PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Dr. Steve Lochmann, a professor of fisheries management and ecology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), has been elected 2nd vice president of the American Fisheries Society (AFS). Set to be installed on Sept. 1, Dr. Lochmann will enter the presidential rotation for the world’s oldest and largest professional aquatic society.

Representing over 5,000 professionals and students globally, the AFS focuses on the conservation and research of North American and international aquatic resources. UAPB Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham noted that the election reflects Dr. Lochmann’s national reputation and the university's commitment to advancing natural resource research.

Dr. Lochmann has a deep history with the organization, having served as president of the AFS Arkansas Chapter, the Southern Division, and the Fish Culture Section. In his new role on the Executive Committee, he aims to enhance member engagement and continue training the next generation of biologists. By bringing students to national meetings, he ensures they connect with experts from state, federal, and private sectors to address modern ecological challenges.

The UAE’s fisheries sector is entering a new era of transparency as Fujairah officially joins the SFS Fisheries system. This pioneering platform, developed by Seafood Souq, is the first of its kind in the region designed to track fish landings and verify the origin of local catch.

The expansion was formalized via an MoU between the Fujairah Fishermen Association and Seafood Souq, signed by Fahim Al Qasimi and Mahmood Hassan Al Ali. Supported by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the initiative aims to create a unified, sustainable management framework across all emirates.

Key Impact & Data:

• Proven Success: In Sharjah, the system has already digitally verified over 140,000 kilograms of seafood from 130+ vessels and 50 local species.
• Tech Integration: Each vessel is assigned a unique QR code linked to a mobile app and electronic logbook.
• Full Traceability: Real-time data on catch type, origin, and quantity replaces manual systems, ensuring "sea-to-market" authenticity.

Fahim Al Qasimi noted that digital traceability is essential for global competitiveness, positioning UAE seafood to access high-value international markets while ensuring long-term ecological sustainability.

On April 28, the National Fisheries Technology Extension Center and the China Fisheries Society convened a high-level seminar in Beijing to accelerate the development of standard systems for ecological fisheries in large waters.

The event brought together 17 experts from leading research institutions and private enterprises to ensure the industry's high-quality and sustainable growth.

Guo Chuanbo, a researcher from the Institute of Hydrobiology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led the session by presenting the progress of the draft standards. Participants engaged in rigorous discussions regarding:

• Basic Definitions and industry terminology.
• Capacity Assessment and operational management.
• Aquaculture Models tailored for large-scale environments.

The meeting highlighted that these standards are vital for implementing the "broad food concept" and advancing rural revitalization. Moving forward, the Fisheries Research Institute will integrate expert feedback into a formal work plan, focusing on ecological protection and farmer-linkage benefits to streamline the legislative framework for the industry.

Rogue chip shops have been passing off catfish as "traditional fish and chips" to cut down on costs, the BBC has learned.

Cases of fish being mis-sold or misdescribed are often hard to detect since any investigations are intelligence-led and rely on expensive DNA testing.

A BBC North West investigation found a catfish species, known as pangasius or river cobbler, being sold in the region's chippies without customers being fully aware of what they were buying.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute said that while the mis-selling or misdescription of fish was not a widespread issue it acknowledged "there are still some unscrupulous businesses".

Authors: Daniel O'Donoghue  and William Higgens / BBC | Read the full article here

The cod farmer Norcod has announced a new financing plan to help it achieve its growth targets – and it will focus on raising more equity rather than borrowing.

The company said two months ago that it was evaluating various options but has since found that potential funding alternatives through the bond and private lending market have been considered, but the terms available have not been sufficiently attractive.

It said in an Oslo Stock Exchange announcement today that an updated funding plan has now been established which includes raising NOK 100 million (£8m) in new equity through a private placement of new shares in the company.

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

At Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU), international researchers are harnessing Chinese innovation to revolutionize global food security.

Led by Professor Wang Chenghui, the lab focuses on fish germplasm research, specifically the Oujiang color common carp, a species native to Zhejiang province valued for both food and ornament.

Bangladeshi researcher Nusrat Hasan Kanika investigates how gut microbiomes influence pigmentation and growth. She notes that Bangladesh, a "riverine country," can boost market prices by adopting these advanced techniques. Nearby, Pakistani scholars Rabia Tahir and Ayesha Arif utilize SHOU’s cutting-edge facilities to study environmental stress and epigenetics—resources often unavailable in their home countries.

The team’s success is highlighted by the Longshen No 1, a fast-growing carp strain, and the upcoming Longshen No 2, optimized for rice-fish farming. With scholars from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Egypt, the lab serves as a global hub. By mastering selective breeding and genetic evaluation, these scientists aim to bring sustainable, high-yield fishery management back to developing nations.

In a decisive move to support the state’s maritime economy, Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane chaired a high-level meeting in Mumbai this Wednesday to address the "bulk consumer" classification of diesel pricing—a designation that has long burdened fishing communities.

The session focused on the financial strain placed on fisheries cooperatives, which currently pay higher rates than retail consumers due to their bulk status. Key highlights from the meeting include:

• Policy Review: Officials were directed to re-evaluate the pricing structure to provide immediate relief to cooperative institutions.
• Agriculture Status: Discussions emphasized leveraging the sector’s agriculture-equivalent status to secure better subsidies.
• Grassroots Impact: A mandate was issued to ensure government schemes effectively reach beneficiaries across all coastal regions.

The meeting saw participation from Varsha Gaikwad, Fisheries Commissioner Prerna Deshbhratar, and various representatives of the fishing community. Taking to social media, Nitesh Rane committed to a "practical and positive resolution" to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen.