Science, the fishing sector, and conservation join forces to combat ghost fishing and protect marine biodiversity.

• Ghost fishing and abandoned fishing gear, a silent threat to the fishing sector, find a response in an initiative co-financed by the European Union that seeks to transform the Mediterranean into an example of sustainability and collaboration.

The Mediterranean, a vital enclave for biodiversity and maritime activity, faces a challenge: every year, a considerable number of sea turtles can become trapped in lost or abandoned fishing gear (ALFG). However, this is not the only risk factor for them. As a sea shared by multiple countries and in which various fleets operate, the protection of its ecosystem requires coordinated action and shared responsibility.

This situation not only impacts biodiversity, but also the sustainability of fisheries and maritime safety. To respond to this problem, LIFE OASIS is born, a pioneering project that combines technology, research and direct collaboration with the fishing and maritime sector at an international level.

- Patricia Ordóñez, formerly Researcher in the Acoustics Department, has been appointed as the company first Director of Science and Sustainability, a newly created position that will report to Zunibal's director and shareholder, Ibone Rodríguez de Pablo.

- The appointment reinforces the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability, promoting technological solutions and projects that optimize the efficiency of the fishing sector and contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems.

Vizcaya, - Zunibal, leading company in technological solutions for sustainable fisheries, has appointed Patricia Ordóñez as Director of Science and Sustainability. In this new position, Patricia will lead the implementation of Zunibal's sustainability strategy, integrating environmental, social and circular economy practices in the fishing sector.

Before assuming this responsibility, Patricia Ordóñez played a key role in the technological and scientific development of the company. Her relationship with Zunibal began during her doctoral studies at the Universitat Politècnica de València, when she collaborated in R+D projects that combined academic knowledge with practical solutions for the fishing sector.

A recent study by the Romir holding company, reported by TASS, reveals a notable shift in Russian consumer preferences, with fish products increasingly favored over traditional deli items like sausages and cheeses.

The study indicates a "stable trend" of consumers transitioning away from delicacies, sausages, and hard/semi-hard cheeses, opting instead for fish. Notably, "Russians increasingly prefer a breakfast sandwich with red fish over sausage," according to the findings.

Analysts attribute the growing demand for red, smoked, lightly salted, and salted fish to several factors. These include a narrowing cost differential between red fish and dry-smoked/dry-cured sausages, driven by active promotional campaigns and retailers' efforts to source affordable alternatives like pink salmon and char.

Despite this narrowing gap, the average expenditure on fish remains 61% higher than on dry-smoked/dry-cured sausages. This "indicates high demand for the fish category among consumers and confirms its importance for retail chains," the study concludes.

Maison Reynaud unveiled its latest innovation at the recent Sirha exhibition: cryogenized blue lobster.

The process involves cryogenically freezing European lobster (Homarus gammarus) at -120°C, storing it at -60°C, and then transferring it to a standard restaurant freezer. To prepare, the lobster is thawed in a refrigerator for 24 hours or under cold running water for 10 minutes, reports Fanny ROUSSELIN-ROUSVOAL of Produit de la Mer (PDM).

Chefs then "tap" the lobster, using a rolling pin or similar tool, to loosen the shell for easy removal. While requiring some initial practice, this product, packaged in boxes of three lobsters and launched prior to the holiday season, has gained rapid acceptance among chefs. Its key advantages include: complete shell removal with minimal waste, even in the legs; a competitive price point (39.90 euros/kg in January); a stable supply independent of live market fluctuations; and simplified inventory management.

In addition to the cryogenized lobster, Maison Reynaud's recently launched Ikejime amberjack has also achieved significant success. This product offers versatility, suitable for raw preparations such as sushi, cooked dishes, and even maturation.

SalMar, the world’s second largest Atlantic salmon farmer, has shaken off many of its biological problems to produce better than expected 2024 final quarter results – but still saw profits fall year on year by almost a third.

SalMar reported an operational EBIT or operational profit of NOK 1,485m (£106m) between October and December compared with NOK 2,193m(£156m) in Q4 2023.

Profit after tax was NOK 1,049m (£75m) compared to NOK 1,261m (£90m) a year ago. The company is recommending a dividend for the year of NOK 22 (£1.50) per share. 

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

China is using its influence in the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to sway conservation decisions made by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), according to a new academic research paper.

Titled “Seizing A Venue-Linking Opportunity: China’s Strategy To Advance Its Sea Cucumber Interests In Global Environmental Governance,” the paper suggests that China is “venue linking,” or using its clout in one international body to influence procedures in a related body. 

In this case, it asserts the nation is making inroads at FAO, which is led by Qu Dongyu, formerly a senior official at China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, to play a leading role in environmental governance across the globe.

Author: Mark Godfrey / SeafoodSource l Read the full article here

Thailand's Department of Fisheries has reported progress towards achieving its goal of controlling invasive populations of blackchin tilapia, providing benefits for aquaculture producers throughout the country.

Despite tilapia being one of the most widely farmed fish in the global aquaculture industry, invasive populations of the blackchin tilapia - a cichlid native to West Africa - have been devastating the productivity of aquaculture operations throughout Thailand. However, a multi-stakeholder effort led by the country's Department of Fisheries has reported progress towards controlling this invasive species, turning an environmental challenge into a pathway for sustainable development and local economic growth.

Source: The Fish Site l Read the full article here

Ecuador strengthens its presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market by presenting its high-quality shrimp at the 30th edition of Gulfood, one of the most important food and beverage fairs in the world, held from February 17 to 21 at the World Trade Center in Dubai.

Under the brand "Ecuador First Class Shrimp", the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) leads Ecuadorian participation in this event, which brings together more than 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries.

Exclusive Pavilion and Industry Representation

In a milestone for Ecuadorian aquaculture, Ecuador has for the first time an exclusive shrimp pavilion at Gulfood 2025, located in the "World Food" zone. The companies Aquagold and Expalsa are responsible for representing the sector in this 48 m² space.

UAE Market: Opportunities and Challenges

The UAE market represents a strategic opportunity for Ecuador, given the high per capita consumption of fish and seafood (33 kg/year), almost double the world average. However, competition is intense, with India, Pakistan and Vietnam dominating the supply of shrimp in the region.

Competitive Advantages of Ecuadorian Shrimp

Participation in Gulfood aims to highlight the competitive advantages of Ecuadorian shrimp: flavor, texture, size and high nutritional value. In addition, the commitment of the sector to sustainable practices is emphasized, guaranteeing responsible production that protects marine and coastal ecosystems.