IN BRIEF - MSC responds to allegations of forced labour on certified tuna vessels
UNITED STATES
Friday, September 06, 2024
The MSC ecolabel has responded to accusations of forced labour on certain certified tuna vessels, according to research published on 3 September, which accused it of allowing cases of forced labour, particularly on certified tuna vessels. For its part, MSC rejects these accusations.
In her report published in Nature, entitled “Does tuna ecolabelling do more harm than good for fishermen?”, researcher Katrina Nakamura reveals shortcomings in the MSC’s self-declaration procedures regarding labour on some of the 3,327 tuna vessels certified by the MSC, the world’s most recognised ecolabel for sustainable seafood.
The incriminated vessels are also the subject of an investigation by the International Transport Federation (ITF) inspectorate, which has identified serious abuses ranging from lack of pay, forced labour and untreated workplace injuries. The Taiwanese purse seiner Win Far 636, for example, is the subject of an investigation following the death of an observer who had reported harassment and threats. Other vessels, the Charlotte M, the Svetlana M, the Natalia Victoria, the Dayna S and the Viki K, all registered in the United States, were reported to be in the process of being investigated.
Tilapia prices are showing signs of stabilization across Brazil, though significant regional gaps persist. According to the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea), price differences reached up to US$ 0.25 per kilo between monitored regions during the week of May 4-8, 2026.
Market Highlights:
Northern Paraná: Recorded the highest price at US$ 1.73/kg (R$ 10.47).
Triângulo Mineiro / Alto Paranaíba: Followed closely at US$ 1.69/kg (R$ 10.24), a 0.13% increase.
Grandes Lagos (SP/MS): Averaged US$ 1.67/kg (R$ 10.09), up 0.28%.
Morada Nova de Minas (MG): Noted a slight dip to US$ 1.61/kg (R$ 9.75).
Western Paraná: Maintained the lowest national rate at US$ 1.48/kg (R$ 8.96).
While Western Paraná remains the most affordable hub, the state of Paraná continues to lead the nation in processing and exports. This stability marks a shift away from the high volatility seen in recent fish farming cycles.
The blue whiting season for Síldarvinnslan vessels has officially come to a close following a period of highly productive fishing.
The season’s end was marked this morning as Beitir NK (pictured) arrived in the port of Neskaupstaður carrying 2,720 tons of catch from Faroese jurisdiction. This follows successful landings earlier this week by Barði NK, which brought in 2,100 tons on Tuesday, and Börkur NK, which landed 3,200 tons on Wednesday.
Captain Þorkell Pétursson of Barði NK noted that fishing in the Ræsin separation area near Færeyjabanki was excellent, with hauls taken in six to eleven hours. Similarly, Captain Hjörvar Hjálmarsson of Börkur NK reported a swift trip, filling the ship in less than three days with hauls ranging from 360 to 580 tons.
While Captain Ólafur Gunnar Guðnason of Beitir NK observed that the fish began to disperse and move north toward the Rósagarður area in Icelandic jurisdiction at the end of the run, the overall sentiment remains high. Despite a slight dip in density during the final days, crews remain very satisfied with the robust volumes achieved throughout the season.
In a landmark moment for private maritime enterprise, China’s first privately funded scientific research vessel, the Haiying Jiake, was officially launched on Tuesday in Songmen town, Wenling, located in Zhejiang province.
Breaking away from the traditional model of state-sponsored oceanography, the project was financed by a dedicated group of 37 local fishermen. The ambitious venture required a total investment of approximately 150 million yuan ($21.9 million).
The Haiying Jiake is a formidable addition to the nation's fleet, boasting the following specifications:
Length:82 meters
Operational Range:10,000 nautical miles
Purpose: Designed for multidisciplinary research in open waters.
The launch signifies a growing trend of private capital fueling scientific advancement. By providing a platform for complex oceanic studies, these Zhejiang entrepreneurs are bridging the gap between industry and academia, ensuring China's maritime exploration continues to expand into deeper horizons.
Europêche Warns of Tariff Exemption Because It Sees It “Is Impossible to Guarantee Traceability and Compliance with Health Standards”
The European fishing industry association Europêche has just reiterated to the European Commission's Directorates-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE) its “deep concern” about the elimination of tariffs foreseen in the draft free trade agreement between the EU and Indonesia, “the world's leading tuna producer.”
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
In response to the persistent price volatility that continues to affect shrimp producers worldwide, Nutreco has significantly expanded its Eruvaka smart aquaculture ecosystem, now present in 12 countries. This expansion helps shrimp farmers implement smart solutions to increase productivity and reduce risk at a commercial scale.
Three years after acquiring full ownership of the Indian company, as Nutreco points out, “Eruvaka has evolved from a technology provider to a globally integrated platform that now manages approximately 20,000 harvests per year. More than 45,000 hectares of shrimp ponds are managed and monitored through connected systems, with over 60,000 smart feeding devices in operation.”
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
Lice laser pioneer Stingray Marine Solutions said it has completed construction of its second factory in Norway, adjacent to its existing plant.
The building will help the company further increase production to meet demand from “several large aquaculture customers”, said co-founder and CEO John Arne Breivik in a LinkedIn post.
Stingray’s technology removes salmon lice using cameras, advanced software, and a targeted laser which is controlled by artificial intelligence.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
A fishing port in Torbay has seen sales more than double in the past five years with the "upward trajectory" showing "no signs of slowing", a report has found.
Due to its success of sales rising from £36.8m in 2020 to £77.7m in 2025, Brixham's fishing port could be extended with new buildings if approved by Torbay Council's cabinet on 12 May.
The council is expected to approve the next stages of plans to extend buildings at Oxen Cove for the Brixham Port Infrastructure Project
Author: Guy Henderson / BBC | Read the full article here
The government of Canada has approved the import of disease-resistant oyster broodstock from the United States, as part of a package of emergency measures to save the oyster industry in Prince Edward Island (PEI).
Farmers in PEI have been facing a double threat from two diseases, first detected in the region in 2024, which have led to high mortality rates in oysters and substantial losses for the entire sector.
Multinucleated Sphere Unknown (MSX) and Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) pose no risks to human health or food safety, but they can cause decreased growth rates and increased oyster mortality.
Author: Robert Outram / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
The iconic ice fishing trawler Gullver NS has officially been sold and renamed Elisabeth H. According to the Icelandic Herring Processing Company (Síldarvinnslan), the vessel’s new home port is Banjul, the capital of Gambia. The new owner, a Norwegian national, renamed the ship after his daughter.
Built in Flekkefjord, Norway, in 1983, the 674-gross-ton vessel is powered by a 1,770 horsepower MAK engine. It arrived in Seyðisfjörður on July 12, 1983, originally owned by Gullberg hf. Síldarvinnslan acquired the company in 2014, maintaining the ship’s operations for over 40 years.
Chief Engineer Gunnlaugur Hafsteinsson, who served on the vessel since 1987, shared highlights of its rugged past:
The 1994 "Smugutúr": The crew survived winds over 20 meters per second and temperatures of -18°C, which encased the ship in a solid block of ice.
The sale follows Síldarvinnslan’s decision to replace Gullver NS and Jóhanna Gísladóttir GK with the trawler Birtingur NK. Elisabeth H was recently prepared for its new journey.
The German group has submitted a non-binding offer for the GNYK shipyard, putting it in competition with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems amidst the European rearmament.
The German defense giant Rheinmetall has submitted a non-binding offer for German Naval Yards Kiel, a shipyard specializing in military construction and currently part of the French CMN Naval Group. The operation, first reported by Reuters, opens a new industrial battle in Germany and reflects the growing interest of the arms sector in the naval business in a context of increased defense spending in Europe.
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The incriminated vessels are also the subject of an investigation by the International Transport Federation (ITF) inspectorate, which has identified serious abuses ranging from lack of pay, forced labour and untreated workplace injuries. The Taiwanese purse seiner Win Far 636, for example, is the subject of an investigation following the death of an observer who had reported harassment and threats. Other vessels, the Charlotte M, the Svetlana M, the Natalia Victoria, the Dayna S and the Viki K, all registered in the United States, were reported to be in the process of being investigated.
BRAZIL
ICELAND
CHINA
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Europêche
NETHERLANDS
In response to the persistent price volatility that continues to affect shrimp producers worldwide, 
NORWAY
Lice laser pioneer
UNITED KINGDOM
A fishing port in Torbay has seen sales more than double in the past five years with the "upward trajectory" showing "no signs of slowing", a report has found.
CANADA
The government of Canada has approved the import of disease-resistant oyster broodstock from the United States, as part of a package of emergency measures to save the oyster industry in Prince Edward Island (PEI)..jpeg)
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