IN BRIEF - 22.5% of European commercial fishing vessels accused of using forced labor
EUROPEAN UNION
Monday, February 12, 2024
Europe is second only to Asia, whose companies, especially those from China, own nearly two-thirds of the ships involved in forced labor. An estimated 128,000 fishermen suffer horrific abuses as a result of forced labor on board fishing vessels every year, a figure that likely significantly underestimates the full scale of this crisis.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), abuses include physical violence, non-payment of wages and being required to spend more time in the workplace than allowed.
According to a recent report, 22.5% of commercial fishing vessels accused of forced labor are owned by European companies, led by Spain and the UK.
Most European countries - along with other fishing superpowers such as China, Indonesia and the US - have yet to ratify key treaties prohibiting forced labor on fishing vessels, such as ILO Labor Convention 188, while the relevant EU directive applies only to EU-flagged vessels or vessels operating in EU waters.
Even if countries comply with the ILO Convention and other key agreements, financial secrecy means that the ultimate owners of accused ships can continue to evade justice.
Crucially, ratification of these agreements will result in the proceeds of forced labor courts being consistent with the proceeds of crime under money laundering laws, making prosecution easier.
The goal is to drive continuous improvement in the shrimp industry
Aker QRILL Company, Edisa, and Milanplastic have joined the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) as new Associate Members. Pamela Nath, Director of SSP, acknowledges that this addition "allows us to bring together additional capabilities, expertise, and new perspectives to continue driving continuous improvement in the shrimp industry. We are convinced that collaborative work is the best way to identify opportunities that benefit the entire sector."
With the addition of these companies, SSP continues to expand its network.
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
The freezer trawler *Olupale*—acquired by Nueva Pescanova for its fishing grounds off Walvis Bay, Namibia—is currently undergoing refitting at the Armón Vigo shipyard. It has been renamed *Novanam Three*. Yesterday, the vessel could be seen on the slipway sporting a fresh coat of paint, its new name and home port (Walvis Bay), and the company’s logo prominently displayed on its funnel.
Nueva Pescanova will add the former *Olupale* to the fleet of Novanam, its Namibian subsidiary. The company aims to strengthen its presence in a strategic fishing area with this 59-meter vessel, which features a 900-cubic-meter hold and accommodation for a crew of 66.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
Norway exported 8,432 tonnes of trout worth NOK 692 million (€62.3 million) in July, with export value unchanged from the same month last year despite a 10% decline in volume.
Poland was the largest growth market for Norwegian trout during the month. Export value to the country rose by NOK 103 million (€9.3 million), or 221%, compared with July last year, while volumes increased 182% to 1,988 tonnes.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Norway’s seafood industry set a new value record in July 2026 thanks in part to strong salmon demand and better pricing.
According to data shared by the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), Norway exported NOK 15.6 billion (USD 1.64 billion, EUR 1.42 billion) worth of seafood during July 2026, an increase of NOK 1.8 billion (USD 188.85 million, EUR 163.48 million), or 13 percent, compared to the same period of last year. That total is the best July ever in terms of value, and comes after the industry posted a decline in H1 2026.
Seafood exports from Norway to Poland increased in value by NOK 343 million (USD 35.98 million, EUR 31.15 million), or 20 percent, on the back of a 13 percent increase in export volume. Seafood exports to China also increased heavily, rising 21 percent to reach NOK 1.6 billion (USD 167.86 million, EUR 145.31 million).
Author: Chris Chase / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here
Center for Food Safety alleges a Washington hatchery violated the Clean Water Act, threatening Quilcene Bay and protected marine species.
Center for Food Safety filed a lawsuit against Pacific Seafood's shellfish hatchery, alleging illegal wastewater and thermal discharges into Quilcene Bay. The complaint claims repeated Clean Water Act permit violations that could impact orca whales, coho salmon and local water quality.Pacific Seafood's Quilcene facility produces large volumes of shellfish seed for industrial shellfish aquaculture operations.
Government seeks to preserve its vessel tracking system to safeguard market access and combat illegal fishing.
The Philippines is seeking to preserve its vessel monitoring and electronic catch reporting system after a court ruling threatened its implementation. Authorities warn the measure is essential to strengthen seafood traceability, curb IUU fishing, and protect access to key export markets, including the EU and US, where traceability standards are increasingly stringent.
The company will showcase research on nutrition, gut health and science communication during the event in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 29 September to 1 October.
Innovafeed will present three abstracts at Aquaculture Europe 2026 (29 Sept.-1 Oct., Ljubljana). Topics include black soldier fly larval meal for Penaeus vannamei, functional ingredients for fish performance and gut health, and science communication from industry. Presenters include Marine Bezagu, Luca Donati and Nadège Audiffren.
The incident happened during Florida's lobster season. The 18-year-old diver survived after being rescued by the boat's captain.
A Miami-Dade court has charged Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, with attempted murder after he allegedly shut off the air supply of an 18-year-old diver during a dispute over a lobster fishing spot near Fisher Island, Florida. Investigators say Simpson claimed the location was his, threatened to disable the surface air system, and then jumped into the water to turn it off.
The diver was pulled to safety by the boat's owner after surfacing gasping for air and disoriented.
A total of 38 exhibitors will join the Pavilion of Denmark at Nor-Fishing 2026, presenting Danish solutions for the fisheries, fish processing and maritime industries while strengthening business relationships in one of the Nordic region’s most important markets.
Pavilion of Denmark at Nor-Fishing 2026 will be the place to find Danish innovation and solutions for the fisheries, fish processing and maritime industries.This year, 38 exhibitors will join the Pavilion of Denmark to form a strong presence at one of the leading events in the industry.
Internationally recognised shrimp aquaculture specialist David Kawahigashi has been announced as one of the plenary speakers at the Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture Congress (LACQUA26) to be held in El Salvador in October.
With more than 40 years of technical and management experience spanning every stage of shrimp aquaculture, Kawahigashi is the founder and director of Vannamei 101, a Hawaii-based aquaculture consulting and training company dedicated to advancing knowledge transfer and innovative technologies throughout the global aquaculture industry.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
Norway Pelagic Fishing Update Week 31 Norway
North Sea Herring Fishing Continues in the British Zone
North Sea herring catches lead activity in week 31, accompanied by regular landings of mackerel, blue whiting, sprat, and NVG herring
During w...
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According to a recent report, 22.5% of commercial fishing vessels accused of forced labor are owned by European companies, led by Spain and the UK.
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The goal is to drive continuous improvement in the shrimp industry
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The freezer trawler *Olupale*—acquired by
POLAND
Norway exported 8,432 tonnes of trout worth NOK 692 million (€62.3 million) in July, with export value unchanged from the same month last year despite a 10% decline in volume.
Norway’s seafood industry set a new value record in July 2026 thanks in part to strong salmon demand and better pricing.
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Center for Food Safety filed a lawsuit against Pacific Seafood's shellfish hatchery, alleging illegal wastewater and thermal discharges into Quilcene Bay. The complaint claims repeated Clean Water Act permit violations that could impact orca whales, coho salmon and local water quality.Pacific Seafood's Quilcene facility produces large volumes of shellfish seed for industrial shellfish aquaculture operations.
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The Philippines is seeking to preserve its vessel monitoring and electronic catch reporting system after a court ruling threatened its implementation. Authorities warn the measure is essential to strengthen seafood traceability, curb IUU fishing, and protect access to key export markets, including the EU and US, where traceability standards are increasingly stringent.
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Innovafeed will present three abstracts at .png){kind=logo}
A Miami-Dade court has charged Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, with attempted murder after he allegedly shut off the air supply of an 18-year-old diver during a dispute over a lobster fishing spot near Fisher Island, Florida. Investigators say Simpson claimed the location was his, threatened to disable the surface air system, and then jumped into the water to turn it off.
A total of 38 exhibitors will join the Pavilion of Denmark at 
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Internationally recognised shrimp aquaculture specialist David Kawahigashi has been announced as one of the plenary speakers at the Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture Congress
