IN BRIEF - Genetic Divide in Icelandic Shrimp Revealed: Inshore vs. Offshore Populations
ICELAND
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
New research uncovers distinct genetic stratification between shallow-water and northern shrimp, with temperature linked to diversity in offshore populations.
A recently published article details the genetic stratification observed between inshore shrimp (common in shallower waters) and offshore shrimp (northern shrimp, Pandalus borealis) populations in northern Iceland. The study analyzed reduced representative genome sequence data from shrimp samples collected across three key areas: Arnarfjörður bay in the Northwest, Skjálfandi bay in the North, and extending offshore to Kolbeinsey island, located approximately 100 kilometers off Iceland's northern coast. [Click here to read the article]
The research revealed minimal genetic differentiation within the inshore shrimp populations. However, a clear genetic gradient was identified when comparing inshore and offshore shrimp. Notably, the study also indicated a significant aggregation of inshore shrimp outside of Skjálfandi bay.
Previous research has shown limited genetic diversity in northern shrimp despite their extensive boreal distribution. In contrast, this new study uncovered a strong correlation between bottom sea temperature and the identified genetic variation across the offshore samples collected from Skjálfandi bay to Kolbeinsey island.
MIAMI (AP) — A vessel linked to anti-whaling activist Paul Watson collided with a krill trawler in Antarctica, escalating tensions over fishing in the Southern Ocean.
Photo: Aker Qrill Company via AP
Footage released by Aker QRILL Company shows the M/V Bandero, operated by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, striking the stern of the Norwegian-flagged Antarctic Sea on Tuesday. The company called it a “deliberate attack”, warning it came within centimeters of a diesel tank, risking environmental disaster.
Krill, a tiny crustacean vital to whales, seals, and seabirds, is increasingly targeted for supplements and fishmeal, fueling conflict in the fragile region.
Aker said its multinational crew was unharmed but shaken and vowed legal action. CEO Webjørn Barstad stated: “Only luck avoided potential environmental damage.”
The foundation did not respond to AP but described its actions as “aggressive nonviolence.” Led by Lamya Essemlali, activists claimed a five-hour intervention disrupted krill fishing and deployed net-shredding devices.
The champagne corks will not be popping open among Norway’s salmon farmers this Easter.
Fresh salmon prices failed to stage a late holiday rally, and in fact dropped for the second week in succession.
According to the monitoring organisation Statistics Norway prices fell by 4.1% to NOK 90.55 per kilo (£7.04) between 23 and 29 March (week 13).
Salmon farmers had been hoping that the approaching Easter holiday would lift prices, but reverberations from the Middle East war continue to create havoc in the seafood market.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Vietnamese aquaculture and tech firms are actively deploying AI to modernize practices in the country’s shrimp industry, using data-driven tools to lower production costs and protect margins, especially amid rising electricity and feed prices.
Hai Nguyen, the co-founder and farm manager of shrimp company ESG, told SeafoodSource at the 2026 VietShrimp Asia and Aquaculture Vietnam show that geopolitical issues have pushed equipment costs up by 25 percent and feed by 2,000 VND (USD 0.07, EUR 0.06) per kilogram.
With global shrimp supply expected to rise in 2026, profit margins are thinner than ever
Author: Toan Dao / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here
Located in Hall 4, Booth A401, the ASC stand returns as a lively hub for connection, featuring meeting spaces and a barista coffee station for meaningful discussions on the future of responsible seafood farming.
Taking place on Wednesday 22 April (13:30–14:15, CC5.1), ASC’s flagship side event—“Proving Change from Source to Shelf: Reducing Risk, Building Trust and Driving Demand in a Changing World”—will spotlight pioneers delivering measurable progress across the global seafood supply chain.
NESLE — Innovafeed has released preliminary findings from ongoing trials of its Hilucia™ for Aqua ingredient in salmon feed, revealing both strong expected benefits and an unusual observation.
The company confirmed that the ingredient continues to support improved fish health and growth. However, recent studies noted that salmon fed with Hilucia™ displayed significantly higher activity levels, with some fish leaping energetically out of the water.
“The inclusion of Hilucia™ in diets seems to result in unusually high activity in salmon,” said Marine Bezagu, PhD, Head of Product Development at Innovafeed. “Maybe eating flies will make salmon grow wings!”
While the comment was made humorously, the company emphasized the scientific focus of its research. Despite the surprising behavior, no actual “flying fish” have been observed, and all salmon remain in standard aquaculture conditions.
Innovafeed reiterated that its priority remains delivering reliable, science-based nutrition solutions to the aquaculture industry, while continuing to explore the limits of sustainable inse
THAIFEX – Anuga Asia returns to IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from 26 to 30 May 2026, expanding into Hall 4 as the show reaches its largest edition yet. The upcoming event will introduce first-time countries, new national pavilions, and new features reflecting the continued growth of the global F&B trade.
A Show Built for the Full Industry:
Spanning 12 halls and more than 140,000 sqm, the 2026 edition brings together more than 3,300 exhibitors from over 60 countries across nine co-located trade shows — with 65% international participation reflecting how the food trade moves across borders in real time.Buyers from retail, foodservice, manufacturing, and import and export sectors will join 88,000+trade professionals from over 140 markets, all on the floor with clear sourcing objectives andnegotiating agendas.
Introduced to accommodate growing global participation and rising demand from international F&B companies targeting Asian markets, Hall 4 is the show's F&B Idea Engine — where innovation and trend insight are concentrated and amplified for buyers and brands. Home to Future Food Experience+, the tasteInnovation Show, Trend Zone, Startup, New-to-Market Street, Taste the Future, the Alternative Protein Taste & Flavour Challenge, and the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge, it is where next-generation ingredients and disruptive concepts converge before they hit mainstream markets.
Partner Region: European Union:
The European Union joins as the official Partner Region, giving buyers and distributors direct access to the depth of Europe's food and beverage industry — from established culinary traditions to cutting-edge food innovation. A dedicated showcase of European producers makes sourcing from one of the world's most respected food regions easier than ever.
What's Also New in 2026:
First-time countries including Georgia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, and more make their show debut, alongside a growing number of new national pavilions from Australia, India, Japan, Poland, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan.
Rising fuel prices, increased logistics costs, and the lack of a labor agreement are forcing the fishing sector to reconsider whether going out to sea is still viable.
The Argentine fishing industry is once again looking at fuel supplies with concern. The president of the Argentine Patagonian Chamber of Fishing Industries (CAPIP), Agustín de la Fuente, has warned that the rise in diesel prices is eroding profit margins to the point that some members of the fleet are beginning to question whether it is worthwhile to set sail or remain in port. He attributes the pressure to a combination of increasingly higher upfront costs
On April 13, Fedepesca will participate in the 39th Gourmets Fair, at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) stand within the "Foods of Spain" gastronomic area. This activity is part of the 2025-2026 Agreement signed with MAPA, which aims to promote Spanish fish and aquaculture products, as well as the role of traditional fishmongers as a specialized, professional, and influential channel.
To this end, Fedepesca will conduct a live culinary demonstration focused on preparing sushi using Spanish fish and aquaculture products, showcasing the quality, freshness, traceability, and diversity of fish and seafood, as well as their potential for innovative and high-end culinary creations.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
VIGO — The Cooperativa de Armadores de Pesca del Puerto de Vigo (ARVI) confirmed that the company “NOKAO-Sra. Emilia” has once again been selected for the production of the 7th Edition of the Festival ARVI do Peixe – Vigo SeaFest (VSF26), following an evaluation process carried out by the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee.
The decision was adopted at the close of the application period, in accordance with the criteria established in the official specifications, reaffirming the quality and efficiency demonstrated by the company in previous editions.
The VSF26 maintains its objective of promoting the consumption of seafood products and highlighting the work of the ARVI fleet, through outreach activities, workshops, gastronomic proposals, and concerts, in an open and free format.
The festival will take place from July 9 to 12, 2026 at the Elduayen Gardens, consolidating its position as a key event to bring the sea closer to the public.
ARVI thanked institutional support and is already working on an even more comprehensive and participatory edition, inviting the public to enjoy an event that celebrates the sea, its people, and its gastronomy.
Antimicrobial use in Chilean freshwater salmon farming fell 34.1% in 2025, with La Araucanía region alone reducing consumption by 70%, according to Chile’s National Fisheries Service, Sernapesca.
The overall national ICA index — which tracks antimicrobial use relative to biomass — rose 5.88%, driven by higher salmon biomass produced during the year. The freshwater reduction offsets part of that increase.
The Los Lagos and Los Ríos regions account for 71.89% of freshwater antimicrobial use. Los Lagos carries the highest volume due to its concentration of hatcheries.
Source: SalmonBusiness| Read the full article here