Aquaculture feed giant Skretting achieved DNV certification under the new ASC Feed Standard at Seafood Expo Global. 

Barcelona – The standard ensures responsible aquafeed production, covering social/labor rights, safety, environment, and responsible sourcing. DNV's Stefano Crea lauded Skretting's sustainability commitment, emphasizing the standard's role in transparency and ethical seafood. 

Skretting's Sergio Alanis highlighted the standard's robust risk mitigation for raw materials and human rights focus. From Oct 31, ASC-certified farms must use certified feed. This certification strengthens Skretting's position for ASC-certified customers, aligning with their standards and Skretting's "Feeding the Future" sustainability commitment.

China's FM asserts its Yellow Sea aquaculture facilities in the PMZ comply with Chinese and international law, refuting S.Korean concerns about maritime delimitation. 

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized dialogue during the China-S.Korea maritime affairs meeting in Seoul. Both sides agreed to enhance communication, manage differences, advance delimitation talks, and boost cooperation in marine science, environment, SAR, fisheries, law enforcement, and security, aiming for a peaceful, friendly, and cooperative Yellow Sea. 

They discussed fishery aquaculture in the southern Yellow Sea. Yonhap News Agency reported S.Korean concerns over Chinese steel structures near Suyan Islet, with Seoul stressing its maritime rights. The dialogue established subcommittees for maritime order and cooperation. China maintains Suyan Islet is in the East China Sea, with overlapping EEZ claims, advocating consultation over confrontation. Experts suggest hype harms S.Korea, urging stronger China ties post-US tariffs.

Improved fishing success for Danish vessels leads to a significant increase in Norway lobster landings and value across key ports, reports Svend Boye Thomsen of Fiskeritidende.

Danish fishermen have experienced notable success in their Norway lobster fisheries, resulting in a substantial increase in landing figures across several ports, as reported by Svend Boye Thomsen of Fiskeritidende.

During the first four months of 2025, Danish fishermen landed a total of 1,620 tons of Norway lobsters, generating a value of 99 million Danish kroner (approximately EUR 13.3 million).

This represents a significant improvement compared to the same period last year, when landings amounted to 957 tons with a value of 67 million Danish kroner (approximately EUR 9.0 million).

The ports registering the highest volumes of Norway lobster landings this year are Hirtshals Port, Skagen Port, Østerby Port, Strandby Port, Gilleleje Port, and Hanstholm Port. Each of these ports has witnessed a positive increase in lobster arrivals.

The primary fishing grounds contributing to these increased landings are the Skagerrak, which yielded the largest quantities, followed by the Kattegat and the North Sea.

Despite a production increase, Rio Grande do Norte state must tackle logistical bottlenecks and bureaucratic complexities to unlock its full aquaculture potential.

Natal, Rio Grande do Norte - Aquaculture in Rio Grande do Norte experienced a modest 2.32% growth in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a production volume of 4,400 tons, according to data from Peixe BR. The state maintains its strong position in tilapia farming, which dominates production with 3,100 tons. It also demonstrates notable activity in the cultivation of native species, accounting for 700 tons. The combined production of carp, trout, and pangasius, while present, remains at 600 tons.

Despite this positive trajectory, the state's aquaculture sector faces considerable challenges hindering more substantial expansion. Intense competition from neighboring states, particularly Pernambuco with its more established and robust production, acts as a constraint on growth in Rio Grande do Norte. While the state benefits from favorable natural conditions, notably its climate and abundant water resources ideal for tilapia farming, these advantages are not fully capitalized upon.

A promising development involves the increasing collaboration between academic and research institutions and aquaculture companies. These partnerships have fostered innovation and contributed to enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of farming practices.

Barcelona – Balfegó Grup,  a global leader in bluefin tuna fishing, aquaculture, and commercialization, was awarded yesterday with the Prize for Business Ambition and Purpose at the José Manuel Lara Awards, granted by the Barcelona Circle of Economy. Alicia Romero, the Minister of Economy and Finance of the Government of Catalonia, presented the distinction, which recognizes companies that develop their activity with a transformative vision, a strong commitment to the environment, and the integration of sustainability as a strategic pillar of their business. Manel Balfegó, co-president of Balfegó Grup, received the award.

[Image caption: Pere and Manel Balfegó accept the award from the Circle of Economy]

The jury highlighted Balfegó's purpose of generating a positive environmental and social impact, as well as its successful trajectory based on traceability, technological innovation, gastronomic excellence, and animal welfare. The award also recognizes the company's intention to go beyond economic results and contribute to building a more responsible future for the food industry.

Upon receiving the award, Manel Balfegó stated that this recognition reaffirms their business model, which harmonizes ambition with responsibility, growth with sustainability, and innovation with tradition. He emphasized the company's commitment to the responsible management of marine resources, total traceability, and scientific research, as well as to society and the environment.

Viciunai Group of Lithuania and Kalaneuvos Oy of Finland, won the top prizes in the 2025 Seafood Excellence Global Awards at Seafood Expo Global, the world’s largest seafood trade event. The winners were selected from a field of 40 finalists and were announced this evening at a special Seafood Excellence Global Awards reception. The competition recognizes the best products exhibited at Seafood Expo Global.

The top award for Best Retail Product was presented to Viciunai Group for its entry, Cold-smoked Atlantic Salmon with Truffles. 

Source: Fish focus l Read the full article here

Total cumulative production of fishmeal and fish oil increased in March 2025 compared to the same period of 2024, according to IFFO, the Marine Ingredients Organization.According to IFFO’s market intelligence – which accumulates data from IFFO members in Chile, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, the Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Norway, U.K., U.S., Peru, South Africa, and Spain – global production is up roughly 29 percent in March 2025 compared to March 2024. 

Author: Chris Chase / SeafoodSource l Read the full article here

Giant trade show Seafood Expo Global / Seafood Processing Global begins in Barcelona today with a host of new countries and regions adding to the already diverse range of exhibitors.

New participating exhibiting countries and regions include Albania, Egypt, Georgia, Malta, Nigeria, Réunion, and Greenland, one of the regions coveted by expansionist United States president Donald Trump.

There are 2,187 exhibiting companies from 87 countries and 69 national and regional pavilions at the Fira Gran Via venue this year

Source: fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here