IN BRIEF - Can Murmansk cod feed the Russians?

RUSSIAN FEDERATION Thursday, August 14, 2014 As Russia imposes an import ban on fish products from Norway and other western countries, the Russian market looks towards alternative suppliers and domestic producers. As previously reported, the import ban could ultimately leave Russian shops without supplies and prices are likely to hike. Norway alone in 2013 exported a total of 295,000 tons of fish products to Russia, 81 percent of it salmon. Over July 2014 and previews months, an average of 134 trucks loaded with fresh Norwegian salmon and trout has crossed the Russian border. That trade has now come to a stop, and several Norwegian trucks fully loaded with fish products have already been rejected entry to Russia. Russian authorities consequently hectically look at ways how to vitalize supplies from domestic fish producers. Murmansk is a key part of that picture. The region has a powerful trawler fleet and a growing aquaculture industry. Despite years of crisis, the region also has a fish processing industry with substantial capacity. The nearby Barents Sea has some of the world’s richest marine resources and cod stocks have over the last years reached historical levels. Source: Barents Observer

IN BRIEF - Call for Fishcare Volunteers AUSTRALIA Thursday, August 14, 2014 If you are passionate about fishing, enjoy talking to people and looking to contribute to the future of our fish resources, PIRSA’s Fishcare Volunteer program wants you! Director, Operations at PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, Peter Dietman said the Fishcare Volunteers are looking for committed and passionate people to join the program, particularly those living in the Eyre Peninsula and Mid North regions. "This program of wonderful volunteers plays a critical and valuable role in raising the community’s education and awareness about sustainable fishing practices, and the importance of protecting our fish stocks," he said. Source: Government of South Australia