IN BRIEF - Fishing and aquaculture among the seven economic activities that lead growth in Nicaragua
NICARAGUA
Sunday, February 25, 2024
The Monthly Index of Economic Activity (IMAE) closed last year with an expansion of 4.8 percent, which gives an idea of where the economic growth rate that the Central Bank of Nicaragua is about to make official will be, whose projection has kept it between 4 and 4.5 percent.
The report on how each of the 16 main activities ended up performing shows that only fishing and aquaculture ended up negative, with a minus 16.7 percent. This despite the fact that in December the activity managed to expand 1.4 percent, "due to the greater production of farmed shrimp and capture of lobster and other fishing products, particularly sea cucumber and crab."
In fact, farmed shrimp exports closed the year with a sharp drop in income. According to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry and Commerce, these shipments decreased last year -25.9 percent in volume and 33.7 percent in value.
Another product closely related to the IMAE of aquaculture and fishing figures is lobster, which together with exports of whole fish managed to grow. Lobster expanded 34.2 percent in volume and 3.8 percent in value. Fish grew 2.8 percent in volume and 3.6 percent in value.
And although these last two seafood products ended up growing, the truth is that income from shipments of farmed shrimp weighs more on the activity with 110.7 million.
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.
Upon closing of the transaction, Cooke would assume operational control of one of the leading marine aquaculture companies in the Mediterranean.
The Canadian group Cooke Inc. has announced in a press release the signing of a memorandum of understanding through which it will acquire Avramar Greece's debt from its creditors—and therefore the debt of Avramar Aquaculture S.A., Andromeda S.A., Perseus S.A., and Avramar Commercial and Logistics S.A. The Canadian group also states that, in addition to this preliminary agreement to acquire the Greek company's share capital, Cooke will assume operational control of Avramar Greece upon closing of the transaction.
Source: iPac.aquaculture | Read the full article here
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
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
In 2025, the event generated €98.4 million in production and 1,246 jobs.
Although it seemed unlikely that the Vigo fairgrounds could continue to accommodate more companies and visitors, the Conxemar trade fair has grown once again. This is reflected in the report on the socioeconomic impact of the event on the city and its surrounding area, prepared by the University of Vigo within the framework of the Ardán Chair, in collaboration with the Conxemar association and the Vigo Free Trade Zone. The study indicates that between October 7 and 9, commercial agreements worth €831.7 million were reached at the Ifevi facilities, a figure representing approximately 4.5% of the total revenue of the fish processing and marketing sector in Spain.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
The President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, announced that the country has proposed a 7% annual increase in tuna fishing rights to the European Union as part of its agreement, thus reducing the previously requested 30% increase. The EU, for its part, only offered 3%, according to the Seychelles News Agency (SNA).
Patrick Herminie explained that due to the current context, marked by the conflict in the Middle East, the country was forced to request the 7% increase. He stated: "We are trying to obtain greater benefits for our resources. The European Union explained why it could not accept 30%, which was in line with inflation over the last six years."
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Thai Union Group is accelerating its sustainability agenda with new investments in digital traceability and crew welfare, signalling a broader shift toward technology-driven accountability across the global seafood sector.
The company has announced a strategic partnership with Wholechain to roll out end-to-end digital traceability across its global operations, alongside a separate commitment to provide free Wi-Fi access on fishing vessels. Both initiatives form part of Thai Union’s SeaChange programme, which marks its 10th anniversary this yearThe Wholechain collaboration will introduce a fully interoperable, data-driven traceability system, initially covering tuna and shrimp before expanding to other species.
The platform will enable real-time visibility across the supply chain, supporting regulatory compliance and improving transparency for consumers.
Chile’s Ministry of Finance has moved to unblock around 200 suspended aquaculture concession relocations under its proposed “National Reconstruction” bill, in a step that could release projects delayed for more than a decade.
Regional authorities in Los Lagos and industry participants have backed the measure, describing it as a potential catalyst for renewed investment and a way to ease structural constraints on sector growth.The policy centres on relocating farms away from areas with accumulated environmental pressure
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
In Kamchatka, participants of the 34th session of the Joint Russian-Chinese Commission on Fisheries expanded their agenda beyond meetings with a visit to the Kamchattralflot fishing and processing complex.
The Chinese delegation observed the full production cycle, from raw material intake to high-value products such as fillets, minced fish, and canned goods. The tour highlighted ongoing investments in fleet modernization and coastal infrastructure, key to boosting efficiency and maximizing the use of aquatic resources.
Officials emphasized that these upgrades allow Russian producers to deliver ready-to-eat products that comply with international quality standards.
The visit provided tangible evidence of Russia’s commitment to the sustainable development of its fishing industry and strengthened cooperation with Chinese partners.
Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo)