Professionals from traditional fishmongers, represented by Fedepesca, denounce the “ongoing media harassment” surrounding fish and aquaculture products. They are doing so now, after the Christmas season, a particularly sensitive time when, they point out, “there were countless news reports about anisakis, antibiotics, and other well-known and controlled risks for which health authorities have issued simple recommendations to the public,” making them completely safe.

These alarmist reports, “lacking any journalistic rigor or respect for those who work in the sector”—and which occur not only during the Christmas season but also during periods of low news coverage—only succeed, the fish retailers lament, in creating unfounded distrust that drives consumers away from products essential to a healthy diet

Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here

A Scottish fishery that plays a major part in sustaining a whole island community has been certified to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Standard for sustainable fishing for a third time, securing a prosperous future for the shellfish fishermen of the Shetland Islands and the surrounding marine environment.

The good news about the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation (SSMO) brown crab and scallop fishery’s MSC recertification extends to consumers too, as the scallops are widely available across the UK in branches of Waitrose and Whole Foods.

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Icelandic salmon farmer Kaldvik has issued a profit warning, citing weaker prospects for the first quarter of 2026 following early harvesting and a decline in salmon prices.

In a statement released on Friday, the company said several factors since its third-quarter presentation had negatively affected its outlook. As a result, Kaldvik said it may be at risk of breaching one or more financial covenants under its senior loan facility during the first quarter or later in 2026.

Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here

Norwegian salmon farmer SalMar has been included in the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable companies, published in connection with the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The Global 100 ranking is compiled by analysis and media company Corporate Knights and assesses sustainability performance across all industries.

In the 2026 edition, 8,229 companies were analysed, with the top 100 qualifying for inclusion.SalMar said it was the highest-ranked Norwegian company on this year’s list and also ranked top globally within food and beverage production.

Source: Fish Farmer | Read the full article here

The Supreme Council for Environment of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China have signed an implementing agreement to enhance cooperation in aquaculture, fish farming and fisheries.

The agreement falls under the fifth phase of the technical cooperation programme between the two countries and aims to strengthen collaboration in environmental protection, food security and sustainable development.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs. The signing ceremony was attended by Ni Ruchi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bahrain, who conveyed the agreement signed on behalf of China by Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.

Dr. Bin Daina said the agreement supports Bahrain’s national priorities to enhance food security and develop fisheries resources, highlighting the depth of strategic relations between the two countries. He noted that the project seeks to advance Bahrain’s aquaculture sector through an integrated facility using modern technologies, promoting technology transfer, capacity building and environmental sustainability.

Ambassador Ni Ruchi said the agreement represents a significant step in bilateral cooperation, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting the project through technical expertise and advanced technologies.

Source: BNA (R)

Bakkafrost has been included in the Corporate Knights 2026 Global 100, the annual ranking of the world’s most sustainable companies. The company is ranked 83rd globally and second within the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Group.

The Global 100 list is compiled by research and media company Corporate Knights and was published on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos. The ranking evaluates publicly traded companies with revenues exceeding US$1 billion, based on measurable sustainability performance linked to products and services.

Bakkafrost’s inclusion reflects continued, organisation-wide efforts to strengthen sustainability across its operations and value chain. The recognition aligns with the company’s strategy of meeting high international standards for sustainability and transparency, focusing on responsible resource use, minimising environmental impact, respecting people, and creating long-term value for stakeholders and society.

Recently, the Qushan ship of the First Bureau of the China Coast Guard seized two fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing within its jurisdictional waters.

The vessels were carrying nearly 6,800 boxes of fish, totaling over 50 tons. Neither vessel was operating within its designated fishing area, and both had deliberately altered their hull numbers, raising suspicion of illegal fishing activities.

Subsequently, the bureau seized two additional fishing vessels in the same jurisdictional waters, confiscating 2,000 boxes of fish, weighing approximately 4 tons, on site. Neither vessel was fishing within its designated operating area, and both were using nets inconsistent with approved fishing methods. Furthermore, the original hull numbers on both vessels had been painted over with black paint, further indicating suspected illegal fishing.

At present, both cases are under further investigation.

Source: Huanqiu News

Shetland’s whitefish fleet has received a welcome boost, with nine young men joining crews over the past year despite ongoing pressure from swingeing quota cuts.

Hailing from communities across the isles, the new recruits are gaining experience at sea while looking ahead to long-term careers in the industry, with several already aspiring to become skippers. Their stories feature in the Shetland Fishermen Yearbook 2026, which highlights a renewed sense of optimism within the sector.

Shetland Fishermen’s Association executive officer Sheila Keith said the influx showed the resilience of the local fishing community. “Despite mounting pressures on fisheries, there’s a growing interest among young people in joining the industry. It’s a reminder that the spirit of Shetland’s fishing community remains strong and worth fighting for.”

Among the recruits is 16-year-old Geordie Nicolson of Aith, who joined the Arcturus shortly after leaving school and hopes to work towards his skipper’s ticket. Fellow Aith school leaver Josh Duncan, also 16, has taken up a berth on the Venture with similar ambitions.

Others include Sonny Anderson, 18, fishing aboard the Alison Kay under his father’s command, and Eli Gadsby, 16, who joined the Copious after approaching the skipper directly. Several more young crew member

A Galician trawler, flying the Spanish flag and based in the port of Vigo, has found the body of a man caught in its fishing gear while operating in international waters off Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to sources in the sector consulted by Europa Press, the discovery was made on Wednesday, when the crew hauled in the net and found the lifeless body, which may belong to a man of Chinese origin.

A large number of vessels are currently operating in the area, including several Galician boats, although most are Chinese squid jiggers, engaged in squid fishing.

Sources from the Galician Regional Ministry of the Sea (Consellería do Mar) told Europa Press that, for the time being, the vessel continues fishing in the area and is awaiting authorization to transfer the body, in accordance with established protocols.