Hand-dived and low-impact scallops are fast emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional dredged scallops—offering the same exceptional flavour while significantly reducing environmental impact. Across the UK, chefs and restaurateurs are increasingly championing these sustainably sourced shellfish, from diver-harvested scallops in the cold waters of Scotland to innovative LED pot-caught “disco scallops” off the South West coast.

This growing movement reflects a broader shift in the UK seafood industry: a move towards transparency, seasonality and low-impact harvesting methods that protect marine habitats without compromising on quality.

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Registration is now open for the IFFO China Summit 2026, organized by IFFO – The Marine Ingredients Organisation. The event will take place in Shanghai on 10–11 June 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from the global marine ingredients value chain to discuss market trends, regulatory updates, and future opportunities.

The annual summit continues to highlight China’s pivotal role in the aquaculture industry. As both the world’s largest producer and a major consumer of marine ingredients, the country remains central to sector growth.

Maggie Xu, IFFO’s China Director, stated: "We are delighted to welcome the industry back to China for another edition of what has now become an annual event. China continues to play a central role in the global aquaculture sector, both as the world’s largest producer and as a leading user of marine ingredients to support its rapidly developing feed and farming industries. According to OECD-FAO estimates, China is expected to account for 42% of global fishmeal consumption by 2034.”

Athens – Cooke Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire the existing debt of Avramar Aquaculture S.A., Andromeda S.A., Perseus S.A., and Avramar Commercial and Logistics S.A. (collectively, Avramar Greece), a major producer of sea bass and seabream in Greece.

Combined with its prior agreement to purchase equity, Cooke is set to gain operational control of Avramar Greece upon closing.

Founded in 1981, the group has grown into a leading Mediterranean aquaculture company, operating a fully integrated model that includes hatcheries, marine farms, processing and packaging facilities, and feed production. Its sustainability standards are recognized by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

The transaction remains subject to final agreements and customary conditions, with completion expected as soon as possible.

As the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East begins to disrupt European supply chains, the Commission is committed to implementing its strategic alliance with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay as soon as possible. Brussels has announced the provisional application of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, which will enter into force on May 1, after sending a "note verbale" to Paraguay. This was the final procedural step necessary for the provisional application of the agreement with all Mercosur countries that have completed their ratification processes. Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay have already done so, and Paraguay's notification is expected shortly.

Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here

The organisers of Seawork, Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat exhibition, have revealed that this year’s event is expected to inject between £10 million and £13 million into the economies of Southampton, wider Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Taking place in the week commencing 8 June, the programme combines the high-speed vessel and innovation showcase Speed@Seawork in Cowes on 8 June with the flagship three-day Seawork exhibition in Southampton from 9–11 June.

Author: Robert Outram / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here

Chilean salmon farmer Ventisqueros has become the sixth member of the Salmon Council, a trade body that represents companies producing about 60% of the sector’s output.

Ventisqueros, part of German holding company Schörghuber Gruppe, is a vertically integrated company that produces approximately 45,000 tonnes of salmon annually and has more than 1,300 employees. Its harvest volume is split more or less evenly between coho and Atlantic salmon, although it aims for 60% coho by 2030.

Salmon Council executive president Loreto Seguel said: “For Chile, salmon farming is an industry deeply rooted in the southern region and, at the same time, with a strong national identity and a global reach. 

Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

Lawmakers call for transparency after NGO funding report.

A television investigation aired by Televisión Nacional de Chile (TVN) has triggered political reaction in Chile after reporting that Norwegian NGO Norwegian People’s Aid provided funding to Indigenous coastal communities involved in legal processes affecting salmon farming projects.

Those communities have submitted applications under Chile’s ECMPO system, a legal framework created by the so-called Lafkenche Law that allows Indigenous groups to request coastal marine areas for customary use. 

Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here

The amendments allow vessels equipped with RSW tanks (refrigerated seawater systems) to operate in multiple fishing areas during a single voyage. Previously, ships were limited to one area per trip, reducing efficiency and increasing costs.

Key changes:

• Fishing in two or more zones per voyage is now permitted.
• Vessels can operate under permits from different companies within a single trip.

Officials say the new rules provide greater operational flexibility while maintaining strict catch monitoring and control systems, minimizing risks of misuse.

The updated regulations take effect on March 31, 2026.

Authorities state the decision is intended to support fishing businesses and streamline the delivery of chilled fish to onshore processing facilities.

Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries

“The industry is growing, and meeting places are evolving accordingly. We see a need to be present where we can best meet customers, partners and decision-makers,” said Ståle Økland, CCO of AKVA group.

The event’s location near Oslo offers improved access for international employees and customers, while also strengthening ties with media and political stakeholders. According to the company, Global Aqua provides a more strategic platform due to its accessibility and lower overall costs.

As the industry expands, AKVA group plans to showcase key innovations, including deep farming technologies, post-smolt solutions, and digital systems, alongside its focus on sustainability in the future of aquaculture.

According to Japan’s Fisheries Agency, Japanese fishermen will be allowed to catch 2,050 tons of salmon within Japan’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone. In return, Japan will pay between 180 million and 313 million yen (approximately $1.13–1.97 million). The quota remains unchanged from 2025 levels.

Lawmakers in Japan’s upper house of parliament ??????????? ???????? ??????????, noting its role in maintaining stable ties between the two nations.

The agreement reflects long-standing cooperation: joint fishing arrangements between Japan and Russia have been in place since 1984–1985, with annual negotiations determining catch limits. The waters of the Pacific Ocean near Japanese islands are key fishing grounds, as they host salmon migrating from Russian rivers.

The renewed deal ensures continued access for Japanese fisheries while supporting regulated, sustainable use of shared marine resources.