Baku, Azerbaijan — As global leaders convene for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29), the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) is calling on policymakers to recognize and address the critical relationship between fisheries and climate change. ICFA highlights that climate action in the fisheries sector is essential for food security, ecosystem health, and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

ICFA’s Key Messages for COP 29:

• Climate Threats to Fisheries: Rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and species migration are destabilizing marine ecosystems and fish stocks, with far-reaching consequences for global food security and coastal economies.
• "Blue Foods" for a Low-Carbon Future: Fisheries products, or “blue foods,” are among the lowest carbon-impact animal proteins. Increasing their share in global diets can help lower food system emissions and advance SDGs like SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Adaptation for Marine Resilience: ICFA urges COP 29 participants to prioritize adaptation strategies that strengthen ocean resilience and protect sustainable fish resources.
• Collaborative Climate Solutions: A coordinated approach between policymakers and the fisheries sector is essential to develop effective, practical climate solutions.

Read ICFA’s full resolution on climate and fisheries here.

When the United Kingdom left the EU, Norway made its own calculations and subtracted from the historic rights of the community club the amount it considered corresponded to the British. Since then, Brussels had been protesting, without much success. Yesterday, however, both parties reached an agreement, a pact that the Community Executive attributes to the success of the High Level Dialogue established at the initiative of President Ursula von der Leyen and the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gar Støre.

Oslo establishes a cod quota for the EU in line with what the now Twenty-seven had before Brexit.

Source: La Voz de Galicia l Read the full article here

The Norwegian government has allocated NOK 28 million (USD 2.6 million; EUR 2.4 million) towards stopping the spread of humpback salmon, and NOK 22 million (USD 2 million; EUR 1.9 million) towards treating Norwegian rivers for the Gyrodactylus salaris parasie.

Both the invasive salmon and the parasite pose a significant threat to Norway’s dwindling wild salmon population. 

Humpback salmon (also known as pink salmon) are native to the Pacific, but were introduced to Russia’s Kola Peninsula starting in the 1950s in an attempt to begin a salmon fishery.

Author: Erin Spampinato / SeafoodSource l Read the full article here

HEART UK has renewed its partnership with Loch Duart Salmon for a fourth year. Since joining forces with the cholesterol charity in 2021, Loch Duart has further improved the health of its salmon by investing in its bespoke Blue Impact feed from BioMar which contains high levels of omega-3 oils. 

Loch Duart is the only salmon that has the HEART UK approved logo on its packs.

Jules Payne, Chief Executive of HEART UK, along with the charity’s Dietetic Advisor Lynne Garton recently visited Loch Duart’s headquarters at Badcall Salmon House in Scourie, Sutherland, to find out how it raises its salmon. 

Source: Worldfishing l Read the full article here

Stronger America Through Seafood launches campaign urging Congressional support for US aquaculture.

Industry coalition Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) has initiated a campaign aimed at persuading the US Congress to support open ocean aquaculture, highlighting both economic and environmental advantages of advancing US-based sustainable seafood production.

The campaign, targeting lawmakers and congressional staff, includes educational resources, fact sheets, and a series of digital advertisements in Politico and Axios aimed at raising awareness of aquaculture’s potential for job creation and food security.

Source: SalmonBusiness l Read the full article here

Seattle, WA – The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) is excited to announce the 2024 Alaska Symphony of Seafood, set for November 19 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm at the King Street Ballroom in Seattle.

This premier event celebrates the most innovative Alaskan seafood products and promises an evening filled with culinary excellence, industry networking, and the thrill of competition.

Guests will be welcomed with a reception and exclusive tasting of this year’s Alaskan seafood entries in categories including Best New Retail Product, Best New Foodservice Product, Beyond the Plate, and Seafood Innovation. Following the tasting, guests will enjoy a seated dinner and witness the highly anticipated awards ceremony. This year’s master of ceremonies, Chris Egan of KING 5 Seattle, will bring his local charm and passion for fishing to the stage.

The evening will also include live and silent auctions, featuring a range of unique prizes. Guests can look forward to savoring a 10-pound box of Alaskan red king crab, embarking on a seven-day Baja Mexico cruise with UnCruise Adventures, taking an Alaska Sea Planes flight, or enjoying a special tour of the Pentagon for those seeking extraordinary experiences.

AFDF is proud to support SeaShare as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, with a portion of the event proceeds contributing to SeaShare’s impactful mission. Over the years, SeaShare has partnered with the seafood industry to donate more than 275 million servings of nutrient-rich seafood to underserved communities.

Reston, VA – In 2022, Americans consumed 19.7 pounds of seafood per capita, down 0.8 pounds from 2021. The latest numbers show a continuation of the “tinned fish” craze featuring increases in consumption of canned tuna, canned shellfish and canned sardines.

Though experiencing a slight decrease in consumption, Shrimp kept its spot as the most consumed seafood species. Pangasius and Cod saw the biggest gains in consumption, and staples like Tilapia, Catfish and Alaska Pollock held their place in the Top 10. Meanwhile, Oysters joined the NFI Top 10 List for the first time ever.

“The 2022 Top 10 List reflects the correction that took place following the 2021 supply surge which saw a 9% increase in available seafood,” NFI Programs Director, Richard Barry, said.

“Since the previous year experienced record high supply growth, a slight dip the following year was expected. The 2022 per capita number; however, remains higher than pre-pandemic consumption, an encouraging sign of retained seafood consumers.”

The Top 10 List makes up 79% of total consumption, which shows that Americans are continuing to diversify their seafood experiences.

Source: NFI

Could the salmon farming industry have its own version of Elon Musk?

Norway’s rugged fjords and cold waters have long been home to one of the world’s largest salmon farming sectors, but mounting environmental pressures have cast a shadow over its future. Now, an innovative industry figure is looking to disrupt the traditional methods, aiming to transform salmon farming with bold new technology.

Sondre Eide, CEO of Eide Fjordbruk, has been described as the “Elon Musk of salmon farming” by UK newspaper The Times in an article highlighting his efforts to reshape Norway’s aquaculture industry.

Author: Matthew Wilcox / SalmonBusiness l Read the full article here

The quest to find an acceptable non fish version of salmon has been given a €2m-plus boost from the European Union.

The Austrian food-tech company Revo Foods is working with the biotech company Paleo on a project to develop an imitation salmon style fillet using proteins derived from yeast.

The project has now caught the attention of the EU which has granted it funding worth £2.2m.

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