Registration is now open for the IFFO China Summit 2026, organized by IFFO – The Marine Ingredients Organisation. The event will take place in Shanghai on 10–11 June 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from the global marine ingredients value chain to discuss market trends, regulatory updates, and future opportunities.

The annual summit continues to highlight China’s pivotal role in the aquaculture industry. As both the world’s largest producer and a major consumer of marine ingredients, the country remains central to sector growth.

Maggie Xu, IFFO’s China Director, stated: "We are delighted to welcome the industry back to China for another edition of what has now become an annual event. China continues to play a central role in the global aquaculture sector, both as the world’s largest producer and as a leading user of marine ingredients to support its rapidly developing feed and farming industries. According to OECD-FAO estimates, China is expected to account for 42% of global fishmeal consumption by 2034.”

Athens – Cooke Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire the existing debt of Avramar Aquaculture S.A., Andromeda S.A., Perseus S.A., and Avramar Commercial and Logistics S.A. (collectively, Avramar Greece), a major producer of sea bass and seabream in Greece.

Combined with its prior agreement to purchase equity, Cooke is set to gain operational control of Avramar Greece upon closing.

Founded in 1981, the group has grown into a leading Mediterranean aquaculture company, operating a fully integrated model that includes hatcheries, marine farms, processing and packaging facilities, and feed production. Its sustainability standards are recognized by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

The transaction remains subject to final agreements and customary conditions, with completion expected as soon as possible.

The amendments allow vessels equipped with RSW tanks (refrigerated seawater systems) to operate in multiple fishing areas during a single voyage. Previously, ships were limited to one area per trip, reducing efficiency and increasing costs.

Key changes:

• Fishing in two or more zones per voyage is now permitted.
• Vessels can operate under permits from different companies within a single trip.

Officials say the new rules provide greater operational flexibility while maintaining strict catch monitoring and control systems, minimizing risks of misuse.

The updated regulations take effect on March 31, 2026.

Authorities state the decision is intended to support fishing businesses and streamline the delivery of chilled fish to onshore processing facilities.

Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries

“The industry is growing, and meeting places are evolving accordingly. We see a need to be present where we can best meet customers, partners and decision-makers,” said Ståle Økland, CCO of AKVA group.

The event’s location near Oslo offers improved access for international employees and customers, while also strengthening ties with media and political stakeholders. According to the company, Global Aqua provides a more strategic platform due to its accessibility and lower overall costs.

As the industry expands, AKVA group plans to showcase key innovations, including deep farming technologies, post-smolt solutions, and digital systems, alongside its focus on sustainability in the future of aquaculture.

According to Japan’s Fisheries Agency, Japanese fishermen will be allowed to catch 2,050 tons of salmon within Japan’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone. In return, Japan will pay between 180 million and 313 million yen (approximately $1.13–1.97 million). The quota remains unchanged from 2025 levels.

Lawmakers in Japan’s upper house of parliament ??????????? ???????? ??????????, noting its role in maintaining stable ties between the two nations.

The agreement reflects long-standing cooperation: joint fishing arrangements between Japan and Russia have been in place since 1984–1985, with annual negotiations determining catch limits. The waters of the Pacific Ocean near Japanese islands are key fishing grounds, as they host salmon migrating from Russian rivers.

The renewed deal ensures continued access for Japanese fisheries while supporting regulated, sustainable use of shared marine resources.

SANTIAGO — A report by La Tercera, citing data from the Central Bank of Chile, reveals that the country’s salmon and trout exports are expected to reach $6.55 billion by 2025, marking a 3% year-on-year increase and the third consecutive year of growth.

This performance positions salmon and trout as Chile’s third largest export sector, behind copper and cherries. The industry now represents 6% of total exports, 15% of non-mineral exports, and 48% of processed food exports.

Exports of salmon alone are projected at $6.212 billion, while trout is expected to contribute $338 million.

The United States remains the leading market, accounting for 40% of export revenue—around $2.399 billion. It is followed by Japan with $1.044 billion and Brazil with $796 million, highlighting strong demand across key international markets.

• New data reveals food and drink manufacturing’s £42bn contribution to the UK economy, providing almost half a million jobs right across the UK
• While the sector saw growth in every region of the UK, food manufacturers also saw production costs increase 4.4% on average, rising up to 5.3% for small businesses1
• Rapidly rising energy costs are a concern – with energy embedded in every stage of the food and drink manufacturing process, the sector is calling to be included in the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme to mitigate these costs
• FDF is urging government to support the industry in growing to reach £50bn GVA, shoring up industry resilience in the face of persistent shocks and inflation, helping hard-pressed budgets 

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

It’s well known that floating closed containment pens require more electricity than standard net pens, but the difference may be greater than many people realise.

The company has a closed containment pen that has been connected to shore power since 2014, and by 2026 will have three net pen locations with shore power and two with hybrid power.

It therefore has real figures to compare the electricity consumption from closed production to traditional open cages. The figures show a consumption of around 3.87 kWh per kilogram of fish produced in closed pens, compared to 0.07 kWh in open pens.

Author: Ulrik Tallhaug Sydnes / fishfarming | Read the full article here

In a snub to Aqua Nor, the world’s biggest aquaculture trade show, technology group AKVA has opted to switch to its new competitor, Global Aqua.

Global Aqua launches next year with a trade show based at NOVA Spektrum in  Lillestrøm, just outside Oslo, taking place over 7-9 September, just a few weeks after Aqua Nor takes place in Trondheim (26-27 August).

The new show is being organised by conference specialist AqKva and brand marketing agency NPG.

Author: Robert Outram / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here