IN BRIEF - New salmon study adds to evidence that pink salmon could be crowding out sockeye
UNITED STATES
Monday, March 04, 2024
A new analysis of nearly 25,000 fish scales offers more evidence that the millions of pink salmon churned out by Alaska fish hatcheries could be harming wild sockeye salmon populations when they meet in the ocean, according to the scientists who authored the study.
The new peer-reviewed paper, published this week in the ICES Journal of Marine Science, analyzed growth rates that could be deduced from the fish scales, similar to trees’ yearly growth rings.
The paper was built on a unique aspect of the life cycle of pink salmon, which are primarily targeted by commercial fishermen: Their abundance is high in odd-numbered years, and lower in even-numbered years. Those booms and busts allowed authors Peter Rand and Gregory Ruggerone to tease out whether sockeye salmon — which are more highly valued by sport and personal use fishermen — were growing at lower rates during odd years, when pink salmon are more numerous.
Their analysis showed that was the case across the Gulf of Alaska — a dynamic that Rand and Ruggerone describe as a “zero-sum game” between the two species. It found that yearly growth of sockeye was depressed by as much as 17% at times when pink salmon abundance was high.[...]
The Russian government has officially expanded the functionality of the “Inspector” mobile application, marking a significant step in the digitalization of the nation’s fisheries and aquatic bioresource conservation sectors.
This update transitions traditional regulatory interactions into a streamlined, remote format with full official recording of all actions.
Key Enhancements
The “Inspector” app, integrated into the Standard cloud solution for automation of control (supervisory) activities, now serves as the primary tool for federal oversight. Its expanded capabilities include:
Remote Inspections: Conducting real-time video conferences during official checks and preventative measures.
Digital Evidence: Documenting violations through photography and video directly within the app.
Information Exchange: Seamless presentation of documents and data during inspections.
Compliance Tracking: Official confirmation that previously identified violations of fishing regulations or fishing ground use conditions have been rectified.
By leveraging these remote tools, authorities aim to reduce the administrative burden on bona fide industry participants while maintaining rigorous compliance with fisheries legislation.
Myanmar is currently exporting aquatic products to 42 countries, with seafood making up 70% of shipments and freshwater products accounting for the remaining 30%.
According to the Myanmar Fisheries Union, the industry is pivoting toward modern aquaculture to offset rising production costs and a decline in marine fishery resources.
A key development is underway in Bandanau, located in the Ayeyarwady Region, where a 3,000-acre deep-water zone is utilizing modern technology to farm tilapia. New export contracts have already been signed with the United States and China, with shipments scheduled to begin this year.
Officials emphasize that transitioning from traditional catches to controlled environments is vital. Establishing modern aquaculture zones could generate nearly $200 million in annual revenue. By expanding these industries, Myanmar aims to secure its domestic food supply while significantly boosting foreign exchange earnings through a more sustainable and consistent export model.
Tilapia prices are showing signs of stabilization across Brazil, though significant regional gaps persist. According to the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea), price differences reached up to US$ 0.25 per kilo between monitored regions during the week of May 4-8, 2026.
Market Highlights:
Northern Paraná: Recorded the highest price at US$ 1.73/kg (R$ 10.47).
Triângulo Mineiro / Alto Paranaíba: Followed closely at US$ 1.69/kg (R$ 10.24), a 0.13% increase.
Grandes Lagos (SP/MS): Averaged US$ 1.67/kg (R$ 10.09), up 0.28%.
Morada Nova de Minas (MG): Noted a slight dip to US$ 1.61/kg (R$ 9.75).
Western Paraná: Maintained the lowest national rate at US$ 1.48/kg (R$ 8.96).
While Western Paraná remains the most affordable hub, the state of Paraná continues to lead the nation in processing and exports. This stability marks a shift away from the high volatility seen in recent fish farming cycles.
The blue whiting season for Síldarvinnslan vessels has officially come to a close following a period of highly productive fishing.
The season’s end was marked this morning as Beitir NK (pictured) arrived in the port of Neskaupstaður carrying 2,720 tons of catch from Faroese jurisdiction. This follows successful landings earlier this week by Barði NK, which brought in 2,100 tons on Tuesday, and Börkur NK, which landed 3,200 tons on Wednesday.
Captain Þorkell Pétursson of Barði NK noted that fishing in the Ræsin separation area near Færeyjabanki was excellent, with hauls taken in six to eleven hours. Similarly, Captain Hjörvar Hjálmarsson of Börkur NK reported a swift trip, filling the ship in less than three days with hauls ranging from 360 to 580 tons.
While Captain Ólafur Gunnar Guðnason of Beitir NK observed that the fish began to disperse and move north toward the Rósagarður area in Icelandic jurisdiction at the end of the run, the overall sentiment remains high. Despite a slight dip in density during the final days, crews remain very satisfied with the robust volumes achieved throughout the season.
In a landmark moment for private maritime enterprise, China’s first privately funded scientific research vessel, the Haiying Jiake, was officially launched on Tuesday in Songmen town, Wenling, located in Zhejiang province.
Breaking away from the traditional model of state-sponsored oceanography, the project was financed by a dedicated group of 37 local fishermen. The ambitious venture required a total investment of approximately 150 million yuan ($21.9 million).
The Haiying Jiake is a formidable addition to the nation's fleet, boasting the following specifications:
Length:82 meters
Operational Range:10,000 nautical miles
Purpose: Designed for multidisciplinary research in open waters.
The launch signifies a growing trend of private capital fueling scientific advancement. By providing a platform for complex oceanic studies, these Zhejiang entrepreneurs are bridging the gap between industry and academia, ensuring China's maritime exploration continues to expand into deeper horizons.
Europêche Warns of Tariff Exemption Because It Sees It “Is Impossible to Guarantee Traceability and Compliance with Health Standards”
The European fishing industry association Europêche has just reiterated to the European Commission's Directorates-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE) its “deep concern” about the elimination of tariffs foreseen in the draft free trade agreement between the EU and Indonesia, “the world's leading tuna producer.”
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
In response to the persistent price volatility that continues to affect shrimp producers worldwide, Nutreco has significantly expanded its Eruvaka smart aquaculture ecosystem, now present in 12 countries. This expansion helps shrimp farmers implement smart solutions to increase productivity and reduce risk at a commercial scale.
Three years after acquiring full ownership of the Indian company, as Nutreco points out, “Eruvaka has evolved from a technology provider to a globally integrated platform that now manages approximately 20,000 harvests per year. More than 45,000 hectares of shrimp ponds are managed and monitored through connected systems, with over 60,000 smart feeding devices in operation.”
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
Lice laser pioneer Stingray Marine Solutions said it has completed construction of its second factory in Norway, adjacent to its existing plant.
The building will help the company further increase production to meet demand from “several large aquaculture customers”, said co-founder and CEO John Arne Breivik in a LinkedIn post.
Stingray’s technology removes salmon lice using cameras, advanced software, and a targeted laser which is controlled by artificial intelligence.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
A fishing port in Torbay has seen sales more than double in the past five years with the "upward trajectory" showing "no signs of slowing", a report has found.
Due to its success of sales rising from £36.8m in 2020 to £77.7m in 2025, Brixham's fishing port could be extended with new buildings if approved by Torbay Council's cabinet on 12 May.
The council is expected to approve the next stages of plans to extend buildings at Oxen Cove for the Brixham Port Infrastructure Project
Author: Guy Henderson / BBC | Read the full article here
The government of Canada has approved the import of disease-resistant oyster broodstock from the United States, as part of a package of emergency measures to save the oyster industry in Prince Edward Island (PEI).
Farmers in PEI have been facing a double threat from two diseases, first detected in the region in 2024, which have led to high mortality rates in oysters and substantial losses for the entire sector.
Multinucleated Sphere Unknown (MSX) and Dermo (also known as Perkinsosis) pose no risks to human health or food safety, but they can cause decreased growth rates and increased oyster mortality.
Author: Robert Outram / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
UNITED STATES
RUSSIAN FEDERATION.png)
Remote Inspections: Conducting real-time video conferences during official checks and preventative measures.
MYANMAR
According to the Myanmar Fisheries Union, the industry is pivoting toward modern aquaculture to offset rising production costs and a decline in marine fishery resources.
BRAZIL
ICELAND
CHINA
EUROPEAN UNION.png)
Europêche
NETHERLANDS
In response to the persistent price volatility that continues to affect shrimp producers worldwide, 
NORWAY
Lice laser pioneer
UNITED KINGDOM
A fishing port in Torbay has seen sales more than double in the past five years with the "upward trajectory" showing "no signs of slowing", a report has found.
CANADA
The government of Canada has approved the import of disease-resistant oyster broodstock from the United States, as part of a package of emergency measures to save the oyster industry in Prince Edward Island (PEI).
