AKVA group and Laxey have officially entered into an agreement for the design and delivery of a second RAS smolt station in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland.

The deal, celebrated by Laxey CEO Knut Nesse and COO Dadi Pálsson at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, marks a significant expansion of their land-based salmon farming operations.

A Proven Collaboration

Building on a partnership that began in June 2022, the new facility (Smolt Station II) follows the success of the first station, which is now fully operational and has delivered five batches of high-quality smolt to date.

Scaling for the Future

The expansion will be executed in phases to ensure stable production and minimized risk:

• Phase 1: Designed for an annual capacity of 5 million smolts (at 100g).

• Phases 2 & 3: Future scaling targets of 10 million and ultimately 15 million smolts per year.

Construction is slated to begin in the summer of 2026, with operations expected to commence by Q4 2027. This milestone reinforces Laxey's commitment to responsible, large-scale land-based salmon production.

MOSCOW — China is set to solidify its position as the primary destination for Russian fish and seafood by 2025, according to a report from the newspaper Izvestia. While export volumes to the region are expected to dip 6% to 1.2 million tons, the total market value is projected to surge by 13%, reaching $3.4 billion.

The shifting landscape of Russian exports highlights a significant pivot toward Asian markets:

• Japan: Ranks as the second-largest importer, with volumes hitting 118,000 tons (up 9%) and a valuation of $952 million (up 11%).

• South Korea: Takes third place; despite a 3% volume decrease to 271,000 tons, the value grew 5% to $944 million.

• Emerging Markets: Significant trade continues with the Netherlands, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Nigeria.

Data from China’s General Administration of Customs confirms this momentum. Total Russian agricultural exports to China reached $7.98 billion in 2025, up from $7.34 billion in 2024. According to Ilyushin, director of the Russian Agricultural Export Development Center, the first quarter of this year already saw record-breaking figures, with exports hitting $2.4 billion—a massive 43% year-on-year increase.

Compact, operator-assisted unit delivers precise head cuts, reliable gutting, fast cleaning, and simple maintenance, built to integrate easily in both new and existing factory layouts.

Carsoe today announced the launch of the Heading and Gutting Machine CS3063 (patent pending), a standalone, operator-assisted solution designed for efficient and accurate deheading and gutting of cod, pollock, and haddock.

Built as a compact unit for medium to large-scale processing, the CS3063 is engineered to deliver consistent results shift after shift, without adding complexity to the factory floor.

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Andfjord Salmon Group said it has entered into a strategic post-smolt partnership with Eidsfjord Sjøfarm, which has committed to invest NOK 100 million (€9.10 million) in the land-based salmon farming company through a private placement.

The announcement was made in a stock exchange filing on Monday.

The partnership includes significant deliveries of post-smolt from Andfjord Salmon to Eidsfjord Sjøfarm in 2026 and 2027.

Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here

Salmon farmer Mowi has recorded a 26% increase in its first quarter harvest this year, with Scotland making a major contribution.

The company has also disclosed, however, that the algae attacks which hit southern Norway last month cost the world’s largest Atlantic salmon farmer around 10 million euros (£8.7m). Despite this setback, Mowi’s Norway division made good progress in the first part of this year.

Mowi’s global harvest of 136,000 tons gutted weight against 108,000 tons last year, was a record high first quarter figure.

The operational EBIT for the Group was approximately 221 million euros (£192m) against €214 million (£186m) in Q1 last year.

Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here

Ahead of Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona (21–23 April), a delegation from Chile representing Indigenous leaders and small-scale fishers will deliver a clear message to the global seafood industry: production choices must reflect their real impact on ocean ecosystems and coastal communities.

At an interactive stand designed for dialogue, the group will move the discussion beyond volume and efficiency, emphasizing the value of traditional knowledge and territorial governance. They will highlight Chile’s Indigenous coastal management model (ECMPOs) as a proven approach supporting ocean sustainability and long-term business viability.

Using messages such as “The ocean also pays the bill”, the delegation positions Indigenous communities and artisanal fishers as key actors in ocean governance.

Spokespeople will be available for interviews, sharing first-hand insights across the value chain—from seaweed harvesting to mussel production—and stressing that integrating local communities is not only an issue of equity, but essential for the future of global seafood systems.

A new report from Nofima reveals that combining hyperspectral imaging with waterjet technology can automatically remove parasites—commonly known as “kveis”—from cod fillets. The research, funded by FHF, targets a costly and time-consuming challenge in the whitefish industry, where parasites are currently removed manually.

Using advanced imaging technology (Maritech Eye), parasites can be detected inside fillets without cutting. Two methods were tested: a waterjet system (FleXicut), operating at about 40 cm per second, and a robotic arm equipped with a precision cutting tool.

Economic analysis shows strong potential: automated removal could generate a net value between $0.4 million and $7.2 million over 10 years, depending on scale. Benefits include higher yield per fish and reduced labor costs.

However, challenges remain. The robotic system achieved only 6 successful removals out of 44 attempts, while the waterjet method currently removes entire sections rather than individual parasites.

The project—costing $0.4 million—involved Nofima, Marel, Maritech, NMBU, and industry partner Lerøy. Researchers conclude that combining waterjet speed with future robotic precision could transform fish processing worldwide.

BioMar Australia has named Matt Whittle as its new Commercial Director, effective August 2026, reinforcing its leadership team as the Australasian aquaculture sector continues to expand.

A native of Tasmania, Whittle brings extensive industry experience, combining expertise in farm-level production, customer engagement, and commercial strategy. His strong ties to both Tasmania and mainland Australia position him to deepen relationships across key aquaculture regions.

Managing Director David Whyte said the appointment reflects the company’s emphasis on local knowledge and practical experience. “Matt’s blend of commercial insight and hands-on aquaculture expertise makes him well suited to lead our commercial team and strengthen partnerships with producers,” he said.

As part of the transition, Mike Thomson will move into the newly created role of Service Delivery Director in September 2026. He will oversee supply reliability, logistics, and on-farm support, with a focus on improving customer experience.

Whyte noted that Thomson has been instrumental in shaping the company’s commercial strategy, adding that the new role will enhance execution while maintaining strong client relationships.

These leadership changes align with BioMar Australia’s long-term strategy to boost local capability and support sustainable growth in the Australian aquaculture industry.