Portugal's total aquaculture production reached 20,872 tons in 2023, a 10.9% increase over the previous year, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

LISBON — Portuguese aquaculture saw significant growth in 2023, with total production increasing by 10.9% to 20,872 tons. This growth was reflected in a 28.9% rise in sales revenue, reaching €205.9 million.

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The marine fish sector grew by 3.5%, totaling 8,542 tons. Turbot (+4.4%) surpassed gilthead seabream (-16.5%) as the main species produced, with 3,209 tons compared to the seabream's 2,798 tons. Sea bass production also increased significantly, with a 15% growth to 1,703 tons.

Mollusk production, which accounts for 57.3% of the total, increased by 17.7% to 11,952 tons. Clams led the segment with a 33.9% increase, reaching 5,820 tons, followed by mussels (+2.7%) and oysters (+11.1%).

In contrast, continental production, consisting almost exclusively of trout, decreased by 25.6% due to a drought that affected water levels in 2023.

State Minister of Fisheries Hiroyoshi Sasagawa believes private-sector exchanges could help ease restrictions on Japanese seafood imports.

Japanese State Minister of Fisheries, Hiroyoshi Sasagawa, concluded a two-day visit to Busan, South Korea, where he inspected a fishery facility. Busan is a crucial port for the import of Japanese fishery goods.

During an online interview with Jiji Press, Sasagawa stated, "I have confirmed that there is very strong demand for Japanese fishery products (in South Korea)."

Seoul has suspended imports of seafood from eight Japanese prefectures, including Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima, since the 2011 nuclear accident.

While Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba previously urged South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to ease the restrictions, no specific talks on the matter were held during their meeting.

Sasagawa expressed hope that "if South Korean consumers deepen their understanding through private-sector exchanges, that could lead to the lifting of the (import suspension)."

The Maltese environmental watchdog is to fine a tuna farm in connection with the sea slime that has plagued Malta’s coast over the past few weeks.

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) told the Times of Malta it is still in the process of taking action and calculating the administrative fine. It did not specify the kind of infringement.

This follows weeks of oily residue being seen along the coast from Mellieha to Sliema.

Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here

On the Greek island of Poros – just over 30 miles southwest of Athens – residents have protested the construction of aquaculture operations in the Saronic Gulf for over a decade, arguing that such farms cause environmental harm, bring little economic benefit to the island, and rarely consider public input in their design and implementation.

In early August, those protestors scored a big victory when Greece’s Central Council for Urban Planning and Disputes (KESYPOTHA) unanimously rejected plans to widely increase the allocated space for offshore fish farms off the coast of the 12-square-mile island, which has just about 4,000 full-time inhabitants.

Author: Johnny Liesman / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

RESTON, VA — The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has appointed Brandon Shillingford as its new Media and Communications Manager. Shillingford brings a strong background in journalism, strategic communications, and advocacy to the role.

"We are thrilled to have Brandon joining us," said Lisa Wallenda Picard, NFI President and CEO. "His strategic communications background is crucial, and he will quickly get up to speed on the seafood value chain and our policy priorities."

Lisa Wallenda Picard, and Brandon Shillingford

Shillingford previously worked at CNN and NPR and most recently held a communications position with an international trade and development organization. His blend of newsroom and advocacy experience uniquely positions him to tell the seafood community's story.

"The seafood space is dynamic and has a powerful story to tell," said Shillingford. "I look forward to being part of the team that delivers on such a positive narrative, from trade and innovation to sustainability and nutrition."

Shillingford will attend the NFI Leadership Summit in September to meet member companies. His appointment highlights NFI's commitment to strengthening its communications efforts and elevating the voice of the seafood industry.

Doha — The Public Works Authority of Qatar (Ashghal), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, is set to award a key consultancy contract for the extension of the Aquatic Fishery Research Centre in Ras Al Matbakh. The contract, which includes design and supervision services, is expected to be finalized in September 2025.

The project is a scientific centre specialized in environment research and fish breeding.

The expansion project will add 11,200 square meters to the existing facility, significantly boosting its capabilities. New features will include:

• A fish nursery with an annual production of 3.5 million fingerlings.

• A grow-out unit designed to produce 115,000 kg of market-size fish per year.

• Advanced research and development (R&D) facilities.

• Dedicated units for feed preparation, sorting, and packaging, along with comprehensive waste management systems.

According to a source close to the project, the expansion is slated for completion by December 2026. This initiative is a crucial step for Qatar's efforts to enhance its food security and advance aquaculture technology.

Yaundé — El gobierno de Camerún revocó la matrícula del Sky White, un buque que navegaba bajo su bandera, el 19 de agosto, citando actividades ilícitas. La decisión se tomó después de que el buque fuera interceptado frente a las Islas Canarias el 14 de agosto con más de tres toneladas de cocaína en 80 paquetes, según un documento del Ministerio de Transporte.

La incautación fue resultado de una operación conjunta de las armadas de España, EE.UU. y Marruecos. Durante la acción, fueron arrestados cinco miembros de la tripulación. El Sky White, un buque pesquero matriculado en Camerún desde febrero de 2024, estaba bajo vigilancia internacional desde ese mismo año por presuntos vínculos con una red de narcotráfico que operaba desde Marruecos. La identidad del propietario del buque sigue siendo desconocida.

El incidente subraya las continuas preocupaciones sobre el registro de banderas de Camerún, que ha sido criticado por su laxitud en la concesión de licencias. Solo este año, el país ha otorgado 27 licencias de pesca, casi exclusivamente a propietarios extranjeros.

Este hecho agrava la situación del país, que en 2023 recibió una "tarjeta roja" de la Unión Europea por su débil lucha contra la pesca ilegal.