IN BRIEF - Javier Garat, elected president of the Maritime Cluster Spanish,
SPAIN
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
The general secretary of theSpanish Fisheries Confederation (CEPESCA), Javier Garat, has been appointed president of the Spanish Maritime Cluster, an organization that represents all economic activities, institutions, associations and companies that have a relationship with the sea, and whose objective is extend and improve the so-called blue economy, acting as a communication vehicle for the sector with the Government and public administrations.
Garat has a degree in Law and a diploma in Community Law from the Complutense University of Madrid (C.E.U. San Pablo) and a Master's degree in International and European Law from the Catholic University of Leuven (U.C.L. Belgium). The new president of the Spanish Maritime Cluster, a full academician of the Royal Academy of the Sea, has an extensive career in the field of fishing that began in 1996 when he joined the team of the Legal Service of the European Commission and as assistant to the Fisheries Counselor of the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union.
Fishing associations appeal the environmental clearance granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate, warning of risks to fisheries and marine ecosystems.
The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has appealed the permit granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate, arguing its mining licence expired in 2013. The industry warns the project could affect key fishing grounds and expose fish stocks to heavy metals.The court also found that the company had not complied with the mandatory provisions requiring it to apply within the one-year period.
The AIR Centre has published a new technical document analyzing diversification in aquaculture—"an issue that is becoming increasingly strategic for Atlantic aquaculture," the Centre notes. Titled *Fostering Aquaculture: New Species vs. Established Species*, the article draws on discussions held during the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum (AAF25) in Terceira, Azores, in November 2025.
The document's central argument is that the choice of aquaculture species is no longer a purely technical decision, as the species a region produces impacts the food security of that area.
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
The aquaculture feed giant BioMar and Multi X, the large Chile salmon production company have launched a joint project to explore how regenerative agriculture can help make salmon production feed solutions more sustainable.
The two organisations say agriculture plays an important role in supplying raw materials to produce feed solutions for the aquaculture value chain. But as climate change and pressure on natural resources create new challenges for food production, improving soil health and strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems are becoming increasingly important to maintaining productive and economically viable supply chains over the long term.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Precautionary measure due to low biomass in the Loligo
The Falkland Islands Fisheries Department confirms that fishing within the Loligo Box will be paused for a period of around two weeks as a precautionary measure due to low Loligo squid biomass.
This decision has been taken following close engagement with the fishing industry and reflects a shared view that a temporary cessation of fishing activity represents the most appropriate course of action. Targeted trawling carried out by the fishing industry, and coordinated by the Department, will take place throughout the Loligo Box on 12 August in order to obtain more information on the distribution of squid throughout the fishing area.
This precautionary approach reflects the Department’s commitment to the long-term stock sustainability and responsible management of the fishery.
The Department will continue to work with industry partners throughout this period and will provide further updates once further information is available.
New projects, rising investment and local feed production are strengthening the Sultanate’s aquaculture industry.
Oman is expanding aquaculture as a key pillar of its fisheries strategy, targeting production of 252,000 tonnes by 2030. Aquaculture output reached 9,240 tonnes in 2025, while total investment stood at RO 349 million. Projects cover shrimp, marine fish, oysters, abalone and algae, alongside local fish-feed production aimed at reducing imports and supporting a more competitive and sustainable seafood industry.
Funding will strengthen production, infrastructure and private investment while supporting food security and new jobs.
The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand aquaculture and poultry production in the Republic of Congo. The programme will improve access to feed, infrastructure, finance and technical assistance, while promoting private investment, employment and food security.
Incident highlights risks of close encounters with large marine mammals
Two Fisheries and Oceans Canada officers were injured during an encounter with a humpback whale off British Columbia. The incident underscores the hazards faced by fisheries personnel working around large marine mammals.
The ACC is pushing for public disclosure of fishing rights, quotas, licence holders and beneficial ownership to strengthen accountability across the sector.
Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has called for greater transparency in the fisheries sector to curb corruption, illegal fishing and financial crime. The agency advocates publishing information on fishing rights, quota allocations, licence holders and beneficial ownership, strengthening oversight and public accountability over the country’s valuable marine resources.
FFA members seek to capture greater economic benefits from their tuna resources through local participation and value-added development.
Pacific fisheries leaders are shifting their focus from simply managing tuna stocks to retaining more value in the region. The FFA is promoting greater Pacific ownership, processing, investment and employment, seeking to ensure that more of the economic benefits generated by tuna remain within island economies.
The new EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste has entered into force today. The regulation—the implementation of which is causing uncertainty within the seafood canning and processing sector—introduces strict limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, known as "forever chemicals") in food-contact packaging, with the aim of providing "greater protection for consumers and the environment." The rule also represents a step forward in harmonizing definitions for manufacturers and producers responsible for extended producer responsibility regarding packaging. Additionally, specific labeling and information requirements will apply to packaging, ensuring that manufacturers or importers can be identified and contacted as necessary.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Chancay: South America's Shanghai or a Chinese Myth? Peru
Twenty months after its inauguration, the port of Chancay fails to lower costs for Peruvian exporters despite cutting travel time to Asia by twelve days.
Foto: Chancay Port / Ocean Alliance
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Toyosu shows strong segmentation between fresh and frozen tuna Japan
Tokyo wholesale market reports prices up to ¥16,200/kg (US$ 108.00/kg) for domestic fresh tuna, while frozen tuna drops to an average value of ¥3,727/kg (US$ 24.85/kg) despite higher volumes.
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Garat has a degree in Law and a diploma in Community Law from the Complutense University of Madrid (C.E.U. San Pablo) and a Master's degree in International and European Law from the Catholic University of Leuven (U.C.L. Belgium). The new president of the Spanish Maritime Cluster, a full academician of the Royal Academy of the Sea, has an extensive career in the field of fishing that began in 1996 when he joined the team of the Legal Service of the European Commission and as assistant to the Fisheries Counselor of the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union.
NAMIBIA.png)
Fishing associations appeal the environmental clearance granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate, warning of risks to fisheries and marine ecosystems.
CAPE VERDE
The AIR Centre has published a new technical document analyzing diversification in aquaculture—"an issue that is becoming increasingly strategic for Atlantic aquaculture," the Centre notes. Titled *Fostering Aquaculture: New Species vs. Established Species*, the article draws on discussions held during the Atlantic Aquaculture Forum (AAF25) in Terceira, Azores, in November 2025.
CHILE
The aquaculture feed giant 
FALKLAND ISLANDS.png)
The Falkland Islands Fisheries Department confirms that fishing within the Loligo Box will be paused for a period of around two weeks as a precautionary measure due to low Loligo squid biomass.
OMAN.png)
CONGO
Funding will strengthen production, infrastructure and private investment while supporting food security and new jobs.
CANADA
Incident highlights risks of close encounters with large marine mammals
The ACC is pushing for public disclosure of fishing rights, quotas, licence holders and beneficial ownership to strengthen accountability across the sector.
NEW ZEALAND
FFA members seek to capture greater economic benefits from their tuna resources through local participation and value-added development.
BELGIUM
The new EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste has entered into force today. The regulation—the implementation of which is causing uncertainty within the seafood canning and processing sector—introduces strict limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, known as "forever chemicals") in food-contact packaging, with the aim of providing "greater protection for consumers and the environment." The rule also represents a step forward in harmonizing definitions for manufacturers and producers responsible for extended producer responsibility regarding packaging. Additionally, specific labeling and information requirements will apply to packaging, ensuring that manufacturers or importers can be identified and contacted as necessary.
