Ultra-low-density producer pioneers new aquaculture standard

A family-owned sea bass and sea bream estuary farm in southern Spain has become the first farm in the world to achieve certification against the new Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Farm Standard.

Located in the protected Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas del Barbate in the province of Cadiz, Lubimar’s Cupibar farm produces around 2,000 metric tonnes of fish per year in a unique estuarine system built in former salt pans.

Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

Mowi is facing the prospect of a double salmon disease blow at two of its sites in Norway

Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) has been detected at a site in Frøya municipality in Trondelag, and bacterial kidney disease (BKD) is suspected at a company facility in Hitra municipality.

On the ISA issue, Mowi’s suspicions were raised earlier this month, and then confirmed following positive analysis results from samples taken at the site.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority confirmed the ISA diagnosis on last week based on analysis results from the Veterinary Institute.

Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here

A new recommendation from the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI) calls for a cautious increase in lumpfish catches. For the 2025/2026 fishing year, the institute advises that the catch of female lumpfish should not exceed 2,932 tonnes, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year.

The guidance is based primarily on biomass data from the March 2026 demersal fish stock survey, alongside results from 2025. While the 2026 biomass index showed improvement over 2025, it remains low in historical terms and significantly below the long-term average. Notably, the 2025 index was the second lowest recorded since 1985.

Photo: Svanhildur Egilsdóttir / MFRI -->

Due to year-to-year fluctuations and measurement uncertainty, MFRI applies a weighted system in its assessment, giving 70% weight to the current year and 30% to the previous year. Based on this approach, the institute recommends an initial catch limit of 973 tonnes for the 2026/2027 fishing year.

Seafood New Zealand is calling for a balanced, evidence-driven discussion following the release of the Fisheries Amendment Bill last week.

Chief executive Lisa Futschek said public debate must rely on accurate information, warning that “selective soundbites” risk misleading the public. Concerns have recently focused on proposals to remove minimum size rules, with some claiming the changes lacked consultation.

However, Seafood New Zealand says the measures stem from system updates introduced in 2022 and have undergone multiple consultation rounds, including in 2025.

The organisation highlighted that under the proposed rules, commercial fishers will be required to pay for catching smaller fish—something not previously mandated. This aims to reduce waste and discourage the capture of undersized fish, which also have limited market demand.

According to Seafood New Zealand, New Zealand already operates one of the world’s most sustainable fisheries systems. The amendments, it says, are intended to improve efficiency and clarity while maintaining strict limits, monitoring, and accountability.

Futschek added that protecting a healthy ocean should remain central to the national conversation.

HANOI  — The Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export and the U.S. Soybean Export Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance sustainable aquaculture development and boost the global competitiveness of Vietnamese seafood.

The ceremony gathered key representatives including Nguyen Hoai Nam (VASEP General Secretary), Le Hang (Deputy General Secretary, VASEP), Lukas Manomaitis (USSEC Director of Aquaculture Technology for East Asia), Justin Sherlock (ASA Director), and Ralph Bean (Agricultural Counsellor), alongside officials from the U.S. Soybean Association and Foreign Agricultural Service.

The agreement targets improved aquaculture quality and sustainability, support for international certifications such as ASC, BAP, and GlobalG.A.P, and wider use of U.S. soybeans in aquafeed production. It also aims to strengthen trade connections and enhance value across the seafood supply chain, marking a new phase of bilateral cooperation.

With five vessels over five days, a survey will be conducted north of the 44° South parallel to determine whether the illex squid population is ready for full fleet harvesting.

If results are positive, authorities could bring forward the season opening, with early signs pointing to a strong campaign for the bonaerense–northern Patagonian stock.

The Consejo Federal Pesquero, in its Act 6, addressed inquiries from the jigging sector about advancing the northern season. To respond, it consulted the INIDEP, whose Cephalopod Program had initially deemed a survey unnecessary. However, following a drop in southern yields, the Institute confirmed that the critical threshold had been reached and recommended proceeding.

The survey was immediately approved, and five vessels were selected to carry it out. If the size of the resource proves adequate, the fishery could be opened and the season begin as early as April 1. Ensuring responsible management will be key to sustaining the resource and advancing toward international certification.

Following two years-long investigations, NOAA Fisheries has levied a total of USD 222,902 (EUR 193,328) in civil penalties against two seafood importers accused of mislabeling tuna cans as “dolphin safe.”

In conducting retail market spot check audits, NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce’s Tuna Tracking and Verification Program identified two suspect seafood import firms that were importing yellowfin tuna from Mexican purse seiners that were improperly labeled as “dolphin safe.”

An 11-month investigation revealed that a distribution company had imported 74 shipments – weighing a total of 2.2 million pounds – of the improperly labeled canned and pouched tuna.

Author: Nathan Strout / SwafoodSource | Read the full article here

Rising fuel costs are placing significant pressure on the fishing fleet, with some vessels facing additional daily expenses of up to £1,200, according to a report in The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) reports that fuel prices have increased by around 30p per litre since the onset of conflict in the Middle East. For larger vessels consuming more than 4,000 litres per day, this equates to a substantial rise in operating costs.Smaller whitefish vessels are also affected, typically using around 2,000 litres of fuel daily

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here