IN BRIEF - Trout and Oysters Shine at the SIA, Winning Prestigious Medals
FRANCE
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Marée Côte d'Opale's Smoked Trout Takes Bronze; Aquaculture Products Garner 95 Medals, Including 89 for Oysters.
The quality of French aquaculture was celebrated at the Concours général agricole (SIA), where trout and oysters earned significant recognition. Marée Côte d'Opale, part of the Océalliance group, was awarded the bronze medal for its 4-slice smoked trout (pictured) marketed under the Les Saveurs du Large brand.
In the same smoked trout category, Les Viviers de Vatierville (Seine-Maritime) secured the gold medal, while La Fumerie du Coin (Jouy-en-Josas) took silver. Les Fils de Charles Murgat also received recognition for its trout eggs. Further highlighting the diversity of trout products, the Bellet fish farm (Ruelle-sur-Touvre, Charente) and Écailles et Compagnie (Thoiry) were honored for their trout rillettes.
This year's competition saw a remarkable achievement for the aquaculture sector, with a total of 95 medals (gold, silver, or bronze) awarded. Notably, oysters dominated, claiming an impressive 89 of these distinctions.
Among the oyster winners, Mediterranean flat oysters stood out, earning two gold medals. These oysters originated from 300,000 larvae transferred in 2023 from the Corsican research platform Stella Mare to oyster farmers in the Thau lagoon, demonstrating the success of collaborative efforts in aquaculture.
Health authorities in France have issued an alert regarding the voluntary recall of fresh albacore tuna loins under the Bigfish brand after detecting histamine, a toxin that causes severe food poisoning and allergic reactions.
The fish, sold vacuum-packed with skin in 2 and 6-kilo formats, was distributed between August 4 and August 7, 2026, through Super U in Plouarzel. The action targets batch 26072026, featuring traceability code MDV/LHP/ALAM6/23G26/YFT and an expiration date of August 9, 2026.
The official body RappelConso, which released the notification on August 17, 2026, urges consumers not to eat the product and to return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. Consuming this toxin can rapidly trigger symptoms such as flushing, facial swelling, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal distress.
Investment, regional cooperation and sustainable production are expanding opportunities across the continent.
Africa is strengthening its blue economy, with fisheries and aquaculture driving food security, jobs and trade. A $9.2 million programme generated over 500,000 tonnes of cross-border fish trade, while new investments target sustainable growth.
Fishing sector bears full brunt of diesel price hikes over six months as aid remains unpaid
Since March 22, vehicles have been compensated for fuel price increases caused by the conflict in the Middle East whenever they refuel. Five months after the Government announced compensation of up to 20 cents per liter to offset rising fuel costs, fishermen have yet to receive "a single euro," even though the Ministry of Fisheries published lists of eligible vessels and the corresponding amounts for each shipowner back in mid-June. Facing mounting pressure, they continue to pay out of pocket to try to earn a living and keep supplying seafood. Burdened by nearly six months without fuel aid, balancing the books is becoming impossible.
Authors: S. M. / Rosa Estévez / Melissa Rodríguez / Marcos Gago / La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East and its impact on maritime traffic have left their mark on Germany's main port—and one of Europe's most important ones. The Port of Hamburg closed the first half of 2026 with a total throughput of 56.1 million tonnes, a 3.1% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has largely attributed this decline to a drop in imports of petroleum products resulting from the war in Iran.
Despite the decline in total traffic, container throughput showed positive growth during the first six months of the year. Hamburg handled 4 million TEUs between January and June, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.8%. In terms of tonnage, growth reached 4%.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, Njuki-ini Fish Farm has grown into a family-run business focused on ornamental fish and expanding aquaculture opportunities in Kenya.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many folks were compelled to stay at home in various countries worldwide. Many people lost their jobs, and others were forced to shut down their businesses completely. However, for some others like Pastor Charles Kariuki, the disruption created an unexpected opportunity. With more time at home, he decided to try fish farming and established Njuki-ini Fish Farm in Sagana, central Kenya.
Author: Peter Changtoek / The Fish Site | Read the full article here
Seafood Expo Asia says it is drawing exhibitors and guests from across four continents for its big show early next month.
The event which spans aquaculture and fishing, reflecting Asia’s growing seafood demand, takes place between 2-4 September at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.
It will be the 14th edition of the exhibition. The organisers say the main hall will feature the full spectrum of seafood innovation and seafood products.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
The latest penalty brings fines imposed on foreign vessels for illegal fishing in Argentine waters during 2026 to more than ARS 4.533 billion.
Argentine authorities sanctioned the Hai Xing 2, a Chinese-origin vessel sailing under the Tanzanian flag, after detecting fishing activity inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Golfo San Jorge.
The vessel received a fine of nearly ARS 1.9 billion, becoming the fourth foreign fishing vessel sanctioned by Argentina in 2026 for illegal operations in waters under national jurisdiction.
FFA-coordinated surveillance operation strengthens regional efforts to detect and deter illegal fishing across Pacific waters.
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) flagged 16 vessels for further investigation during a regional surveillance operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The coordinated crackdown reinforces cooperation among Pacific nations to identify suspicious fishing activity, improve compliance and protect the region’s valuable tuna and marine resources.
The 3D-COAST system is designed to automate oyster handling, cut labor needs and produce up to 125,000 oysters per raft annually.
An oyster farm in Maine, US, is testing 3D-COAST, a floating vertical conveyor powered by two solar panels. The technology moves oyster baskets between water and air, automating tumbling and helping control biofouling.
Nissui targets 10,000 tonnes by 2030 as domestic production gains momentum.
Japan’s salmon farming sector is expanding, especially in Tohoku, driven by strong Asian demand and rising costs. Nissui plans to increase annual production from 4,200 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes by 2030.
FRANCE
The quality of French aquaculture was celebrated at the Concours général agricole (SIA), where trout and oysters earned significant recognition. Marée Côte d'Opale, part of the Océalliance group, was awarded the bronze medal for its 4-slice smoked trout (pictured) marketed under the Les Saveurs du Large brand..png)
GHANA.png)
Investment, regional cooperation and sustainable production are expanding opportunities across the continent.
SPAIN.png)
Since March 22, vehicles have been compensated for fuel price increases caused by the conflict in the Middle East whenever they refuel. Five months after the Government announced compensation of up to 20 cents per liter to offset rising fuel costs, fishermen have yet to receive "a single euro," even though the Ministry of Fisheries published lists of eligible vessels and the corresponding amounts for each shipowner back in mid-June. Facing mounting pressure, they continue to pay out of pocket to try to earn a living and keep supplying seafood. Burdened by nearly six months without fuel aid, balancing the books is becoming impossible.
GERMANY
The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East and its impact on maritime traffic have left their mark on Germany's main port—and one of Europe's most important ones. The Port of Hamburg closed the first half of 2026 with a total throughput of 56.1 million tonnes, a 3.1% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has largely attributed this decline to a drop in imports of petroleum products resulting from the war in Iran.
KENYA
Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, Njuki-ini Fish Farm has grown into a family-run business focused on ornamental fish and expanding aquaculture opportunities in Kenya.
SINGAPORE
Seafood Expo Asia
ARGENTINA.png)
Argentine authorities sanctioned the Hai Xing 2, a Chinese-origin vessel sailing under the Tanzanian flag, after detecting fishing activity inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Golfo San Jorge.
AMERICAN SAMOA
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) flagged 16 vessels for further investigation during a regional surveillance operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The coordinated crackdown reinforces cooperation among Pacific nations to identify suspicious fishing activity, improve compliance and protect the region’s valuable tuna and marine resources.
UNITED STATES.png)
The 3D-COAST system is designed to automate oyster handling, cut labor needs and produce up to 125,000 oysters per raft annually.
JAPAN
