Nearly 40% of fish died in first hit from 2025 algae crisis.

A research paper published in the Journal of Fish Diseases has documented 39.5% acute mortality at the first salmon farm struck by the 2025 algae bloom in northern Norway.

The first signs were reduced appetite and turbid water, followed by behavioural changes and rapid fish death. Water samples confirmed dominance of Phaeocystis pouchetii and Chrysochromulina leadbeateri. Post-mortem examination and histopathological findings in gills and liver confirmed algae as the cause of death.

Source: SalmonBusiness |  Read the full article here

Air China Cargo has expanded its operation between Chengdu and Glasgow Prestwick Airport to a daily service on the back of rising demand

The service between Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Prestwick was launched in June 2025 and had been operating four times per week until yesterday, when the frequency was increased. It carries Chinese goods to Scotland and exports such as salmon, caught seafood, and whisky, to China.

Daily connectivity enables Scottish exporters to move premium products such as salmon, seafood, and whisky into China while also supporting faster and more reliable imports into Scotland from one of China’s most dynamic manufacturing regions

Source: fishfarmingexpert |  Read the full article here

ULMA Packaging UK has appointed Paul Morican as managing director, strengthening its senior management team as the business continues to expand its offering of automation and packaging solutions across the UK and Ireland.

Having joined the business at the end of January 2026, Morican brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the packaging technology, processing equipment and industrial manufacturing sectors.

He began his career as a Royal Naval officer before moving into the packaging equipment sector in 1996. During spells since in industrial coding and marking, industrial and food processing sectors, he has built a strong commercial track record, delivering growth and developing performing teams as key account manager, sales team manager, head of sales and sales director.

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

The UK arm of supermarket chain Lidl has confirmed it has eliminated eyestalk ablation from its core own-brand farmed prawn range — effective since January 2026 — and said it will implement electrical stunning by the end of 2026.

Animal welfare organisations have hailed the announcement as a success following a campaign that has now seen 10 out of 11 UK supermarket chains setting time-bound welfare standfards for shrimp in their supply chains.

Until recently, welfare issues for crustaceans were seen as a low priority by retailers and the public.

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

Mowi CP of Americas, a subsidiary of Bergen, Norway-based salmon-farming firm Mowi, is unveiling new packaging across several brands at the 2026 Seafood Expo North America (SENA).

At this year’s SENA, the subsidiary is highlighting both its core product lines along with new products across fresh, smoked, and frozen salmon categories. Additionally, it is rolling out a new packaging identity, designed to rejuvenate its Mowi, Ducktrap, and Marine Harvest by Mowi brands.

Ducktrap’s new packaging in particular, developed over many months, will begin rolling out in 2026 and transition fully through 2027, according to the firm.

Author: Christine Blank / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

Valparaíso – With the aim of strengthening scientific cooperation and advancing the challenges of ocean governance, authorities from the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) welcomed a delegation from the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) at a high-level meeting held at the institute’s headquarters.

The meeting was led by IFOP Executive Director Gonzalo Pereira Puchy and VLIZ Director Jan Mees, with the participation of the Ambassador of Belgium to Chile, Christian de Lannoy, who highlighted the importance of reinforcing international collaboration in marine research.

During the session, IFOP’s International Affairs and Cooperation Department presented the main guidelines of the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, where climate change is identified as a key priority. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to management based on the Best Available Science (BAS) and a preventive ecosystem-based approach to ensure ocean sustainability.

As part of the visit, the VLIZ delegation will carry out a technical agenda that includes visits to IFOP facilities in Puerto Montt and nearby areas.

The production of giant squid is showing signs of decline in Peru, raising concerns about global supply as prices for Argentinian squid continue to climb in China.

Recent market data indicates that weekly catches of giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) in Peru have fallen by about 10% compared with the previous week. Despite the drop, overall supply remains relatively high. As one of the world’s largest producers of giant squid, changes in Peru’s catch volumes can quickly influence supply in major importing markets, particularly China.

At the same time, prices for Argentinian squid (Illex argentinus) at Shidao Port, Shandong, China, are steadily increasing. Squid measuring 21–25 cm are currently selling for about 16.5–17 RMB/kg (approximately 2.40–2.47 USD/kg), while larger specimens of 26–30 cm are trading at 20.5–21.5 RMB/kg (around 2.98–3.13 USD/kg).

Market participants attribute the rise largely to renewed purchasing activity after the Lunar New Year holiday, when processing plants resumed operations and supplies for immediate delivery remained limited.

China sources squid from several regions, including Peru, Argentina, and parts of the Indo-Pacific. In the short term, prices are expected to remain volatile, depending on fishing activity, port arrivals, and demand from processing companies.