conditions. Continuous information about the living environment for our fish is important to ensure we maintain good control of fish welfare. It also enables us to make swift and informed actions while giving us valuable information to improve our sites and operation over time,"added Henrik Trengereid, Mowi Group Manager for Seawater Production Technology.

With offices in the US, Canada, Norway, Chile and Greece, Innovasea's global team of experts will be available to support and assist each Mow location's unique needs.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Tersan Shipyard, Türkiye launches groundbreaking sustainable fishing vessel 'Leinebris'

December 2, 2024 - Tersan Shipyard has announced the launch of its latest cutting-edge fishing vessel, the 'Leinebris,' marking a milestone in maritime sustainability and technological advancement. Developed in collaboration with Norwegian fishing company Leinebris AS and designed by the Skipsteknisk AS, the vessel is a testament to innovation, environmental responsibility and Norway's leadership in the seafood industry.

Building on the legacy of its predecessor, which was also constructed by Tersan Shipyard and delivered in 2015, the new Leinebris incorporates state-of-the-art technology and a sustainability-focused design. The 67.3 meter-long and 15-meter-wide vessel is set to redefine fishing practices by integrating three distinct methods - long lining, seining and net fishing - into one platform. This versatility not only optimises efficiency but also reduces the environmental impact by allowing the skipper to select the most eco-friendly method for any given operation.

The new Leinebris is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system supported by PU115 azimuth and AR63 retractable azimuth combi thrusters, ensuring precise manoeuvrability. Its innovative steering system, which includes the BrunCon PTC and BrunCon JS with Position Hold and the Brunvoll Fishpilot system, further enhances navigational control and efficiency.

Incorporating a large onboard battery pack and three diesel-electric generator sets, the vessel maximises energy efficiency. Additionally, its fully electric deck equipment and winches exemplify its commitment to minimising energy consumption while maximising onboard power utilisation. RSW tanks are also installed to maintain the freshness of live fish during transport, ensuring top-quality seafood production.

Safety and comfort for the crew have been prioritised in the design. The vessel features double cargo decks, covered working decks and a moonpool to enhance safety during operations in challenging conditions. With accommodations for up to 25 personnel, the Leinebris offers a high standard of living quarters, reflecting modern expectations for crew welfare.

Paul Herald Leinbø, representing Leinebris AS, expressed pride in the vessel's launch, emphasising its role in supporting sustainable fisheries while maintaining top-quality seafood production. "This is a proud moment for us. I want to thank Tersan and the rest of our team who believe in us. With this new build, we will harvest the finest Norwegian whitefish for years to come, whilst also meeting our sustainability targets and reducing our marine footprint," he stated.

The vessel's sustainability features align with global calls for greener practices in the maritime and fishing industries. By enabling efficient resource management and minimising environmental impact, the Leinebris is poised to inspire environmentally conscious food choices and reinforce Norway's status as a leader in sustainable seafood production.

Mehmet Gaziogğlu, CEO of Tersan Shipyard, highlighted the significance of this project and the longstanding partnership with Leinebris AS. "Eight years after the delivery of the first Leinebris, it is both a great honour and pleasure for us to be awarded as the builder of the new vessel. We believe she will be revolutionary vessel for the fishing sector, continuing the pioneering legacy of Leinebris AS," he remarked.

The vessel's design, crafted by Skipsteknisk, embodies the culmination of advanced maritime engineering and environmental stewardship. The collaboration between Tersan Shipyard, Leinebris AS and Skipsteknisk underscores the power of partnership in driving innovation within the industry.

The new Leinebris is slated for delivery in 2025, ready to set sail and redefine standards in the fishing industry. With its innovative design and commitment to sustainability, the vessel is expected to enhance resource management in fisheries and contribute to the global shift toward greener practices in seafood production.

This launch marks yet another chapter in Tersan Shipyard's commitment to advancing maritime innovation and sustainability, solidifying its position as a leader in constructing environmentally responsible vessels. As the Leinebris prepares for its maiden voyage, it stands as a beacon of progress and a model for the future of fishing.

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Hilde Lerøy joins Aquabyte as Senior Sales Manager

November 27, 2024 - As of December 1, Hilde Lerøy will join Aquabyte's sales team as Senior Sales Manager. With extensive experience in the aquaculture industry, Hilde will play a key role in further strengthening Aquabyte's position as a leading partner for fish farmers in both sea-based and land-based production.

Hilde Lerøy

Hilde Lerøy holds a degree in aquaculture biology from the University of Bergen and most recently held the role of Technical Service Specialist at Cargill Aqua Nutrition.

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"We are seeing high demand from customers looking to adopt the Aquabyte system in the production of various salmonid species, both on land and at sea. We are therefore thrilled to attract talents like Hilde. With her extensive experience, she will be a significant asset in further strengthening our collaboration with both new and existing customers across these segments," says Thomas Fekete Rønningen, CCO at Aquabyte.

Hilde has experience in all aspects of the aquaculture industry and has built a solid and comprehensive understanding of the sector throughout her career.

"The experience I have gained over 14 years in the aquaculture industry has provided me with a solid understanding of the fundamental biology of salmon and trout farming. At the same time, I have developed great respect for the critical decisions required throughout the production process and the hard work that the people in the industry can dedicate every day," says Hilde Lerøy, incoming Senior Sales Manager at Aquabyte.

Hilde's decision to take on the role of Senior Sales Manager comes after following Aquabyte's progress for several years.

"I have followed Aquabyte since its inception in 2017 and witnessed the company's impressive growth and development. The Aquabyte system has evolved from an innovation to an established technology that proves its value every day by improving fish welfare, sustainability and profitability for fish farmers. At the same time, Aquabyte has solidified its position as a strong player in the market. For me, this is the perfect time to join the team," concludes Hilde Lerøy.

Hilde will be based at Aquabyte's headquarters in Bergen, Norway.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Ocean 14 Capital partners with AquaManager

November 22, 2024 - AquaManager has announced a strategic partnership with Ocean 14 Capital to enhance sustainability and efficiency in the global aquaculture industry. This collaboration aims to leverage technology, data and automation to support aquaculture producers in adopting more sustainable practices.

Kostas Seferis, Founder of AquaManager, emphasised that the partnership goes beyond financial investment, aligning both companies' values and vision to reshape the aquaculture sector. "By combining their commitment to the blue economy with our technology, we're creating solutions that will leave a lasting impact," Seferis stated.

You may also be interested in:

• Sea Eight Group transforms aquaculture practices with AquaManager’s software
• OptiFeeSH pilot program: waiting list now open for aquaculture producers

Aquaculture plays a critical role in meeting the global demand for high-quality protein. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) predicts that aquaculture will contribute 106 million metric tonnes of fish by 2030, a 32% increase from 2020 levels. As the population rises and the demand for 'blue foods' grows, aquaculture is poised to become even more vital in providing sustainable food sources.

The global aquaculture market, valued at $263 billion in 2021, is expected to grow to $401 billion by 2030. Advanced technologies, including IoT, AI and automated systems, are becoming essential for improving farm efficiency, reducing costs and ensuring sustainability.

This partnership with Ocean 14 Capital represents more than just investment. It combines AquaManager's expertise in technology with Ocean 14 Capital's focus on impact-driven investment to drive growth in the sector. The collaboration will help producers optimise operations from hatchery to harvest, supporting the global aquaculture industry's transformation.

"We are investing in the future of the blue economy," said Francisco Saraiva Gomes, CIO at Ocean 14 Capital, highlighting the transformative potential of AquaManager's technology.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Ecuadorian shrimp feeds the world

November 22, 2024 - Ecuador has become the main supplier of shrimp worldwide, thereby reaffirming its commitment to its consumers' health through a multi-systemic food that offers complete nutrition.

In the sense, the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA), together with the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) and the Seafood Nutritional Partnership (SNP) developed a Shrimp Nutritional Guide.

You may also be interested in:

• Race to the Top: Ecuador leads the way towards sustainable and responsible aquaculture
• BioMar Ecuador achieves ASC Feed certification

Dr María José Viteri, an expert in nutrition, demonstrated the high content of proteins and healthy fats that shrimp contains, highlighting its essential health benefits:

• Lean protein: essential for muscle development and repair, promotes bone health, helps in weight management by being satiating and supports function.
• Vitamin B12: Essential for the nervous system and cell regeneration, reduces stress and improves cognitive function, maintaining an active and healthy mind.
• Niacin (Vitamin B3): Helps convert food into energy and supports metabolism; it also improves skin health and benefits the cardiovascular system.
• Phosphorus: Key mineral for calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and teeth, providing essential support for bone health.
• Choline: Essential nutrient for brain development, memory and muscle control; it also supports liver and cardiovascular health by metabolising fats.
• Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and strengthening the immune system.
• Zinc: It is essential for the immune system, cell repair and protein synthesis.
• Idoine: Regulates thyroid function and is crucial for metabolism and brain development.

"Food is not just a source of protein; it is a super food that strengthens our immune, nervous and thyroid systems."explained Dr María Jose Viteri, Nutrition Expert.

The Shrimp Nutritional Guide was developed by the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP). Pamela Nath, its Director, highlighted: "Nutritionists, as food experts, play a key role in consumer decisions. This guide will allow them to dispel myths about aquaculture and educate their clients about the positive impact of quality shrimp on the health of people and the environment."

"We are aware that we have a very high-quality protein. That is why we are providing nutritionists and chefs with a valuable tool: the Shrimp Nutritional Guide, designed to facilitate shrimp recommendations as part of a healthy diet."José Antonio Camposano, Executive President of the National Chamber of Aquaculture.

The event featured an immersive art gallery dedicated to Ecuadorian shrimp, where attendees were able to learn about part of its history and production process. In addition, Chef Buman was in charge of the live cooking show, highlighting the versatility of shrimp through various preparations.

The event was attended by nutritionists, chefs and mass media representatives. Four years ago, the CNA launched the Shrimp Master Guide, a key tool to promote Ecuadorian shrimp in international markets.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Three-Sixty Aquaculture to scale up UK's only sushi-grade prawn farm

November 22, 2024 - Three-Sixty Aquaculture, the UK's only sushi-grade prawn farm, has raised £3.5 million in a Series A funding round led by PrimeStar Industries.

The UK relies entirely on prawn imports, with 78,000 tonnes brought in annually from overseas. 99.9% of these imports are frozen - compromising taste, texture and nutritional value - and often mislabelled as 'fresh'. Three-Sixty Aquaculture has pioneered the UK's only indoor fish farm producing fresh prawns - using the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) farming method - providing an alternative to the imports, which contribute to environmental damage due to unsustainable farming practices and long-distance frozen shipping. The business provides sustainable, locally-sourced prawns that offer better quality, taste and reduced environmental impact and fresh next day delivery anywhere in the UK.

The Series A funding was led by PrimeStar Industries, with participation from notable investors including well known UK chef Marcus Wareing and Matthew Freud.

Having developed its proprietary, patent-pending technology in its existing R&D facility in Swansea, the funding will allow Three-Sixty Aquaculture to increase capacity via a new facility in Neath, Wales, and commercialise its prawn farming at scale to supply the UK's restaurant and hospitality trade as well as selling direct to consumers. Sales are expected to commence in early 2025, with a view to the business expanding its UK prawn farming operations to over 2000 tonnes annually and internationally. The investment will also add to the rejuvenation of the Metal Box building, a former canning factory in Neath, and provide local employment opportunities.

James Fox-Davies, CEO of Three-Sixty Aquaculture, commented: "Demand for prawns is growing globally but the expansion of traditional prawn farming puts increasing pressure on the natural environment. Completing this round of funding puts us well on the way to expanding our sustainable British sushi-grade prawn farm which will not only help address these environmental issues but will bring locally grown, fresh and delicious-tasting prawns to UK diners. We're starting in the UK but in reality, any country could benefit from our technology so we're excited to explore international opportunities to build further prawn farms as we scale up."

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Øystein Michael Falch joins ReelData as a Sales and Business Development Consultant

November 21, 2024 - Aquaculture professional and well-known consultant to the fish farming industry, Øystein Michael Falch, recently adopted a contractor role with the land-based AI technology and software company ReelData. Focussing on Sales and Business Development within his home country, Norway, Øystein brings to ReelData more than 20 years of aquaculture experience, and a strong background in business development and finance.

Øystein Michael Falch 

Effective from 1^st October 2024, Øystein will be working with the ReelData team to attract new customers and commercialise opportunities for the ReelData suite of tools including AI camera-based feeding efficiency, biomass estimation and fish counting. Gareth Butterfield, Commercial Director for ReelData had this to say about the appointment, “We’re thrilled to have Øystein join the team as a contractor for the Norwegian market. We’ve had some fantastic success in multiple geographies in the past several months but a missing link for us has been a physical representation in Norway and someone with strong sales, networking and leadership skills. Øystein fills that role perfectly.” With a history of working internationally for both cold and warm water fin-fish producers, Øystein is no stranger to working across continents in order to create an impact. And, with a skillset spanning financial analysis, planning and modelling, and development of strategies and business plans in addition to core sales competencies, Øystein is an obvious choice for the role. “The team here at ReelData are looking forward to working with Øystein and building upon an already growing client base by expanding into Norway. We’ve had significant communication with Norwegian producers and there’s a lot of excitement about our technology. By bringing Øystein on board, Norwegian customers of ReelData have a reputed and respected local resource on which they can rely.” continued Gareth.

Øystein commented on the new role, “What motivates me the most in any role is working for a greater purpose, something beyond personal gain. I strongly believe that technology has the power to drive meaningful improvements, and ReelData’s solutions offer real benefits for the aquaculture industry, including reducing environmental impact and lowering production costs. These are both essential to the sustainable growth of global aquaculture as we strive to feed a growing world population. That mission is what gets me excited every day! On top of that, I’ve been impressed by the talented team at ReelData, and I’m looking forward to being part of a group so dedicated to delivering exceptional products. I’m eager to join the journey and contribute to the company's success."

For more information, visit HERE.

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Hybrid flow-through systems, a game changer for aquaculture and salmon farming

November 21, 2024 - Hybrid flow-through systems have the potential to transform the aquaculture industry and salmon farming in particular. According to a recent study by RaboResearch, the technology promises to enhance sustainability, boost salmon supply and improve biosecurity, addressing some of the industry's most pressing challenges.

Hybrid flow-through systems technology improves biosecurity in aquaculture

Hybrid-flow-through systems (HFS) technology is emerging as a viable solution to help salmon farmers meet fast rising demand. It significantly reduces exposure to pathogens and environmental impacts, offering notable improvements in biosecurity and sustainability.

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• SalMar reports positive results from “Marine Donut” salmon farm concept
• Global salmon farming to grow 40% by 2033, report says

"The limitation of the current, marine cage-based industry is the inability to sufficiently grow supply. Despite being highly technically advances, Norwegian salmon farming experienced increasing levels of mortality in both 2023 and 2024,"notes Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Analyst - Seafood for RaboResearch. The cause was a combination of lice treatments, which have the side effect of reducing the protective layer on a salmon's scales, and exposure to bacterial infections and jellyfish stings resulting from that eroded protective layer. HFS aquaculture is one of the alternatives that can change this situation materially. By moving farming into contained basins on the shore, it is possible to exclude most pathogens, such as lice, bacteria, algae and jellyfish. This minimises the need for medication, resulting in faster growth rates and better feed-conversion ratios. "Early data shows feed-conversion ratios of 1.1 on HFS farms compared to an industry average of 1.3. These results, combined with a survival rate of 97% compared to 83% for the net pen industry, suggesting that biological performance on HFS farms is superior," explains Nikolik.

The economic benefits of hybrid flow-through systems are significant

The higher biosecurity of HFS leads to a higher percentage of superior-grade fish compared to traditional farming methods, resulting in higher prices. Additionally, HFS farms have a lower environmental footprint, as they do not release pathogens into the surrounding waters and have minimal risk of fish escapes. "Nitrogen levels will be greatly reduced with HFS technology, as the key sources of nitrogen from traditional farms are collected at the bottom of the tank and not released with the water exiting the farm," notes Nikolik.

While HFS represent an improvement in biosecurity and sustainability due to their limited impact on the aquatic environment, they do come with an increase in energy consumption. Between one and eight kWh of energy is needed to produce one kilogram of HFS salmon, depending on the systems used. In contrast, the marine stage of traditional salmon farming has negligible energy use. "The bottom line is that the good price and the lower biological cost of production outweigh the higher energy cost and should lead to improved profitability," states Nikolik. However, to make a real improvement in sustainability performance, HFS farms will need to be powered by sustainable sources of energy. "Fortunately, all the current projects we are aware of (if construction or planned) have renewable energy as a source."

Capital and legislation are essential ingredients for success

Nevertheless, substantial capital investment and supportive legislation are crucial for the widespread adoption of HFS technology. Current projects in Norway and Iceland are leading the way, but expansion into other regions like Chile, the US and Canada will require significant financial backing and regulatory support.

"Our estimates are that the projects currently operating and under construction will need between €2 billion and €3 billion of capital between 2024 and 2030 for their existing plans," notes Nikolik. A much higher amount will be needed if the large number of conceptual and permitted projects are to become reality. HFS technology has the potential to transform the salmon farming industry, provided that the necessary capital and legislative frameworks are in place.

High prices emerge as global salmon supply growth turns negative

For more information, contact Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Analyst – Seafood, RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, Email gorjan.nikolik@rabobank.com

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Forsea achieves record-breaking cell density for cultivated seafood

November 13, 2024 - Cell-cultivated seafood innovator Forsea struck a major breakthrough in making freshwater eel farming a viable commercial reality. The start-up announced its organoid technology reached a record-breaking cell density of more than 300 million cells/ml, and with a minimal and precise use of cultured media ingredients.

Forsea Cell-Cultivated Eel by Liran Maimon

This is the highest cell density recorded in the field, moving Forsea to the forefront of cultured seafood production efficiency. The landmark technology allows for a scalable and highly cost-effective supply for the hugely popular traditional Japanese delicacy, eel (unagi)whose availability has been significantly hampered by overfishing and the destruction of aquatic ecosystems.

Eel is big in Japan

Forsea is currently focusing on manufacturing cultured freshwater eel due to the immense market potential, particularly in Japan. As the world's largest consumer of eel, Japan recorded sales of 140,000 tonnes in 2023 - 50% of total global sales. The traditional Japanese dish unagi is considered a premium delicacy, prized not only for its rich flavour and tender texture but also because of its rarity. Freshwater eel is endangered and cannot be commercially bred in captivity. Demand for eel far surpasses the industry's current supply capabilities, translating to skyrocketing prices.

Better, faster and economical

Setting a new standard for 'blue ocean' initiatives, the company created a new approach to cell cultivating fish tissues outside of their native water habitats via organoid technology. The patent-protected platform involves creating the ideal environment for animal cells to spontaneously assemble into three-dimensional tissue structures with their natural composition of fat, muscle and connective tissue. 

This method both echoes the natural growth process of the tissues in a living animal, giving it a closer-to-nature edge, and bypasses the scaffolding stage as well as being dramatically less dependent on expensive growth factors. This makes the process highly affordable and positions its cell-grown version to price parity (or potentially lower) with traditional aquafarmed eel, a key challenge the cell-based industry was desperate to overcome.

Ample affordable cultivated eel not oceans away

"The breakthrough to this level of cell density highlights the strength of our organoid technology," exclaims Moria Shimoni, CTO of Forsea. "It's a validation of our approach to high-efficiency cultivation of seafood to meet both economic and sustainability goals at scale".

After completing its proof-of-concept continuous harvesting process, Forsea reports it is ready to take production of its cultured fish products to the next phase of commercial scale-up.

"Forsea's organoid technology requires less capital expenditure than other technologies," explains Roee Nir, Founder and CEO of Forsea. "Achieving this level of cell density with minimal resources will translate to substantial reductions in the unit of economics and will bring cultured seafood production to a cost that is actually below the traditional market price. This is major milestone for Forsea and validates our vision of making sustainable, high-quality seafood affordable and widely accessible. It also sets a powerful precedent for scaling other cultured seafood products and establishing sustainable alternative supply chains for economically sensitive species."

The cell-cultured eel is expected to ease the strain on the world's eel populations and reduce environmental impact of traditional eel farming. This encompasses reducing global warming potential, water consumption and land use and alleviated pressure on marine ecosystems by focusing on endangered species.

"Our recent industry survey shows that cultivated meat production is definitely not a one-size-fits-all approach," says Elliot Swartz, Principal Scientist Cultivated Meat, GFI. "It's encouraging to see positive data from companies showing how different methods can address challenges in cost and scale. I'm especially pleased to see a GFI research grantee, Dr Iftach Nachman, help a startup pioneer new ways of cultivating meat. This is a great example of how foundational open-access science enables and makes possible follow-on work by the private sector."

The company is preparing for commercial launch of its unagi product in 2026. Earlier this year, Forsea held a successful tasting event at the reputable 'a' restaurant in Tel Aviv, where it served the world's first cultivated unagi kabayaki - a grilled fresh eel on a bed or aromatic rice - receiving rave reviews. Among the tasters where representatives from the Japanese embassy and various Japanese food companies based in Israel.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Nofima research shows how to identify fish stress using light

November 12, 2024 - There is an increasing need for methods that can accurately measure stress in aquaculture species, without harming the organism. Hyperspectral imaging of biofluorescence is such a method, as it can potentially measure early signs of stress in both fish and invertebrates.

Samuel Ortega researches spectroscopy

The fish and invertebrates that exhibit biofluorescence emit lower energy coloured light when they are exposed to higher-energy blue light. This strong fluorescence is not visible to the naked eye, but it can be measured with hyperspectral imaging.

"Fish may exhibit welfare traits in ways that are invisible to the human eye, and of our objectives is to explore new technologies that can reveal this to us in real-time," says Evan Durland, Scientist in aquaculture genetics and project leader.

Welfare indicators are important because animals that experience chronic stress are vulnerable to disease, experience less growth and ultimately have a higher mortality rate. The current methods used to identify early signs of stress in marine species have certain limitations.

Glowing when stressed

Technology scientists Samuel Ortega and visiting PhD student Thomas Juhasz investigated the applications of using hyperspectral imaging of biofluorescence as a welfare indicator for marine species, particularly lumpfish, red king crab and green sea urchins.

The scientists found that lumpfish and red king crabs produced stronger fluorescent emissions after exposure to stressors. Put in simple words, the animals glowed more brightly when they experienced acute stress. They also found that sea urchins with broken spines or lesions glow brighter in the areas where they are affected.

The scientist has ideas for how to improve the technology:

"We want to see if we can integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into this method. The AI can analyse the biofluorescence data acquired through hyperspectral imaging, and alert us if it detects any fluorescence changes that may indicate stress in the animals. We believe that this could contribute significantly to the future of welfare measurement during aquaculture operations", said Samuel Ortega.

The research was funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program through the AquaVitae project, and by Nofima through the Deep Vision project. The research was done by Nofima in collaboration with Marie Curie PhD student Thomas Juhasz in 2022.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Countries unite to bolster efforts for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea

November 11, 2024 - Last week, 20 countries and the European Union made significant strides towards enhancing the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture by adopting 17 pivotal decisions, including 12 binding recommendations, during the 47th session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), held in Rome, Italy.

©FAO-GFCM/Claudia Amico

The GFCM is the regional fisheries management organisation with the authority to issue binding recommendations for fisheries and aquaculture development in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. At its annual session, GFCM members engaged in meaningful discussions to review and endorse proposals for recommendations and resolutions, all based on the best available scientific advice.

You may also be interested in:

• The GFCM’s multifaceted approach to mitigating interactions between fisheries and vulnerable species
• Boosting the sustainable growth of small-scale aquaculture in the southeastern Mediterranean

"This annual session concluded a year of intense, collaborative efforts and demonstrated the continued commitment of GFCM members to address the ever-increasing challenges facing the fisheries and aquaculture sector in our region," said Miguel Bernal, GFCM Executive Secretary.

Healthy seas and productive fisheries

The percentage of stocks experiencing overfishing in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea has dropped to its lowest level in a decade - less than 60% - but fishing pressure is still at twice the level considered sustainable, as highlighted in the GFCM flagship publication, The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries 2023. To meet this challenge, the GFCM works on all aspects relevant to sustainable fisheries management.

Decisions adopted this week include the reinforcement of measures afforesting the management of numerous GFCm priority species, including European eel, red coral, blackspot seabream, European hake, Norway lobster, European sprat, turbot, rapa whelk, piked dogfish and sturgeons.

In the Adriatic Sea, the finalisation of a rigorous management strategy evaluation process supported a landmark decision to establish single species harvest control rules and annual catch limits for sardine and European anchovy, moving away from the joint catch limits enforced until now and promoting ecological sustainability and economic stability.

Meanwhile, in the Black Sea, a small increase in catch limits was adopted for turbot - a key species which has seen a threefold decrease in fishing mortality and a threefold increase in biomass and is now approaching sustainability as a result of the adoption of a multi annual management plan in 2017. This decision aims to incentivise fishers and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while enhancing data collection on fishing effort and discards, and identifying further technical measures to mitigate bycatch.

New fisheries restricted area in the Mediterranean

Spatial management was also in the spotlight, as countries agreed to create a fisheries restricted area (FRA) in the Ontranto Channel in the Adriatic Sea. This decision establishes a core are where bottom trawling activities are banned in order to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems formed by bamboo coral and enhance the productivity of marine living resources through the protection of essential fish habitats, such as those of deep-water red shrimps. It also delineates a buffer area, where fishing activities are regulated.

This is the 11th FRA established by the GFCM and will be comparable in size with the country of Luxembourg.

Support to the sustainable growth of aquaculture

Aquaculture was another crucial component of the discussions held this week, with countries recognising the progress made towards enhancing the sustainable development of the sector, as well as the numerous assistance programmes established across the region in the past year.

To address the fact that climate change triggers emerging diseases that threaten the sector's productivity and growth, countries agreed to set up a network for monitoring aquaculture diseases and minimising risk associated with trade.

Principles for responsible investment in aquaculture were also adopted, aimed at enhancing the sector's attractiveness to investors and highlighting its role in food security.

Advances in compliance and enforcement to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

The annual session prioritised strengthening compliance to ensure member countries effectively implement GFCM decisions, thus supporting their commitments to developing and regulating fisheries and aquaculture operations.

Important advances have taken place in recent years and the GFCM has been instrumental in the progress made by many countries in updating their national laws to specifically target IUU fishing as well as implementing GFCM measures such as the Regional Plan of Action to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the GFCM area of application.

As a result of these efforts, Albania, Algeria, the European Union and its Member States, Egypt, Montenegro, Morocco and Türkiye received GFCM compliance awards during the annual session for integrating GFCM decisions into their legal frameworks and for accurate data reporting.

Last year marked the launch of a new phase towards a more modern framework which allows for closer monitoring of countries' compliance with GFCM with the necessary means to advance rapidly on this issue. Countries highlighted that it is essential to enhance compliance assessments and advance the operationalisation of monitoring, control and surveillance tools, such as inspection schemes and sightings.

Next steps

All decisions adopted at the annual session are geared towards putting the long-term future of the region's fisheries and aquaculture sectors on a sustainable footing.

"Looking forward, I am confident we can raise the bar and together meet the challenges before us. I would also like to recognise and congratulate those who collectively contribute to our efforts, from experts and administrators to fishers and farmers, for their strides and commitment to our ever-growing work, as the ultimate beneficiaries of our decisions," said Fouad Guenatri, Head of Studies and Synthesis, Ministry of Fisheries and Fisheries Production, Algeria.

For more information, visit HERE.

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WEDA cooperates with Damm Aquakultur in shrimp and fish farming

November 8, 2024 - The Lower Saxony-based feeding systems specialist WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp and Damm Aquakultur from Niedenstein, Hesse, are cooperating in the field of shrimp and fish farming. In a declaration dated November 8, 2024, the partners agreed to further develop the areas of husbandry, feeding, water treatment and rearing technology for marine animals together in the future, thereby accelerating the strategic and technical development of shrimp and fish farming.

WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp GmbH and Damm Aquakultur GmbH & Co. KG have agreed to jointly develop the husbandry, feeding, water treatment and rearing technology for marine animals in the future.

The partners complement each other very well for the co-operation: Damm Aquakultur operates a state-of-the-art and leading shrimp breeding facility in Germany with a system design developed in-house and innovative technologies. The shrimps are reared under controlled conditions and using sustainable resources. Damm Aquakultur Technologien produces fresh shrimps of high quality and completely free of medication. The company attaches great importance to animal welfare, environmental protection and transparency along the entire regional supply chain. For its part, WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp can already look back on various aquaculture projects. 

"The entrepreneurial roots in the agricultural sector are an important foundation of both companies," says Managing Director Sven Damm. "From this, we developed Damm Aquaculture in 2018 as a branch of the business with the aim of sustainable shrimp farming," adds Sven Damm. Together, the partners want to further promote aquaculture in Germany and offer interested producers innovative economically sustainable production facilities and marketing concepts, including as a franchise system. "It is essential for us to set a high ecological standard and to attach great importance to factors such as energy efficiency, water consumption, CO2 footprint and, last but not least, species-appropriate animal husbandry," summarises Sven Damm.

"WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp, founded in 1934, also grew through the continuous development of its agricultural technologies and business areas," explains WEDA Managing Director Volker Schönig. Today, the components are used in various areas such as pig farming and insect production as well as fish and shrimp farming. At the end of the day, the safety, feeding accuracy and hygiene of the systems are crucial for customers. True to this maxim, WEDA has already successfully equipped several fish farming systems worldwide in recent years.

The WEDA systems ensure that the amount of work and feed wastage in the facilities is minimised, ultimately reducing costs. For Damm Aquaculture, it is also essential that the high-quality feed is dosed out to the animals as efficiently and loss-free as possible. There is a further application advantage, as the WEDA computer systems are intuitive and easy to operate. The programmes are also easily scalable in terms of size and internationally: all screen and function assignments of the operating panels can be easily adapted depending on the responsibility and national language.

It is precisely against this background that Volker Schönig sees solid growth potential for the partnership: "This cooperation also closes a technological circle for us, because we are continuing to push the transfer of our systems to other areas of animal feeding. By pooling our expertise with experienced providers such as Damm Aquakultur, we can achieve many synergies for the benefit of users from other segments."

For more information, visit HERE.

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Adisseo, Biolan and Cargill join the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership

November 8, 2024 - The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership has announced the addition of Adisseo, Biolan and Cargill as its newest associate members, reinforcing a collective mission to transform aquaculture through responsible, sustainable and transparent practices. This strategic alliance reflects the growing momentum across the value chain to advance a more responsible shrimp production worldwide.

Pamela Nath, Director of SSP, highlighted the significance of this partnership: "Real change in the aquaculture industry can only happen when every actor in the value chain comes together. From producers to suppliers, it's essential to embrace sustainability at every stage to ensure long-term impact. The involvement of leading companies like Adisseo, Biolan and Cargill brings us closer to achieving that vision."

The collaboration between SSP and these new members will harness their expertise, innovation and resources to promote sustainable shrimp farming practices. This initiative is part of SSP's broader goal to build transparency, accountability, inclusion and progressive leadership across the entire value chain, encouraging participation from suppliers, producers, retailers, academic institutions and NGOs to improve the global aquaculture industry.

Lucas Assis, Innovation Project Manager of Adisseo explained: "By joining SSP, Adisseo strengthens its leadership in sustainable shrimp production, driving collaborative innovation and sharing best practices with industry peers. This partnership provides access to valuable insights and resources, enhances networking opportunities and underscores Adisseo's commitment to advancing sustainability in the strategically important LATAM region."

Asier Albizu, CEO of Biolan, shared the company's perspective: "Biolan decided to join the SSP because it shares SSP's mission of transforming shrimp aquaculture into a clean, sustainable and successful practice for the world. Biolan's goal is to work closely with the sector to create robust synergies that facilitate continuous improvement, focusing on traceability, sustainability and digitalisation in production processes to position Ecuadorian aquaculture internationally as a sustainable and renowned industry."

Dave Robb, Cargill's Aqua Nutrition Group Sustainability Lead emphasised Cargill's shared vision with SSP: "Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Cargill. Partnerships like this strengthen our ability to reshape the shrimp industry at scale; fostering transparency, improving environmental practices and collaborating as an industry to set new standards for responsible production."

With the addition of the three companies, the SSP continues to grow its network of collaborators committed to raising global aquaculture standards. These new members join a group of companies that already support SSP's mission, including BASF, BioMar, dsm-firmenich, Houdek-Prairie AquaTech, Inve Aquaculture, Nicovita, MSD Animal Health and Skretting.

For more information, visit HERE.

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