The Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE) launched on February 16 the Hydroacoustic Survey of Anchovy and Other Pelagic Resources 2602-04, a key scientific research mission aimed at updating the biological and fishery status of the anchovy (Engraulis ringens) in the Grau Sea.

The expedition, which will last 48 days, will cover the entire Peruvian coastline, from Tumbes to Tacna, in order to estimate biomass, spatial distribution, size structure, and reproductive status of the country’s main fishery resource.

The launch ceremony was attended by the Minister of Production, César Quispe Luján, who highlighted the importance of having timely scientific information to support decision-making amid changing oceanographic conditions.

The survey will also assess the distribution of eggs and larvae, the composition and abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton, as well as the presence of seabirds and marine mammals. In addition, oceanographic and environmental conditions will be updated, contributing to a comprehensive diagnosis of Peru’s marine ecosystem.

Puerto Montt, Chile-based salmon-farming firm Invermar has activated its emergency action plan responding to a mass mortality event that took place 12 February at its Traiguén 2 farming center, located in the municipality of Quinchao on the island of Chiloé.

Chile’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) reported on its website that a low oxygen phenomenon has affected 283 metric tons (MT) of fish, equivalent to 10 percent of the total biomass at the Traiguén 2 center.

The dead salmon are being removed by a fishing vessel and transported to the La Portada reduction plant.

Author: Christian Molinari / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

Salmon producer gets the go-ahead after 30-month wait

Cooke Aquaculture subsidiary Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd (KCS) has been given the go-ahead to add six extra pens to its fish farm at Coffin Island, in Liverpool Bay, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada. It applied for the expansion in August 2023.The approval by the Nova Scotia Aquaculture Review Board (ARB) follows a hearing about the application in October last year. KCS will increase the numbers of pens from 14 to 20, raising maximum production by 198,000 salmon. This works out at an extra 1,000 tonnes wet weight if fish are harvested at 5 kilos

Author: Gareth Moore / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

Food and drink manufacturers set out top priorities for government to support UK food manufacturers in new EU trade agreement.

• The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has set out ten priorities for UK food and drink manufacturers for the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU
• With food exports to the EU falling a quarter since Brexit, removing the additional cost and complexities food and drink manufacturers have faced when trading products with the EU since our exit in 2021 will benefit the sector
• However, alignment with EU regulation comes with potential risks and unintended consequences. Manufacturers are calling for government to keep businesses well informed on the scope of the SPS agreement 

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here

Bluegreen has just announced that it is now supporting SalMar in the process of taking the Marine Donut from the development phase into regular commercial operations.

A week ago Bluegreen disclosed that the second production cycle was broadly in line with expectations.

Now, in a new move, the facility is being adapted for post-smolt production – an application that sets new technical requirements for the system’s design.Marine Donut has so far been operated under a development licence, with a primary focus on food fish production.

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

Tilapia Prices Post Moderate Gains and Remain Stable Across Brazil

Tilapia prices recorded slight increases between February 9 and 13, maintaining stability in Brazil’s leading producing regions, according to the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea).

In Northern Paraná, the highest average price reached US$ 1.96 per kilogram (converted from R$ 10.24/kg), reflecting a 0.10% weekly increase.

In the Great Lakes region and Morada Nova de Minas, prices were equivalent to approximately US$ 1.84/kg (from R$ 9.62/kg), with gains of 0.63% and 0.43%, respectively.

Meanwhile, Western Paraná recorded an average of about US$ 1.67/kg (from R$ 8.74/kg), up 0.15%. In the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba region, tilapia averaged roughly US$ 1.88/kg (from R$ 9.82/kg), marking a 0.31% increase.

China has called on Japan to strictly observe the China-Japan Fisheries Agreement following the seizure of a Chinese fishing vessel in waters off southwestern Japan.

According to Mainichi, citing the Japan Fisheries Agency, the Chinese captain was released at 7:55 pm Friday after submitting a written guarantee for bail. He had been arrested after Japanese authorities claimed he attempted to evade inspection upon entering Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The incident occurred on Thursday, with 11 crew members aboard the vessel, described by Kyodo News as a “tiger net fishing boat” commonly used to catch mackerel and horse mackerel. It marked the first seizure of a Chinese fishing boat by Japan since 2022, the Japan Times reported.

Speaking at a press briefing, Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, said China requires its fishermen to comply with laws and firmly protects their legitimate rights. He urged Japan to ensure fair law enforcement and safeguard the crew’s safety.

The Chinese Consulate General in Fukuoka is assisting with the crew’s return.

Earlier this week, Wu Jianghao, Chinese Ambassador to Japan, warned that bilateral ties face their most severe challenges since diplomatic normalization.