Franchise Business Incubation Co., Ltd., a company dedicated to supporting franchise operations, is excited to announce the opening of its newest eel specialty restaurant, "Unagi no Naruse Fukai Branch," on February 1st. Embracing the concept of "Fill your belly with delicious eel!", the restaurant operates under an owner-operated system and aims to provide a satisfying dining experience for all.

Since its inception, Unagi no Naruse has offered its signature unaju (eel rice bowl) in three portion sizes. Starting August 10, 2024, the restaurant will introduce three new price points for the same portion sizes, making it even more accessible to a wider audience.

Unagi no Naruse is designed to be a welcoming eel specialty restaurant for everyone, regardless of age or gender. Driven by the mission to make the beloved Japanese dish unagi-ju more accessible, the company opened its first location, Unagi no Naruse Yokohama, in September 2022. Since then, the brand has expanded rapidly, operating multiple stores since February 2023 and now boasting over 340 locations nationwide.

In response to rising prices, Unagi no Naruse Fukai Branch is committed to offering high-quality, delicious eel at affordable prices. By systematizing in-store operations and optimizing opening hours to reduce labor costs, the restaurant ensures that customers can enjoy premium eel without breaking the bank.

The company invites everyone to visit the new Fukai Branch and experience the rich flavors of its eel dishes.

Argentina this week launched a month long cruise assessment of the sub-Patagonic squid, Illex Argentinus, on board the Ocean Fisheries Research Vessel, Victor Angelescu. The area of research will extend between parallels 46 and 51 degrees south.

Scientists and marine biologists will try to confirm the distribution and concentration areas of the sub-Patagonic stock along the Patagonia sea shelf and trench along a band at 100/500 isobaths. The biomass and abundance will be checked by the sweeping method, as well as determining distribution and abundance linked to summer spawning.

Biological samples of squid will be analyzed to help determine environment parameters of temperature and salinity, for an oceanographic diagnosis of the researched area, helping to estimate abundance and distribution of summer stocks.

Finally the Argentine National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development, INIDEP, based in Mar del Plata, points out the significance of this week’s scientific cruise, the first of which was accomplished back in 1994.

Source: MercoPress

China’s oyster imports softened significantly in 2024, particularly hurting the nation’s key supplier: France.

Official customs data shows China imported 1,570 metric tons (MT) of oysters last year, down on the 2,090 MT imported the year before and down even more than the 2,130 MT China bought in 2022.

France saw its shipments fall from 1,240 tons exported in 2023 to 909 MT last year. 

Author: Mark Godfrey / SeafoodSource l Read the full article here

Salmon is London Heathrow’s single biggest export by volume. Salmon Scotland comment on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

“According to the most recent study, from Frontier Economics, a third runway could increase potential GDP by 0.43% by 2050. Over half – 60% of that boost – would go to areas outside of London and the south-east, including increasing trade opportunities for products like Scotch whisky and Scottish salmon, already two of the biggest British exports out of Heathrow.”

Source: Fish Focus l Read the full article here

Mowi has entered into an agreement with Vigner Olaisen AS to purchase its shares in Nova Sea AS. This will increase Mowi's ownership in the company from 49% to 95%.

Mowi, which is already the world's biggest salmon farmer, will then make a voluntary offer to the remaining shareholders, the company stated in a press release today.

Nova Sea is engaged in salmon farming in production area 8 in Northern Norway and covers the entire value chain from broodstock and smolt production to harvest and sales. The company expects to harvest 52,000 tonnes of salmon in 2025.

Source: fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

Seawork, Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat exhibition, has announced a new feature for its 2025 edition – a third hall, dedicated to associations in the marine sector.

The organisers, Mercator Media, said the new Associations Hall represents part of its ongoing growth and commitment to fostering industry collaboration.

Seawork 2025 takes place over 10-12 June in Southampton, on England’s south coast.

Building on the success of previous years, the expanded Hall 3 will become a dynamic Association Zone, welcoming both long-term supporters and first-time exhibitors.

Source: Fish Farmer l  Read the full article here

The Analytical Center of the Fish Union has published a detailed report titled "Russian-Chinese Trade in Fish and Seafood: Results of 2024."

Key Highlights

Export Performance

In 2024, Russia's fish and seafood exports to China experienced a 13% decline in volume, amounting to 1.1 million tons, and a 5% drop in value, totaling $2.7 billion. Despite these setbacks, the year showcased several promising trends:

1. Growth in Higher-Processed Pollock Products:

   • Exports of pollock fillet and surimi have increased as Russia continues to solidify its competitive position in China, rivaling the United States.

2. Premium Product Expansion:

   • Improved logistics have boosted the export of live crabs, a high-demand premium item.

3. Shift in Herring Exports:

   • The decline in Pacific herring exports aligns with rising domestic production and consumption of herring fillets, which are increasingly sought after in Russia's local market.

The slight decline in frozen fish exports is attributed to the non-salmon year of 2024, a cyclical phenomenon affecting catch volumes.

Import Performance

Conversely, Russian imports of fish and seafood from China rose sharply:

• 66% increase in weight, reaching 84,000 tons
• 57% increase in value, totaling $406 million

Imports primarily consisted of fish fillets and processed seafood for species less abundant or declining in Russian waters, such as:

• Tuna, Tilapia, Halibut, Eel, and Vannamei Shrimp

This growing trade relationship underscores ongoing market diversification and shifting preferences in both nations' seafood sectors.