IN BRIEF - Starting today fishing vessel owners will be paid within 24 hours: President
MALDIVES
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says as per his pledge starting today the payment of fish catch would be deposited to the fishing vessel owner's accounts within 48 hours.
He made these remarks while addressing the residents of Kaafu Gaafaru today.
The President said the fishing industry is an industry that this government is giving high priority to develop.
Noting that the government owed around MVR 225 million to fish vessel owners when he took office, the President said his administration has now paid these dues. He further indicated that around MVR 100 million has been paid as oil subsidies to the fish vessel owners.
However, the President noted that this was not what he had promised during the Presidential Campaign and that he had pledged to pay the fishermen within 48 hours after they weighed their catch. The President said that despite the backlog of payments, the administration will begin implementing his pledge to the fishermen starting tomorrow.
He also assured that the MVR 38 million for the past 14 days will be handed over to the boat owners today and there will be no backlog.
The President that a vital agreement has been reached between the Finance Ministry, MIFCO, and the Bank of Maldives yesterday that would allow the government to deposit payments to fishing vessels that have bank accounts at the BML within 28 hours.
President Muizzu thanked BML and assured fishing vessels with accounts at the Maldives Islamic Bank that he would find alternative paths for them.
New rules widen access across Spanish fleets but impose a limit of one tuna per vessel per trip or day.
Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has authorised 233 tonnes of bluefin tuna by-catch. Quotas include 67 tonnes for the Bay of Biscay, 64 tonnes for Cádiz ports, 55 tonnes for Mediterranean fleets and 47 tonnes for the Gulf of Cádiz.
Foreign fleets operating beyond Argentina’s EEZ could undermine conservation measures for Illex argentinus.
INIDEP warns that IUU fishing threatens squid sustainability in the Southwest Atlantic. In 2026, more than 250 foreign jiggers operated near Mile 201 and 110 around the Falklands/Malvinas, compared with 84 Argentine vessels.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the nationwide campaign in Kishoreganj, highlighting sustainable production, innovation and the growing economic importance of Bangladesh’s fisheries sector.
DHAKA – Bangladesh will observe National Fisheries Week 2026 from August 16 to 30, under the theme “A self-sufficient country in silver fish, Bangladesh first.”
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally open the event on August 16 at the George Institute Mini Stadium in Katiadi, Kishoreganj, and present the National Fisheries Medal (Gold Medal) to 14 individuals and organizations in 13 categories.
The awards recognize outstanding contributions to fish production, research, technological innovation, extension services, administrative efficiency and entrepreneurship.
Fishing associations appeal the environmental clearance granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate, warning of risks to fisheries and marine ecosystems.
The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has appealed the permit granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate, arguing its mining licence expired in 2013. The industry warns the project could affect key fishing grounds and expose fish stocks to heavy metals.The court also found that the company had not complied with the mandatory provisions requiring it to apply within the one-year period.
The AIR Centre has published a new technical document analyzing diversification in aquaculture—"an issue that is becoming increasingly strategic for Atlantic aquaculture," the Centre notes. Titled *Fostering Aquaculture: New Species vs. Established Species*, the article draws on discussions held during the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum (AAF25) in Terceira, Azores, in November 2025.
The document's central argument is that the choice of aquaculture species is no longer a purely technical decision, as the species a region produces impacts the food security of that area.
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
The aquaculture feed giant BioMar and Multi X, the large Chile salmon production company have launched a joint project to explore how regenerative agriculture can help make salmon production feed solutions more sustainable.
The two organisations say agriculture plays an important role in supplying raw materials to produce feed solutions for the aquaculture value chain. But as climate change and pressure on natural resources create new challenges for food production, improving soil health and strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems are becoming increasingly important to maintaining productive and economically viable supply chains over the long term.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Precautionary measure due to low biomass in the Loligo
The Falkland Islands Fisheries Department confirms that fishing within the Loligo Box will be paused for a period of around two weeks as a precautionary measure due to low Loligo squid biomass.
This decision has been taken following close engagement with the fishing industry and reflects a shared view that a temporary cessation of fishing activity represents the most appropriate course of action. Targeted trawling carried out by the fishing industry, and coordinated by the Department, will take place throughout the Loligo Box on 12 August in order to obtain more information on the distribution of squid throughout the fishing area.
This precautionary approach reflects the Department’s commitment to the long-term stock sustainability and responsible management of the fishery.
The Department will continue to work with industry partners throughout this period and will provide further updates once further information is available.
New projects, rising investment and local feed production are strengthening the Sultanate’s aquaculture industry.
Oman is expanding aquaculture as a key pillar of its fisheries strategy, targeting production of 252,000 tonnes by 2030. Aquaculture output reached 9,240 tonnes in 2025, while total investment stood at RO 349 million. Projects cover shrimp, marine fish, oysters, abalone and algae, alongside local fish-feed production aimed at reducing imports and supporting a more competitive and sustainable seafood industry.
Funding will strengthen production, infrastructure and private investment while supporting food security and new jobs.
The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand aquaculture and poultry production in the Republic of Congo. The programme will improve access to feed, infrastructure, finance and technical assistance, while promoting private investment, employment and food security.
Incident highlights risks of close encounters with large marine mammals
Two Fisheries and Oceans Canada officers were injured during an encounter with a humpback whale off British Columbia. The incident underscores the hazards faced by fisheries personnel working around large marine mammals.
MALDIVES
SPAIN
New rules widen access across Spanish fleets but impose a limit of one tuna per vessel per trip or day.
ARGENTINA.png)
Foreign fleets operating beyond Argentina’s EEZ could undermine conservation measures for Illex argentinus.
BANGLADESH
NAMIBIA.png)
Fishing associations appeal the environmental clearance granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate, warning of risks to fisheries and marine ecosystems.
CAPE VERDE
The AIR Centre has published a new technical document analyzing diversification in aquaculture—"an issue that is becoming increasingly strategic for Atlantic aquaculture," the Centre notes. Titled *Fostering Aquaculture: New Species vs. Established Species*, the article draws on discussions held during the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum (AAF25) in Terceira, Azores, in November 2025.
CHILE
The aquaculture feed giant 
FALKLAND ISLANDS.png)
The Falkland Islands Fisheries Department confirms that fishing within the Loligo Box will be paused for a period of around two weeks as a precautionary measure due to low Loligo squid biomass.
OMAN.png)
CONGO
Funding will strengthen production, infrastructure and private investment while supporting food security and new jobs.
CANADA
Incident highlights risks of close encounters with large marine mammals
