IN BRIEF - Ecuador's shrimp exports experienced notable growth in August, particularly in key global markets
ECUADOR
Monday, October 07, 2024
The total exports reached 104,267 tons, worth $514 million, marking a 6% rise in volume and 5% in value compared to August 2023.
China remained Ecuador's largest shrimp importer, with a 4% increase in volume to 57,023 tons, although the value stayed at $252 million due to a 4% price drop to $4.41 per kilogram. Shipments to the U.S. saw a decline in volume by 7%, but an 8% price increase helped offset the impact. In Europe, Ecuador's shrimp exports grew by 14%, with notable gains in France (30% rise in volume). Russia showed the most significant demand surge, with exports soaring 190% in volume and 218% in value.
Despite this success, Ecuador's shrimp industry has faced challenges this year, with overall exports from January to August only growing 2% in volume but declining 6% in value compared to the same period in 2023.
Kitgum — Eighty-five percent of fish farmers in Kitgum District have abandoned aquaculture after soaring feed prices and prolonged dry spells rendered the venture unprofitable, officials say.
District Fisheries Officer Alfred Omony told Uganda Radio Network that the rising cost of commercial fish feed has forced many farmers to stop stocking and managing ponds. Although over 80 fish farmers are registered in the district, only 15 remain active.
A kilogramme of quality fish feed now costs about Shs4,500, while lower-grade feed sells at Shs3,500 but results in slow growth and stunted fish. Sarah Aber, who started fish farming in May 2025, said manufactured feed—mostly imported—accounts for up to 70 percent of production costs, with a 20kg bag selling at Shs80,000.
Veteran farmer Sisto Okwera blamed erratic weather for worsening losses, noting that ponds dry up during peak dry months, forcing costly water pumping or seasonal shutdowns. He urged government support to lower feed costs and build farmers’ capacity to produce feed locally.
Although the district has acquired two feed pellet-making machines, farmers lack training to mix nutritionally adequate feed.
The decline in local production has pushed up fish prices in Kitgum, with tilapia and catfish now selling at Shs15,000–20,000 per kilogramme, largely sourced from outside the district. A December 2025 district report called for farmer grouping, climate mitigation measures, and skills training to revive the sector.
As recurrent droughts erode the reliability of rain-fed agriculture in Zimbabwe, small-scale farmers are increasingly turning to aquaculture as a climate-resilient alternative. In the eastern district of Chimanimani, fishponds are emerging as a dependable source of food and income.
Years of erratic rainfall and rising temperatures have made traditional crop farming increasingly unpredictable across rural Zimbabwe. In response, farmers like Olinda Tuso are diversifying their livelihoods. Behind her home in Chimanimani, Tuso manages a modest 10-by-10-metre fishpond that now supports her household nutrition and generates income.
Although Chimanimani is known for its mountainous terrain, even its low-lying areas have suffered repeated droughts over the past five years.
Norway, the United Kingdom, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands have reduced their quotas by 48%, while the EU27 have cut their fishing opportunities by 70%.
The first Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries meeting under Cyprus's leadership was packed with various items, many related to fisheries. New measures to the Fisheries Control Regulations, championed by Spain, were one such item, as was the amendment to the Mediterranean regulations. However, another item, not signed by the Spanish government but openly supported, concerns the total allowable catch for mackerel in the Northeast Atlantic.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
Professionals from traditional fishmongers, represented by Fedepesca, denounce the “ongoing media harassment” surrounding fish and aquaculture products. They are doing so now, after the Christmas season, a particularly sensitive time when, they point out, “there were countless news reports about anisakis, antibiotics, and other well-known and controlled risks for which health authorities have issued simple recommendations to the public,” making them completely safe.
These alarmist reports, “lacking any journalistic rigor or respect for those who work in the sector”—and which occur not only during the Christmas season but also during periods of low news coverage—only succeed, the fish retailers lament, in creating unfounded distrust that drives consumers away from products essential to a healthy diet
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
A Scottish fishery that plays a major part in sustaining a whole island community has been certified to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Standard for sustainable fishing for a third time, securing a prosperous future for the shellfish fishermen of the Shetland Islands and the surrounding marine environment.
The good news about the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation (SSMO) brown crab and scallop fishery’s MSC recertification extends to consumers too, as the scallops are widely available across the UK in branches of Waitrose and Whole Foods.
Icelandic salmon farmer Kaldvik has issued a profit warning, citing weaker prospects for the first quarter of 2026 following early harvesting and a decline in salmon prices.
In a statement released on Friday, the company said several factors since its third-quarter presentation had negatively affected its outlook. As a result, Kaldvik said it may be at risk of breaching one or more financial covenants under its senior loan facility during the first quarter or later in 2026.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Norwegian salmon farmer SalMar has been included in the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable companies, published in connection with the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The Global 100 ranking is compiled by analysis and media company Corporate Knights and assesses sustainability performance across all industries.
In the 2026 edition, 8,229 companies were analysed, with the top 100 qualifying for inclusion.SalMar said it was the highest-ranked Norwegian company on this year’s list and also ranked top globally within food and beverage production.
The Supreme Council for Environment of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China have signed an implementing agreement to enhance cooperation in aquaculture, fish farming and fisheries.
The agreement falls under the fifth phase of the technical cooperation programme between the two countries and aims to strengthen collaboration in environmental protection, food security and sustainable development.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs. The signing ceremony was attended by Ni Ruchi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bahrain, who conveyed the agreement signed on behalf of China by Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.
Dr. Bin Daina said the agreement supports Bahrain’s national priorities to enhance food security and develop fisheries resources, highlighting the depth of strategic relations between the two countries. He noted that the project seeks to advance Bahrain’s aquaculture sector through an integrated facility using modern technologies, promoting technology transfer, capacity building and environmental sustainability.
Ambassador Ni Ruchi said the agreement represents a significant step in bilateral cooperation, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting the project through technical expertise and advanced technologies.
Bakkafrost has been included in the Corporate Knights 2026 Global 100, the annual ranking of the world’s most sustainable companies. The company is ranked 83rd globally and second within the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Group.
The Global 100 list is compiled by research and media company Corporate Knights and was published on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos. The ranking evaluates publicly traded companies with revenues exceeding US$1 billion, based on measurable sustainability performance linked to products and services.
Bakkafrost’s inclusion reflects continued, organisation-wide efforts to strengthen sustainability across its operations and value chain. The recognition aligns with the company’s strategy of meeting high international standards for sustainability and transparency, focusing on responsible resource use, minimising environmental impact, respecting people, and creating long-term value for stakeholders and society.
Recently, the Qushan ship of the First Bureau of the China Coast Guard seized two fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing within its jurisdictional waters.
The vessels were carrying nearly 6,800 boxes of fish, totaling over 50 tons. Neither vessel was operating within its designated fishing area, and both had deliberately altered their hull numbers, raising suspicion of illegal fishing activities.
Subsequently, the bureau seized two additional fishing vessels in the same jurisdictional waters, confiscating 2,000 boxes of fish, weighing approximately 4 tons, on site. Neither vessel was fishing within its designated operating area, and both were using nets inconsistent with approved fishing methods. Furthermore, the original hull numbers on both vessels had been painted over with black paint, further indicating suspected illegal fishing.
At present, both cases are under further investigation.
Japan to Remove Import Tariffs on Indonesian Tuna Products Japan
Revised Indonesia–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement set to boost US$80 million seafood trade and reshape regional tuna markets
Japan and Indonesia are moving closer to implementing the revis...
ECUADOR
The total exports reached 104,267 tons, worth $514 million, marking a 6% rise in volume and 5% in value compared to August 2023.
UGANDA
ZIMBABWE
WORLDWIDE
Norway, the United Kingdom, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands have reduced their quotas by 48%, while the EU27 have cut their fishing opportunities by 70%.
SPAIN
Professionals from traditional fishmongers, represented by Fedepesca, denounce the “ongoing media harassment” surrounding fish and aquaculture products. They are doing so now, after the Christmas season, a particularly sensitive time when, they point out, “there were countless news reports about anisakis, antibiotics, and other well-known and controlled risks for which health authorities have issued simple recommendations to the public,” making them completely safe.
UNITED KINGDOM
A Scottish fishery that plays a major part in sustaining a whole island community has been certified to the 
ICELAND
Icelandic salmon farmer 
NORWAY
Norwegian salmon farmer 
BAHRAIN
FAROE ISLANDS.png)
Bakkafrost
CHINA.jpeg)
