IN BRIEF - Presentation of the CHONOS Initiative at the Ocean EDITO 2024 Digital Forum, Brussels 2024
BELGIUM
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Brussels - During the Ocean EDITO 2024 Digital Forum, Elías Pinilla, researcher at the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP), presented the innovative CHONOS Initiative, a program whose central objective is the sustainable management of the coasts in the Chilean Patagonia region, through ocean observations and simulations.
Presentation of the CHONOS Initiative at the Ocean EDITO 2024 Digital Forum, Brussels 2024.
Aligned with the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development, the European Digital Twin Ocean (EU DTO) is a multidimensional virtual representation of the ocean. It combines marine observations, artificial intelligence, and ocean models operating on high-performance computers. This flagship initiative of the European Commission, co-developed by Mercator Ocean International and the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), was presented at the Digital Ocean Forum 2024, offering new capabilities for marine data exploration and decision-making. The forum brought together experts and representatives of mainly European initiatives, which makes the presence of IFOP's CHONOS especially relevant as an outstanding example of 'Digital Ocean' applied to the complexity of the channels and fjords of Patagonia.
The introduction of CHONOS and the discussion forums is a significant recognition, as it positions IFOP on the global map of advanced science-based ocean research and management.
Jakarta's largest recent investment push for its fleet aims to increase productivity, strengthen the cold chain, and create up to 600,000 jobs, all while keeping the blue economy agenda in mind.
Indonesia has launched an ambitious program to build 1,582 new fishing vessels starting in 2026, a significant undertaking that the government links to coastal modernization, food security, and shipbuilding reindustrialization. The plan—to be rolled out gradually until 2028—has the backing of the United Kingdom within a framework of bilateral maritime cooperation, according to Indonesian officials and international trade media.
According to the United Nations, the world produces 430 million tons of plastic annually, much of which has a short lifespan, generating negative consequences for ecosystems.
The Director of the Environment, Climate Change, and Oceans Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Julio Cordano, was elected today in Switzerland as the new president of the negotiation process for the international agreement on plastic pollution. The Undersecretary of the Environment, Maximiliano Proaño, also participated in the meeting.
Source: MundoAcuicola | Read the full article here
With the latest development, reduction fisheries producing fishmeal and fish oil for aquaculture feed and engaged in the Improvement Program are now included within ASC’s sustainability ladder for marine ingredients.
Salmon producer Scottish Sea Farms has won planning permission for a proposed 6,000-tonne site off the east coast on Mainland, Shetland.
Shetland Island Council gave the go-ahead for the Fish Holm site yesterday.
Approval of SSF’s application had been delayed by an objection from Scottish Government agency NatureScot, which expressed concern that developing the farm would have a significant effect on three bird species: the great northern diver (non-breeding), red-throated diver (breeding), and Slavonian grebe (non-breeding).
Author: Gareth Moore / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
Seafood industry investment firm Highwood Harbor has acquired Eastern Fish Company for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition adds to Highwood Harbor’s growing portfolio of seafood companies, which includes Eddie M’s, Nova Seafood, and JBR Maine LLC. Those companies have also acquired other companies in recent years, including Eddie M’s acquisition of American Fish and Seafood in 2023 and its acquisition of Morey’s Seafood International’s distribution business in 2022.
Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.A.-based Eastern Fish was founded in 1974 and imports and markets a range of seafood products – including shrimp, scallops, crab, salmon, and more to retailers, foodservice operators, and distributors.
Author: Chris Chase / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here
Raúl Gil, executive vice president of the Italian firm, highlights that this operation allows his company to benefit from the experience of more than 350 experts in underwater prospecting and preparation, three specialized vessels, and essential equipment, such as unmanned underwater robots.
The Italian firm Prysmian has completed the acquisition of ACSM, a Vigo-based company specializing in solutions for submarine cable installation, route planning, and seabed preparation, for €169 million. The Galician firm was responsible for locating and inspecting the wreck of the Villa de Pitanxo, which sank off Newfoundland in February 2022.
Source: EFE / Faro de Vigo | Read the full article here
A new technical document from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), prepared jointly with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warns of food fraud in fisheries and aquaculture products, which it defines as “a global and widespread phenomenon” with implications ranging from consumer finances and health to ocean sustainability, as well as the loss of profitability for companies that, while operating legally, have to compete with fraudulent practices.
Source: iPac.aquacultura | Read the full article here
ALDI Ireland has been named Irish Supermarket of the Year by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the world’s most recognised ecolabel for sustainable seafood, in the first year this award has been presented by the MSC in Ireland.
The prestigious win is in recognition of the supermarket’s sustainability credentials as it leads the way for the most own-brand products sold with the blue MSC ecolabel. The variety across the sector is expanding every year, according to the recently released MSC UK & Ireland Market Report 2025.
The Norwegian land-based fish farmer Gigante Salmon last night raised NOK 360 million (around £27m) in new shares, the Oslo Stock Market reports.
The amount is higher than the NOK 322.5 million (£24m) it said earlier in the day that it planned to raise.
Gigante Salmon said the funds raised will be used for the next phase of the land-based aquaculture company’s growth, including necessary and strategic improvements to the facility on Rødøy.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
IFFO – The Marine Ingredients Organisation will hold its 2026 Members’ Meeting in Madrid from 27 to 29 April, marking the second consecutive year the event takes place in the Spanish capital.
The three-day meeting is expected to bring together participants from across the global marine ingredients value chain to discuss market developments, sustainability frameworks, innovation, and supply dynamics.
According to IFFO, the programme will include presentations from 18 speakers covering fisheries, market outlooks, regulation, and technological developments, alongside two side events organised in partnership with Global Seafood Alliance and MarinTrust.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
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Jakarta's largest recent investment push for its fleet aims to increase productivity, strengthen the cold chain, and create up to 600,000 jobs, all while keeping the blue economy agenda in mind.
CHILE
According to the United Nations, the world produces 430 million tons of plastic annually, much of which has a short lifespan, generating negative consequences for ecosystems.
WORLDWIDE
Fisheries participating in the 
UNITED KINGDOM
Shetland Island Council gave the go-ahead for the Fish Holm site yesterday.
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The acquisition adds to Highwood Harbor’s growing portfolio of seafood companies, which includes Eddie M’s, Nova Seafood, and JBR Maine LLC. Those companies have also acquired other companies in recent years, including Eddie M’s acquisition of American Fish and Seafood in 2023 and its acquisition of Morey’s Seafood International’s distribution business in 2022.
SPAIN
Raúl Gil, executive vice president of the Italian firm, highlights that this operation allows his company to benefit from the experience of more than 350 experts in underwater prospecting and preparation, three specialized vessels, and essential equipment, such as unmanned underwater robots..png)
A new technical document from the 
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
ALDI 
NORWAY
The Norwegian land-based fish farmer .png)
The three-day meeting is expected to bring together participants from across the global marine ingredients value chain to discuss market developments, sustainability frameworks, innovation, and supply dynamics.
