During the lockdowns of 2020, global shipping was severely restricted and ocean noise pollution all but ceased. Instead the songs of fish filled the sea.

Crackles, snaps, pops and clicks – that is the noise of a thriving underwater soundscape.

For decades, many people believed the ocean was silent, limited by what our own ears could detect beneath the surface. But in the early 20th Century, when hydrophones – underwater microphones – were introduced to monitor ocean acoustics, we discovered that marine species use a huge variety of sounds.

Author: Frankie Adkins / BBC | Read the full article here

India and Russia are working to form closer seafood ties after the leaders of the two countries met at a business forum in New Delhi, India. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met during the 23rd Russia-India Business Forum in early December, with both leaders reaffirming support for each other and the strengthening of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The partnership, established in October 2000, promises cooperation in a number of areas including security, economic ties, nuclear energy, defense, and natural resources like seafood. As part of those closer ties, the two leaders said India and Russia are setting a trade target of USD 100 billion (EUR 85 billion) to be achieved by 2030. 

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

After a slight dip in week 48, the spot price of Norwegian farmed salmon increased by NOK 6.81 (£0.50) per kilo last week (week 49), up to NOK 86.19/kg.

The last time the price was higher was in week 16, which was Easter week.

Last week’s price was also NOK 5.38/kg better than the same week last year.

The average spot price so far this year is NOK 76.25/kg, compared to NOK 92.57 a year ago.

Author: Pål Mugaas Jensen / fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here

The European Union and the Cook Islands have sealed a new seven-year protocol (2025-2032) to their Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement.

This renewed deal grants the EU fleet access to some of the Pacific Ocean’s most robust tuna stocks, permitting a total of 40 fishing days annually within Cook Islands waters.

In return, the EU has committed to a total financial contribution of €3.22 million ($3.74 million) over the seven years. A significant portion, €295,000 annually, is earmarked to boost the Cook Islands’ capacities for sustainable fisheries management, control, surveillance, and blue economy development. EU shipowners will also contribute €90,000 for authorization fees.

The protocol reinforces both parties' shared commitment to sustainable fishing and mutual economic progress.

As active members of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the agreement aims to strike a balance between providing fishing opportunities for the EU fleet and ensuring the long-term environmental sustainability of the ecosystem.

Morocco has significantly strengthened its position as the world's leading exporter of canned sardines, according to the Spanish newspaper La Razón. The country's annual production volume has surpassed 15,000 tons, confirming its global market leadership.

The Kingdom exports its canned goods to diverse international markets, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Strategic Advantage and Economic Impact

This success is attributed to Morocco's integrated maritime and industrial system, which is underpinned by a vast network of processing facilities. These facilities, concentrated mainly in Agadir, Safi, and Laayoune, are a massive employment engine, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs (Source: FishRetail.ru).

Morocco's deliberate strategy to prioritize sardine canning over fresh or frozen fish sales has proven highly profitable, easing access to global markets. This industry is vital to coastal economies, providing major employment opportunities, particularly for women.

Quality and Modernization

The country has also invested in modernizing its fishing fleet, implementing traceability systems, and securing international certifications. These steps guarantee high product quality, boost consumer trust, and solidify Morocco's authority in international trade agreements.

Source: FishRetail.ru

The annual meeting of the Joint Russian-Norwegian Fisheries Commission (JRNFC) has commenced, held via videoconference. The Russian delegation is led by Ilya Shestakov, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries.

Shortened Agenda Due to Sanctions

This year’s session is significantly shortened due to the unilateral sanctions imposed by Norway against Russian fishing companies. Consequently, Russia has decided that the four standing working groups (on statistics, scientific cooperation, monitoring, and seals) will not meet.

The discussions will be strictly limited to the core mandate: establishing the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and distributing quotas for jointly regulated aquatic bioresources in the Barents and Norwegian Seas.

The JRNFC, established in 1976, is crucial for ensuring the sustainable use of these shared stocks. This focused session will nevertheless aim to finalize the critical resource management decisions for the coming period.

Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries

Thai Union Group PCL, a global seafood leader, together with i-Tail Corporation PCL and Thai Union Feedmill PCL, has delivered assistance to those affected by severe flooding in Southern Thailand. The support includes essential food products and daily necessities valued at a total of THB 3.4 million, aimed at easing the hardship faced by local communities while supporting frontline workers and volunteer organisations involved in relief efforts.Thai Union has provided a range of essential food items and supplies—including SEALECT tuna products, SEALECT canned mackerel, ready-to-eat meals, soy milk, drinking water, cooking ingredients, as well as pet food for dogs and cats. 

Source: Fish Focus | Read the full article here 

Britain’s seafood sector – both farmed and wild caught – is facing major changes in the New Year for exports to the European Union.

The changes mainly concern the data companies must submit to enable their exports to flow smoothly, and will affect Scotland more than any other part of Britain.

The upcoming regulations will apply to every link in the supply chain, from fishers and merchants to processors and exporters.

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