As of September 13, 2024, South Korea imported 17,672 tons of fresh salmon, nearly matching the 17,611 tons imported during the same period in 2023. Despite stable volumes, the total import value dropped by 11%, from USD 282 million in 2023 to USD 251.6 million in 2023.

Import volume of fresh salmon

Norway remained the primary supplier, contributing 96.48% of the total imports with 16,989 tons. Chile followed with 433 tons, and Canada supplied 90 tons. In terms of pricing, Norwegian salmon had the highest average import price at USD 14.30/kg, followed by Chile at USD 12.63/kg, while Canadian salmon was the least expensive at USD 12.23/kg.

Source: Union Forsea Corp.

Recently, a debate arose about how much the national salmon farming sector is supervised, following a report from the Comptroller General of the Republic that questions the above.

SalmonChile stated in this regard that the salmon farming sector is a regulated and supervised activity, which complies with current environmental regulations.

“Salmon farming is, by far, the most supervised economic sector at the national level by the Superintendency of the Environment

Source: SalmonExpert | Read the full article here

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has completed the allocation of the total number of fishing days per vessel and group of bottom trawlers in the Mediterranean for the year 2024, which have finally reached more than 80,000, distributed among 556 vessels. The allocation includes the distribution of 5% of the fishing days corresponding to the reserve to the joint management entities, as well as 5% of the fishing days reserved for the improvement of selectivity

Source: IndustriasPesqueras | Read the full article here

A long-running European Union investigation into alleged price fixing that began with raids on the Scottish offices of Norwegian salmon farmers in 2019 reaches an important stage this week.

Grieg Seafood, SalMar and other Norwegian salmon producers will challenge EU charges of taking part in a cartel and fixing prices at a hearing in Brussels, the companies and three people with direct knowledge of the matter told the Reuters news agency.

Source: FishFarmingExpert | Read the full article here

Kuopio, Finland-based Kalavapriikki and Karkkila, Finland-headquartered food-tech company Hailia Nordic have teamed up to create a pulled rainbow trout product for exclusive distribution through Finnish retailer S Group.

The product is made from fish-filleting sidestreams, which might otherwise be wasted or converted into lower-valued products such as aquafeed ingredients or fish oil production, according to Hailia.

“We are committed to driving the blue food revolution and redefining seafood industry practices to operate within planetary boundaries while improving profitability. However, no company can do this alone,” Hailia CEO Michaela Lindström said in a press release. 

Author: Cliff White / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here

A clinical trial at Oregon Health & Science University suggests that a subset of older adults with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease may benefit from fish oil supplements.

The results come amid claims that fish oil supplements can improve brain function in people with memory problems. The study found no statistically significant benefit for all older adults in general. However, among those enrolled in the study who also carry a gene associated with Alzheimer’s disease, it showed a reduction in the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.

Source: FishFocus | Read the full article here

SAN RAMON/TOKYO - As part of their ongoing commitment to lower the carbon intensity of their operations, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Chevron Shipping Company LLC (Chevron), a subsidiary of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., announced an agreement to install Wind Challenger, a hard sail wind-assisted ship propulsion system developed by MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding together (Note 1), to a new build LNG carrier under long term charter from MOL Encean Pte. Ltd. (MOL's 100% indirectly owned subsidiary) to Chevron Asia Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd. This vessel will mark the world's first LNG carrier equipped with Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Systems.

The vessel is under construction at the Geoje Shipyard of Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. and is scheduled for delivery in 2026. In August 2024, MOL obtained an approval in principle (AiP) by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK) - a first for an LNG carrier with a Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion System (Note 2). The Chevron chartered vessel will be the first application.

Wind Challenger will help reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions by using its unique telescopic sails.

In addition to the robust design of Wind Challenger itself, additional safety measures include a fully enclosed navigation bridge and a lookout station on the vessel's fore deck to further enhances visibility.

Source: MOL

L'Assiette Bleue has reinvented the classic children's favorite, the cordon bleu, by introducing a seafood twist. Their new creation, perfect for the seafood delicatessen aisle, features a crispy wheat coating encasing a delicious blend of Alaska pollock and smoked haddock, complemented by a salmon fillet and, of course, a layer of melted cheese for a rich, indulgent finish.

In addition, the Vendée-based company is launching a breaded hake fillet, coated with a wholesome mix of five seeds and cereals, including brown flax, sunflower seeds, and oat and rye flakes. This product, targeted more toward adults and boasting a Nutri-Score A rating, is a nutritious and flavorful option.

Both products are priced at €5.50: two MSC-certified fish cordon bleus (200g) and two MSC-certified hake fillets with five seeds and cereals. They will be available in the self-service seafood and delicatessen sections.

About L’Assiette Bleue

L'Assiette Bleue SAS, based in Pouzauges, Vendée, is a French company specializing in sustainable seafood products. Since its founding in 1996, the company has been committed to eco-friendly practices, offering a wide range of responsibly sourced seafood, including organic shrimp, fish fillets, and prepared meals. Through its two brands—“L'Assiette Bleue” for general seafood and “Bleu Vert” for organic products—the company combines family values with a focus on environmental sustainability, all while employing around 67 dedicated staff.

The Fisheries Department responded on Saturday to an audit office report accusing it of mismanaging public funds through a flawed tender process, reports CyprusMail. The EU’s anti-fraud office (Olaf) is investigating, following the audit office’s referral, which also flagged potential criminal offenses like abuse of power.

The controversy centers on the department awarding a €1.5 million more expensive contract for an oil recovery vessel, intended for marine pollution response, despite cheaper alternatives. The project has faced delays, and the audit office criticized the contractor for threatening to abandon the project if not granted an extension.

In a statement, the department insisted that all legal procedures were followed and that the decision prioritized quality. It stressed transparency throughout the process and welcomed any investigation.