Despite delays that forced Russia to heavily postpone the deadline of its investment quota program, the country said new processing facilities and vessels stemming from the program are benefiting the industry.

Russia’s investment quota programs got their start in the country’s crab industry in 2018, which saw the government auction off 50 percent of available quotas via auctions that came with additional investment requirements for companies. Those requirements included the construction of new fishing vessels in Russian shipyards or new seafood-processing facilities, with the goal of modernizing the country’s seafood infrastructure.

Author: Chris Chase / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

PML leads satellite project with NZ partner.  As South Australia confronts one of its most damaging harmful algal blooms (HABS) on record, a new UK–New Zealand research project led by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) will boost monitoring of phytoplankton that produce toxins, early-warning systems and coastal resilience across the Southern Hemisphere.

In Australia, an unprecedented harmful algal bloom, described like an “underwater bush fire”, has swept through coastal waters, leaving devastation in its wake. 

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Chilean salmonid exports were worth US $6.549 billion (£4.87bn) last year, according to industry body SalmonChile’s latest export bulletin (in Spanish).

The sector accounted for approximately 29% of the value of food exports, which equates to 15% of Chile's non-mining shipments and 6% of the value of all Chilean exports (including mining) in 2025, reports Fish Farming Expert's Chilean sister site, Salmonexpert.cl.

The value of Chile’s exports grew by 8% year-on-year, while the value of salmon and trout exports increased by 3%, maintaining the salmonid sector’s position as Chile's second-largest export, behind copper and ahead of important sectors such as wine ($1.536bn), lithium ($2.366bn), and forestry and cellulose ($5.873bn).

Author: Loreto Appel / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

• The duty-free quota for "Loligo" squid has increased by 50% compared to 2024, as a result of a better fishing season and the improvement of European regulations promoted by Conxemar.
• Compared to 2023, the year before the regulatory change, the quota has skyrocketed by 600%.

As Cyprus begins its presidency of the Council of the European Union, environmental organisation Oceana is calling on the island nation to set a clear and ambitious course for Europe’s ocean future, centred on recovery, resilience and long-term food security.

The first half of 2026 is expected to be pivotal for EU marine policy. During this period, the European Commission will conclude its evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and decide whether to revise one of the bloc’s most important fisheries laws.

Source: Worldfishing | Read the full article here

A number of Norwegian seafood and salmon-related companies have laid off workers as problems gather around some sections of the industry.

Reports from Norwegian trade press suggest that smaller independent companies have been finding life difficult.

Alf-Gøran Knutsen, CEO of 1814 Salmon, told the regional newspaper Eidsvoll Ullensaker Blad that the company has laid off between 40 and 60 employees, including himself.He said the company managed to avoid full layoffs last year, but this time it had not been possible. He added that it was hoped to start back again as soon as possible.

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

Gigante Salmon completes first harvest from autumn 2024 generation.

Gigante Salmon has completed its first commercial harvest, reporting a total volume of 345 tonnes head-on gutted from its Generation Autumn 2024 stock.

In an operational update published on 8 January, the land-based salmon farmer said the harvested fish had an average weight of 3.0 kg HOG, with a superior quality share of 94 percent. The economic feed conversion ratio was reported at 1.04.

Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here

GLOUCESTER, MA – In a move to catalyze early-season commercial activity, NOAA Fisheries has officially transferred Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the year-end December period to the January–March 2026 window.

The temporary rule, effective January 8, 2026, reallocates tonnage within the General category, significantly increasing the first-quarter subquota to 63.7 metric tons while reducing the December allocation to 11.0 metric tons.

Key Impacts for Vessels

The adjustment applies to General category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboat vessels with commercial sale endorsements. By front-loading the quota, NOAA aims to provide immediate opportunities for operators during the traditionally slower post-holiday market.

• Market Timing: Increased landing limits allow for better dealer coordination and auction planning during Q1.

• Regulatory Context: This is an interim measure while NOAA aligns 2026 baseline quotas with recent ICCAT international conservation decisions.

Immediate Next Steps for Operators

Fishermen should verify that all permits and endorsements are current before targeting bluefin. Because this is a temporary shift, operators are encouraged to coordinate closely with dealers and monitor landing records to ensure the fleet stays within the revised 63.7 mt limit.

Keep an eye on upcoming 2026 rulemaking, as further baseline adjustments are expected later this year.

With a 37-year history in the Magallanes Region, Pesca Cisne has consolidated its leadership in the Chilean Seabass (Patagonian Toothfish) industry with the addition of the "Isla Edén."

This world-class longliner represents an investment exceeding $8 million and will be officially inaugurated this Friday, January 15, at the Arturo Prat pier in Punta Arenas.

Cutting-Edge Technology for the Drake Passage

The "Isla Edén" is more than just a vessel; it is a sophisticated processing plant designed in Norway to withstand the extreme conditions of the far south. Key specifications include:

Impact on the Magallanes Economy

The arrival of this ship strengthens a network that currently supports 100 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect positions in the region. "This investment not only modernizes our fleet but also injects dynamism into the local economy and improves the quality of life for our workers," the company stated.

With the "Isla Edén," Pesca Cisne reaffirms its commitment to the development of Magallanes, focusing on high-quality extraction and environmental responsibility.