The Government of Kenya officially opens the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) in Mombasa, marking a historic milestone as it is held on African soil for the first time.

Under the theme "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future," the event convenes global leaders, scientists, and investors to position Africa and the Western Indian Ocean at the center of sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

Over three days, the summit will seek to translate political ambition into measurable actions across six priority areas: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Blue Economy, the Ocean–Climate Nexus, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Security. Since its inception in 2014, this conference has channeled more than 2,900 financial commitments valued at over US$ 169 billion.

The focus of this edition highlights the mobilization of private capital in aquaculture, biotechnology, and renewable energy, promoting co-management models where local communities act as active partners. Furthermore, Kenya will drive regional cooperation against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promote the global 30x30 conservation target.

Bern Aqua, an ADM group company and supplier of hatchery and nursery feeds for fish and shrimp, has become the first aquaculture feed producer in Belgium to achieve Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification.

The certification was awarded to the company’s feed mill in Olen and marks a significant milestone for both Bern Aqua and the wider Belgian aquaculture sector. The achievement reflects growing global demand for greater traceability, responsible sourcing and independently certified feed production across the aquaculture sector.

Source: Worldfishing | Read the full article here

Although the aquaculture industry has good operations and a high level of awareness about marine litter, fish farming equipment is still being lost at sea, according to a new survey conducted by the research organisation Opinion on behalf of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.

The survey is based on interviews with 12 representatives from the aquaculture industry. Eight out of 12 state that they have lost major farming components over the past five years.

The findings show that losses most often occur during demanding operations such as delousing, net changes and maintenance work. 

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

Aquascot, the employee-owned Scottish seafood processor behind Waitrose’s premium Scottish salmon and trout range, has been named Waitrose Own Brand Supplier of the Year 2026.

The award recognises Aquascot’s long-standing commitment to quality, innovation and partnership and marks the first time the Highland-based business has received the honour in more than 30 years of supplying the retailer. Aquascot first started supplying Waitrose in 1993 and has been a permanent dedicated supplier since 2003.

Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

The cross-border initiative, funded by European Interreg POCTEP funds until 2028, will combat the aging workforce by promoting employment, digitalization, and equality in Galicia, Andalusia, and Portugal.

VIGO – Spain and Portugal have launched the European project MUDARPESCA, a strategic cross-border cooperation alliance designed to attract young people to the seafood sector and ensure generational renewal. Co-financed by the Interreg POCTEP 2021-2027 program through the ERDF fund, the initiative will run until February 2028 to revitalize the economies of Galicia, Andalusia, and the Portuguese coast—regions heavily affected by the lack of young labor and a general lack of social awareness regarding maritime professions.

The project, led by the Shipowners Cooperative of the Port of Vigo (ARVI), includes the creation of a digital platform to connect companies with job seekers, awareness campaigns in educational centers, and strategic recommendations for the sustainability of the blue economy. Key stakeholders participating in the consortium include Sinerxia, FOR-MAR, OPP Lonja de Conil, the Xunta de Galicia, the Portuguese DGRM, Docapesca, and FECOPESCA, among other entities.

ASC responds to U.S. Senate Inquiry, highlighting transparent and independent assurance of the ASC Programme. Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has responded to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions (HELP) Committee, outlining the robustness of its certification system, which is built on stringent standards, independent third-party audits, full supply chain traceability, and public transparency to provide credible assurance for certified seafood products. ASC-certified products are available in markets worldwide, including the United States, which is a strongly growing market for ASC, and provide assurance to retailers and consumers that seafood has been produced in accordance with ASC requirements.

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here