Norway made a debut at this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE) by establishing a national pavilion for the first time, with a focus on enhancing fishery cooperation with China and tapping into the vast potential of the Chinese market.

The pavilion features a wide range of industries, including maritime and energy, health and nutrition, design and lifestyle, food and agriculture, as well as seafood and consumer goods.

At the opening ceremony on Wednesday, Norway's Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, made Chinese dumplings with different types of Norwegian seafood - salmon, mackerel and cold-water prawns - together with a Chinese food internet influencer.

Næss said that the CIIE provides a wonderful opportunity for Norwegian businesses to collaborate with Chinese companies.

With the seafood industry being one of the most important export pillars for the country, Norway aims to contribute to supplying healthy and sustainable seafood to the Chinese market, Næss said.

In line with previously announced plans, Nordic Aqua (Ningbo) Co., Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Nordic Aqua Partners (“Nordic Aqua”) has entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Bank of China.

The agreement is for the for long-term financing of the development and construction of Nordic Aqua’s facility at Gaotang towards an annual harvesting capacity of 20.000 tonnes. Financing is subject to credit approval.

Nordic Aqua Partners is a Nordic land-based Atlantic salmon farming company, using cutting-edge Nordic technology and expertise to set up the first fully integrated and commercially scaled Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) farm for Atlantic salmon located in Ningbo, China. Nordic Aqua Partners is the first local producer of truly sustainable and Super-fresh Atlantic salmon to the Chinese market. The current business plan is for an annual production of 20,000 tonnes HOG. Nordic Aqua Partners AS is listed at Euronext Growth under the ticker NOAP.

Wärtsilä Propulsion Factory Wuxi celebrated its 20th anniversary, commemorating two decades of innovation in marine propulsion.

Over 200 stakeholders, including Wuxi Government officials and Wärtsilä Marine senior leaders led by President Roger Holm, attended the event, which highlighted advancements in decarbonization, thruster technology, and controllable pitch propellers.

A key moment was the signing of a contract between Wärtsilä Propulsion Wuxi, Xiamen Port Shipping Co., and SMERI for the supply of eight steerable thrusters for four new electric tugs, strengthening industry partnerships. Holm emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration for a sustainable maritime future. The anniversary also provided a forum for industry networking, reinforcing Wärtsilä’s commitment to advancing marine propulsion and sustainability.

Whitefish fisheries (pollock, cod, haddock, hake, etc.) lead the market for sustainable seafood products from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). At the end of 2023, almost three-quarters of the world's whitefish catches were linked to the MSC program for sustainable seafood products.

The MSC Sustainable Whitefish Yearbook 2024 highlights that more than 550,000 tonnes of MSC-certified whitefish products were sold worldwide between 2023 and 2024. Most white fish bearing the MSC label is frozen, but there is also chilled fish, surimi, ready-made food and fresh fish for sale in fishmongers or restaurants.

Source: Industrias Pesqueras l Read the full article here

BioMar Chile has attained Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) feed certification for its three production sites located in Ercilla, Pargua, and Castro, marking a milestone in its commitment to sustainable aquaculture practices.

The certification, achieved through a multi-site process, covers feed production for Atlantic salmon, Coho salmon, and trout.

Source: SalmonBusiness l Read the full article here

Positive momentum in the Nordic markets has helped aquaculture technology services group AKVA deliver a bullish set of financial results for the third quarter of this year.

The company said the outlook is good, with salmon prices expected to remain strong driven by reduced supply.

AKVA has reported revenue in Q3 2024 of NOK 1,011m (£71.5m) compared with NOK 817m (£58m) in the same period last year. Adjusted for the gain of NOK 76m related to AKVA’s acquisition of Observe Technologies, the revenue was NOK 936 (£66.2), 14.5% higher compared to Q3 2023.

Source: Fish Farmer l Read the full article here

Seafood organizations and companies had varied reactions to U.S. voters electing Donald Trump as president-elect on 5 November, which will likely have far-reaching impacts on the U.S. and global economy.

The new administration’s proposed policies on tariffs, inflation, and immigration are among the issues likely to impact global seafood trade.

Author: Christine Blank / SeafoodSource l Read the full article here

The herring fishery in Prince William Sound, Alaska, is set to open this week for the first time since 1998 due to an estimated spawning biomass of 35,485 short tons, surpassing the minimum threshold of 22,000 tons.

However, concerns remain as harvesters are struggling to find buyers, with canneries currently closed reports Margaret Bauman for The Cordova times.

Photo usgs.gov ==>

Cordova City Council member and commercial fisher Ken Jones expressed excitement but noted uncertainty about market readiness and local permit ownership. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has established a conservative 500-ton harvest guideline.

Veteran harvester John Renner mentioned potential interest from Trident for bait but no confirmed buyers. This is the fourth consecutive year the biomass has been above the threshold, suggesting possible stock recovery. Fishers remain hopeful for future market opportunities and are also looking at related fisheries, like sea cucumber, to expand prospects.