IN BRIEF - Aquaculture Boosts Tribal Women's Empowerment in West Bengal
INDIA
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
ICAR-CIFRI launches a fish farming program in Purulia to strengthen the income and nutrition of over 500 tribal families.
PURULIA, WEST BENGAL – The Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) launched a key community aquaculture initiative on October 26, 2025, in the drought-prone Purulia district to empower tribal women and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The program, implemented under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC), aims to improve the communities' economy and nutrition by introducing scientific fish farming in local water bodies. This action aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on gender equality.
Impact and Women's Management
The initiative focuses on fish farming in 16 rainwater reservoirs (bandhs), covering over 140 acres. The management of these projects is handled by 48 women's exclusive Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from the Puncha and Manbazar blocks.
To ensure sustainable production, ICAR-CIFRI provided 1,600 kg of quality fish fingerlings and 22 tonnes of specialized fish feed. The beneficiaries were trained in pond management and water quality control. Additionally, four FRP boats were distributed to facilitate operations.
The project directly benefits over 500 tribal families, offering a stable income source and improving food security in the Chotanagpur Plateau, a region facing persistent economic challenges. Aquaculture is thus consolidating itself as a vital pillar for local socio-economic development.
Researchers Vivian Montecino and Doris Oliva launch book in Punta Arenas, highlighting the legacy and challenges of women in marine sciences.
PUNTA ARENAS – Within the framework of the XXI International Conference on Harmful Algae (ICHA 2025), researchers Vivian Montecino (University of Chile) and Doris Oliva (University of Valparaíso) presented their book "Two women in an ocean of stories and a sea of changes" at the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP).
The work, published by Editorial Universidad de Chile, spans over five centuries of marine sciences in Chile, rescuing the legacy of women in national oceanography. Vivian Montecino stated: "We wanted to tell how women have been integrating into science, as engines of transformation."
The presentation was attended by professionals from IFOP, the University of Magallanes, INACH, INIDEP, and local groups. Gemita Pizarro (IFOP) and Anelio Aguayo Lobo (INACH) praised the work for its gender perspective and its contribution to reflection on the Chilean sea.
Erik Daza, Head of IFOP Magallanes, emphasized the relevance of science for sustainable development and IFOP's role in generating key information. The event was valued as an enriching and emotional space.
Producers in the department of Cordillera, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) technicians, received training in fish farming (pisciculture) techniques as a sustainable alternative to face the imminent fishing ban.
The initiative was welcomed with great interest by locals, who see the raising of fish in ponds as a way to maintain sales uninterruptedly and mitigate the economic impact of the cyclical restrictions.
During the technical workshop, participants learned how to measure the water's pH, determine the sex of specimens, and control fish growth. MAG technicians highlighted that, while the aquaculture production requires time, it guarantees a secure source of income and allows for the diversification of the local supply, making it independent of natural cycles.
The fishing ban begins on November 2 and will extend until December 20 in waters shared with Argentina, and until January 31, 2026, in those shared with Brazil. This period encourages fishermen to evaluate fish farming as a profitable production model and a solution for remaining active in the market.
Nissui will launch a rainbow trout pilot in Ofunato, Iwate, in partnership with the Okirai Fishery Cooperative, positioning the company to shorten the path from trials to commercial scale in eastern Japan.
Site surveys and production method studies are scheduled to begin in November 2025.The company’s stated objective is an early transition to full operations, subject to pilot performance and environmental assessments.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s certification scheme covered 2,265 farms last year, an increase of 10% on the previous period.
The report also shows there were nearly 4,000 improvements at ASV farms recorded, and 2.69 million metric tons of seafood were covered by the certification scheme, which applied standards for environmental, economic and social sustainability.
The new ASC Feed Standard is now being followed by 22 mills across nine countries.
This year, ASC launched its new Farm Standard, bringing species-specific standards together into one regime.
Author: Robert Outram / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
The Argentine National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) has issued a statement highlighting the consolidation of the operational capacity of its scientific fleet, reaching 338 days of navigation in the first nine months of the year aboard its research vessels, a record for the last decade. According to data provided by INIDEP, the BIPO "Víctor Angelescu" sailed 134 days; the BIPO "Mar Argentino" 79 days; the BIP "Dr. Eduardo L. Holmberg" 85 days; the Coastal Vessel "Willie" 22 days; and the Coastal Vessel "Bernie" 18 days. A total of 338 days sailed, which "not only constitutes a record in the last 10 years but also underscores the success of the Institute's Maintenance and Logistics Plan
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
The fact that Norway, the Faroe Islands, and other coastal states, such as Iceland, have been self-allocating quotas for mackerel, blue whiting, and Scandinavian herring for years is beginning to have serious consequences for the EU. The latest assessment by ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) scientists of the Atlantic mackerel stock includes a proposed 70% cut in the total allowable catch (TAC) of the species and specifically states that the current situation of the stock is due to the fact that over the last 25 years, on average, 39% more than scientific recommendations have been caught each year.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
Minh Phu surpasses Sao Ta in the land of the rising sun. In the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached 269,000 tons, up 1% year-on-year, with an estimated export value of USD 2.85 billion, an increase of 20%. White leg shrimp continued to account for the largest share, representing about 78% of total export volume.
In the US market, Vietnam exported 36,000 tons of whiteleg shrimp, down 13.4% in volume but only 1% in value, totalling USD 405 million.
Brussels' proposal to cut fishing funds by 67% has reached its 100th day, leaving a feeling of "total legal uncertainty" in a sector that is bleeding labor-wise and urgently needs support for growth. The EMFF alone has contributed to creating more than 37,000 jobs in the EU27 by 2023 and maintaining another 215,000. These jobs are likely to be complicated if the announced cut is implemented.
This week marked the first 100 days of the latest major blow dealt by the European Commission to the EU fishing sector. The fleet's sense of powerlessness is complete regarding the proposal by Ursula von der Leyen's government, which proposes reducing the specific allocation for fishing by 67% for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034). After five years of fighting for a commissioner dedicated exclusively to the interests of the industry and having achieved this—moving from the environmentalist extremism of Virginijus Sinkevicius to the desire for dialogue of Costas Kadis—the sector cannot understand how the EU executive has now presented a cutback that would mean increasing the budget from €6.1 billion to €2 billion
Author: Jorge Garnelo / Faro de Vigo | Read the full article here
The price of headless and gutted (H&G) Atlantic cod from Norway surpassed the psychological level of $10,000 per ton CIF China this week, following a further upward revision of price assessments. The gap with the Russian product is widening, fueled by the perception of shortages and uncertainty about the 2026 quotas in the Barents Sea.
The key factor is the lack of clarity regarding the 2026 quota for Barents Sea cod. In recent months, the dominant scientific signal has been for cuts—with proposals from the Norwegian IMR placing the recommendation at the lowest level in decades—while the Russian institute VNIRO has argued, to the contrary, for an increase by 2026.
Rates for 40 foot containers rose 3 percent globally this week, reported the Drewry World Container Index. The increase was notable given that prior to last week, the container market had experienced a steady 17-week decline.
Rates on routes between Asia and the West Coast rebounded significantly, according to experts at Freightos, who said that prices increased by 18 percent to USD 1,687 (EUR 1,452.14) from the previous week. Prices from the Asia to the East Coast were up 2 percent, to USD 3071 (EUR 2,643.46).
Drewry attributed some of the increases to a General Rate Increase among carriers that took place in mid-October, while Xeneta Chief Analyst said that USTR port fees, and China’s retaliatory fees, had also given carriers reasons to justify rate increases.
Author: Erin Spampinato / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here
Argentina Abruptly Bails on Major Chinese Seafood Fair Argentina
Official delegation suspends participation in the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo (CFSE) 2025 in Qingdao, leaving the Chinese government and companies 'stranded' amid the Milei government's geopoli...
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JAPAN
Nissui’s Ofunato trial supports 2030, 10,000-tonne goal.
WORLDWIDE
The 
ARGENTINA
The Argentine National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development 
EUROPEAN UNION
The fact that Norway, the Faroe Islands, and other coastal states, such as Iceland, have been self-allocating quotas for mackerel, blue whiting, and Scandinavian herring for years is beginning to have serious consequences for the EU. The latest assessment by ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) scientists of the Atlantic mackerel stock includes a proposed 70% cut in the total allowable catch (TAC) of the species and specifically states that the current situation of the stock is due to the fact that over the last 25 years, on average, 39% more than scientific recommendations have been caught each year. 
VIET NAM
Minh Phu surpasses Sao Ta in the land of the rising sun. In the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached 269,000 tons, up 1% year-on-year, with an estimated export value of USD 2.85 billion, an increase of 20%. White leg shrimp continued to account for the largest share, representing about 78% of total export volume..png)
This week marked the first 100 days of the latest major blow dealt by the European Commission to the EU fishing sector. The fleet's sense of powerlessness is complete regarding the proposal by Ursula von der Leyen's government, which proposes reducing the specific allocation for fishing by 67% for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034). After five years of fighting for a commissioner dedicated exclusively to the interests of the industry and having achieved this—moving from the environmentalist extremism of Virginijus Sinkevicius to the desire for dialogue of Costas Kadis—the sector cannot understand how the EU executive has now presented a cutback that would mean increasing the budget from €6.1 billion to €2 billion
The price of headless and gutted (H&G) Atlantic cod from Norway surpassed the psychological level of $10,000 per ton CIF China this week, following a further upward revision of price assessments. The gap with the Russian product is widening, fueled by the perception of shortages and uncertainty about the 2026 quotas in the Barents Sea.
Rates for 40 foot containers rose 3 percent globally this week, reported the Drewry World Container Index. The increase was notable given that prior to last week, the container market had experienced a steady 17-week decline. 
