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

Whitemouth croaker temporary ban enacted

Whitemouth croaker landing. (Photo: MAA)

ARGENTINA
Wednesday, August 06, 2014, 22:10 (GMT + 9)
The Joint Technical Commission for the Maritime Front (CTMFM) set a transitional ban area for whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) capture in shared waters of Rio de la Plata.
The measure is in force until 31 August 2014 inclusively or until the monitoring results determine the need to modify it or render it ineffective, indicates Resolution 3/14 published in the Official Gazette.
Under the new rule, the area where whitemouth croaker fishing is prohibited is limited by the following:

• To the north by latitude 35°10' South;
• To the south by latitude 35°30' South;
• To the East on the line determined by the points 35°10' South-56°40' West and 35°30' South-56°40' West;
• To the West on line of seven miles from the coast of Argentina.

The fishing ban aims to contribute to the conservation and rational exploitation of the species by establishing closed areas to protect juvenile whitemouth croaker concentrations.
Administration bodies also requested to perform a permanent monitoring so as to channel the management.
The authorities consider that the effectiveness of the adopted conservation measures so far is at risk as the total allowable catches for the past two years have been exceeded, Pescare informed.
Therefore, they seek to annually set a catch quota per country, perform joint evaluations before the end of each year and that all vessels operating in the area have a satellite positioning system from 2015.
According to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Undersecretariat of the Nation, from 1 January to 5 August, 2014 a total of 20,255.5 tonnes of whitemouth croaker was landed in Argentine ports , 15.9 per cent less than in the first seven months of 2013, when 24,058.6 tonnes were landed.

Joint venture with Turkish firm boosts BioMar’s position

Ahmet Sagun and Torben Svejgaarda. (Photo Credit: BioMar)

DENMARK
Wednesday, August 06, 2014, 07:10 (GMT + 9)
A joint venture final agreement was signed by Danish-based fish feed supplier BioMar and the aquaculture firm Sagun Group in Aarhus, Denmark.
This agreement, signed by BioMar's CEO Torben Svejgaarda and the owner of the Turkish firm, Ahmet Sagun, sets the creation of a feed company and a feed plant near Izmir in the south west of Turkey, which will enter operation towards the end of 2015
This enterprise will contribute for Turkish fish farmers to be able to purchase feed from other BioMar factories in a few months.
“The combination of BioMar's know-how in feed development and manufacturing with Sagun's strong network within the Turkish aquaculture sector will give the new feed company a very strong platform to start from,” BioMar release states.
Apart from serving Turkey, the second largest aquaculture market in Europe, the BioMar-Sagun Joint-Venture feed company is intended to export sales to some of the neighbouring countries, which will strengthen BioMar's position in the Eastern Mediterranean area considerably.
“Turkey is one of the leading aquaculture nations in Europe. It still has a tremendous growth potential with excellent natural conditions for fish farming, a growing domestic fish consumption as well as good access to export markets for both fish and fish feed. We are extremely pleased to enter this agreement with the Sagun Group. The Sagun Group is a solid company with a long history and an excellent network in Turkey and internationally. This will facilitate the market access for the new Joint-Venture factory,” stressed BioMar CEO.
For his part, Sagun Group’s owner was equally pleased with the agreement and stressed that the partnership with BioMar is perfect for his group.
“The know-how of BioMar within areas like fish feed development, sourcing, and feed manufacturing will benefit both us and other fish farmers in Turkey. BioMar is the leading supplier of high performance feed to sea bass, sea bream, and trout in Europe, and we are proud to enter into a collaboration agreement with BioMar on equal terms. We believe this Joint-Venture will help to develop and strengthen the whole aquaculture sector in Turkey,” he stated.
In collaboration with one of the leading Turkish fish farmers, BioMar recently performed bench mark trials with some of the main Turkish feed brands, and these trials underlined the need for introducing more efficient and sustainable diets in Turkish aquaculture.
The annual Turkish aquaculture production has grown to around 200.000 tonnes of fish in recent years and has become a major supplier of fish species like sea bass, sea bream, and trout to the European market. In order for the Turkish aquaculture industry to remain competitive there is a growing need for new more efficient, sustainable, and environmental friendly diets and production methods.
The Sagun Group consists of five companies operating eight production facilities across Turkey. Its main lines of business are aquaculture, fish processing, exports and imports.
 

IATTC fails to improve tuna and shark conservation

Shark. (Photo: Stock File)

EUROPEAN UNION
Wednesday, July 23, 2014, 02:30 (GMT + 9)
The European Commission (EC) has expressed its disappointment with the outcomes of the 87th Annual meeting of the Inter American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), which finished on 18 July in Lima, Peru.

The Commission is particularly worried that IATTC could not reach consensus on the adoption of a clear procedure for the appointment of the Executive Director. As of 26 August 2014, the date of expiry of the current Director's mandate, the organisation will be faced with legal uncertainty. This is the result of a number of parties trying to push for the continuation of the current Director's mandate without a clear, transparent and merit based procedure as requested by the EU.

One delegation also opposed the financial and administrative assessment of the organisation proposed by the EU. This would have helped assess the efficiency and transparency of the organisation in view of a full performance review of the IATTC.

In terms of conservation measures, IATTC failed to adopt any conservation measures on bluefin tuna, despite strong scientific advice. It also rejected the proposed EU retention ban on the endangered silky sharks species and fins naturally attached.

The EU proposal on Port State Measure was also rejected at the last moment.

And the IATTC also failed to reach consensus on another proposal which would have strengthened the fight against IUU fishing. Only the EU proposal to strengthen the VMS system and the US proposal to introduce an IMO number for all vessels were adopted at this meeting.

Despite a dedicated workshop being established in April to review the implementation of the 2005 action plan on fleet fishing capacity management in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, no progress was made on the design and adoption of a capacity management plan for the region, the EC laments.

An extraordinary meeting has been called for the end of October to try to solve the stalemate on the election of the Director, adopt a conservation measure on bluefin tuna and make progress on capacity issues.

Cermaq First ASC-Certified Salmon Producer in Chile

Cermaq's mission is sustainable aquaculture. (Photo Credit: Cermaq)

  (CHILE, 7/15/2014)

This week, Cermaq Chile became the first salmon producer in Chile to achieve certification against the extensive ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) Standard for responsible aquaculture.

The certification was achieved at Cermaq Chile's site Unicorno Sur, located in the region of Magallanes (Region XII) in the southern part of Chile.

Cermaq is one of the largest players in the global salmon farming industry.

Cermaq's mission is sustainable aquaculture, and the company works systematically with initiatives, systems and routines that strengthens the sustainability and increases the transparency of the company's operations. The certification in Chile is a result of this systematic work, and confirms that Cermaq is on the right path.

Jon Hindar.

"To Cermaq, with such a large part of our operations in Chile, it is very gratifying that our first ASC certification is achieved here", says Jon Hindar, CEO of Cermaq.

"I am proud of the work our Chilean colleagues have done in this area. In parallel, we are also working towards ASC certification of our sites both in Norway and Canada".

Through its membership I Global Salmon Initiative (GSI), Cermaq has endorsed the ASC certification. GSI is an initiative established by global farming companies, aiming to improve the sustainability of the industry.

The members of GSI have committed to a common goal to provide a highly sustainable source of healthy protein, in order to feed a growing world population, while minimizing the environmental footprint, whilst continuing to improve the social contribution.

GSI's 17 members make up more than 70 percent of the global salmon industry, and all GSI members have as a common goal to have their sites ASC certified within 2020.

Cermaq has operations in Chile, Canada and Norway, and produces Atlantic salmon, large Trout and Coho.

About Cermaq

Cermaq is one of the world's leading companies in farming of salmon and trout, with operations in Norway, Chile and Canada.

In 2013 the farming business had sales of NOK 5.1 billion and a total harvested volume of 142,000 tonnes. Cermaq's feed business unit EWOS was sold in 2013. Cermaq is listed on the Oslo stock exchange with ticker code CEQ.

Source: Cermaq

APROMAR shows uncertainty about aquaculture strategic plan results

Marine cages for farming fish. (Photo: MAPA)

SPAIN
Sunday, July 13, 2014, 00:20 (GMT + 9)
The Spanish Strategic Aquaculture Plan (ESAP) agreed by the central Government with the autonomous communities does not convince the aquaculture sector, which distrusts its results and insists that the main problem is the lack of support from public administrations.
The plan, which will be submitted in October to the European Commission, together with the objectives within the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) considers, among other things, the simplification of the legal framework and the improvement of the spatial planning of coastal and river areas so that Spain can lead European aquaculture by 2030.
The Business Association of Marine Aquaculture Producers (APROMAR) congratulated the Spanish Aquaculture Observatory (OESA) for its work in developing the plan, but it highlights concerns about how it will be enforced.
According to APROMAR, ESAP drafting is a consequence of the reluctant implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union (EU) by the Spanish public administrations as regards their obligations under the new European paradigm of the open coordination method among Member States.
For aquaculture to be developed as a competitive sector and to grow in the coming years, APROMAR argues that it is "necessary to substantially increase current production so as to reduce the extraordinary dependence on fish imports and meet the needs, generating wealth and jobs" demanded by Spain, respecting the environment.
"This Strategic Plan comes at a critical time for the Spanish aquaculture, which is undergoing a period of uncertainty about its future, with an almost total regulation blockade in its development and increasing difficulties with public administrations," emphasizes the organization.
The association believes that the ineffectiveness of the competent Spanish public administrations in aquaculture in the past 10 years hampered investments for EUR 600 million. Besides, it prevented the creation of 1,700 high quality direct jobs and 2,500 indirect ones and led the FEP community funds for EUR 120 million to be missed.
According to APROMAR, these circumstances stopped the Spanish marine aquaculture production from growing further 50 per cent.
Besides, it understands that if the public administrations in aquaculture are alone, they will not dare or will not know how to solve the situation.
"The aquaculture stoppage situation from the public administrations has multiple causes and responsible parties but it roots in two underlying factors on which all the others depend," APROMAR stated in a release.
The slow administrative procedures and lack of transparency in the processes are some of the urgent problems to address. Therefore, the association considers it is a priority for the objectives of the Plan to be developed, including streamlining procedures, granting concessions, improving labeling and equal opportunities.
APROMAR says it trusts the potential that the Spanish aquaculture has and offers its cooperation to make constructive contributions, "but it believes it is essential to first ascertain the diagnosis of the situation in order to find the solution."

IN BRIEF - Government to Conduct Tilapia Farming Training at Congress

PHILIPPINES Saturday, May 10, 2014 The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) region 2, in collaboration with the Local Government Units of Isabela and SN Aboitiz, is set to conduct ‘Tilapia Congress’ on 30 May at the Magat Dam in Ramon, Isabela. Severina Bueno, chief-fisheries production division, said it is expecting around 300 fisherfolk from all over the region and nearby towns of the Cordillera Administrative Region to participate in the congress. The congress, Bueno said aims to update fish farmers on the latest technologies on tilapia culture and likewise to help fish cage and fishpond operators prevent the occurrence of fish kills. “The fish kill is one the problems which encountered by fish farmers. And so, through the conduct of the congress, we want to teach them the proper managment of fishes in fish cages and fishponds,” Bueno said. She added that they will also showcase the success stories of some Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs) to let other fisherfolk groups adopt these best practices which may contribute to increase their fish production. "There are active FARMCs in the region with best practices but majority of them were located in the coastal zones," Bueno added. The FARMC of Claveria town, where they established a ‘Fisherfolk Village’, a resettlement project for landless fisherfolk families, will be highlighted during the congress. The Claveria FARMC also initiated the provision of livelihood projects to the town's fisherfolk families to augment their income. Source: The Fish Site

IN BRIEF - New Caledonia says to take legal action over Vale nickel spill NEW CALEDONIA Saturday, May 10, 2014 New Caledonia's southern provincial government said on Friday the 9th of May, 2014, it was starting legal proceedings against Vale over environmental damaged caused by an effluent spill at the miner's nickel operations. Vale said in an earlier statement that the spill contained some acid, but that subsequent test results carried out on a nearby river and the sea showed conditions appeared to have returned to normal. The mining giant said it had suspended 80 percent of its nickel production in New Caledonia and planned a complete shutdown later on Friday the 9th of May, helping to send nickel prices up nearly 6 percent. A spokesman for Vale could not immediately be reached for further comment. The southern province of New Caledonia was starting legal proceedings under its environmental code after the spill had killed about 1,000 fish, and swimming and fishing had been suspended in the area, it said in a statement. The local government did not say when it might allow Vale to resume operations, but said pollution had been contained to a river. The stoppage had affected 3,500 workers, Vale said, of which 1,300 are employees and the rest subcontractors. Source: Reuters IN BRIEF - Biological barcoding: tracing fruit and fish from farm to fork UNITED KINGDOM Saturday, May 10, 2014 There is growing pressure for producers and retailers to determine the geographical origin of the foods they distribute and sell, in response to new regulations around the traceability of foodstuffs. To do this properly, we need new analytical tools to track and trace what we eat. European rules demand full traceability for all foods imported into or exported from the European Union. How can this be achieved? I believe that a new technique, known as biological barcoding, will do the trick. Micro-organisms are always present on the surface of our food and a good source of information about the origin of each product. Biological barcoding allows us to link the organisms we find on our foods to the geographical location of their production. We've tested this out. A molecular technique using DNA profiling was used to detect the variation of the microbial community present on the surface of produce, including bacteria, yeasts and moulds. This method allowed us to analyse and identify complex DNA structures from all the bacteria, yeasts and fungi we found. All the micro-organisms are visualised on a gel and the band on the gel can be photographed, providing a fingerprint of the ecological origin. This technique has been applied to fish from South Vietnam harvested in different aquaculture farms, during rainy and dry seasons, and can discriminate between the origins of different fruits from Africa, such as physalis fruits from Egypt and mandarins from Morocco. When the profiles were identified by multivariate analysis, distinct microbial communities were detected. The band profiles of fish bacteria or fruit yeasts and fungi from different farms were specific for each location. IN BRIEF - McDonald's Showcases Innovative, Sustainable Suppliers WORLDWIDE Saturday, May 10, 2014 McDonald’s announced its “2014 Best of Sustainable Supply” winners in a report highlighting how suppliers achieved significant results by identifying opportunities and applying sustainable solutions in diverse places around the world. McDonald’s leadership and industry experts recognized sustainable accomplishments across eight platforms: -Climate Change and Energy -Water -Waste -Land and Biodiversity -Human Health and Welfare -Animal Health and Welfare -Community Impact -Economics “This year, we are delighted to honor 36 suppliers and 51 projects that represent real innovation toward a more sustainable supply chain,” said Jose Armario, executive vice president, McDonald’s Global Supply Chain, Development & Franchising. "Innovation is key to our CSR and sustainability journey, and McDonald’s suppliers have an impressive track record of innovating for what we call sustainability’s three Es: ethics, environment, and economics.” Source: The Fish Site IN BRIEF - Harvest of Gray Triggerfish in South Atlantic to Close Soon UNITED STATES Saturday, May 10, 2014 Commercial harvest of gray triggerfish in South Atlantic waters will close at 12:01 a.m. (local time) May 12, 2014. The 2014 commercial catch limit is 272,880 pounds whole weight. Landing reports indicate the catch limit will be met by May 12, 2014. Commercial harvest will reopen at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on January 1, 2015. The operator of a vessel that has been issued a federal commercial permit for snapper-grouper and who is landing gray triggerfish for sale must have landed and bartered, traded, or sold such gray triggerfish prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, May 12, 2014. The prohibition on sale does not apply to sale or purchase of gray triggerfish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. (local time) May 12, 2014, and held in cold storage by a dealer or processor. During the closure: Harvest or possession of gray triggerfish in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits. Sale and purchase of gray triggerfish in or from federal waters is prohibited. The closure applies in both state and federal waters for a person onboard a vessel with a federal snapper-grouper permit. This closure is necessary to protect the snapper-grouper resource. Source: The Fish Site IN BRIEF - Fishery Ecosystem Task Force Convened UNITED STATES Friday, May 09, 2014 On the 8th of May, 2014, the Lenfest Ocean Program and the University of Washington introduced the Fishery Ecosystem Task Force, a group of scientists who will work to create a practical ‘blueprint’ that managers can use to make ecosystem-based fisheries management operational. “Scientists have long recognized and supported the idea that fisheries management should consider the relationships of the larger marine environment, but there hasn’t been a clear path to implementation,” said Tim Essington, a marine ecologist at the University of Washington and chair of the new task force. “It’s not as simple as managing one fish at time. If we want to continue catching, cooking, and eating fish, we need to maintain the health of the entire system.” Led by Essington, professor in the School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington, the task force will bring together natural and social scientists from diverse locations on every coast. Phil Levin, an ecologist and Senior Scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will co-chair the task force and chair an advisory panel of members and staff of fishery management councils and staff from NOAA Fisheries. “This task force will provide scientific guidance to implement ecosystem-based fisheries management and provide a path forward for managing our fisheries in a more sustainable way,” said Charlotte Hudson, director of the Lenfest Ocean Program. “The advisory panel is critically important because it will help the experts make recommendations that can be implemented using the management structures and data we have today (8th of May, 2014)”. IN BRIEF - GEA starts fiscal year 2014 with record-breaking quarter GERMANY Friday, May 09, 2014 • Record Q1 revenue (EUR 951 million) • Record Q1 operating result (operating EBITDA: EUR 85 million) • Record Q1 operating margin (operating EBITDA margin: 9.0%) Düsseldorf – In the first quarter of 2014, revenue generated by GEA GROUP continuing operations increased by 2.9 percent to EUR 950.7 million (previous year: EUR 924.2 million). Exchange rate developments impacted this figure by –3.1 percent. Organic revenue thus increased significantly by 6.0 percent year-on-year. At EUR 85.1 million, the group’s operating EBITDA was up EUR 12.7 million, or 17.6 percent, as against the prior-year figure. As a result, the operating EBITDA margin improved by around 110 basis points to 9.0 percent of revenue. Consolidated profit amounted to EUR 47.2 million, a 15.6 percent increase year-on-year. This corresponds to earnings per share of EUR 0.25 (previous year: EUR 0.21). Assuming that there is no unexpected slowdown in global economic growth, GEA is reiterating its previous business outlook for 2014. IN BRIEF - Experts brought in to investigate deaths of fish in Norwich park UNITED KINGDOM Friday, May 09, 2014 The lily pond at Eaton Park has been fenced off for almost a month, after members of the public reported that dead fish were floating in the water. In the middle of April (2014), Norwich City Council put up a blue sign on the wire fencing, which stated: “The lily pond has been fenced as a precaution while the health of the fish is investigated. No fish are to be moved into or out of the pond unless authorised. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” City Hall officers have now confirmed that some fish had died and revealed a string of tests have been carried out to establish what was causing them to perish. An Environment Agency technical officer tested the water’s oxygen levels, which proved to be normal. A spokesman for Norwich City Council confirmed tests of water samples for heavy metal contaminants also came back clear. But, with the riddle remaining, the council has asked other experts to carry out further tests. The spokesman said: “Following the tests we carried out for the presence of heavy metals, we asked Cefas (the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) to carry out more tests for us. Source: Evening News IN BRIEF - High Liner Foods Reports Improved Operating Results CANADA Friday, May 09, 2014 LUNENBURG, NS, May 8, 2014 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --- First quarter of 2014 produces USD 13.8 million in Adjusted Net Income, a 41% increase over 2013, and the quarterly dividend increases 11% - High Liner Foods Incorporated ("High Liner Foods" or "the Company"), the leading North American value-added frozen seafood company, today reported financial results for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2014. High Liner Foods' common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange and are quoted in Canadian dollars ("CAD"). Yesterday, HLF common shares closed at CAD 44.14(1). The Company reports its financial results in USD and the average USD/CAD exchange rate during the first quarter of 2014 was USD 1.1020. Today, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a quarterly dividend of CAD 0.21 per share on the Company's common shares payable on June 16, 2014 to holders of record on June 2, 2014 and will be adjusted pro rata in the event shareholders approve the 2-for-1 stock split being recommended by the Board at the Company's annual general meeting being held later today in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The quarterly dividend of CAD 0.21 per share represents an 11% increase from the CAD 0.19 per share quarterly dividend paid on March 17, 2014, reflecting the fourth dividend increase over the last six quarters and the Board's continued confidence in the Company's operations. Source: High Liner Foods IN BRIEF - Greenpeace blacklists SOPAC vessels - Tuna caught still certified as 'dolphin-safe' by Earth Island Institute UNITED STATES Friday, May 09, 2014 Greenpeace has just slapped several U.S. fishing vessels with a blacklisting after they were caught setting nets around marine mammals in violation of international marine protections. Five of the vessels in question are managed by South Pacific Tuna Corporation, which was set up as "a high-seas tuna joint venture project between 4 of the world's largest seafood companies, Bumble Bee (USA), Chicken of the Sea (USA), Thai Union (Thailand) and FCF Fisheries (Taiwan). The blacklisting by Greenpeace come on the heels of fines by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for these violations. These stern rebukes stand in stark contrast to the silence of Earth Island Institute, the financially self-interested organization that has set itself up as responsible for maintaining (and profiting off of) the "dolphin-safe" consumer label. The Campaign for Eco-Safe Tuna calls on Earth Island Institute to issue an immediate recall of the 8 million pounds of tuna caught during these fishing trips. According to Earth Island Institute's own so-called "standards" the tuna caught during these sets is not dolphin-safe and should not be labeled as such. For more information click here IN BRIEF - Raymond Blanc’s trio of fish tales reaches its climax UNITED KINGDOM Friday, May 09, 2014 The third instalment of Raymond Blanc’s series of private eye films hits the screens today. Since January (2014), ‘Inspector Blanc’ has investigated the curious cases of the Fish in the Canteen and Seafood Sabotage! Over 20,000 people saw the films online with students from 22 MSC certified universities among them. The latest film see the intrepid inspector investigate the Curious Case of the Fish out of Water. Behind the Inspector Clouseau-style silliness, is a serious message. Since he first arrived in the UK, Raymond has campaigned for sustainable fishing and his restaurant, the Michelin-starred Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons is the only two starred restaurant that is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified. By making the films, Raymond hopes to highlight the importance of sustainable fishing and a simple way to choose sustainable fish. Raymond explained: “Fish is a subject close to my heart. Many of the great dishes are based around fish and it is essential that we source them sustainably. I want to encourage other chefs, whether they are in top restaurants or the family chef making some dinner, to choose sustainable fish. To choose MSC certified, because that way, you know the fish is sustainable.” MSC’s Toby Middleton said: “Anyone who has seen Raymond on TV will know he has great comic timing, he’s a natural to play Inspector Clouseau. ‘Inspector Blanc’, private investigator takes a light hearted look at a serious topic and helps illustrate the importance of sustainable sourcing. I hope these films will prove inspirational for the food industry, encouraging others to follow his lead and consider how they source their seafood to protect the future of our oceans.”

	crewmanager@molajaya-fishingwork.com

CEPESCA exposes fishery sector’s needs

Fishing vessel. (Photo Credit: LDRAC)

SPAIN
Friday, May 09, 2014, 22:00 (GMT + 9)
The Spanish Fisheries Confederation (CEPESCA) informed the spokesperson of the Popular Fisheries Party in the European Parliament (EP), Gabriel Mato, about the priorities of the Spanish fishing sector for the coming years.
The meeting was attended by CEPESCA president and general secretary, Amador Suarez and Javier Garat, respectively; the Vice President of the entity and president of the National Association of Hake Fishing Freezer Vessels (ANAMER), Juan Manuel Liria; the director of the Cooperative of Shipowners of Port of Vigo (ARVI), José Ramón Fuertes; AGARBA president, Ivan Lopez; the manager of the Associated Producers of Big Tuna Freezer Vessels (OPAGAC), Julio Morón; and CEPESCA Deputy General Secretary, Rocío Béjar.
The fisheries sector considers that the European Parliamentarians must know and defend their interests in the EP Fisheries Committee "to ensure effective, enforceable and science-based regulation," CEPESCA expressed in a press release.
The Confederation delegates also thanked Mato for his management in the Presidency of the Fisheries Committee during the latest years, the aid made available to the Spanish fishing sector and its predisposition.
Meanwhile, Mato pledged to do everything possible to respond the requests from a sector that is as strategic as the fishery one.
Besides, the Confederation also asked Mato to defend the amended regulation on technical measures of the Mediterranean Sea to adjust it according to the sector’s needs, taking into account the recommendations made by scientists.
At the same time, Garat stressed the importance of enhancing the external dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the need to invest in the maintenance and improvement of fisheries agreements with third countries.
These agreements would be beneficial for the tuna, longline and trawl fleets.
Garat also emphasized the reinstatement of the cephalopod fleet to the fishery agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mauritania, among other issues.
To CEPESCA it is important that the EP becomes aware of the importance of the fishery region organizations (ORP) and considers the scientific reports when it has to establish the management fishery measures.
Finally, CEPESCA general secretary asked Mato for bluefin tuna quotas to increase and the closure periods for Mediterranean swordfish to be modified during the negotiations in the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

Controversies exist over Greenpeace’s blacklisted fishing vessels

Tuna fishing. (Photo Credit: Greenpeace)

WORLDWIDE
Friday, May 09, 2014, 23:40 (GMT + 9)
The Campaign for Eco-Safe Tuna claims Earth Island Institute (EII) must issue an immediate recall of the tuna caught during the fishing trips of the US fishing vessels blacklisted by Greenpeace after they were caught setting nets around marine mammals in violation of international marine protections.
In its blog, the organization accuses EII of remaining silent even when National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) levied over USD 1.5 million in fines for these violations as well as mentioning that five of the vessels in question are managed by South Pacific Tuna Corporation, which was set up as "a high-seas tuna fishing joint venture project between 4 of the world's largest seafood companies: Bumble Bee (US), Chicken of the Sea (US), Thai Union (Thailand), and FCF Fisheries (Taiwan).
On the other hand, David Phillips, Director of Int’l Marine Mammal Project of Earth Island Institute, stated to FIS that this accusation includes “numerous gross distortions and misstatement of fact.”
According to Phillips, the violations alleged in this release took place in 2009, which is never stated in the material and the NOAA report clearly indicates that no dolphins were set on by these vessels.
“The NOAA report indicates that there were 5 sets in which an observer stated that he observed a pilot whale in the vicinity of where purse seine nets were to be set. In these instances the captain/fishing captain disputes that they were aware of a pilot whale or any marine mammal in the set area prior to setting,” the director stressed.
He commented to FIS that the NOAA report indicates that as soon as the captains realized that there was a pilot whale in the net area, the net pursing was ended to ensure that the whale was not in the net, also resulting in release of the vast majority of the tuna in those sets.
Furthermore, The Campaign for Eco-Safe Tuna remarked that there is public concern about “the ongoing endangerment of marine mammals by US fishing fleets,” but the organization considers that EII's dolphin safe label “continues to protect and defend tuna caught by these and other rogue vessels as "dolphin safe."
In this regard, EII stressed that “none of the vessels are listed as illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU), nor recommended to be listed as IUU by the relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO).”
In addition, EII believes that this is a legal matter that is still under adjudication and stated that the tuna companies can attest to the fact that vessel owners have taken the matter to court, no fines have been agreed or paid, and the vessel crew will contend in court that they did not intentionally set purse seine nets around marine mammals.
EII declared that “The Campaign for Eco-Safe Tuna is a front group lobbying firm for the Mexican tuna fleet and is intent on destroying the US dolphin-safe label and replacing it with a standard that allows dolphins to be chased, encircled, injured, and killed by purse-seiners.”
 

Fisheries-aquaculture agreement with Dominican Republic

Factory fishing vessels. (Photo: ASIPES)

CHILE
Friday, May 09, 2014, 23:50 (GMT + 9)
The Chilean and Dominican governments signed a fisheries and aquaculture cooperation agreement, which will make it possible for the Caribbean country to be updated with the best fishing-aquaculture practices.
This has been stated by the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development of the Dominican Republic ( MEPyD).
The bilateral agreement was signed between the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service of Chile (SERNAPESCA) and the National Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Dominican Republic (CODOPESCA).
The Dominican President stressed that Chile is among the 10 countries with the highest fisheries and aquaculture landings and production.
Currently, the South American country exports fishery and aquaculture products for USD 5,000 million, of which about USD 3,000 million corresponds to salmon.
The MEPyD also explained that the project ' for institutional strengthening of CODOPESCA' has the general objective "to develop an effective and efficient sanitary-hygienic control system of the Dominican fisheries and aquaculture sector."
The bilateral agreement includes:

• Training of fishery technicians and officers in sanitary rules and fishery products;
• Designing a hygiene and health management system;
• Support for the development of inspection procedures for qualifying fishing companies, boats, farmers and marketers;
• Application of standards and protocols for the control, monitoring and certification in aquaculture production.

Frozen fish boxes being unloaded from a trawler

Frozen fish boxes being unloaded from a trawler. (Photo Credit: Julieta Fonterosa/Copyright: FIS)

Fishing exports and imports drop

SPAIN

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAGRAMA) reported that in 2013 seafood exports fell 4.53 per cent in relation to those in 2012, and imports fell by 1.28 per cent.
According to the latest report on foreign trade of fishery and aquaculture products developed by the Government, shipments abroad increased from 1,004,698 tonnes -- in 2012 -- to 959,203 tonnes -- in 2013 --.
Besides, the balance sheets of imports were also negative, changing from 1,494,424 tonnes to 1,475,236 tonnes.
Most imports came from third countries; and most of the exports were sent to the European Union (EU), a bloc that concentrated two thirds of the sales outside the Spanish fishing sector.
In 2013, the community nations supplied the Spanish fishing sector with 411,568 tonnes.
And the same countries received more than 600,000 tonnes of Spanish fisheries production.
At the same time, third countries sold more than one million tonnes of fisheries and aquaculture resources to Spain last year whereas their purchases in Spain were only a third of that amount: 339,245 tonnes.
On the other hand, sales abroad totalled EUR 2,905 million and imports amounted to USD 4,800 million.
MAGRAMA document adds that per product groups, both frozen and canned fish offered negative export values: 8 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively.

European Parliament approves EUR 6.5 billion aid for fisheries sector

Spanish fishermen land their anchovy capture. (Photo: MARM)

EUROPEAN UNION
Monday, April 21, 2014, 22:50 (GMT + 9)
MEPs adopted the operating rules of the new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), which has a budget of EUR 6.5 billion until 2020 to help fishermen to meet the objectives of the common fisheries policy, including the discard ban, financing the transition to more selective fishing gear. The EU countries with significant coastal and artisanal fleet, as is the case of Spain, will have to establish an action plan to strengthen its competitiveness.
The main objectives of EMFF, which was approved by 473 votes to 52, with 40 abstentions, are: to help fishermen in the transition to more sustainable fisheries, assist the coastal communities in the diversification of their economies, finance projects for the creation of jobs and the improvement of the quality of life in European coasts and facilitate the access to financing. The new fund will be used to co-finance projects in the Member States.
MEPs have obtained more resources for the collection and management of fisheries data needed to set catch limits. In addition, fishermen who are under 40 years of age may receive up to EUR 75,000 to start their own business related to fishing. On the other hand, the subsidies for fleet renewal have been abolished although the change fund to cleaner engines on ships will be financed.
The EMFF will also support measures intended to improve fishermen’s working conditions and port facilities.
The European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, welcomed the decision of the Parliament: "Our reformed fisheries policy is putting European fisheries on a sustainable footing once and for all. To get there will mean radical changes for our fishermen and the whole sector, which needs our financial support. We will co-fund concrete projects in the Member States to help fishermen and coastal communities develop a sustainable seafood industry - from the net to the plate."
After the vote in the European Parliament, the Fund will now go to Fisheries Ministers in the Council for final adoption, which will allow the EMFF to come into force in June this year.

International Fish

IN BRIEF - Fish farming continues to thrive and expand on Manitoulin Isle

CANADA Saturday, April 05, 2014 Even though beef operations for Blue Goose Pure Foods is winding down, aquaculture, or fish farming, is continuing to thrive and expand on Manitoulin Island. “Aquaculture is one hundred percent secure, we’re excited to see fish farming grow,” Mike Meeker of Meeker’s Aquaculture, a division of Blue Goose Pure Foods, said. “Ned Goodman, the owner, is happy to see what’s going on.” Source: The Manitoulin Expositor

IN BRIEF - Two Researchers Have a Radical Plan to Save the Fish UNITED STATES Saturday, April 05, 2014 In the last few decades, there's been a 90% decline in large fish populations around the globe. The acidification of the oceans caused by climate change as well as pollution, habitat destruction and overfishing have combined into a perfect storm of terrible conditions that led to this figure. That's a huge decline and, as they say, drastic times call for drastic measures, and a new proposal published in the journal PLoS Biology might be the most drastic of them all. The plan: close the oceans. Source: Policy Mic IN BRIEF - Fish exports fail to impress CAMBODIA Saturday, April 05, 2014 Cambodian fishery exports rose slightly during the first three months of 2014, according to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Source: Phnomenh Post IN BRIEF - Fishing port of Beira, Mozambique, to be rebuilt MOZAMBIQUE Saturday, April 05, 2014 The Mozambican government has secured USD 120 million in funding for reconstruction of the fishing port in Beira, which is in a poor state of repair, Mozambique’s Fishing Minister, Victor Borges said. Source: Macau Hub IN BRIEF - People power forces east coast salmon farmer back-down on seal cull UNITED KINGDOM Saturday, April 05, 2014 In the face of well organised and sustained public opposition, Usan Salmon Fisheries of Montrose has withdrawn its application for a licence to shoot seals to protect their salmon cages – rather than invest in proper defensive measures. Source: Foragyll IN BRIEF - Governor calls for exploiting aquaculture potential for food security PAKISTAN Friday, April 04, 2014 Punjab Governor Muhammad Sarwar has said that aquaculture is a fast growing sector of agriculture in the world and its potential needs to be exploited for food security and development. Source: Pak Observer IN BRIEF - Fisherman must pay GBP 50,000 after being caught fishing illegally off Wales UNITED KINGDOM Friday, April 04, 2014 A fisherman has been ordered to pay fines and costs totalling GBP 50,000 after he was caught dredging for scallops in a conservation area protected because it is a precious habitat for marine animals including dolphins. Source: The Guardian IN BRIEF - Vietnamese illegal fishing boats destroyed after seizure off Top End coast VIET NAM Friday, April 04, 2014 Two illegal fishing boats have been torched in Darwin. The Vietnamese boats were found with two other vessels last month near Evans Shoal, about 350 kilometres north-west of Darwin. Source: Radio Australia IN BRIEF - Fish Company’s Move Sparks Strong Reaction ICELAND Friday, April 04, 2014 The introduction of the quota system in Icelandic fisheries in the 1980s has resulted in consolidation in the fishing industry. At present the ten largest companies hold over 50 percent of the quota. Vísir, with its headquarters in Grindavík, a fishing village near Keflavík International Airport, became one of the largest fishing companies in 2005 when it merged with three other companies in the small fishing villages of Þingeyri in the West Fjords, Húsavík in the northeast, and Djúpivogur in the East Fjords. Source: Iceland Review IN BRIEF - New plan targets marine sustainability VIET NAM Friday, April 04, 2014 Viet Nam will work to improve the resistance of its marine ecosystems to climate change impacts while maintaining their productivity. The "Strategy for Sustainable Exploitation and Utilisation of Marine Natural Resources and Environment Protection until 2020, vision towards 2030," was officially released by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Source: Viet Nam News IN BRIEF - John Cummings Named President of American Marine Ingredients UNITED STATES Friday, April 04, 2014 American Seafoods Group LLC (American Seafoods) announced today it has named John Cummings as President of its subsidiary, American Marine Ingredients (AMI). In this newly-created position at AMI, Mr. Cummings will lead the company in developing and bringing to market quality marine ingredients derived from American Seafoods’ harvest of the sustainable fisheries of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Source: Herald Online

Seafood Processing Global in Brussels

25. March 2014

Formerly known as the Seafood Processing Europe, Seafood Processing Global is the largest seafood trade event in the world. The event attracts more than 25,000 buyers and suppliers of  fresh, frozen, packaged and value-added seafood products, equipment and services. Attendees travel from 145 countries to do business at the exposition. No other event in the world provides seafood professionals with direct access to qualified buyers and suppliers from all over the globe representing all aspects of the seafood industry.
This year the event will take place in Brussels from the 6-8 of May. Trackwell has been participating at this trade event for the past years and will of course be there this year. You are welcome to visit our stand 6127 in hall 4 to learn more about software tools that improve sustainability and traceability for fisheries.

Focus Sessions at the 2014 Salmon ShowHow

The 13th Salmon ShowHow will be held at Progress Point in Copenhagen, Denmark, 5 February 2014.

  (DENMARK, 1/27/2014)

Over the past 13 years, visitors to Marel’s Salmon ShowHow have come to appreciate the value in attending this event. In addition to experiencing the latest and best in salmon processing each year, the event has been spiced up with presentations from various guest speakers.

This year the event is building on the program even more. In the morning it will offer a focus seminar on Quality Control, and in the afternoon a presentation on Global Seafood Dynamics.

This annual event gives salmon processors a unique opportunity to experience up close how salmon is being processed with Marel’s industry leading equipment.

The Quality Control seminar will focus on trends and challenges in the salmon industry today, including the impact of consumer trends, the way to meet industry needs when designing systems and equipment, and the benefits of moving from paper to paperless QC.

Gorjan Nikolik.

Speakers include Elvin Bugge from the Aquatic Consult with the Aquatic Concept Group, Kristjan Hallvardsson, Marel’s Director of Product Development, and Gustaf H. Hjalmarsson, Innova QC Sales Consultant.

In the Global Seafood Industry Dynamics session, Gorjan Nikolik will provide insight into the capital origins and flows in the seafood industry, focusing on the most critical drivers.

Nikolik is a senior industry analyst for food and agribusiness at Rabobank International and will talk about the key dynamics of the seafood industry in terms of supply growth, demand expectations, and price developments, as well as cost of production trends in the salmon farming industry.

Salmon processors who would like to know where the salmon industry will find growth in the next five years, and what key biological challenges lie ahead, should not miss this session!

About The Salmon ShowHow

The latest and best in salmon processing technology will be firmly in focus at the 13th annual Marel Salmon ShowHow, at Progress Point in Copenhagen, Denmark, 5 February 2014.

Salmon industry leaders from all over the world meet at the ShowHow to discuss the latest trends and hear guest speakers address some of the key issues facing the industry.