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.
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)
PRIMORYE — In February, the Primorsky branch of the National Center for Fishery and Agricultural Products Safety (FSBI) “APK NATSRYBA” processed and certified 75,800 tons of fish products for export, the institution reported.
A total of 576 shipments of fish, seafood, and related products were inspected to ensure compliance with international standards. Key exports included pollock, cod, sardines, flounder, squid, shrimp, crab, halibut, scallops, mollusks, and fish-derived products such as roe, milt, and fish meal.
China remained the leading destination, receiving 55,200 tons across 383 shipments. South Korea imported 11,100 tons in 134 batches, while European Union countries accounted for 9,500 tons in 59 shipments.
The figures highlight Primorye’s continued role as a major hub for seafood exports in the region.
The presence at the leading seafood trade show in the United States is part of the strategy of Chile's main salmon producer to deepen its relationships with customers, push higher-value categories, and consolidate its position in a market crucial for its international expansion.
For the company, this participation comes at a particularly relevant time. The United States is not only its main international destination but also a market that drives the development of brands, convenience formats, and more differentiated offerings. In this arena, growth no longer depends solely on scale but also on the ability to better understand consumers, respond consistently, and capture more value within the category.
Source: MundoAcuicola | Read the full article here
For fish processors, profitability is often determined by small operational gains.
A slight improvement in yield.
Less product loss during packing.
A portion that commands a stronger price per kilo.
These details make a real difference across a processing operation.
At the same time, processors are operating in a tougher environment. Labour shortages, rising input costs and tight retail margins mean every stage of the process needs to work efficiently.
In many cases, the biggest gains do not come from new machinery or major process changes. They come from the everyday materials used on the factory floor.
The market-influencing spot price of Norwegian farmed salmon climbed a good deal last week, and has thus increased by more than NOK 15 in two weeks. Not since early summer in 2024 have there been better prices in regular weeks.
According to the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), the spot price of salmon rose by NOK 8.01 per kilo in week 11 to NOK 94.45 (£7.30) per kilo. That price is NOK 12.09/kg better than in the same week last year. You have to go back to week 22 of 2024 to find better prices if you ignore the usual price peaks around Christmas and New Year.
Author: Pål Mugaas Jensen / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen is not one to go in for hyperbole. His statements are usually measured and well thought through before he delivers.
So when he says that President Donald Trump’s tariff measures have created a great deal of frustration and confusion, you can bet that the impact has probably been more difficult than that.
Jacobsen told Fish Farmer that the North American (US) market is important for the company, adding that so too is Europe, its primary market, and Asia where its business is growing.He added that Europe is Bakkafrost’s largest market, followed by the US and then the Far East in third place. But business with China is growing.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here