Spain-based ocean technology company Zunibal – which is owned by Nazca Capital – has acquired Taiwan-based Zong Hong Marine, expanding its reach into Asia.

Zunibal said the new acquisition is oriented around expanding its international reach. With the purchase, Zunibal is creating Zunibal Asia, with operational headquarters in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Zunibal specializes in manufacturing satellite buoys for fishing fleets and unveiled floating and submerged fish aggregating devices (FADs) in 2024 through a partnership with Spain-based AZTI Technology Center.

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

A December 2024 study by France AgriMer, as reported by Vincent Schumeng of Produit de la Mer (PDM), investigated consumer perceptions of labeled oysters and mussels, revealing three distinct profiles.

The first group, regular and knowledgeable consumers, prioritizes the production area. "Locavores," the second profile, favor local products and are open to exploring new origins. Finally, non-coastal buyers, who shop occasionally in supermarkets, are most influenced by labels.

The study found a generally positive perception of oysters and mussels: 84% of consumers consider them healthy, and 81% view them as environmentally friendly. However, only 54% perceive them as affordable. Freshness is the top purchasing factor, followed by price, season, and French origin. Labels are a consideration for less than half of the consumers surveyed.

Recognition of specific labels and quality signs varies significantly. While 80% are familiar with "appellation d'origine contrôlée" (AOP), only 17% recognize the "traditional specialty guaranteed" (TSG).

Logo recognition also shows disparities. The Marennes Oléron logo is recognized by 72%, compared to just 38% for bouchot mussels. General logos fare better: 83% recognize the organic logo, 80% the Label Rouge, and 74% the Nutri-Score. Recognition is lower for the AOP logo (44%) and Breizhmer (26%).

While the direct impact of labels on purchasing is hard to quantify, the study indicates that product names themselves can be strong motivators. "Bouchot mussels" encourages 71% of consumers to buy, and "fine de claire" motivates 64%. This suggests a correlation between awareness and the potential influence on purchasing decisions.

~Utilizing Frozen Bonito Scraps to Contribute to the SDGs~

Kyokuyo Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the completion of its "Kneaded Flakes Factory" at the Ibusuki Foods Co., Ltd. (a consolidated subsidiary in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture) premises on April 10th. This initiative aims to improve business efficiency and strengthen the Kyokuyo Group's commitment to the effective utilization of marine resources by processing frozen bonito scraps into kneaded flakes for dashi powder.

Ibusuki Foods Co., Ltd., established in 2015 and primarily producing bonito tataki from frozen bonito landed at Yamakawa Port, previously outsourced the processing of bonito shavings. This new in-house facility allows for a consistent business scheme, contributing to the SDGs by valorizing previously underutilized resources.

Through its business growth, Ibusuki Foods Co., Ltd. will continue to support economic revitalization and job creation in Yamakawa, the renowned "town of katsuo," while actively working towards a sustainable society.

Young’s Chip Shop, the No.1 in frozen battered fish is launching its new Extra Large Haddock fillets as it continues to target consumers looking to replicate their favourite takeaways at home.

The Chip Shop brand’s existing Extra Large range, which includes Extra Large Cod, is worth £11.7m, growing 17.9%, and are some of the brand’s bestsellers [1]. Now, with the introduction of the new Chip Shop Extra Large Haddock fillets, consumers can choose between the two most popular fish on takeaway menus in the UK, offering even more options for those looking for tasty, affordable options to the local fish and chip takeaway.

Source: SalmonBusiness l Read the full article here

Oxygen levels in Western Norway fjords down 15% over three decades, report warns

Oxygen levels in the deep waters of several fjords on Norway’s west coast have fallen by approximately 15 percent over the past 30 years, according to a new government-commissioned report.

The findings, published by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), identify Sognefjorden, Storfjorden (near Ålesund), and Byfjorden (near Bergen) as areas where bottom water oxygen has declined significantly. 

Source: SalmonBusiness l Read the full article here

Costs also fell compared to same period last year

The world’s biggest Atlantic salmon farmer, Mowi, harvested more fish, made a higher operating profit, and recorded lower costs in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year.

Mowi harvested 108,000 gutted weight tonnes in Q1, up from 96,500 gwt in Q1 2024. Operational EBIT (operating profit) was €214 million, up from €201m in Q1 2024, and blended farming cost was €5.89 (Q1 2024: €6.05) per kilo.

Source: fishfarmingexpert l Read the full article here

The General Assembly of the Spanish Fisheries Confederation (CEPESCA) has re-elected Julio Morón Ayala for a new term as president of the organization.

Morón, a marine biologist with a solid career in fisheries research and management, will continue to lead the Spanish fishing employers' association with the aim, he points out, of "strengthening the strategic role of the sector in the face of the major regulatory, economic and environmental challenges it faces."

Alongside Morón, the General Assembly of CEPESCA has also revalidated the vice-presidents: José María Gallart (president of the Andalusian Federation of Fisheries Associations, FAAPE) as vice-president of National Fishing Ground (Mediterranean/Gulf of Cádiz); Jesús Lourido (manager of the Organization of Fisheries Producers, OPP Puerto de Celeiro) as vice-president of National Fishing Ground (Cantabrian-Northwest); Sergio López (manager of the OPP Puerto de Burela) as vice-president of High Seas Fishing; Iván López (president of the Spanish Association of Cod Fishing Vessel Owners, AGARBA) as vice-president of Deep Sea; and Elías Suarez (president of Krustagroup) as vice-president of Joint Ventures. Likewise, the General Assembly has consolidated the organization's members at large.

Pune -   Trade tariffs imposed by the U.S. have had repercussions in global markets, unexpectedly affecting Pune's local fish markets. Shrimp prices, a popular seafood in the region, have declined due to reduced exports to the United States.

The U.S. is a major market for Indian shrimp, with exports exceeding $1 billion in the previous fiscal year. Indian exporters previously paid approximately 8% in trade duties on U.S.-bound shipments. However, a recent 27% duty increase has burdened exporters and threatens the competitiveness of Indian seafood in the American market.

While the U.S. temporarily suspended tariffs for 90 days for countries other than China, Indian seafood exports are already affected. Decreased exports have increased domestic supply, lowering prices.

Traders in Pune’s Ganesh Peth reported shrimp price drops of nearly 20%, stating, “With reduced demand overseas, more stock is being sold locally, leading to lower prices.”

Traders also indicated increased shrimp purchases due to lower prices. Consumers who previously paid ?400–?450 per kg (approximately $4.80 - $5.40 USD per kg) now pay ?350 (approximately $4.20 USD per kg), further stimulating demand.