IN BRIEF - South Korea's Frozen Alaska Pollack Milt Imports in October: Volume Rises, Value Drops
SOUTH KOREA
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
In October 2024, South Korea’s imports of frozen Alaska pollack milt increased in volume but experienced a decline in value.
According to customs data, the country imported 154 tons of frozen pollack milt during the month, a 15% rise from the 134 tons imported in October 2023. However, cumulative imports from January to October totaled 9,691 tons, representing a 4% decrease compared to the 10,117 tons imported during the same period in 2023. These imports accounted for 1.3% of South Korea’s total seafood imports, which stood at 732,192 tons.
Russia maintained its position as the dominant supplier, contributing 95% of the imports (9,235 tons), while the remaining 456 tons were sourced from the United States. Import prices were comparable, with Russian products priced at USD 2.30/kg and American products at USD 2.29/kg.
Despite the increased volume, the overall value of imports declined sharply. The import value for October amounted to USD 320,000, a 25% drop from USD 430,000 recorded in October 2023. For the January-to-October period, the cumulative value reached USD 22.3 million, marking a steep 35% decrease compared to USD 34.29 million in 2023. The average import price for frozen pollack milt stood at USD 2.30/kg, a notable 32% reduction from the previous year’s USD 3.39/kg.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, met with the board of the Abu Dhabi Fishermen’s Cooperative Society (ADFCS) at Al Nakheel Palace to review a transformative strategy for the maritime sector.
Abu Dhabi –Led by Chairman Saif Saif Ghanem Saif Al Suwaidi, the ADFCS presented a roadmap designed to align with the UAE’s national food security goals. The strategy prioritizes the empowerment of local fishermen and the enhancement of supply chain efficiency to boost the competitiveness of Emirati produce.
Strategic Highlights:
Regional Expansion: Scaling operations across Al Dhafra, specifically in Al Mirfa, Delma Island, and Al Sila.
Infrastructure: Developing advanced post-harvest services and cold storage to reduce waste.
Sustainability: Implementing marine preservation protocols and stock monitoring.
Talent Development: Launching specialized programs to attract and train Emirati talent in the profession.
A landmark partnership has been solidified between Cameroon and Morocco to revolutionize their maritime and aquaculture sectors.
Signed during the 18th International Agriculture Show in Morocco (SIAM), the new framework agreement aims to bolster food security and combat illegal fishing across the region.
The deal was finalized by Morocco’s Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, and Cameroon’s Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. Taïga, alongside Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari.
Key Pillars of the Agreement:
Scientific Research: Sharing data on stock monitoring and preservation.
Aquaculture Expansion: Reducing reliance on wild catches through technical support for fish farming.
Security: Strengthening surveillance to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Economic Growth: Enhancing seafood processing, marketing, and cold storage logistics.
“This agreement provides the legal framework to deepen our technical cooperation,” stated Dr. Taïga, noting that Cameroon will specifically leverage Moroccan expertise in maritime surveillance. A joint commission will be established to monitor the implementation of these projects, ensuring the "blue economy" remains a sustainable driver for regional jobs.
On April 28, 2026, the Vietnam Fisheries Society and the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance officially opened VINAFIS EXPO 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC).
This landmark event is the first to cover the entire fisheries value chain, from aquaculture to global distribution.
The expo features over 200 booths, with 40% of exhibitors hailing from international markets including Japan, Thailand, China, and the Republic of Korea. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien highlighted that Vietnam currently ranks third globally in fisheries exports, trailing only China and Norway, with a reach spanning 170 countries.
With a 3,260km coastline and 1.3 million hectares of aquaculture—including 747,400ha dedicated to shrimp—the sector is a vital economic pillar. Running until April 30, the event includes scientific seminars and the VINAFIS AWARD to honor industry excellence. The expo underscores Vietnam's commitment to green, circular development and high-tech integration to overcome climate and market challenges.
Japan’s seafood industry has achieved a remarkable turnaround following the August 2023 import ban imposed by China. According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), overseas shipments have "almost returned to normal levels," signaling a successful strategic pivot.
Record-Breaking Growth
Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reveals that in 2025, total exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products reached 1.7005 trillion yen (approx. $11.12 billion). Specific highlights include:
Total Seafood Exports:423.1 billion yen (approx. $2.77 billion).
Growth Rate: A 17.2% year-on-year increase.
New Milestone: This surpasses the previous 2023 record of 390.1 billion yen (approx. $2.55 billion).
Navigating the Ban
The recovery follows a difficult 2024, where exports dipped to 360.9 billion yen (approx. $2.36 billion) due to China’s reaction to the Fukushima treated wastewater release. By shifting focus toward the United States, Southeast Asia, and Europe, Japanese firms have effectively diversified their market presence and mitigated the impact of the Chinese market gap.
The production of Chilean mussels (Mytilus chilensis) in the Los Lagos Region is an economic pillar currently facing the challenge of fouling.
During the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 seasons, mussel farmers reported an unusual presence of the "skeleton shrimp," an amphipod that competes for substrate on seed collectors.
In February 2026, researchers from IFOP Puerto Montt analyzed samples from the Reloncaví Sound. Researcher Macarena Herrera led the diversity study, while morphological analysis by Sandra Silva identified the specimens as Caprella mutica, a species known for its high colonization capacity.
The identity was molecularly validated at the Austral OMICS laboratory of the Austral University of Chile, using COI and 18S genetic markers, with support from biochemist Dennis Cisternas. This finding in Southern Chile necessitates a rethink of monitoring and management strategies to protect seed collection from competing species.
Changes to the fuel price stabilization mechanism open a new cost scenario for aquaculture, straining competitiveness and redefining its operations.
The recent change in fuel policy implemented by the government of President José Antonio Kast has opened a new scenario for energy-intensive sectors, such as salmon farming. The modification of the Fuel Price Stabilization Mechanism (MEPCO), as stated by the authorities, seeks to more quickly align domestic fuel prices and reduce the tax burden associated with the system.
The National Energy Commission indicates that MEPCO was created by Law No. 20,765, published on July 9, 2014, with the purpose of stabilizing the domestic retail prices of fuels included in Law No. 18,502. In general terms, it operated through increases and decreases in specific taxes, via a variable component—positive or negative—that was added to the base component for fuels such as gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas.
Anchovy fishing will not resume on the north-central coast of Peru until May 3, following the Ministry of Production's decision to temporarily suspend fishing activity for the first season of the year for a period of ten calendar days. The measure, which came into effect on April 24, aims to preserve the biomass and ensure the sustainability of the resource, in line with the recommendations of the Peruvian Marine Institute (IMARPE). Specifically, it seeks to guarantee spawning, prevent the capture of undersized specimens, and preserve and protect the development of the biomass and the sustainability of the aquatic resource.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
BioMar is expanding its research and development activities at its Aquaculture Technology Centre (ATC) in Hirtshals, Denmark, to support the introduction of new species into its global portfolio.
As the company grows into new markets, the need for targeted scientific research on key species such as yellowtail kingfish and barramundi is increasing, strengthening BioMar’s ability to deliver species-specific nutritional solutions worldwide. Expanding into new regions requires a deeper understanding of species-specific requirements, feeding strategies, and performance under different farming conditions.
Source: The Fish Site | Read the full article here
The World Aquaculture Society has issued a call for abstracts from people wishing to make presentations at its annual conference, which is being held in Tanzania in December.
World Aquaculture 2026 Tanzania (WA26T) is being run in conjunction with the fifth Annual International Conference and Exposition of the African Chapter of theWorld Aquaculture Society(AFRAQ2026).
The dates for the combined events are December 1-4, and the venue is the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, East Africa’s fastest growing city with a population of more than 4 million inhabitants.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
There has been an unexpected change of leadership from father to son at the Norwegian land based company Gigante Salmon.
Kjell Lorentsen, founder of the business, has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer while his son Kristian Lorentsen who has also been involved in the development of Gigante Salmon since the start, will take his place.
Gigante, which operates a land-based salmon farm on the Norwegian coast, in the Nordland region, announced earlier this month that it is now in the commercial stage of production.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
SOUTH KOREA
According to customs data, the country imported 154 tons of frozen pollack milt during the month, a 15% rise from the 134 tons imported in October 2023. However, cumulative imports from January to October totaled 9,691 tons, representing a 4% decrease compared to the 10,117 tons imported during the same period in 2023. These imports accounted for 1.3% of South Korea’s total seafood imports, which stood at 732,192 tons..png)
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
MOROCCO
VIET NAM
JAPAN
CHILE.png)
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The recent change in fuel policy implemented by the government of President José Antonio Kast has opened a new scenario for energy-intensive sectors, such as salmon farming. The modification of the Fuel Price Stabilization Mechanism (MEPCO), as stated by the authorities, seeks to more quickly align domestic fuel prices and reduce the tax burden associated with the system.
PERU.png)
The measure will be in effect until May 3
DENMARK.png)
BioMar is expanding its research and development activities at its Aquaculture Technology Centre (ATC) in Hirtshals, Denmark, to support the introduction of new species into its global portfolio. 
TANZANIA.png)
World Aquaculture 2026 Tanzania (WA26T) is being run in conjunction with the fifth Annual International Conference and Exposition of the African Chapter of the 
NORWAY
There has been an unexpected change of leadership from father to son at the Norwegian land based company 
