NHK (The Japan Broadcasting Corporation) has learned that Chinese authorities have suspended the registration of facilities used by Japanese seafood exporters.

Japanese firms seeking to export seafood to China are required to register their Japanese-based facilities, including processing and storage facilities, with Chinese customs authorities.

Last August, Chinese authorities suspended imports of Japanese seafood after treating and diluted water from the damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant began to be released into the ocean.

Well-placed sources said that registration of the facilities used by exporters was valid until the end of last month.

Other sources close to the Japanese government said Chinese authorities had suspended all registration procedures this month.

According to sources, the Chinese side did not give Japan any explanation for this move.

It comes as governments have negotiated this year over the release of treated and diluted water.

Government sources said they needed to find out why China chose this moment to suspend the registration.

With the beginning of the “red fishing season” in Primorye and, accordingly, the spawning run of Pacific salmon, fisheries inspectors switch to an increased work schedule.

So, on May 29, in the north of Primorsky Krai, in the Terneysky municipal district, the salmon fishing season begins. For industrial fishing, which is carried out in the sea, in front of river mouths, 954.7 tons of pink salmon and 71.9 tons of salmon are allowed. Indigenous peoples can catch 26.2 tons and 10.8 tons of pink salmon and masu salmon, respectively. At the same time, the spawning run of salmon begins on the rivers of the north of the Primorsky Territory, which will gradually shift to the south of the region.

The beginning of the “red season” and the spawning run of Pacific salmon is expected not only by fishers and indigenous minorities but also by organized poaching groups.

This year, to combat illegal poaching, the Primorye Territorial Administration of Rosrybolovstvo took a number of enhanced measures to protect salmon spawning.

Additional fisheries protection forces, reinforced by freelance public inspectors, have been deployed to the north of Primorye. Operational cooperation has been established with law enforcement agencies. On spawning rivers and possible routes for transporting illegally caught fish, stationary and mobile fish protection posts and mobile groups have been organized. Regular raids are planned. Every fish inspector has the right to carry firearms.

Nueva Pescanova lost more than EUR 73 million (USD 79 million) in 2023, according to a financial report from Abanca, its parent company.

The Pontevedra, Spain-based vertically integrated seafood firm has still not posted its FY 2024 results on its website, but its EBITDA surpassed EUR 73.3 million (USD 79.2 million) in losses, up from a loss of EUR 60.5 million (USD 65.7 million) in the 2022 fiscal year, according to Abanca’s annual consolidated report submitted 15 April 2024 to the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV).

Abanca said the company had struggled due to global economic challenges caused by the inflationary crisis, the war in Ukraine, a decline in Chinese demand, and an increase in interest rates. It said it was “convinced” its two consecutive loss-making years “will be recovered” upon the implementation of a strategic plan now being developed.

Abanca said it has “complete confidence” in the company’s leadership, including José María Benavent, who was named the company’s executive chairman in April 2020, as well as Jorge Escudero, who was hired as CEO in September 2023. [continues....]

Author: Cliff White | Read the full story here

Connétable, a Maison Chancerelle brand, had the idea of ??combining sardines with infused oils which will “sweeten the flesh and impart subtle aromas”.

The 'Les Infusées' range has four recipes. The principal Sunflower oil (with a neutral flavor) is infused hot either with herbs (lemon basil, wild garlic, Provence herbs) or with spices (jalapeño pepper). The process is 100% natural, with no added flavors. The infusion time and temperature are specific to each recipe. The oil is then filtered and cooled. 

The sardines are prepared, and then packed by hand in Douarnenez before being steamed. Then they are simply covered with infused oil. The boxes are then closed before being canned. In addition to adding flavor and softness, infused oils allow you to flavor a preparation (cakes, focaccia, stuffed vegetables, etc.) or the sauce for a salad. Recommended marketing price: €2.69 for 115 g.

Author/Source: Fanny ROUSSELIN-ROUSVOAL/Produit de la Mer (translated from original in French)

The International Shipbuilding Industry Fair, Navalia, kicks off this Tuesday in Galicia. Representatives from the entire sector of half the planet meet from today, May 21, and until Thursday, the 23rd, at the Vigo fairgrounds (Ifevi) to learn about the reality of an industry open to transformation and, above all, discuss new technologies. The ninth edition of Navalia hits the record by having 533 confirmed exhibitors, which means a growth of 20% compared to 2022.

Source: La Voz de Galicia l Read the full article here

The salmon giant Cermaq is expanding its Norwegian business with the purchase of the family owned company Ballangen Sjøfarm.

Based in the north of the country, Ballangen Sjøfarm employs around 50 people and produces 10,000 tonnes of salmon a year.

Otto Bakke, one of the founders said that after 13 years of co-operation with Cermaq he was sure this was the best solution to ensure activity and development in the region.

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

In a significant move for the Dutch fishing sector, the new coalition government comprising PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB has presented its coalition agreement under the title “Hope, Courage and Pride.”

This agreement marks a strategic shift, reinstating fisheries into the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, which will now be known as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN). This renaming signifies the return of fisheries to the ministry after a 21-year absence.

Author: Oliver McBride / The Fishing Daily l Read the full article here

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)’s 28th session, held 13-17 May 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, ended on a bitter note for the European fleet, according to fishing body Europêche. The organisation said that, focusing on FAD measures, IOTC “successfully created a smoke screen” to mask “its serious governance deficiencies and failure to adequately manage fish stocks”, especially yellowfin and neritic tunas or to enforce proper monitoring, control and surveillance.

Source: Worldfishing l Read the full article here

In the wake of the F3 Krill Replacement Challenge, 5 prominent aquafeed companies have committed to testing the top products of the competition within their commercial operations.

Five prominent international aquafeed companies have committed to testing the shortlisted products of the F3 Krill Replacement Challenge within their commercial operations, signalling a significant milestone for the future of fish feed and the wider aquaculture industry. 

Source: The Fish Site l Read the full article here

The trawler “Lepanto” belonging to the Sea Harvest group sank on Friday May 17, off the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. Among the twenty fishermen on board, nine were rescued and eleven were declared presumed dead.

Friday May 17, at 3:30 p.m. local time, a distress signal was sent by the trawler Lepanto, which left a little earlier from the port of Cape Town in South Africa. The thirty-five meter vessel sank approximately 34 nautical miles off the coast of the Slangkop lighthouse with 20 sailors on board. The alert immediately led to an intervention by emergency services as well as the reaction of numerous fishing boats, including the Armana , which managed to rescue nine sailors who had taken refuge on a life raft. The search also continued by air, with the support of an AGA helicopter from the local company Aerios global aviation.

Although they did not allow the bodies of the eleven missing to be found, debris believed to belong to the trawler was spotted. The search ended on Sunday May 19 and the eleven fishermen were declared presumed dead.