Research aboard a commercial vessel aims to understand the impact of biological processes on the quality attributes of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides).

A recent research initiative led by the Demersal, Austral, and Sub-Antarctic Fish Fisheries Program of the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) has focused on deepening the understanding of the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) through an on-vessel study. Scientists aboard the commercial fishing vessel Argenova XXI, which returned to Puerto Deseado on Sunday, April 27th, conducted a 29-day investigation into the relationship between the species' inherent physiological processes and the resulting quality of its meat.

The primary objective of this expedition was to enhance the scientific knowledge base regarding Dissostichus eleginoides. To achieve this, researchers meticulously collected samples of viscera and glands throughout the duration of the voyage.

Furthermore, the study incorporated an analysis of the onboard processing techniques applied to captured specimens. Specifically, attention was paid to the common practice of complete tail removal to facilitate bleeding.

In this context, INIDEP researchers explored alternative bleeding methods with the aim of minimizing product damage and potentially avoiding the complete severing of the tail. This current practice poses challenges for subsequent morphometric studies, as it necessitates the reconstruction of the fish's original length.

North Ayrshire Council highlights the potential for 264 full-time construction roles in the development of Bakkafrost Scotland's recirculating aquaculture system facility.

North Ayrshire Council has announced that the construction of a major salmon rearing facility at Hunterston is projected to create 264 full-time jobs during its development phase.

The recently approved plans, spearheaded by Bakkafrost Scotland, outline the construction of a state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility. This development will occupy a 6.75-hectare area situated at the north-east corner of the Hunterston Construction Yard.

Councillor Tony Gurney, the cabinet member for green environment and economy at North Ayrshire Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We welcome this decision by the Planning Committee and eagerly anticipate seeing this significant development come to fruition in the months ahead. Hunterston is a key strategic site for North Ayrshire and is intended to play a pivotal role in Scotland’s transition to net-zero emissions by 2045."

Councillor Gurney further emphasized the broader potential of the site: “Hunterston possesses incredible potential and could become a driving force for Scotland in tackling climate change, generating vital employment opportunities, regenerating the local community, and delivering numerous other benefits.”

Many of the fish we eat play a key role in maintaining the seabed and therefore our climate, according to new research by the University of Exeter.

Scientists working on the Convex Seascape Survey focussed on the role of fish in bioturbation, the process of churning the seabed to keep it healthy and fertile, in shallow UK seas.

The Atlantic cod, a staple in chip shops, jointly topped the list of these important "ecosystem engineers", along with Atlantic hagfish and European eel.

In total, 185 fish species were found to play a role in bioturbation, and 120 of these are targeted by commercial fishing.

Author: Dan Wareing / BBC l Read the full article here

Skretting opens LifeStart production line in China to support aquaculture growth

Skretting has opened its first dedicated LifeStart production line in Asia with the launch of a new facility in Zhuhai, China. The move is part of the company’s strategy to expand its presence in the world’s largest animal protein market.

The new production line, inaugurated on 17 April 2025, will focus on hatchery feeds for salmon, tilapia, golden pompano, snakehead, and catfish. 

Source: SalmonBusiness l Read the full article here

Sales volume increased by 5.8% as Brits put more of the fish on the table

The value of salmon sales in the United Kingdom increased by 5.5% to £1.5 billion last year, accounting for nearly a third of the value of all fish sales in the UK.

The year-on-year value growth for salmon outpaced the 2.9% rise recorded across the wider fish category, and was due to more salmon being sold.

Salmon maintained its leading position in the seafood sector, holding 31% of the value share and achieving a sales value of nearly three times more than cod, its closest competitor.

Source: fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

The Seagriculture EU 2025 conference, one of the leading conferences for the seaweed industry, is heading to Rotterdam, The Netherlands from 17-19 June 2025. 

Under the theme “Seaweed 2.0: Today’s Scaling for Tomorrow’s Needs”, this year’s conference will focus on scaling up and professionalizing the seaweed sector to meet the growing global demand for sustainable solutions. 

With an emphasis on collaboration across the value chain, Seagriculture EU 2025 will gather seaweed farmers, processors and distributors, buyers, equipment providers, researchers, investors, and policymakers, to drive synergy and build a resilient, future-proof seaweed industry.

Source: Fish Farmer l  Read the full article here

Samherji Fish Farming ehf., a subsidiary of Samherji hf., has successfully secured financing for the first phase of Eldisgarður, a new land-based fish farm located at the Reykjanes Power Plant.

The financing, which combines new share capital issuance and a syndicated loan, totals EUR 235 million (approximately ISK 34 billion). The project is expected to create 100 new jobs directly at the site, with an equal number of additional indirect jobs.

Source: Fish Focus l  Read the full article here