The theft of a salmon shipment in a state dominated by organized crime reveals a new criminal diversification strategy.

Early Friday morning, a trailer transporting a million-dollar cargo of salmon was stolen in Michoacán, an event that points to the growing diversification of Mexican cartels' illicit businesses, which are no longer limited to the traditional trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine.

The swift action of the San Pedro Tlaquepaque Police in Jalisco was crucial in the vehicle's recovery. The trailer was detected circulating on the Zapotlanejo-Guadalajara highway. After a brief pursuit, agents managed to intercept the vehicle at the intersection of Fuelle and Lázaro Cárdenas.

The driver, who could not prove ownership of the truck and its valuable cargo, was arrested and placed at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor's Office. According to authorities, the entire salmon shipment, as well as the vehicle and trailer, were recovered. This incident adds to a trend of robberies against transporters that suggests criminal organizations are expanding their operations to high-value goods, a phenomenon already observed with products like avocados and limes in the same region. Investigations will continue to dismantle the network behind this and similar heists.

Bidfresh, a fresh produce wholesaler, has announced the acquisition of seafood suppliers Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand. 

The move is a strategic step toward Bidfresh's goal of doubling in size within the next five years, strengthening its operations with increased scale and a broader product range.

Hodgson Fish is a fourth-generation business based in Hartlepool with a history dating back to 1916. Its subsidiary, Sailbrand, acquired in 2018, delivers fresh and frozen seafood, poultry, and deli items across northern England.

Both companies will continue to operate independently under their current management. Peter Hodgson will remain as managing director of Hodgson Fish, and Lee Roberts will continue to lead Sailbrand as business director.

According to Bidfresh MD Andy Farnworth, the acquisition aligns with the company's strategy of expanding its network through both organic growth and the acquisition of like-minded regional businesses. Peter Hodgson expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Bidfresh's commitment to quality and service while allowing acquired businesses to maintain their unique operations.

Norwegian aquaculture firm Norcod is planning to launch a new sashimi product within the Chinese market this fall.

Norcod touts its premium Snow Cod as having a firm texture and white, even-looking meat that provides “a clean and delicate flavor,” and the announcement of the fall launch combining Snow Cod with salmon is the latest move by the firm to make inroads with premium products in China, a market which Norcod has approached with a diligent, targeted marketing strategy

Author: Mark Godfrey / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

Umami Bioworks, a leading enabler in the development of cell-cultivated fish meat, has created an AI-powered platform for production of an animal-free alternative to a bioactive ingredient made from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) or chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) sperm.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is a fast-growing marine ingredient used in skincare, wound healing, and regenerative medicine.

Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

High water temperatures and low oxygen levels threaten natural spawning grounds, forcing scientists to revise fishing strategies

SAKHALIN — An anadromous fishing commission has decided on the possible cancellation of salmon fishing in several rivers in the Sakhalin region due to abnormal weather conditions. Extreme heat has caused a rise in water temperatures and a drop in oxygen levels, leading to mass fish deaths and leaving natural spawning grounds less than 50% full.

In July, the water temperature in the Tikhaya River reached 21.3 degrees Celsius, while the oxygen level dropped to 3.3 mg/l, fatal conditions for Pacific salmon. The situation poses a serious threat to "red" fish species in the Makarovsky and Dolinsky districts, among others. In light of this, scientists have been tasked with revising the fishing strategy for the season.

Despite the challenges, the total salmon catch in the Sakhalin region has exceeded 6,500 tons. However, this figure is still lower than that of the Primorye region. In total, more than 267,700 tons of "red" fish, including pink salmon, sockeye salmon, and chum salmon, have been caught in the Far East to date.

A seven-year-old turquoise acara is successfully recovering after the removal of an abdominal cyst in a pioneering procedure for the clinic.

Photo: courtesy vetandlife.ru

MOSCOW — Veterinarians at the Zelenograd Veterinary Clinic in the Moscow region have successfully performed an unprecedented medical procedure for their center: an ultrasound and surgery on an aquarium fish. The patient, a seven-year-old turquoise acara, was brought to the clinic by its owner due to a rapidly growing mass in its abdomen that was causing difficulties in swimming and defecation.

Ultrasound technician Tatyana Baragina performed the examination and diagnosed a cyst with hemorrhagic contents. Surgeon Nadezhda Kuzina then carried out a puncture to extract the contents of the capsule. The fish has since made a successful recovery and is swimming normally, showing increased activity.

The fish will remain under observation as the clinic cannot rule out the possibility of the cyst re-forming. This case marks a milestone for the institution, demonstrating the capabilities of its veterinarians to successfully handle unusual cases.

SUVA — Fiji's fisheries sector, which generated $277 million and accounted for 8% of the country’s export earnings in 2022, is facing a significant crisis. According to officials, the industry's growth is being threatened by critical gaps in oversight and infrastructure, despite substantial government funding.

Minister for Infrastructure Ro Filipe Tuisawau highlighted the government's commitment to the sector, noting a $96.3 million allocation through 2026 to improve research, enforcement, and infrastructure.

Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu emphasized that strong implementation and enforcement are crucial for translating policies into action. She outlined key priority areas, including capacity building, conservation, market access initiatives, and the Fish Aggregation Devices program.

As the demand for sustainable aquaculture grows, Vietnam has solidified its position as a global leader in ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council)-certified pangasius production.

All pangasius certified by the ASC worldwide now originates from Vietnam, showcasing the country's commitment to responsible farming practices.

By 2024, Vietnam will have 58 ASC-certified pangasius farms, producing an estimated 210,144 tons of fish for export to 61 countries. These exports primarily target high-demand European markets like the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and Switzerland, which have stringent environmental, social, and food safety standards.

Certified farms demonstrate impressive efficiency, saving an average of 144 m³ of water per ton of fish and achieving disease control rates as high as 88.9%. This certification not only enhances the quality and reputation of Vietnamese pangasius but also positions the country as a key player in a global market that increasingly values green and sustainable products.