Saving Seafood

New report explores the future of alternative aquafeed ingredients

April 6, 2020 — A new report from Lux Research explores the future of alternative aquafeed ingredients, evaluating insect protein, single-cell protein, and algae protein as potential replacement options in fishmeal.

The FAO estimated in 2018 that aquaculture production would reach 201 million metric tons (MT) by 2030, in line with a 10 percent annual increase in demand for fish protein. However, according to IFFO, global annual fishmeal production from marine organisms – including fish, krill, shellfish, and algae – has remained at 5 million MT in recent years, with one third of the world’s fishmeal production coming courtesy of byproducts from wild-capture fisheries and aquaculture.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Emergency meeting in Chile paints dire picture of salmon supply chain

April 3, 2020 — Workers in Chile’s salmon processing sector have been protesting on the island of Chiloé – an industry production hub – arguing the companies they work for are not doing enough to protect them from the COVID-19 virus.

Last week, the national government closed off Chiloé to much of outside traffic, only allowing the circulation of transport it deemed essential, which includes the salmon industry. Declaring the measures inadequate, Chiloé residents and even town mayors have taken to the streets in protest, closing highways to prevent all traffic, including salmon industry trucks, from circulating.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Canada shoring up fisheries, aquaculture sectors with aid package, essential industry declaration

April 1, 2020 — Canada has moved to support its fisheries and aquaculture sectors with an aid package that will provide both direct and indirect support to the industry and its employees.

Canadian Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard Bernadette Jordan announced aquaculture and seafood processing companies will have access to the CAD 5 billion (USD 3.5 billion, EUR 3.2 billion) Farm Credit Canada loan program. And fishermen, processing workers, and front-line aquaculture workers are entitled to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, which provides CAD 2,000 (USD 1,400, EUR 1,300) per month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, small- and medium-sized businesses will have accesss to CAD 65 billion (USD 45.7 million, EUR 41.8 million) in support via interest-free loans provided through the Canada Emergency Business Account and the Export Development Canada and Business Development Bank.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Sernapesca implements 14-point measures to avoid salmon health emergency amid COVID-19

March 30, 2020 — While safeguarding workers’ health and taking preemptive measures against the closing of markets have topped Chilean salmon industry executives’ list of priorities throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) has raised another concern: What happens if the fish die?

A number of seafood company employees have already implemented a work-from-home policy for most employees to allow them to minimize contact with other humans and reduce the spread of the virus, but the continued operations of salmon farms require the presence of some workers at farming facilities. A curfew was declared on 18 March as part of Chilean President Sebastian Piñera’s emergency measures, and  isolation and the closing off of cities in the south was decreed for Puerto Williams and Chillán, as well as for Chiloé, an island with a large presence of salmon-farming firms. However, salmon farms and their employees are exempt from the restrictions, according to Chile’s Sub-Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca), as they must be compatible with a fundamental need of guaranteeing the availability of the country’s food supply.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Distributors and suppliers shifting focus to retail as restaurant profits plunge

March 23, 2020 — The reaction from U.S. consumers to the COVID-19 pandemic has scrambled how Americans are buying seafood. In response, U.S. foodservice distributors and seafood suppliers are shifting their focus away from a shriveling restaurant scene and putting more focus on supplying retailers.

As evidence of how badly restaurants have been hit by a crisis that has seen many restaurants forced to shift to take-out or close entirely, a number of major restaurant chains have announced significantly decreased earnings.

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Exports crashing, Norway vows to maintain seafood supply

March 23, 2020 — Seafood producers in Norway, spanning both the wild-capture fisheries and aquaculture sectors, will strive to maintain supplies to domestic and overseas markets, with borders and air freight routes remaining open for the transport of goods, the country’s government has said.

Norway has taken drastic steps to halt the spread of COVID-19, with schools, cinemas, restaurants and bars told to close and citizens encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. However, the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries issued a formal letter on 14 March identifying the value chain supporting food production and delivery as critical functions to society.

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Russia working to develop aquaculture in Arctic regions

March 19, 2020 — Russia’s Ministry for Development of the Far East is working out incentive measures to boost aquaculture in the Russian north, claiming it is one of its greatest priorities.

The ministry was created to help bring investments to the Russian Far East, which has been lacking labor and financial resources for years. With positive results achieved through the establishment of a free economic zone and other steps, the ministry’s functions have been extended to the Arctic zone, which Russia sees as ripe for economic growth.

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NOAA Office of Aquaculture appoints Danielle Blacklock as new director

March 17, 2020 — Danielle Blacklock is starting her new role as director of NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Aquaculture on Monday, 16 March.

Blacklock will oversee the aquaculture component of NOAA’s sustainable seafood portfolio and provide the strategic vision for developing a stronger aquaculture industry in the United States, according to NOAA. Specifically, Blacklock will lead the office’s work on several distinct priority areas including regulation and policy, science, outreach, and international activities in support of U.S. aquaculture.

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SFP launches new directory of aquaculture improvement projects

March 17, 2020 — The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) has launched the Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) Directory to support the seafood supply chain’s engagement with aquaculture improvement projects.

The new AIP Directory currently lists five active aquaculture improvement projects that cover three countries (China, Indonesia, and Thailand) and two species (shrimp and tilapia). Other active AIPs are invited to register on the website for free. The website also includes a range of resources and tools to support those looking to start new projects.

Read the full story at Seafood Source