World Fishing March-April 2025 Subscription

Smart, Connected Seafood Processing

How data, connectivity and sophisticated equipment are elevating productivity, flexibility, competitiveness and consumer trust

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VIEWPOINT

JASON HOLLAND | Editor | jholland@worldfishing.net

Get onboard or get left behind

Keeping on top of all the latest technologies coming into the seafood production space is no small task, but as the conversations that went into the compilation of the latest edition of the WF Special Report: Smart, Connected Seafood Processing (starting on page 21) affirmed, it’s become a very necessary undertaking for ventures of all sizes.

The international fishing & aquaculture industry magazine

EDITORIAL & CONTENT

Editor: Jason Holland

jholland@worldfishing.net

News Reporter: Rebecca Strong rstrong@mercatormedia.com

Regular Correspondents: Please contact our Correspondents at editor@worldfishing.net

Tim Oliver, Bonnie Waycott, Vladislav Vorotnikov

Quentin Bates, Terje Engø Eduardo Campos Lima, Eugene Gerden

Production

David Blake, Paul Dunnington production@mercatormedia.com

SALES & MARKETING t +44 1329 825335 f +44 1329 550192

Media Sales Manager: Hannah Bolland hbolland@worldfishing.net

A critical question that every company needs to ask itself is, are we futureready? ‘‘

There are already several inspiring examples in the public domain of where, through connectivity and increasingly sophisticated equipment, blue food businesses are elevating their productivity, flexibility, speed to market, competitiveness and consumer trust. Indeed, a running theme throughout the report is that there are multiple benefits to having dynamic fish processing systems in place where robust data and market situations can be acted upon in real-time.

It’s clear that remaining a central contributor to a global food production landscape that’s evolving at an unprecedented speed will necessitate the seafood economy proactively onboarding and upscaling new technologies and innovations to a much greater degree. Fortunately, there is, as Optimar CEO Siggi Olason explained, a strong acceptance today among commercial enterprises that they need to ensure they’re adaptative, and also a recognition that data-driven, automated technologies probably offer the most viable channel to achieve this. Before it’s too late and the gangway is taken away, a critical question that every company needs to ask itself is, are we future-ready?

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EXECUTIVE

Events Director: Sally Wattam

Chief Executive: Andrew Webster awebster@mercatormedia.com

WF magazine is published bimonthly by Mercator Media Limited, Spinnaker House, Waterside Gardens, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 8SD UK t +44 1329 825335 f +44 1329 550192 info@mercatormedia.com www.mercatormedia.com

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About World Fishing & Aquaculture

Launched in 1952, World Fishing & Aquaculture is published by Mercator Media, a B2B media and events company specialising in international maritime industries, including marine business and technology, ports and terminals, and environmental strategies.

Through its publication and free access website (www.worldfishing. net), World Fishing & Aquaculture provides expert-written, in-depth coverage of the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors, with a strong focus on the emerging solutions, technologies and innovations that are shaping the broader seafood economy’s landscape.

BRIEFS

TTP extends market reach

Carrefour, Aramark, Culimer USA, Lusamerica Foods, Pacific Island Tuna and the Association of Large Freezer Tuna Vessels have become the latest organisations to sign up to the Tuna Transparency Pledge, aimed at addressing unsustainable and illegal fishing practices at sea.

FISH Standard achieves SSCI

The voluntary FISH Standard for Crew, focused on labour practices aboard fishing vessels, has completed the Consumer Goods Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative benchmarking process.

GTA unveils fiveyear roadmap

With input from over 40 global partners, Global Tuna Alliance’s 20252030 roadmap will seek to ensure the health and resilience of tuna fisheries through responsible supply chains and best-practice management.

Peru imposes squid regulations

After four years of collaboration between artisanal fishers, processors, the government and NGOs, the Peruvian Ministry of Production has announced new rules governing the fishing of jumbo flying squid. A key component is the protection of artisanal fishing rights, exclusively granting them access to the squid fishery and banning industrial expansion.

OECD: FISHERIES SUPPORT SHOULD BE REDIRECTED TO IMPROVE RESILIENCE

Better targeted government support is needed to improve resilience and productivity in the fisheries sector, according to a new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Noting that the healthy management of fish stocks is essential to millions of livelihoods, food security and environmental preservation, the intergovernmental organisation has deemed that 65% of fisheries support in 41 countries and territories risks encouraging overfishing and illegal fishing in the absence of effective fisheries management.

The OECD Review of Fisheries 2025 provides an updated assessment of the state of fisheries and aquaculture as well as the policies used to regulate and support fisheries in 2020-22. The fisheries and aquaculture sectors grew nearly three-fold in value between 2005 and 2022, reaching US$ 381 billion.

OECD’s review shows that total support to fisheries amounted to $10.7 billion annually on average in 2020-22 across the 41 countries and territories covered in the report, accounting for 79% of global fish production in the same

period. Six economies make up 85% of this spending: China (36.1%), Japan (12.4%), the United States (11%), Canada (10.7%), EU member states (combined; 8%) and Brazil (6.4%).

“Sound fisheries and aquaculture management, including through policies tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, are fundamental for protecting local livelihoods, global food security and ocean ecosystems” OECD SecretaryGeneral Mathias Cormann said. “Better targeted fisheries support and better management are essential to improving the profitability and resilience of the sector.”

OECD said its review provides new evidence on the importance of fisheries management in keeping fish stocks healthy and productive for future generations, to inform the upcoming Third UN Oceans

Conference (UNOC3) process. To make the sector more resilient, the review calls for redirecting funds currently allocated to subsidising fuel and the construction, acquisition and operation of vessels towards activities that are key to ensuring the sustainability of global fisheries. These activities include research on assessing the status of fish stocks, enforcing fishing laws and regulations and targeted time-bound income support for fishers affected by crises like such as marine heatwaves.

OECD insists that redirecting government support to investment in effective management and monitoring can also be a powerful tool to eradicate illegal fishing, which undermines the resilience of the sector, fishers’ wellbeing, the marine environment, fair competition in markets and tax revenue.

n Redirecting government support to investment in effective management and monitoring can be a powerful tool to eradicate illegal fishing, says latest OECD review

Photo Credit: OECD

NOAA TO TACKLE FISHERIES OBSERVER HARASSMENT

Although US fisheries are among the safest in the world, there are inherent risks that observers face while working in remote and offshore locations, with potential exposure to harassment and unsafe working conditions during the course of their work, according to the findings of a multi-year study conducted on behalf of NOAA Fisheries.

In an effort to get a more complete understanding of harassment rates and strengthen protective measures for observer safety, the researchers focused on the North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Observer Program – the largest fisheries monitoring programme in the United States.

The team estimated that 45% of observers who experienced victimisation disclosed harassment in a given year. They also estimated the true prevalence of harassment for fishery observers in the North Pacific varied from 22 to 38% of observers annually (20162022). That’s more than twice that estimated from observer’s official statements following fishing trips.

“This is an incredibly important study that provides proof

positive that official statements don’t capture the whole picture of harassment rates – it presents a new method for better accounting for non-disclosure. It also is the first time that we have been able to quantify non-reported harassment incidents of fishery observers,” NOAA Fisheries Acting Administrator Emily Menashes said. “The work of this team is a critical step to help us focus our continuing efforts to end these types of behaviour and provide a safer working environment for fisheries observers.”

NOAA said the study provides a more complete understanding of the rate at which harassment goes unreported and the true prevalence of victimisation, and with it, it can “redouble its efforts, with partners, to develop targeted strategies for combating harassment, and track efficacy of those efforts over time”.

Each year, to quantify cases of harassment, authorities rely on official statements submitted by observers following their assignment. However, the study found that many victims tend not to disclose harassment events they experience.

The researchers estimated that

about one-third of the 350 to 400 North Pacific observers experienced victimisation annually. Sexual harassment of females has been increasing over the last six years, while disclosure rates remain the same.

It was found that female observers were at least twice as likely to become targets of victimisation as males. Furthermore, during 2016-2022, researchers estimated that 2460% of female observers were victimised annually, compared to 12-24% of male observers. Based on the findings of the study, NOAA Fisheries intends to take aggressive steps to improve observer safety.

“Observers are our eyes and ears on the water, collecting needed data and information to sustainably manage US commercial fisheries,” Menashes said. “Observers deserve to work in a safe environment free from harassment of any kind. Our responsibility is to make the workplace for fishery observers as safe as we possibly can.”

n Fishery observers are deployed alongside fishing crews for weeks and months at a time. They also take part in shore-based monitoring in seafood processing plants

BRIEFS

Mowi may sell feed arm

Bergen, Norwayheadquartered salmon farming company Mowi has announced it is initiating a strategic review of its integrated Feed division. All available options will be assessed, including a sale, it said

Thai Union’s top ranking

Thai Union Group has been recognised as one the world’s most sustainable companies in the food products industry, ranking in the top 1% of the new S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025.

GSA

certification programmes grow Global Seafood Alliance’s third-party certification programmes Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and Best Seafood Practices (BSP) grew 5% in 2024, ending the year with a total of 4,168 facilities in 45 countries. The overall retention rate was 88%.

India to certify fisheries

Seen as a major boost for India’s seafood exports, the country is expected to enter the Marine Stewardship Council fisheries certification process by the end of 2025.

Three-Sixty Aquaculture chair

The UK indoor shrimp farming company has appointed Neil Reynolds as Chair of the Board. In his role, Reynolds will also oversee water quality management.

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BRIEFS

NZ unveils aquaculture roadmap

A five-year roadmap to help grow the country’s aquaculture to NZD 3 billion in annual revenue by 2035 has been launched by the New Zealand government. The industry currently brings in NZD 760 million and employs more than 3,000 people

Tuna stock health improving

International Seafood Sustainability Foundation has reported a positive shift in the status of tuna stocks, with overfishing declining eight percentage points. It deems 65% of the 23 major tuna stocks are at healthy abundance levels, and 91% are not experiencing overfishing.

Action urged on pelagics

Marine Stewardship Council wants brands and retailers to take a proactive role in safeguarding small pelagic fish stocks, with Northeast Atlantic herring, blue whiting and mackerel having recently lost or had certifications suspended due to quota disputes. Supply chain group NAPA has also called for action on these stocks, warning that overfishing risks coastal economies and sustainability.

Icelandic volume, value decline

Iceland’s fishing vessels caught a total 995,296 tonnes of fish and shellfish in 2024 which represented a decrease of 28% compared with the previous year. The decline was mainly due to there being no capelin caught last year.

HONG KONG URGED TO TACKLE IMPORTED SEAFOOD FAILINGS

A consortium of civil society organisations has called on the Hong Kong government to urgently address critical gaps in the city’s seafood import regulations, with the coalition warning that the current framework dates back to the 1940s and is failing to ensure the safety, sustainability and traceability of seafood products entering the market. This, it insists, is posing risks to public health, marine ecosystems and consumer trust.

“Our call for action responds to the findings of research released over decades by different academics and NGOs, that continue to point to the same systemic issues which remain unresolved today,” said Sophie le Clue, CEO of Asian investment management firm ADM Capital Foundation.

ADM research released in December 2024 found that of all the data necessary to ensure sufficient traceability, the Hong Kong authorities are only requiring collection of 12% of such data, in stark contrast to other countries.

The coalition highlighted that its call for action comes at a time when many of Hong Kong’s trading partners (mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the EU and the US) are making substantial efforts to develop and implement measures to facilitate traceability. These, it said, benefits both suppliers

and buyers who wish to source responsibly and sustainably, as well as consumer health and well-being.

“To remain competitive, Hong Kong must align with international standards and best practices by strengthening import controls,” said Benjamin So, Founder of seafood importer 178 Degrees. “While certain leading businesses in the industry have been promoting sustainable seafood for years, and expending resources to ensure their seafood is sourced responsibly and sustainably, the issue is ignored by many in the sector–and without government intervention and support, there is no level playing field or motivation for the industry to change.”

Both the Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition (HKSSC) and WWF-Hong Kong’s Sustainable Seafood Business Membership Programme are at the forefront of driving changes in industry practices and promoting seafood sustainability.

HKSSC Secretariat Mandy Wong explained: “ HKSSC was established by industry leaders to advance sustainable seafood practices in Hong Kong and Macau. Our corporate members are deeply committed to responsible sourcing and are dedicated to mainstreaming sustainable seafood. However, without government policies

and legislation to address unethical practices and encourage responsible procurement, there are limits to what we can achieve.”

Echoing these concerns Lydia Pang, Head of Ocean Conservation at WWF-Hong Kong said: “Whilst some businesses are proactive and engaged, without sufficient traceability requirements, we continue to risk consuming seafood that may be harmful to our health, sourced through illegal fishing practices, or contributing to the depletion of global fish stocks.”

Hong Kong ranks among the world’s leading importers of seafood by value and volume. It serves as a major hub for seafood trade in Asia, with a substantial portion of its imports being re-exported to mainland China and other regional markets.

At the same time, its seafood consumption is exceptionally high due to its dense population, affluent economy and cultural preference for fresh seafood.

The consortium has submitted a formal letter to the Hong Kong government and is calling on it to consider their concerns and prioritise a review of Hong Kong’s existing legislation and policy developments in relation to the seafood trade.

n Hong Kong is a hub for food products such as live reef fish

AUSTRALIA MAKING SEAFOOD LABELLING CHANGE

Australians will soon be able to select their preferred seafood products in restaurants and cafes, with country-of-origin labelling (CoOL) to be added to menus. Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has announced the new labelling initiative is on track to come into effect from 1 July 2025, with a final consultation underway and 12-month transition period to help businesses adjust.

According to the Albanese government, the move will give people the clear choice to buy Australian when they want to, stating that consumers value locally-sourced seafood for its high-quality and sustainable practices, but feel menus don’t currently offer enough information to make an informed choice.

Once in place, venues such as restaurants, takeaways,

pubs and clubs will be required use the AustralianImported-Mixed (AIM) model to indicate the seafood’s origin from three options: A (Australian); I (imported); and M (of mixed origin containing both Australian and imported seafood).

“Australia’s oceans are home to some of the best prawns, oysters and fish in the world, but more than 60% of seafood bought by Australians is imported. By giving Australians an informed choice about where their seafood comes from, we’re supporting the Australian seafood industry, securing jobs and boosting our economy,” Husic said. “This is a simple and practical approach that strikes the right balance between informing consumers while minimising costs and red tape for businesses.”

Commonwealth, state and

n The new AIM model will indicate seafood origin from three options: A (Australian); I (imported); and M (of mixed origin containing both Australian and imported seafood)

territory consumer affairs ministers agreed to the new CoOL approach following extensive consultation with the public and industry. The process found the proposed AIM labelling model was a practical and low-cost approach that strikes the right balance between improving consumer information while

minimising business costs and impacts.

“Australia is home to a world class seafood industry. Aussies are proud of our industry and consumers overwhelmingly want to buy high-quality, fresh local produce,” Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said.

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OP-ED: THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR A NET-ZERO SCOTTISH SEAFOOD SECTOR

Strategic changes and CapEx projects can yield significant results, insists Iain Clunie, Programme Director at the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment

The global demand for sustainable seafood has never been higher. Within the UK alone, 60% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products, according to a 2022 Mintel report. The message is clear: sustainability sells.

For Scottish seafood producers, reducing emissions isn’t just an environmental obligation – it’s a commercial opportunity. By embracing net-zero and adopting sustainable practices, seafood businesses can cut costs, access and maximise premium markets, and future-proof operations.

Scotland’s seafood sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, generating over GBP 1 billion annually and supporting thousands of jobs. But, like all industries, it faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact. The good news, however, is that being environmentally sustainable is good for seafood businesses.

Consumers and retailers are increasingly prioritising sustainability. Major buyers – from supermarkets to restaurants – already have ambitious ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) targets, and they’re looking

The path to net-zero may seem daunting, but small, strategic changes and major CapEx projects can yield significant results ‘‘

for suppliers who can help them meet those goals. A recent survey, conducted by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment found that a quarter (25.3%) of businesses within the sector still do not have a net-zero target.

The path to net-zero may seem daunting, but small, strategic changes and major CapEx projects can yield significant results. And many businesses are already making progress – 93% of our survey respondents said they had either already made, or are planning to make, energy efficiency savings this year. By making these kinds of changes, Scottish seafood producers can tap into growing markets, secure long-term contracts and enhance their brand reputation.

To ensure Scotland’s seafood sector rides the wave of sustainability, the following three steps are key:

1. Optimise supply chains – Transportation and processing account for a significant portion of the industry’s Scope 3 carbon emissions. By partnering with local processors and distributors, producers can reduce transportation distances and costs. Additionally, seafood businesses in some global markets have trialled adopting blockchain technology for traceability, which can enhance transparency, appealing to eco-conscious buyers.

2. Adopt circular economy practices – Fish waste doesn’t have to be wasted and many in Scotland’s aquaculture sector are already leading the way

in waste minimisation. By repurposing byproducts into fishmeal, omega-3 supplements, or biogas, producers can turn waste into revenue. Seafood Scotland is already exploring a 100% fish strategy to better utilise fisheries and aquaculture byproducts into higher value commodities. For example, a project in Iceland is already making millions annually by using fish skins as a biotech solution to treat burns and other complex acute and chronic wounds such as diabetic and trauma damage.

3. Collaborate for Impact – The weight of achieving the national net-zero target for Scotland of 2045 doesn’t rest on the shoulders of one business or one particular sector. Achieving net-zero is not a solo endeavour. The Scottish food and drink sector as a whole has a range of tools and training resources for businesses, primarily through the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment (delivered by FDF Scotland). There is also seafood specific support available through Seafood Scotland, the Scottish Fisheries Federation, and Scottish Seafood Sustainability Partnership. Scotland is also home to world-renowned higher education institutions which regularly partner with businesses to measure, innovate and improve.

Scotland’s Net Zero Commitment by 2045 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the seafood industry. By acting now, our seafood producers can position themselves as leaders in the global market, attracting investment and premium buyers. Sustainability isn’t just a regulatory requirement – it’s a competitive advantage that ensures long-term viability in a rapidly changing industry.

The time to act is now. Industry leaders, businesses and governments must champion this change to secure Scotland’s position as a global leader in sustainable seafood. Let’s make it happen together.

n Scotland’s Net Zero Commitment by 2045 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the seafood industry, says the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment

n Iain Clunie, Programme Director at the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment

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PRO-AQUACULTURE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ACROSS EUROPE

“We work for you with passion” aims to build strong links between producers and the general public

Recognising that while aquaculture production is on the rise worldwide, in the EU it hasn’t grown since 2018, the European Commission has initiated a new Union-wide campaign to raise awareness and change perceptions, including its role in food security and local economies.

Called “EU aquaculture: We work for you with passion”, the campaign has identified that among the main obstacles for the growth of aquaculture in the EU are the lack of social acceptance for new aquaculture sites and insufficient awareness of the importance and benefits of this activity for EU citizens. It was developed in collaboration with the bloc’s member states and the Aquaculture Advisory Council.

Its goal, therefore, is to help increase understanding and support for the development of aquaculture in the EU by showcasing the people behind the industry – aquaculture producers – and their role in sustainable food production and in the communities where they live and work.

Over the coming months, it will showcase the dedication and commitment of those producers to sustainable aquaculture and to providing high-quality products. It will also show the benefits of developing this activity in the EU, such as reducing its dependence on imports by increasing domestic production.

Introducing the initiative in March, EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said the story of aquaculture in the European Union is one of opportunity, resilience and sustainability.

Industry voices

Among the Aquaculture Ambassadors, who will be publicly sharing their stories, challenges and successes over the coming months are: Caroline Scotti, a mussel farmer in France; Philipp Mohnen, a trout producer in Germany, Anna Kaloumenou, a seabass and seabream producer in Greece; and Eduardo Soler Torres, a meagre farmer in Spain.

It is a sector driven by people – by their hands, their knowledge, and, above all, by their passion

Costas Kadis, EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans ‘‘

“This is a sector that is a source of high-quality, nutritious food; produced close to home, close to EU consumers, and with a low carbon footprint,” he said. “It is also a sector that is vital for supporting rural and coastal communities across the Union, often in places where job opportunities are few and far. But more than that, it is a sector driven by people – by their hands, their knowledge, and, above all, by their passion.”

The campaign, Kadis said, honours the people behind EU aquaculture – dedicated producers – often who bring their passion and expertise to work every day. As such, it has put a handful of producers – or “Aquaculture Ambassadors” – at the heart of this campaign.

The Commissioner said: “If you ask, most people will be able to describe a farmer – who they are and what they do. But the same cannot be said of aquaculture producers. If you ask, many people will draw a blank. This is something we need to change, and it will change. This campaign, therefore, focuses on giving our aquaculture producers, our aquaculture farmers, a voice and visibility.”

“Through their voices, you will see that aquaculture is often more than just a profession. It is a way of life – a calling. Driven by passion. Their stories highlight how aquaculture keeps their families and communities working, keeping them alive,” Kadis said.

He added that the campaign will show Europeans how aquaculture embraces tradition, while constantly evolving through innovation.

“Whether it is using advanced technology to improve the production process, embracing new techniques to reduce environmental impact, or preserving local species and ecosystems, EU aquaculture is at the forefront of sustainable and competitive food production.”

Conceding that EU citizens are largely unaware how farmed aquatic foods are produced and the “rigorous standards” that European producers must follow to ensure food safety, animal health and environmental responsibility, the Commissioner said the campaign invites them to take a closer look and embrace the opportunities that aquaculture can bring to their communities.

“It is an invitation to learn more and to support EU aquaculture as an activity that allows them to eat healthy, local and sustainable food, while helping our coastal and rural communities thrive,” he said.

Moving forward, Kadis insisted it’s crucial that the campaign and its messages have support from EU institutions, member states and other stakeholders. And with a direct message to the region’s aquaculture producers, he said: “We see you, we value you, and we stand by you. Thank you for your work. Thank you for your passion.”

n Blue Farm’s Anna Kaloumenou – one of the new campaign’s Aquaculture Ambassadors

PUTTING MORE MEAGRE ON EUROPEAN PLATES

The underutilised farmed species has the potential to rival seabass and seabream, maintains

EUFish_SustainableGrowth

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is a little-known farmed fish with great potential – offering a ready-made, fastgrowing alternative to the much better-known and more popular seabass and seabream, according EUFish_ SustainableGrowth, a project focused on promoting the consumption of underutilised fish species and products.

Still to experience any big commercial boom, meagre farming started in the late 1990s in France and Italy. Production is now mainly focused in Greece, Spain, Croatia and Portugal, with the total harvest currently at around 50,000 tonnes.

Funded by BlueBio ERA-Net Cofund under the priority area of “Sustainable and Resilient Biomass Production and Processing”, EUFish_SustainableGrowth maintains that there are many reasons to boost the aquaculture of this species. Among these, its commercial size of between 1.5 and 3kg (with an average value of €5-14/kg) can be reached in only 18 months, while seabream reaches just 400g over the same period. This fast growth is associated with a lower carbon footprint because less energy is needed to produce biomass.

Meagre is still not largely consumed, but it definitely deserves a spot on the dinner table

EUFish_SustainableGrowth

At the same time, meagre production costs are lower, and it is regarded as being more resistant to the bacterial diseases experienced by other fish species.

Within the project, led by Professor Tiziana Pepe at the University of Naples Federico II, scientists are working to develop a modern meagre farming system that minimises pollution. For example, farming in land-based tanks instead of cages may allow the collection and re-utilising of effluents instead of releasing them into the environment.

The project advises that its most important action is to minimise the use of wild fish in feeds and to ensure the traceability of these feed sources. In this regard, one initiative funded under the BlueBio programme and cofunded by Xjenza Malta has the goal to develop a new feed containing underutilised fish species such as bogue and Atlantic horse mackerel.

Maltese aquaculture research company AquaBioTech Group is one of the partners in this endeavour. AquaBioTech researchers, led by project coordinator Stela Karovic and head of RDI department Dr Simona Paolacci, have already carried out a sustainable harvest of bogue and Atlantic horse mackerel. Icelandic project partner Matis will extract fishmeal and fish oil from the biomass, and then a Greek company will include them in aquafeeds following a recipe designed by fish nutritionist Dr Giovanni Marco Cusimano.

When a feed containing this sustainable source of protein and lipids is finalised, it will be tested on meagre in Malta.

Onboarding consumers

Simultaneously, EUFish_SustainableGrowth is exploring the consumer acceptance of meagre. Currently, the fish is only offered occasionally in European countries, mostly in superior restaurants and sushi bars.

The project notes that it’s not easily found easily in supermarkets as buyers tend to want an abundant supply of portion-sized products, in pre-packed formats. This, it believes, represents a market possibility for this species – if it can be processed into fillets, and made available at low prices in different ways, such as skin-on, skin-less, loins, pieces, cubes, and breaded or battered portions.

It also acknowledges that eating habits have drastically changed since meagre was first introduced into aquaculture and that consumer preferences have shifted towards more healthy, accessible, low-cost and easy-toprepare products due to social and economic changes.

Family structures have changed with an increasing number of singles who demand portion-sized products, while the enlarged low-income population prefer lowerpriced food, it said, adding that more people have access to higher education which makes them more health-oriented as they have better understanding risks associated with bad eating habits, while an increasing number of consumers pay attention to the sustainability of the products they purchase.

“The new preferences of consumers could be easily satisfied by meagre, which is a tasty, healthy and sustainable fish. Meagre is still not largely consumed, but it definitely deserves a spot on the dinner table. If scientists and policymakers work together to promote this species and develop an increasingly sustainable farming system, meagre could soon become as common as seabream and seabass in the Mediterranean,” EUFish_ SustainableGrowth said.

n Meagre (centre) could become as common as seabream and seabass farming in the Mediterranean, suggests the EUFish_ SustainableGrowth project

INSIGHT

The future of fishing

RED TAPE HAS UK SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE IN A BIND

Offering the perfect marine protein, mussel and oyster producers could thrive if given a supportive platform by policymakers, writes Jason Holland

The UK’s shellfish farming industry is a small but very important industry, and it has fantastically huge potential that could put it on par with France and Spain – Europe’s leaders in the space – if it’s provided with a regulatory landscape that allows it to grow and flourish, according to David Jarrad, Chief Executive of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB).

Unfortunately, the UK is nowhere near this level at the moment. Today, it’s about 17,000 tonnes in total, versus, for instance, Spain’s 250,000 tonnes, Jarrad (a former oyster farmer) informed a recent “Get to know Farmed Shellfish” event, hosted by SAGB at London’s Billingsgate Market.

The UK’s cultivated shellfish volume comprises three main products: mussels, oysters and scallops. In volume terms, the country is growing around 14,000 tonnes of mussels, 2,560 tonnes of Pacific oysters, 12 tonnes of native oysters, 0.02 tonnes of queen scallops and 5 tonnes of king scallops annually.

Offering a species-specific comparison, the UK’s oyster production, derived from about 70 sites overall, totals around 26 million bivalves, which pales considerably to France’s 1.2 billion oysters (approximately 120,000 tonnes).

With the UK having similar hydrographical conditions to France and a much larger coastline, the conundrum Jarrad and the SAGB membership wrangle with is, why isn’t it doing more? And pointing out that back in 1861, Billingsgate Market alone sold 496 million oysters, he exclaimed: “It’s extraordinary how it died as an industry.”

On paper, shellfish aquaculture has a lot going for it as an industry. Globally, it’s accepted as the most efficient

‘‘

We can’t expand because investors are not comfortable putting more money in when they don’t know if we can actually sell into Europe

Nicki Holmyard, Offshore Shellfish

form of protein production; it delivers ecosystem services – acting as a carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus sink, and cleansing the water. Added to this, it’s environmentally friendly, and is frequently responsible for increasing biodiversity.

“It’s also a highly efficient way of producing highquality marine protein, that’s fantastic to eat,” said Nicki Holmyard of Offshore Shellfish Ltd, a family-run mussel farming company, based in Lyme Bay on the south coast of England.

But while keeping shellfish alive is incredibly hard work, what’s an even bigger problem for the UK’s producers is that despite being “inherently sustainable” they don’t have a regulatory environment that supports their work and ambitions, she said.

Undone by Brexit

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest challenges to befall UK shellfish farming in recent years was Brexit, said Holmyard.

n Today, the UK produces less than 2,600 tonnes of oysters, compared to France’s 120,000

Photo Credit: Jason Holland

Illustrating the point, she told the SAGB event that until recently, about 10,000 tonnes of mussels were grown in the Menai Straits in north Wales, but that now this industry no longer exists following the rules on water quality that were handed to the UK once it became regarded as a third-country by the European Union.

UK producers are no longer able to export their shellfish to the Union if they come from B-class water, unless they are depurated first. However, in order to depurate very large quantities, producers require large facilities and systems, and nobody in the UK has those at the moment, she said.

Holmyard added that if mussels were to be depurated before being transported to the main market of the Netherlands, where they would be depurated again, then the animals would become very stressed, which would lead to quality issues.

Why is our government sacrificing our own industry, particularly when it’s producing such an environmentally beneficial, nutritious product?

David Jarrad

, Shellfish Association of Great Britain

“Also, our partners over there are really not keen on having them depurated in this country. But at the end of the day, we may be forced into that position because we still haven’t sorted out the Brexit issues.”

With regards to the Welsh industry, Jarrad confirmed that 10 years ago, the Menai Straits produced around 10,000 tonnes of dredged mussels, but that plummeted to just 5 tonnes in 2022, which he said was the first year that Brexit bit into the industry.

“That’s the devastating effect that Brexit has had, particularly on the mussel sector,” he said. “The irony is the fact exports were stopped because the Menai Straits are a B-class water [according to the UK’s bacteriological

background level testing]. However, there’s been the best part of 50 years of samples from the Menai Straits travelling over to Holland and being tested there, and they’re almost exclusively A-class when they arrive. That’s the difference in the application of regulations and how they’re tested.

If the UK tested in the same way as Holland does, the industry wouldn’t have shut down. This an example of where industry is undone by a regulatory issue. It’s not about, in this instance, the quality of the water, it’s about the way they’re tested.”

Jarrad also explained that in the UK, if a shellfish producer was to receive a high reading in a certain month one year, then they would close until a positive test conducted a week later confirms it is okay to reopen. However, they would still have to cease harvesting in the same month of the next year, despite the water quality being unrelated to that of a year previously. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands and other European countries, a bad reading sees operations shut down straight away, with a subsequently good reading then allowing the farmer to open up again, long-term.

n Shellfish farming is widely accepted as the most efficient form of protein production

n Post-Brexit regulations brought a swift end to mussel production in the Menai Straits

“That’s not the way it operates in the UK. It’s very unjust and inappropriate, and we’ve been trying very hard to change this for a number of years, because we’ve always gold-plated what’s now ex-EU regulations, and we’ve done this to the detriment of our own industry. It’s dreadful,” he said.

The situation is “crazy”, agreed Holmyard, who conceded that having Offshore Shellfish’s waters tested every month brings a constant fear that three B-class ratings in a year will see its operations shut down.

“But every single batch that goes to Holland is tested, and we get the results two days later. (In the UK, it takes them a week to get us the results.) And we’ve never failed a test in the Netherlands. They do that test because they supply the major supermarkets all over Europe, and that’s part of their due diligence. They don’t want to poison their customers.”

Unfortunately, UK authorities refuse to use the European results, preferring instead to use a MPN (most probable number) test to ascertain microbial contaminants in the water. According to Jarrad, this method isn’t anywhere near accurate enough for what’s a multi-million-pound industry.

Holmyard added: “We could grow up to 10,000 tonnes, but at the moment we grow about 3,000 tonnes. We can’t expand because investors are not comfortable putting more money in when they don’t know if we can actually sell into Europe. Until we sort that out, the big question we’ll have every month, is what’s going to happen?”

Opportunity missed

The event heard that while farming on land is generally perceived as a positive industry, farming in the sea still tends to have negative connotations in the public eye, with a common misperception bwing that it’s damaging the marine environment. This is despite the fact that many shellfish companies have gone through a lengthy and often costly process of third-party accreditation process to demonstrate their sustainability credentials to buying retailers and caterers. Offshore Shellfish, for example, has both Soil Association and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification.

Further to this, on the oyster farming side, industry is being heavily undermined by the UK government’s policy to class Pacific oysters grown in and around the country as “invasive, non-native species”.

They were in fact introduced by government in the 1960s and weren’t expected to breed. However, because of climate change and global warming, these shellfish are now breeding in UK waters.

“Some would say that’s a good thing, but the statutory nature conservation bodies’ [SNCBs] current advice is destroying the industry – that is that there can be no new farms and no expansion to existing farms. Well, that’s crazy. We’re losing a great opportunity; our neighbouring countries in the EU accept the species as an ‘ordinary resident or naturalised’, and they accept it as fully compatible within the environmental legislation,” Jarrad said.

“That is the same legislation we’re working under, but we take a different attitude due to the current restrictive and negative government policy. The Duchy of Cornwall, in its wisdom, for example, has decided not to renew any licenses on any of its estuaries. And our concern is other landowners will follow suit. The first farm closes this year and that’s really sad.”

Meanwhile, modelling conducted by the UK’s government’s Centre of Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) has suggested that by 2050 Pacific oysters will have spread as far north as the Faroe Islands, meaning that while more and more Pacifics will grow wild in UK waters, the commercial harvesting of these products will be banned.

“It’s madness,” Jarrad said. “Why is our government sacrificing our own industry, particularly when it’s producing such an environmentally beneficial, nutritious product? The sector delivers wealth generation along the coast and creates jobs. It supports infrastructure in rural communities, quite often deprived ones.

“Oysters are also the ultimate and sustainable food, requiring no chemicals, no feed, no medicines. And oyster farming is restorative agriculture in its truest form – it can deliver on the nation’s food security needs. What’s not to love?”

n Oyster consumption is going through a renaissance in UK foodservice

Photo Credit: Jason Holland

SOARING SEAFOOD PRICES IMPACTING EUROPEAN CONSUMPTION

A new survey determines that cost is greatly affecting consumer decision making in the current economic climate, leading to more cautious spending

While fish and shellfish remain a staple in European diets, with 58% eating these products at home at least once a month, the overall consumption frequency has been declining since 2021, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey on EU consumer habits regarding fishery and aquaculture products.

Just one-third of the new survey’s respondents consume fishery and aquaculture products at least once a week, marking a 4% decline from the last survey, conducted four years ago. The share of respondents who never consume fishery and aquaculture products at home has risen to 15% – a 4% increase from 2021.

Compared to the previous survey, the cost of products has become the most influential factor (55%) in the purchasing decisions of European consumers for fish and seafood, with price now overtaking appearance of the products (52%).

The survey determined that cost affects consumers’ decisions, leading to more cautious decisions in their spending due to the current economic context. For this reason, purchase and consumption of frozen and tinned products are surpassing fresh products, likely due to their convenience and affordability, notes the EU DirectorateGeneral for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

Proximity to the sea strongly influences higher consumption of fish and seafood. Respondents living within 5km of the coast are more likely to consume fishery and aquaculture products monthly (79%) than those over 200km away (49%). The survey also found that those living closer to the coast are more likely to prefer wild-caught products over farmed ones (43% within 5km compared to 27% over 200km).

Respondents from landlocked countries show higher indifference regarding whether fish and seafood are wildcaught or farmed.

Labelling preferences

Practical and product-specific information on the labels remain essential for half of the respondents: expiration date, species name, method of production (wild or farmed) and origin are the most expected information, both for processed and non-processed products.

The survey’s respondents were also seeking more

detailed labels, with 69% of them considering important to include the date of catch or harvest for all fishery and aquaculture products. Additionally, 36% would like more environmental information, which is an 8 percentage-point decrease since 2021.

For the first time, this year’s special Eurobarometer included questions on seaweed and algae consumption. Although seaweed and algae products have not yet reached mainstream acceptance, two-thirds of respondents have eaten these products at least once in the last year, mostly in the form of rolls or wraps (e.g., sushi).

Half of the respondents like the taste and one-third believe they are beneficial for health.

This special Eurobarometer 558 on EU consumers habits regarding fishery and aquaculture products was carried out in the 27 EU member states between September and October 2024.

Some 26,510 respondents from different social and demographic groups were interviewed in their mother tongue, with the main objectives including to:

• Understand consumer habits and perceptions regarding fisheries and aquaculture

• Determine changes in the consumption of fishery and aquaculture products since the March/April 2021 survey by comparing current figures with the 2021 results, and explore the reasons for any observed increases, decreases, or variations in specific product types

• Investigate the most important aspects for consumers when buying fishery and aquaculture products, and what are their purchasing behaviours

• Explore the reasons for not eating fisheries and aquaculture products

• Investigate what consumers think about the information accompanying fisheries and aquaculture products on origin

• Uncover consumer attitudes and familiarity with seaweed and algae products

This Eurobarometer survey was the fourth on this topic, repeating some questions first asked in a survey conducted in June 2016, and subsequently in a survey conducted in July 2018 and March 2021.

n Only one-third of Europeans now consume fishery and aquaculture products at least once a week, the Eurobarometer survey found

SPECIAL REPORT

Smart, Connected Seafood Processing

A pathway to smarter fish processing

Marel’s FleXicut Jet aimed at getting small-scale, upcoming factories onboard with sophisticated technologies

From predictive to prescriptive – how agentic AI is reshaping manufacturing operations for seafood businesses

Progressive tech is enabling human resources to be redeployed to more commercially-critical areas

Innovation-centricity – the catalyst for a brighter future

The success that seafood companies achieve will hinge on their ability to adapt, explains Optimar CEO Siggi Olason

Saving sidestreams

Fish processors in Finland are incorporating new technology to create valuable food products from by-products

Frozen fish sorting – 3D sensor technology leads the way

Sophisticated imaging system is accurately classifying and categorising tuna

UK fish processing site reaping benefits of digital transformation

Mowi Consumer Products transforms its production, safety and quality processes

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A PATHWAY TO SMARTER FISH PROCESSING

Launched last year, Marel’s FleXicut Jet is designed to get small-scale, upcoming processors onboard with the same sophisticated technologies that are at the heart of much bigger operations. Jason Holland reports

Offering a stepping stone into the world of smart fish processing, Marel’s FleXicut Jet is a new whitefish processing system designed to enhance efficiency, precision and yield. According to Marel’s Fish Product Manager Lead Halldor Thorkelsson it also has a number of attributes that make it an ideal choice for those seafood companies looking to make their first foray into intelligent, software-led processing.

Explaining the solution to WF, Thorkelsson said that FleXicut Jet extends the Marel portfolio by incorporating the same, proven technologies featured in the larger Flexicut machines that have proved successful since their launch around 10 years ago, but here the focus is on supporting processors that are mainly focused on fillet production, mainly in the whitefish sector.

“We’re giving them the opportunity to get into this technology, making it affordable to them through a lower price point than our larger solutions.”

With it, they can process fillets of various sizes and augment their operations by producing high-quality V-cut fillets, loins, and back fillets, he said.

“You can start with your fillets but maybe add J-cuts or expand further into loins. This helps companies build up those markets and makes the return on investment more viable for those smaller operations that may not run eight hours of the day or all year round.”

Optimising lines’ productivity

As its name implies, FleXicut Jet uses advanced waterjet technology, alongside intelligent software and X-ray detection, to automate the trimming and pinbone removal process. This significantly reduces waste while improving fillet quality. Capable of processing up to 50 fillets per minute, the system is versatile and adaptable to various fillet sizes and species.

When integrated with FleXisort for automated sorting and real-time monitoring, it can provide a comprehensive solution for seafood processors, optimising productivity and ensuring excellent product quality. Indeed, utilising data from the FleXicut Jet, the FleXisort automatically allocates fillets to various product streams with modular drop- down mechanisms. This process boosts throughput speed, enhances efficiency, and reduces labour needs.

At the same time, its compact design ensures easy integration into existing processing setups, making it a good choice for those looking to upgrade their systems without significant changes to infrastructure.

I believe more and more companies are reaching the stage where they are thinking that if they want to remain competitive with their products, then they need to make investments

Halldor Thorkelsson, Marel

It is purposely-designed to meet the specific requirements of various producers, including small- and medium-producers, seasonal producers, producers working with skin-on fillets, producers facing gaping issues and processing vessels and freezer trawlers engaged in filleting.

n Marel’s Halldor Thorkelsson showcasing the FleXicut Jet

“I believe more and more companies are reaching the stage where they are thinking that if they want to remain competitive with their products, then they need to make investments. With big machines, the return on investment is actually about maximising the loin. This is very similar; the machine maximises the fillet,” Thorkelsson said.

He added that FleXicut Jet’s users benefit from realtime monitoring and control delivered through the AXIN Software module. This provides remote access, tracks performance metrics, and ensures operational efficiency at all times.

FleXicut Jet features high-definition X-ray technology that detects bones as small as 0.2mm. This generates detailed images of each fillet, enabling the system to scan and assess size, shape, density, and weight with remarkable accuracy. The advanced software then utilizes these X-ray scans to determine the optimal pinboning and trimming parameters, ensuring precise and efficient processing.

Extending species application

While processing requirements in markets like Northern Europe often focus on utilising large quantities of whole fish, regions like southern Europe have different demands as they are more focused on fillets, Thorkelsson said. As such interest is high in the seabass and seabream sector.

labour in those rural areas is very sparse,” Thorkelsson said. The application doesn’t end there. Marel has also been evaluating FleXicut Jet’s potential to transform the tuna processing industry.

“It’s giving us a little extra leverage in these new market areas.”

At the same time, working with these new species is enabling Marel to utilise the software in these machines to better understand the composition of these fish, inclusing physical densities and bone structures.

“We’ve actually developed an artificial intelligence-type learning programme for this, with the algorithm learning from a library of pictures illustrating where cutting can take place. Processing customers can look at simulated results and then take a decision from there. It’s initiatives like this that are speeding up the development cycle,” Thorkelsson said.

n The solution has already generated a lot interest for use a number of different processing

FROM PREDICTIVE TO PRESCRIPTIVE – HOW AGENTIC AI IS RESHAPING MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS FOR SEAFOOD BUSINESSES

Rather than replacing people on the ground, the progressive tech enables human resources to be redeployed to more commercially-critical areas of processing, explains Dijam Panigrahi, Co-founder and COO of GridRaster Inc

The progression of intelligent automation in manufacturing and supply chain management has been nothing short of groundbreaking. From the early days of the Industrial Revolution to today’s era of smart factories and agentic AI, the journey has been marked by continuous innovation and adaptation. This evolution has not only modernised production processes, it has also redefined the role of human workers in these industries.

The recent integration of information technology with automation led to the development of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and computer numerical control (CNC) machines, allowing for more complex and precise automation processes. The introduction of the internet further transformed logistics, enabling real-time tracking and data analytics to optimise supply chains.

Introducing agentic AI

Today, cold chain businesses are in the midst of Industry 4.0, characterised by the fusion of digital, physical, and biological worlds through advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics. This new era has given rise to smart factories, where machines can communicate with each other and make autonomous decisions to optimise seafood production processes.

The latest frontier in this evolution is the emergence of agentic AI, a progressive technology that combines

autonomous decision-making with real-time adaptability. Unlike traditional automation, agentic AI enhances efficiency, reduces costs and fosters sustainable practices, making it indispensable for smart factories.

Through automating repetitive and timeconsuming tasks, agentic AI frees up human resources for strategic decision-making activities ‘‘

Agentic AI is reshaping manufacturing processes in several key areas. One of the most significant applications is in predictive maintenance. Traditional maintenance models are reactive, addressing failures after they occur. In contrast, agentic AI enables predictive maintenance, where systems monitor machinery in real-time, identifying signs of wear or potential failure before they disrupt production. This not only saves costs but also enhances efficiency by allowing seafood manufacturers to schedule repairs at optimal times, avoiding unexpected disruptions.

n Agentic AI allows manufacturers to leverage their workforce’s creativity, problemsolving skills and adaptability in areas where human input is most valuable, says Panigrahi

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For inventory management, agentic AI systems use real-time data and demand forecasts to optimise seafood stock levels, ensuring the availability of raw materials while avoiding overstocking. Autonomy here reduces carrying costs and improves supply chain efficiency, allowing manufacturers to maintain lean inventories while meeting production schedules seamlessly.

In robotic assembly lines, agentic AI enables dynamic task allocation and real-time adaptability. Unlike traditional robots that follow pre-programmed instructions, AIpowered robots learn from their environment and adjust to changing tasks on the fly. This significantly reduces errors, optimises resource usage and enables scalability in production, making them a cornerstone of smart factory operations.

It’s important to understand that the implementation of intelligent automation and agentic AI in manufacturing is not about replacing human capital. Instead, it’s about reallocating human resources to other critical areas of seafood manufacturing planning, business operations, analysis, operations and reporting functions.

Through automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, agentic AI frees up human resources for strategic decision-making activities, which allows manufacturers to leverage their workforce’s creativity, problem-solving skills and adaptability in areas where human input is most valuable.

The adoption of intelligent automation and agentic AI is also changing the paradigm of how manufacturers view software solutions. Instead of merely leveraging software as a service, the industry is evolving toward service as software functions within the business through agentic automated decisioning opportunities. This shift allows for more integrated, customised, and responsive solutions that can adapt to the unique needs of each manufacturing operation.

Examples for seafood

In the seafood sector, AI can optimise aquaculture practices such as feeding and disease management, reducing costs and environmental impact. It can also improve monitoring and compliance in fisheries, enhancing resource management.

For the cold chain, agentic AI can optimise inventory levels, predict demand, and manage logistics more effectively, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of perishable goods. This autonomous decisionmaking capability allows for real-time adjustments to supply chains, reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction.

Overall, agentic AI offers a transformative approach to managing complex operations in these industries, promoting sustainability and profitability.

Using digital twins

A key component in the

implementation of automated decisioning across the seafood industry is the use of digital twins. A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object or system, updated in real-time using data from sensors in the physical world. In manufacturing, digital twins of production lines or entire factories allow for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and optimisation of operations.

The integration of digital twins with agentic AI takes this concept even further. AI algorithms can analyse the vast amounts of data generated by digital twins to make autonomous decisions and optimisations. For instance, an AI system could use data from a digital twin of a manufacturing plant to automatically adjust production parameters in real-time, optimising for factors such as energy efficiency, output quality and equipment lifespan.

Looking ahead, the potential of intelligent automation and agentic AI in manufacturing seems boundless. These technologies are not just improving efficiency and reducing costs; they’re enabling new levels of customisation, sustainability and innovation. It’s predicted that AI-powered automation could save manufacturers up to 25% of their operational costs.

However, the successful implementation of these technologies requires careful planning and a holistic approach. Companies cannot delay advancing their digital journeys, including AI adoption. Early adopters are already creating competitive advantages, and the gap with the laggards looks set to grow.

A successful programme requires firms to address many elements of a digital and analytics transformation: identify the business case, set up the right data ecosystem, build or buy appropriate AI tools, and adapt workflow processes, capabilities and culture.

The evolution of intelligent automation, culminating in the current era of agentic AI, represents a true shift in manufacturing and supply chain management. Through embracing these technologies, manufacturers can improve their operational efficiency and decision-making processes while also freeing up their human workforce to focus on more strategic, creative and valueadding activities.

The successful integration of intelligent automation and agentic AI will likely be a key differentiator in the competitive landscape of manufacturing, driving innovation, sustainability and growth across industries.

GridRaster Inc is a leading provider of cloud-based platforms that power compelling high-quality digital twin experiences on mobile devices for enterprises. For more information, visit www.gridraster.com.

INNOVATION-CENTRICITY – THE CATALYST FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

The success that seafood companies achieve will greatly depend on their ability to adapt, Optimar CEO Siggi Olason tells Jason Holland

The seafood industry landscape is changing exponentially, which makes it increasingly crucial that processing equipment and solutions providers and their customers focus on introducing those innovations that will enable the blue economy to thrive, according to Siggi Olason, CEO of Optimar AS.

Headquartered in Ålesund on Norway’s west coast, in the heart of the Norwegian seafood cluster, Optimar delivers automated processing systems to customers all around the world for use onboard fishing vessels, in landbased facilities and in aquaculture.

It’s a global company offering solutions that span several different species, but the focus throughout is about where it can contribute to the value chain, explained Olason, who was appointed to the CEO role just over a year ago.

“Optimar has a long history of transforming the seafood industry – it’s been doing it for decades. It built its first onboard fish processing factory 50 years ago, and if you compare the technology used then to what’s being introduced today, you see just how far this industry has come and how much it has evolved. Imagine then, how much more it will change 50 years into the future.” Olason said.

From his very first day in the job, Olason found himself “very impressed with the DNA of the company”, he told WF. “In this industry, to have a licence to operate, you need to be adaptive. That means companies like ours need to have a dynamic workforce, with people that are really on top of what are constantly changing situations and can see the opportunities in those and in the shifting geopolitical situations that we now have. Luckily, we have some really skilled people – workers that are passionate about the industry and who are striving to bring tomorrow’s solutions to our customers today.”

Coming from Akureyri, in the north of Iceland – a region that’s synonymous with the seafood industry – Olason’s career, which has included roles at Marel and Samherji, is deep-rooted in engineering and innovation. These are the sort of companies that engineers in Iceland go to, whereas in the United States, for example, they go to NASA, Tesla, SpaceX etc, he said.

“For Icelanders and Norwegians, seafood is something that we put great pride into. The industry attracts a lot of the engineering talent and for companies like Optimar, I think the opportunities are tremendous. The way we look at it is that together with our customers we are feeding the world. There are all these seafood companies out there – the fishers, the farmers etc. – that are focusing on the raw materials. Then, through our solutions, the industry can meet the consumer demand. We are one of the key enablers, for them to succeed. That’s why it’s crucial we’re aligned with the operations taking place out in the field, in the industry, so we can focus on where to apply and take future technologies.”

In this industry, to have a licence to operate, you need to be adaptive

Siggi Olason, Optimar ‘‘

Recognising AI’s role

While Optimar has a long and successful history of winning and delivering contracts to design and build many large installations, it also regards itself as something of an “integrator” in the space, Olason said. This is because it works with and collaborates with its customers to ascertain the right choice of technology for each individual setup. As such, equipment developed by other providers is occasionally integrated into the overall solution.

“It’s always about giving the customer what they’re asking for. That’s the strength of Optimar.”

One aspect that’s really come to the fore is 100% raw material utilisation, he said. “It’s absolutely right that the industry makes sure it’s utilising all the by-products, and key to that, as always, is a focus on yield and quality. It’s part of the bigger sustainability picture, and technology is big contributor to this.”

Photo Credit: Optimar

n Optimar’s fullyautomated Stun & Bleed system is regarded as a more humane way of handling harvested fish

Another key area of progress is fish welfare, and in this regard, Olason highlighted Optimar’s fully-automated Stun & Bleed system. Essentially, this solution provides a more humane way of killing harvested fish, with an electric stunner paralysing them at the same time that they are conveyed to a gill-cutting robot for bleeding. In a control station, operators can verify all the fish have been sufficiently killed as they are moved by conveyor to the next step in the process.

Notably, the stab position on the fish is decided by a computer vision system that calculates where to position the cut based on training data and artificial intelligence. The actual vision system used for this has been modified from one developed by the University of Freiburg in Germany to locate cancer cells in human tissue.

Looking ahead to the seafood industry’s future and to all the companies that are going to succeed, AI – or artificial intelligence – is going to play an increasingly important role, Olason insisted.

“I think that to be part of that bright future, they need to be on top of AI and the fast pace that it’s progressing,” he said. “That’s what we’re doing today at Optimar – making sure we’re on top of AI and all of the vision technologies that have taken a big leap forward in recent times too.”

While there was a hesitancy from the industry in the early days of these technologies, with just a few enterprises fully grasping its potential, that’s no longer the case, he added. “We’re now at the point where everyone needs to adapt. There’s a much stronger realisation of this now; there’s an understanding that if you are not on the wagon, if you are not onboard with the latest technology and won’t utilise it within our sector to gain competitive advantage then you’re not going to be at the forefront of the industry. You are going to be left behind. From our perspective, we intend to work even more closely with our customers and work with them to create the future.

“The power is in the data. With it, we can move into market-driven processing. Data can tell us what the market needs are, and we can fish or harvest from farms accordingly, with the fully-automated solutions and information layers combining to fill in the orders. That’s the direction the seafood industry is moving in.”

Supported by history

But while there’s a strong emphasis on incorporating emerging technologies, and many large, international companies are committed to it, it’s also important the seafood space remains “people-centric” and that decisions are made by people that can be beneficial for humankind, Olason said.

He added that with the seafood landscape extending further still, not least through the multiple directions that aquaculture is taking – in the oceans and on-land, there are a lot of opportunities arising in the industry.

The power is in the data. With it, we can move into market-driven processing

Siggi Olason, Optimar ‘‘

“That’s the challenge for every fish equipment provider. The way we’re looking at it is we’re instigators of change and progress, and if we can’t provide the ideal solution for something ourselves, then we will pull in outside expertise to help us deliver it.

“Again, our history is important. There’s a lot of knowledge and skill within our organisation and an extensive product portfolio in place. I genuinely think it would be very difficult to create another Optimar today: There wouldn’t be the history (dating back to 1915), the knowledge, the experience, the solutions and the support network, or the customer trust. With the momentum the seafood industry now has and the faster and faster pace that new technologies are coming through, it would be difficult to start up.

“When you want to be at the forefront of anything, there are challenges to be overcome, and you will have hiccups

n Optimar CEO

Siggi Olason

n Optimar AS’s headquarters in Valderøy, Norway

along the way. What Optimar has built up over this long history is resilience and our customers trust us. We are not going anywhere, we’re sticking by the seafood industry, we’re fulfilling our promises and fulfilling the needs of our customers. The crucial part of such relationships is that we deliver what we say we’re going to deliver.”

The company also recently announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Icelandic shipyard Slippurinn Akureyri, with the new alliance aimed at enhancing both companies’ positions in domestic and international markets.

Through the partnership, Optimar and Slippurinn Akureyri will work closely to facilitate service and retrofits of vessels, with strong focus on vessels operating in the North-Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, they will leverage each

other’s expertise to offer a broader range of products and solutions tailored to the seafood industry in general.

Commenting on the team up, Olason said it reinforces their customer offerings, ensuring their customers will receive the best possible support.

“We have this global challenge, where there’s going to be 10 billion people by 2050. We need to feed all these people, and we need to do it sustainably. Fortunately, we have the blue economy, with the resources to enable a dietary shift to aquatic proteins, produced through wild-catch quotas and aquaculture. It’s crucial that as technology providers we play our part, and that means collaborating and having partnerships. I’m confident that if we all collaborate and cooperate with others, we will get

n Optimar’s onboard contracts include the recent delivery of a complete hi-tech factory to Deutsche Fischfang-Union’s freezer trawler Berlin

Photo

SAVING SIDESTREAMS

In Finland, fish processors are incorporating new technology to create valuable food products from by-products, writes Bonnie

Waycott

In 2023, the EU’s fish processing industry generated almost US$ 32.7 billion in annual revenue, and yet typically, over half of the weight of a fish ends up as sidestreams that never reach consumers, as they are discarded or used for purposes such as feed or fish oil. Meanwhile, the volume of processed fish in the EU is high. In Finland, for example, 56 million kilos of fish was processed in 2023, while the country faces an array of challenges when it comes to processing, such as high costs and pressure from stricter environmental regulations.

Having tools to upcycle sidestreams to food broadens fish processors’ core business and product portfolio

Michaela Lindström, Hailia ‘‘

However, applying the right technology to process sidestreams and produce new products or ingredients can help to cut waste and add value. One example of such an initiative is Finnish food technology firm Hailia, which has partnered with Finnish fish processors Kalavapriikki and Hätälä to launch new food products made from salmon and rainbow trout sidestreams.

According to Hailia, the initiative is key to addressing inefficiencies in the seafood industry and could transform global food systems.

“The Baltic herring is the most fished species in Finland, but only 4% of it ends up on consumers’ plates,” Michaela Lindström, CEO and Founding Partner of Hailia, told WF. “Most is used to produce fish feed or animal feed. At the same time, Finnish people tend to eat a lot of canned tuna. This meant that we were catching species like Baltic herring, shipping it to countries like Australia where it’s fed to tuna, then importing that tuna. This was our starting point. My team and I have a background in plant-based protein, and we understood the need for a low-priced seafood product that is easy to use, not just for consumers but also for the food industry. Fish filleting sidestreams are ideal for producing such a product.”

With the global demand for seafood products expected to rise by over 50% by 2050, Hailia’s initiative shows that much can be gleaned from an untapped produce that is already available. The company’s technology is based in a production facility in Karkkila, and produces a homogenised paste from fish sidestreams, including heads, frames, fins and cut-offs including the bones.

Salmonid focus

With novel technology and equipment, Hailia’s system stands out because it recreates the distinct, familiar, cooked fish fillet-like texture, offering a natural product that can be used in various culinary applications. The homogenised paste is cooled and can be further processed into different product concepts, such as pulled fish, fish sticks and even canned fish.

Hailia is currently working with salmon and rainbow trout, and together with its partners, has introduced eight new food products to the market, utilising filleting

n Working with salmon and rainbow trout sidestreams, Hailia and its partners have already introduced eight new food products to the market

Photo Credit: Hailia

sidestreams from both species. The products fall into four categories: fresh, frozen, ambient, and ready-meals. Sidestreams from white fish and pelagics have also been used, while the technology has the potential to work on other species such as seabass and tuna.

Because they are packed with good omega-3s, oils and natural minerals, the idea is to ensure that the sidestreams aren’t wasted, said Lindström.

They are nutritionally similar to fish fillets and offer the same health benefits, she said, while Hailia’s technology gives fish processors as much value as possible from their sidestreams.

To date, Hailia and Kalavapriikki have produced a product called Nyhtökirjolohi, or pulled rainbow trout, from rainbow trout sidestreams, while Hailia and Hätälä have been upcycling salmon sidestreams to create easy-touse, affordable ingredients for the food industry.

‘‘Selling sidestreams for use as feed does have some value, but now our sidestreams can be consumed by the public. That’s a big deal for fish processors

Ari Hietanen, Kalavapriikki

“Having tools to upcycle sidestreams to food broadens fish processors’ core business and product portfolio with more affordable and convenient food product concepts,” said Lindström. “Producing this type of product, rather than selling off their sidestreams to produce feed, is also a way for fish processors to reduce their overall carbon footprint. Our calculations show that the carbon footprint of rainbow trout products made from sidestreams using our technology can be as low as 0.6 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram of food.”

Increased utilisation

Ari Hietanen, R&D and Quality Manager at Kalavapriikki, said that Hailia’s technology is a great way to promote sustainable development by introducing new circular solutions and resource-wise processes.

Kalavapriikki produces a range of fresh and seasoned fish products for the retail market and processed around three million kilos of fish last year. Approximately 80 to 85% of its processing is rainbow trout, while the rest is Norwegian salmon and Finnish lake fishes.

This company, too, has faced issues with its sidestreams over the years.

“Their use must be planned meticulously because of microbial activity and their extremely short shelf-life,” said Hietanen. “If used in food products, they can only be kept for a maximum of around 24 hours, after which they must be discarded. Fish processors need new processes when it comes to preservation and finding distribution channels for sidestreams.

n Hailia identified a market need for a low-priced seafood product that is easy to use

Photo Credit: Hailia

n Hailia’s technology is based in a production facility in Karkkila, where it produces a homogenised paste from fish

“It can be difficult to find markets for certain parts of the fish, for example belly fat in salmon and rainbow trout. This market doesn’t exist in Finland. We had some buyers in eastern Europe, but the war in Ukraine has changed that. Now, however, thanks to our work with Hailia, 90% of the gutted fish that we process is now edible. Before, it was only 70%. Selling sidestreams for use as feed does have some value, but now our sidestreams can be consumed by the public. That’s a big deal for fish processors.”

In late August 2024, Kalavapriikki and Hailia’s pulled rainbow trout was launched through Finnish retailer S Group, which has a 47% share in the Finnish market.

Sold as an affordable, convenient and sustainable fish solution designed for busy weekdays, the product resembles cooked strips of chicken or ham, with a mild taste and the same texture as a cooked fish fillet. It offers consumers a new, healthy protein source at a lower price point, and is easy to use in both home and commercial kitchens.

We don’t need to fish more, and we don’t need to build more fish farms. We just need to use fish in a smart way

Ari Hietanen, Kalavapriikki

It has also generated interest for its structure and versatility, which makes it suitable for salads and sandwiches, appealing to busy kitchens and food retailers.

“It’s a cooked product that is extremely versatile and can be used easily in salads, soups, casseroles, and as part of tacos-type dishes,” said Hietanen. “It can be re-cooked, and it doesn’t break or harden when fried. The label describes the product as minced rainbow trout. It’s really easy to use in many different dishes, and the fact that it’s already cooked is extremely convenient. You can use it straight away or eat it as it is from the tray. No difficult preparation is required.”

“The product has a fish content of around 90%,” said Lindström. “From a fish processors’ point of view, they can introduce new products that compete directly with minced meat and chicken strips, tapping into the growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective protein alternatives. Meanwhile, we want to use as much sidestreams as possible because they are affordable compared to other ingredients, and after all, the rest (of the fish) is the best.”

New product development

Through its partnerships, Hailia and Kalavapriikki hope that more consumers will be persuaded to buy products from sidestreams, and that the use of sidestreams will rise in the future.

“In Finland, there has been a long drive to use more fish in the public domain, but the limiting factor is price,” said Hietanen. “Now we have an easyto-use product made from sidestreams and it costs less than fillets. We are currently developing a new product, and would like to target big kitchens in

hospitals and schools next. Those will be important markets.”

“We had a lot of interest in our work last year, and the fish processing industry understands that it needs to look into different options, not in a year or so, but right now,” said Lindström.

“We are very happy to see that big industry players are looking into solutions like ours. Sectors such as aquaculture that are also focusing on environmentally-smart solutions, CO2 reduction and sustainable approaches to their business have also been in touch, expressing interest and requesting samples of our products.

“There is a huge opportunity in sidestreams. We don’t need to fish more, and we don’t need to build more fish farms. We just need to use fish in a smart way.”

n Michaela Lindström, CEO and Founding Partner of Hailia

Photo Credit:

Hailia

n Hailia has partnered with Finnish fish processors Kalavapriikki and Hätälä to launch products made from salmon and rainbow trout sidestreams

Photo Credit: Hailia

FROZEN FISH SORTING – 3D SENSOR TECHNOLOGY LEADS THE WAY

A new imaging system is drawing attention for its ability to accurately classify and sort frozen tuna. Bonnie Waycott reports

Processing, sorting and categorising fish are essential steps in the seafood industry, helping to ensure that fish are sorted in a way that maximises their economic value, and that only the best quality fish are sold to consumers.

However, performing these steps manually can be challenging. For example, manual sorting relies heavily on workers’ skills and judgement, which can potentially lead to inconsistencies in product size and weight. The work is also time- and labour-intensive, especially when large quantities are involved. There is also a high risk of contamination. With more hands required to hasten the manual sorting process, the risk becomes higher, compromising product safety and hygiene, and reducing the quality of products that are released to the market. Finally, the need for workers and longer processing times drives up operation costs and, as a result, the price of the final product, while inefficiencies in manual sorting can lead to more waste and extra work, further adding to production expenses. The proper visual classification of fish is also a difficult undertaking, especially when they have been frozen. Differences between species become practically impossible to detect reliably without exhaustive testing.

In order to help the seafood industry tackle these challenges, various technological innovations are emerging to streamline processes, reduce waste and cut costs. One company that has come up with such an

innovation is Zebra Technologies, a US digital solutions manufacturer, which has produced a series of 3D profile sensors called Altiz, to enable seafood processors to achieve near-perfect visual inspection accuracy rates.

Sorting the fish manually is only 40% accurate, but this figure has improved by over eight times thanks to the TUNASCAN system

Joaquín Gracia Salvador, Marexi ‘‘

Meanwhile, Spanish technology firm Marexi Marine Technology has been producing optical scanning systems for marine species for over 15 years. Using Zebra Technologies’ Altiz sensors, the company has developed a 3D imaging system known as TUNASCAN for the highspeed classification and sorting of frozen tuna. Developed and refined over five years, the system allows up to 20 tonnes of frozen tuna per hour to be accurately classified by species, size and quality.

n Marexi has developed 3D imaging system TUNASCAN for the high-speed classification and sorting of frozen tuna

Photo Credit: Marexi Marine Technology

“In the past, large processing facilities that could process up to 200 tonnes a day required more than 20 people to classify frozen tuna,” Joaquín Gracia Salvador, President of Marexi, told WF. “Operators would have to classify different species such as big eye, yellowfin and skipjack by type, weight and condition. Needless to say, this was time consuming, labour intensive and subject to human error. Some species, such as skipjack, can be recognised by visual inspection when frozen, but visual inspection can become less accurate and more testing may be required when it comes to other species like yellowfin and bigeye. This is one of many challenges that we want to address, which is why we designed and developed the TUNASCAN system.”

“Sorting the fish manually is only 40% accurate, but this figure has improved by over eight times thanks to the TUNASCAN system,” Salvador continued. “The customer is also supplied with the correct product – quality and species – that can be priced accordingly. The TUNASCAN system is our most state-of-the-art machine, a high-speed, high-throughput vision system.”

Smart sorting

The TUNASCAN system’s scanning and classification are divided into three sections: reception hopper, scanning and sorting. From the reception hopper, frozen tuna are fed into the system before passing through a conveyor scanning section. Once there, two Altiz sensors perform a 3D scan, and a computer algorithm classifies each tuna individually. The classification results and location data are then sent to the sorting system, where each tuna is placed into an appropriate container.

“To characterise which type of tuna is present, over 80 different measurements must be made, including weight, the shape and size of the fish, and more complex measurements such as the distance between the head and the dorsal fin,” said Salvador. “Once these measurements have been made, they can be used to classify which type of fish is present. The 80 extracted characteristics and measurements are classified using machine learning, which is custom-designed by Marexi to run on an NVIDIA co-processor in the PC.”

The TUNASCAN system is efficient and reliable, requiring minimal maintenance under continuous operation. The sensors offer a robust and reliable way to capture detailed 3D data on moving objects, significantly improving the accuracy of the classification and sorting process.

Operator interaction with the TUNASCAN system is also minimal. An easy-to-use human-machine interface (HMI) lets the operator choose output categories by species and weight, so that in addition to sorting by species, the same species of tuna can be sorted into different groups according to their weight.

The amount of time it takes to classify and process the fish is also a fraction of that needed for manual inspection. This time saving is especially important when dealing with items like frozen food that must be kept cold to ensure consumer safety.

The TUNASCAN system automatically sorts every incoming fish into selected categories by container. When a container is full, the operator is informed so that the full container can be removed from the line and a new one added. Multiple containers can be managed at the same time, ensuring that the system operates continuously, while every component that comes into contact with the frozen tuna, such as conveyor belts, is certified for food safety.

Adding value

To date, several TUNASCAN machines have been installed in tuna processing companies and run continuously from Monday to Friday in three 8-hour shifts per day, said Salvador. The robustness and reliability of the TUNASCAN

system allow the quality standard of processed tuna to be raised to levels of excellence, offering products with a high added-value.

“Our focus is to listen to our clients, analyse their needs, and design the best solution while continuously collaborating with leading companies and their partners,” said Salvador.

“After a long process of internal design and development, a prototype emerges, and after a series of tests and adjustment at the client’s location, taking into account their comments and impressions, the product in question evolves until it becomes a pre-commercial device. This also enables our clients to feel involved from the beginning, and be part of the development of something that is adapted to their own needs. As we investigate other processing solutions, we are always looking to optimise our applications to improve our products and increase their performance.”

Building on the success of the TUNASCAN system, Marexi is now working on different computer vision AI projects for the seafood industry.

“At Marexi, we continue to develop new AI solutions, applying computer vision technologies,” said Salvador. “At the moment, we are finalising some high-tech devices that, by applying precision robotic engineering, associated with our AI algorithms embedded in computer vision systems, can for example, automatically peel cooked tuna or other species of cooked or frozen fish. Work is also underway to automatically separate portions of fish that are infected with the anisakis parasite, before packaging takes place. Our work is key to helping our clients achieve high accuracy levels in inspecting and classifying frozen food, and we are delighted with the TUNASCAN system’s performance so far.”

n The system classifies up to 20 tonnes of frozen tuna per hour by species, size and quality

Photo Credit: Marexi Marine Technology

Photo

Credit: Marexi Marine Technology

UK FISH PROCESSING SITE

REAPING BENEFITS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Mowi Consumer Products UK, which operates the largest fish processing site in the country, has transformed its production, safety and quality processes after a digitisation drive

Based in Rosyth, Scotland, Mowi Consumer Products UK produces Mowi-brand salmon as well as supplying major UK retailers with own-label fresh, smoked, ready-tocook and deli products. Part of Norway-headquartered Mowi ASA, the world’s largest producer of farm-raised salmon, it employs nearly 1,000 people and operates 363 days a year.

Through a company-wide digitisation initiative, Mowi has cut its paper-based records by 90% using the mobile-first workplace operations platform SafetyCulture, developed by Manchester, UK, based technology company SafetyCulture. With it, Mowi’s aim is to become near-paperless.

Digitisation has also enabled faster processes and increased capacity, meaning the company has more than doubled its product and quality audits to over 7,000 per month, compared to 3,000 when processes were paperbased. Mowi’s data shows a new audit or check is created every five minutes.

Mowi Consumer Products has found that having digital records in the SafetyCulture platform has not only saved employees time, it has also significantly improved traceability, speeding up the retrieval of information within minutes and making evidence easily available for customers and auditors.

It also provides Mowi’s management team with dashboards of real-time frontline data previously locked away in storage, enabling them to identify trends and drive continuous improvement.

Many of our ideas have shaped new features or creative solutions, creating new opportunities to handle more volume and keep up with growing complexity in our audits and checks

Anna Giusti,

Mowi Consumer Products UK

The company has achieved AA+ accreditation from the Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard for the past four years, the highest rating for food packaging businesses.

According to SafetyCulture, in giving leaders visibility and workers a voice in driving safety, quality, and efficiency improvements, its platform powers over a billion checks each year, delivers approximately 85,000 lessons per day and informs millions of corrective actions. SafetyCulture is currently used by more than 25,000 UK businesses

Building business efficiencies

Commenting on the digitisation drive, Mowi Consumer Products UK’s Senior Quality Manager David Bett said:

n Processing at Mowi Scotland

Photo Credit:

Mowi Scotland

“We’ve found so many functional benefits from digitising our processes. But the real impact has come from the additional confidence of being able to prove our processes to customers and auditors, and show them the resulting data. That’s really given us an extra competitive advantage and is a contributing factor to retaining our accreditation.”

Mowi’s Anna Giusti was pivotal in introducing the technology while working as a production operator, and worked with SafetyCulture’s team to develop new functionality and reporting.

“In Rosyth, we’re very much a centre of excellence. The company is full of passionate people who invest their time and careers in improving processes, and we’re reaping the benefits of that,” Giusti said. “And the digitisation programme has also enabled me to progress in my career to become a Business Data Analyst, as I’m helping the business become more efficient.”

Giusti told WF that the adoption of the SafetyCulture platform was built slowly “brick-by-brick”, with a lot of time spent sat down with frontline staff, involving key team players, and testing multiple times.

“By showing how the app could genuinely help, momentum started to build,” she said. “Over time, our focus shifted from testing and creation to maintenance and reporting, and the growing demand for insights took us from simple Excel charts to dynamic Power BI reports.”

Asked how SafetyCulture tailored its platform to meet the unique challenges of Mowi’s large-scale fish processing environment, particularly given the volume and complexity of audits and checks required, Giusti explained that Mowi Consumer Products has been actively engaged in SafetyCulture’s events, webinars and community spaces, and the tech company has genuinely listened to Mowi’s feedback and challenges.

“Many of our ideas have shaped new features or

creative solutions, creating new opportunities to handle more volume and keep up with growing complexity in our audits and checks.”

With regards to Mowi’s goal to become fully paperless, she said that the SafetyCulture platform has proven to be highly scalable when it comes to integrations, and the only issues to arise have been because other couldn’t integrate, not the platform itself.

“We’re starting to explore sensor (IoT) integrations this year, and the platform feels ready to support that next step in our paperless journey,” Giusti said.

DanFish International

29th International Fisheries Exhibition Aalborg, Denmark 07-09 October 2025

One of the most important exhibitions in the world focused on commercial fishing and the wider maritime sector.

• Marine equipment, fishing gear, maintenance, machinery, navigation etc.

• 400 exhibitors from 30 countries

• 12,000 international visitors

n Mowi’s David Bett and Anna Giusti

Photo

AMBITIOUS THINKING BEHIND NEW FACTORY TRAWLER

Norwegian fishing company Bluewild’s new trawler Ecofive has been handed over by the Westcon yard and this innovative new vessel has steamed to Ålesund for the last stages of outfitting before it leaves for a trip to test the array of imaginative new systems on board

Even while still under construction, Ecofive had won awards for the innovative thinking that has gone into the 73-metre Ulstein FX101 design of this new factory trawler, developed by the owners in collaboration with Ulstein Design & Solutions. Among these, the concept took the Innovation Award at Nor-Fishing in 2022 and was named Ship of the Year at Nor-Shipping in 2023.

Consequently, there has already been a great deal of attention focused on Ecofive – the name’s a contraction of Eco-Friendly Fishing Vessel – and the combination of systems brought together, some new and others adapted from other sectors.

Every aspect of conventional ideas of how to build a factory trawler have been addressed by Bluewild and the designers at Ulstein, in some instances throwing out accepted wisdom to go with new thinking and in others adapting technologies from other sectors.

The inverted bow contributes to better seakeeping and a more effective use of space on board, while below the waterline are a pair of large-diameter propellers mounted in steering nozzles. This is coupled to a hybrid energy system to provide a power and propulsion configuration that Ulstein’s designers predict will lead to fuel savings of at least 25% per kg of product compared to a conventional power system, rising to as much as 40% under some circumstances.

Gentle handling

Ecofive’s deck is laid out for handling quad-rig demersal gear towed on five warps, also with options for working pelagic gear. The new thinking is at the stern, and where there would usually be a hatch through which the catch would be dropped to the pounds on the deck level below, there’s a trawl fork which is raised as the belly of the trawl is in the ramp. This is designed to catch and secure a connector ring built into the trawl belly, and once secure, the cod-end can be released from the rest of the trawl.

The concept is for the retractable trawl fork to then be lowered below the surface to align with one of the openings to the reception tank. The cod-end is lifted to encourage the live catch to make its way into the tank in a system that draws on technology developed for well boats to keep fish alive and at their best throughout the process.

The premise is the catch is kept alive and in prime condition until routed to the processing deck. This promotes gentle handling, eliminating crush damage and stress that can lead to blood being captured in the muscle tissue and discolouring the finished product.

Bluewild is aiming for 100% utilisation of the catch with minimal quality loss, while maximising nutritional potential and slashing energy consumption.

n A central aspect of the design and layout is to keep catches alive in circulating sea water to ensure maximum freshness and smooth processing

n Norwegian company Bluewild has put everything into the design of its highly innovative new Ulsteindesigned trawler Ecofive

Beyond

Don’t miss out on:

Aqua Nor Conference, Monday August 18th

AfterFish, Tuesday August 19th and Wednesday August 20th

Grand Dinner, Tuesday August 19th

Seafood Streetfood Dinner, Wednesday August 20th

Transforming the industry using tomorrow’s tecnology

August 19th – 21st • Trondheim Buy tickets here

Providing the world with sustainable food

Keeping the fish alive in circulating sea water on board has positive implications for processing. The catch doesn’t leave the water until the point at which production begins, with fish or shrimp kept alive in a system that uses controlled water exchange, oxygen supply and temperature control.

Product quality

Catches are transferred to the upper factory deck via an overpressure release, avoiding the damage that can occur when using negative pressure pumping, and the expectation is that the end product quality will be significantly higher as fish arrive live and kicking at the factory to be bled and subsequently passed through cooling channels to bring down their temperature, contributing to better bleeding and faster freezing.

The production deck is outfitted to take fish from the tanks to the factory section, in a process designed to extract the best possible value from whitefish, to produce fillets, loins, centre pieces, tails and bellies. Alongside this, Ecofive is getting a production line for cooked, singlefrozen shrimp, with smaller grades to be block frozen as an industrial product.

All other material is to be processed to ensure it remains fit for human consumption, with off-cuts, backbones and tails kept separate and block-frozen, while offal goes for production of unoxidised oil in a low-temperature process.

Ecofive’s refrigeration plant is designed to operate on CO2 – both a safe option and allowing for significantly

lower temperatures to be achieved – which supports greater energy efficiency.

At the end of the production process, there’s a 2,000-cubic-metre refrigerated fishroom, with some sophisticated warehousing logistics for sorting and zone storage to streamline offloading and the onward chain once frozen catches have left the vessel.

TERSAN LAUNCHES AURORA FISHERIES’ NEW FACTORY FREEZER TRAWLER

Turkey’s Tersan Shipyard has announced the launch of NB1124 – soon to be named Takapo – a new state-of-the-art fishing vessel commissioned by Aurora Fisheries, a part of the Solander Group

According to Tersan, Takapo marks a new chapter for Solander by introducing the latest advancements in energy efficiency and regeneration to New Zealand’s deepsea fishing grounds. The vessel is designed and built for both pelagic and demersal trawling, targeting southern blue whiting, jack mackerel and ling, as well as squid and hake in the country’s waters. It has a freezer hold cargo capacity of 2,135 cubic metres for graded products on pallets.

“We are immensely proud to be the builders of this state-of-the-art vessel for Aurora Fisheries. Takapo will be the first vessel delivered to New Zealand from Tersan, making her exceptionally special to us. We are committed to advancing the construction process to deliver her on schedule,” Tersan Shipyard Managing Director Mehmet Gazioğlu said.

NB1124, designed by Skipsteknisk and constructed under supervision of DNV class society and New Zealand regulations, will operate within New Zealand’s and Antarctica’s waters while adhering to all environmental and international standards. Featuring a length of 80 metres and a beam of 15 metres, Takapo is to offer comfortable living accommodation for 50 people.

It is powered by a 4,880-kW main engine, reaching a top speed of 15 knots. It is also equipped with a 3,000-kW shaft generator and two auxiliary generators.

The vessel has an advanced processing factory onboard where the catch will be processed and packaged as fillets or head and gutted products, then frozen at -30 degrees and stored in cold storage. Additionally, the ship is

equipped with a surimi processing system and a 250-tonne capacity Reverse Osmosis system.

“I would like to thank Tersan Shipyard for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Their world-class facilities and expertise have made them the perfect partner in bringing this vision to life. This launch is a testament to their dedication to quality craftsmanship and innovation.”

Aurora Fisheries CEO Paul Hufflett said.

n Ecofive is completing outfitting in Ålesund after sailing from the Westcon yard

n Tersan NB1124 has been designed and built for both pelagic and demersal trawling

ICELAND’S LATEST FRESHER TRAWLER ARRIVES FROM SPANISH BUILDER

The newest addition to Iceland’s fresher trawler fleet has been delivered to its owners in the port of Grindavík. The Skipasýn-designed Hulda Björnsdóttir has been built at Astilleros Armón, originally for fishing company Thorfish

Hulda Björnsdóttir was initially ordered in the expectation that it would supply Thorfish’s groundfish processing in Grindavík, but the turmoil in both the community and the port due to the volcanic activity that threatened the town has resulted in a number of changes, alongside a generational shift with changes to the ownership and operations of the company’s three vessels.

The 57.8-metre Hulda Björnsdóttir has a moulded breadth of 13.6 metres and a hold capacity for approximately 720 x 1,000-litre tubs. Accommodation onboard is for up to 15 people in 12 single cabins plus a sick bay, and three twoberth cabins.

The propulsion is a trademark Skipasýn arrangement, with a large-diameter, slow-running propeller delivering a 61-tonne bollard pull. The main engine is a 2300kW MAN7L27/38 turning a three-bladed, 5,000mm diameter MAN propeller at 78rpm via a Reintjes reduction gear. Electrical power onboard comes from the 1,300kW Siemens shaft generator and from the 500 and 250kW Scania gensets. Steering gear is from Hidramarin, which is supported by a Balino 300kW bow thruster.

The catch processing deck has been outfitted by Micro for fresh catches iced in tubs. Climafrio supplied the 20-tonne/day icemaker and the semi-automated handling loads the tubs. The fish room is outfitted with a Crane Solutions remotely controlled cargo crane for handling the 1,000-litre tubs.

Designed from the outset as a twin-rigger, Hulda Björnsdóttir has deck equipment supplied by Ibercisa. The three 200Kw, 39-tonne trawl winches, managed by a Scantrol system, are mounted at shelterdeck level to keep the trawl deck clear, with the mid-wire winch offset on the port side.

The full-length trawl deck is laid out with three trawl lanes, with three pairs of 55kW, 15-tonne sweepline winches, plus there is also a pair of 75kW, 16-tonnes net drums. The winch package includes twin 75kW gilsons, pairs of 55kW codend and outhaul winches, and three 30kW trix winches, as well as retriever, backstrop and other winches. Ibercisa

n Fresher trawler Hulda Björnsdóttir on sea trials in Spain before delivery to Icelandic company Thorfish

n Hulda Björnsdóttir’s wheelhouse

n The automated crane in the fish room for handling the 1,000-litre tubs

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR CATCHCAM

For the last 13 years, what began life as a largely experimental venture, SafetyNet Technologies’ (SNTech), has been actively developing and testing innovative technologies to improve fisheries selectivity

SNTech’s profile has been significantly lifted in the last few years thanks to the introduction of CatchCam, a piece of tech the fishing industry had been waiting for –an affordable and reliable camera/lighting combo that could be attached to either trawl or static fishing gears to provide information on what’s happening once the gear has dropped below the surface.

Faced with some challenging market conditions, SN Tech is about to shut down, but fortunately the work is being continued by new entity, CatchCam Technologies (CCTech), founded by a group of SNTech staff with a strong commitment to carrying this forward.

“When we learned that SNTech had run out of money, we put our heads together and agreed that there’s sustainable and more importantly a useful business here and we wanted to see it through,” said Tom Rossiter, who takes over the role of CEO at CatchCam Technologies after having been the visible and energetic face of SNTech for the last few years.

Two heads are always better than one, and we’re excited to start problem-solving together with SnapCore

Tom Rossiter, CatchCam Technologies

“We have strong products that have proven to be efficient allies for fishers out at sea and now we want to build on top of that, to keep creating well-designed tools for both the fishing industry and research communities.”

CC Tech has also announced a collaboration with New Zealand company SnapCore, a leader in above-water monitoring and AI-driven systems.

“We know we can’t do everything on our own, and we’re always looking to collaborate with complementary technology to better solve challenges in the fishing industry, marine research and now aquaculture,” said Rossiter. “Two heads are always better than one, and we’re excited to start problem-solving together with SnapCore.” He said the aim is to create more powerful tools for efficient data collection and analysis, enabling users to enhance decision-making in the field.

“This is just the beginning. Both CatchCam Technologies and SnapCore are technically excellent in our fields, and this strong partnership will allow us to tackle new challenges and innovate even further.”

SNTech founders Dan Watson, Nadia Laabs and Aran Dasan are giving the handover their full support and will continue as advisory board members of CatchCam Technologies. This is to ensure continuity – while the ongoing involvement in the new venture of former team members ensures that innovative work and partnerships built over the years will continue to thrive.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of SafetyNet Technologies’ progress over the last thirteen years, working

alongside an incredible team of committed people, driven by our mission. I’m proud that it will be taken forward by members of that team under a new banner,” said SNTech Co-founder Dan Watson.

“Chris Lewis, Tom Rossiter and the new approach being taken by CCTech are exactly what’s needed to bring a renewed focus and energy to supporting sustainable fisheries and making a real difference in the industry.”

The intention is to build on existing products such as CatchCam and SeaSensor, integrating real-time monitoring and AI capabilities into these, while providing the ongoing support and honouring existing agreements and warranties during the transition to CatchCam Technologies. Products will continue to be manufactured and assembled in the UK and France. Alongside this, CCTech aims to expand beyond hardware to offer consultancy services for the collection of data in challenging underwater environments.

“The direction of travel is towards doing things better, be that fishing efficiency, environmental impact or the data we base our science on. Products like CatchCam are critical to building this understanding and driving the improvements needed,” Rossiter said.

“The day will come where we will have machines in our gear telling us what is in there and controlling exactly what is caught. But the kit has to be exceptionally well designed to work day-in-dayout and not many companies have the knowhow to deliver this, but CatchCam Technologies does and we love nothing more than solving difficult problems and making the job easier.”

n SNTech’s CatchCam – now in the hands of new company CatchCam Technologies, offers a uniquely reliable and affordable undersea camera system

n A CatchCam rigged to a lobster pot

ZUNIBAL, AZTI DEVELOP NEW BIODEGRADABLE FAD

Tests carried out on compostable fish aggregating devices in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans by Zunibal, in collaboration with AZTI, have paved the way towards the development of a new FAD made of a material that’s biodegradable in marine environments

The new material, certified by the Japan BioPlastics Association, meets the biodegradability standards defined by regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs). This material improves the FAD’s mechanical properties, resulting in a lighter and more resistant FAD.

Since February 2024, with the collaboration of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the European fleet, 12 compostable FADs have been deployed in semi-controlled environments and a further 210 deployed in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Zunibal said the next phase of the project will assess its durability under real fishing conditions.

“This milestone is the result of a joint effort between the fishing sector and applied research. Thanks to previous tests, we have been able to perfect the design and material. Today, we can say that we offer the first industrialised FAD of its kind made of a 100% biodegradable material suitable for marine environments.” Zunibal’s Álvaro Núñez said.

The new platform is made of a bio-based PBS material derived from natural materials such as sugar cane, cassava and corn. It has been certified as biodegradable in marine environments under the ISO 19679 standard by the Japan BioPlastics Association.

Founded in 1989, JBPA is a leading organisation in the promotion and certification of biodegradable and bio-based polymers. Its work has been instrumental in establishing industry standards both in Japan and internationally, as well as in developing methodologies for the analysis and evaluation of these materials.

Today, we can say that we offer the first industrialised FAD of its kind made of a 100% biodegradable material suitable for marine environments

Álvaro Núñez, Zunibal ‘‘

In case of sinking, the platform will descend to the seabed where a natural biodegradation process begins. Microorganisms present in the sediments and seawater degrade the material, releasing CO₂ and water without leaving harmful residues for the ecosystem.

According to Zunibal, its composition makes it possible to offer a much lighter and stronger solution than its predecessors, using less material without compromising its durability. Also thanks to this new material, the platform meets the definitions of Biodegradable FAD established by RFMOs, which require bio-based materials used to conform to international standards for biodegradable materials in marine environments.

“This new certified material represents a significant advance in reducing the impact of tropical tuna fishing on the ecosystem, responding to regulatory and environmental challenges posed by the industry and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations,” AZTI’s Iker Zudaire said.

deployed in semi-controlled environments and 210 have been deployed in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans since February 2024

n Twelve compostable FADs have been

FIRST NET FROM RECYCLED MATERIAL

A consortium of companies in Norway and Iceland have put into use netting that’s been derived from recycled fishing gear

“It’s fantastic news. This has been a goal for us since we started 16 years ago,” said Øistein Aleksandersen, CEO of recycling specialist Nofir. “The fact that this is possible also looks highly positive for other industries.”

Nofir has joined with AKVA Group Egersund Net, Aquafil, Grieg Seafood and Hampiðjan to developed and produced this first net for salmon farming use, made using nylon recycled from used nets, fishing gear and other products. The filaments are made from regenerated nylon from ECONYL, and the project is supported by Handelens Miljøfond.

The first net has been made for a Grieg Seafood facility. “Producing farming nets for the conditions we have here in Norway is not easy. The requirements are strict, and there is no room for error,” said Aleksandersen, who has led the initiative, commenting that the nets have to be able to cope with the tough conditions in Norwegian waters, and the project has taken care to ensure that the materials meet all the relevant standards.

Hampiðjan in Iceland is also producing a net, treated with the same coating. This is being deployed in a parallel test.

Nofir has been working on recycling and upcycling

discarded fishing and farming nets since 2008, and Alexandersen has been impressed by the work carried out by the companies in this collaboration.

“We really didn’t think this was an opportunity when we started. The fact that we are now looking at two industries that are leaders in circularity and many sustainability factors is great, and we are happy with our contribution to this,” he said.

Nofir also has its own projects, including the production of football goal nets, cargo securing nets and other products from discarded equipment.

For Nofir, there is one particularly crucial learning area from the work so far: “In general, the entry cost for those of us who invest in this type of sustainability project is high. Research and development is a substantial cost, and it is time-consuming to bring together all the know-how to achieve results,” he said.

“We couldn’t have done it without financial support for the project. The crucial point is whether fish farmers in general will choose the more sustainable alternatives when they are available.”

n Kristi Leidland Larsen, Anders Myklebust and Geir Kare Tonnessen with the salmon cage made from recycled fishing gear

Trusted by those feeding the world

SUSTAINABILITY BOOST FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA SHRIMP FARMING

Scottish scientists lead multi-million-dollar project to transform industry and empower small-scale farmers

A project led by University of the West of Scotland (UWS) scientists is looking to transform shrimp farming in Southeast Asia by developing low-cost, early-warning monitoring systems to improve sustainability in one of the region’s most vital industries.

Backed by the International Science Partnership Funds (ISPF) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the GBP 3 million grant project brings together leading scientists from UWS, Can Tho University in Vietnam, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology in Thailand, University of Strathclyde and the James Hutton Institute.

The three-year project, aims to arm small-scale shrimp farmers with affordable tools to monitor water quality, detect pathogens, and predict environmental threats in real-time.

Explaining the significance of the research, UWS’s Professor Kath Sloman, who is leading the project, said: “The aquaculture sector in Southeast Asia is vital for livelihoods and food security, yet small-scale farmers face huge challenges in managing disease and water quality. Our project will co-develop accessible, low-cost biosensors and climate models to empower farmers with real-time data, allowing them to act before disease strikes. This is about boosting resilience, increasing productivity and ensuring sustainability.”

This is about boosting resilience, increasing productivity and ensuring sustainability

Professor Kath Sloman, UWS ‘‘

The project will combine the local knowledge of shrimp farmers with expertise in biosensing technology, climate modelling, aquatic health, and artificial intelligence. The team is working on a handheld sensor that can quickly detect pathogens and harmful nitrogen levels in pond water, alongside an AI-driven prediction tool that uses climate data to forecast disease risks.

Professor Fiona Henriquez-Mui, Project Co-Lead and expert in Parasitology/Protistology and host-pathogen interactions, from the University of Strathclyde, said that by working closely with local farmers, tools would be developed that are not just scientifically advanced, but also practical, affordable, and easy to use.

“This research has the potential to drastically reduce shrimp mortality rates and increase yields,” she said.

Making a big difference

While the project focuses on shrimp farming in Vietnam and Thailand, the technology is highly adaptable and could be expanded to other aquaculture systems across

Southeast Asia and beyond.

Underlining the local impact, Dr Huynh Viet Khai, Project Co-Lead from Can Tho University (CTU), Vietnam, said that for small-scale farmers in Vietnam, access to reliable, affordable technology can make the difference between a successful harvest and devastating losses.

“By integrating climate models and biosensors, we are giving farmers the tools they need to adapt to environmental changes and protect their livelihoods.”

Professor Albert Schulte, Project Co-Lead from Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC) and expert in analytical chemistry & electrochemical biosensing added that developing lowcost, field-deployable biosensors that deliver accurate results in real-time will be a huge step forward for sustainable aquaculture.

“This technology will enable farmers to detect and mitigate risks faster than ever before,” he said.

The project team noted that their initiative aligns with Vietnam and Thailand’s national aquaculture growth strategies and said the project’s findings can contribute to long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

Professor Rupert Hough, Head of Information and Computational Sciences at the James Hutton Institute, said: “Shrimp farming is vital to the livelihoods of so many people in southeast Asia and the digital tools we will develop will help support decision making around futureproofing against impacts of climate change.”

tools to monitor water quality, detect pathogens and predict environmental threats in real-time

n The three-year project, aims to arm small-scale shrimp farmers with affordable

7 – 9 October 2025

Kobe, Japan

SAVE THE DATE

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IS RUSSIA’S SALMON INDUSTRY IN TROUBLE?

Sector bucks the country’s aquaculture growth trend as it struggles to get self-sufficient

Following a decade of consistent growth and against a forecast that was envisaging the upward trend to continue for at least the next six years, Russia’s aquaculture production declined to 380,000 tonnes in 2024, nearly 22,000 tonnes lower than in the previous year, according to figures from the federal agency for fisheries, Rosrybolovstvo. While governmental officials largely blamed adverse weather conditions, it’s felt by other stakeholders that some systemic issues and growing sanction pressure also played a role in the downturn.

Figures shared by VARPE, a prominent Russian union of fishermen and fish farmers, confirmed that commercial fish farming and broodstock production experienced a steady upward trajectory during the previous decade – with the output jumping from 186,000 tonnes to 402,000 tonnes in the period between 2013 and 2023.

“In 2024, this tendency paused for reasons out of the fish farmers’ control,” VARPE President Herman Zverev said.

According to farmers in the European part of Russia, last year brought plenty of harsh weather abnormalities – an unusually cold spring, with frosts registered as late as May, gave way to an extremely hot summer. Only recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) farms, which are still somewhat rare in Russia, were unaffected by the negative weather conditions.

“In April, when warm weather settled, the hatcheries stimulated spawning,” said Vasily Glushchenko, Chairman of the Rosrybhoz Association, which unites fish farmers and wholesales. “And, when the temperature sharply dropped in May, [most of] the young fish died in the cold water.”

The weather abnormalities didn’t end there, Glushchenko explained. Against most forecasts, the 2024

‘‘Investment activity in aquaculture has been stagnating for the last few years – we can only count on existing players implementing largescale infrastructure projects

Ilya Bereznyuk, Agro and Food Communications

summer was described by some fish farmers as “hellish hot”, with temperatures occasionally reaching 40 degrees C. The summer heat led to oxygen deficiencies, which also negatively affected fish growth, he said, adding that this situation led to a number of fish diseases becoming much more common in the country last year.

“Aquaculture is not about how much you grow, but about how much you can save during the growing process,” Ilya Bereznyuk, Managing Partner of Agro and Food Communications, a Moscow-based consultancy, said. “This is especially true for valuable fish species, which include salmon. And in this sense, we were unlucky last year.”

More than meets the eye

However, not every aquaculture sector was affected by the bad weather, determines Rosrybolovstvo’s figures. In fact, traditional industry segments like carp and sturgeon production experienced modest output growth, and the

n Bad weather increased fish mortalities on Russian farms last year

Photo

agency also recorded slight increases in some relatively younger seafood production segments, including oysters, mussels and scallops.

On closer inspection, salmon and trout production were the only segments where the volumes plummeted compared with the previous year. But the decline was so strong it dragged the entire industry’s performance down. While the final industry data for 2024 is yet to be published, preliminary figures indicate the salmonid sector could have lost nearly 30% of output last year. During the first nine months of 2024, Russian Atlantic salmon and trout production reached 101,400 tonnes, compared with 131,300 tonnes in the previous year.

During an industry conference at the end of 2024, Rosrybolovstvo Deputy Director Maxim Sokolov attributed the negative dynamics to more systemic factors. For instance, in the Murmansk region, the heart of the Russian Atlantic salmon industry, high dependence on imported broodstock came to the fore in 2024.

“We purchase fertilised salmon eggs, we buy fry, and we have not gotten rid of import dependence on trout either,” Sokolov said, hinting that the quality of the Russian broodstock is inferior compared with imported products. This, coupled with the unfavourable weather conditions, led to the production decline at farms breeding Atlantic salmon, he added.

Aquaculture is not the only Russian economy segment that seems to be suffering from the Russian government’s import replacement programmes. The Atlantic salmon sector’s current predicament is quite similar to what the grain industry went through last year, with production dropping 14% compared with the previous year to 125 million tonnes.

While the Russian government again blamed bad weather for the decline, it has also been urging authorities to move away from imported seeds.

Focus on quantity

Nevertheless, Russian officials say the import-replacement campaign in aquaculture is proceeding apace, and Rosrybolovstvo advised that in 2024, Russian fish feed production reached 51,400 tonnes, up 19% on the previous year. As a result, the dependence on imported fish feed was lowered to 75%, compared with 90% before 2022.

The long-term plans are even more ambitious, with the Russian government aiming to boost fish feed production nearly fivefold to 250,000 tonnes by 2030, a volume estimated to be enough to meet almost all the domestic demand.

It’s a similar picture for broodstock, with Russian hatcheries last year meeting 15% of the domestic demand. Compare that to before 2022, when nearly 98% of broodstock was imported from Norway, the US, Denmark and France.

“In recent years, Russian fish farmers have been turning towards domestic breeding farms, where the breeds are adapted to our conditions, and the production itself is transparent in terms of epizootics, in other words, fish diseases,” Rosrybolovstvo advised.

However, Russian fish farmers do not entirely agree with the claim.

“The Russian state aid programme is built up in the way encouraging companies to ramp up production in the first place,” a source in the Russian fish farming industry told WF

Over the past few years, the Russian authorities kicked off a set of generous support measures, including the reimbursement of 25% of capital costs associated with the construction and modernisation of fish feed production capacities. However, in exchange for the state aid, Russian hatcheries and fish feed producers have to show concrete results, and the key criteria is quantities.

“Russian officials need some robust production figures to demonstrate that the money allocated for the import

n Russian Atlantic salmon and trout production in the first nine months of 2024 totalled 101,400 tonnes

Photo Credit: Belovo Fish Farm

replacement was not squandered. However, Scandinavians invested thousands of person-hours into achieving the highest level of product quality – you can’t simply achieve the same level in just a matter of a few years,” the source explained.

The quality of fish feed on the Russian market largely differs, and often commercial fish producers test the quality of new domestic feeds at their own risk, said Lybov Savkina, General Director of Feedlot, a Moscow-based think tank.

“It is worth choosing products from trusted suppliers and not trying to save money by buying feed from an underground production,” Savkina said.

Worsening prospects

For many, the weak infrastructure, coupled with waning domestic demand and general economic headwinds, make the long-term prospects for Russian aquaculture somewhat gloomy.

Under the Russian fish farming industry development strategy renewed in November 2022, aquacultural production is set to grow to 650,000 tonnes in 2030. Taking in 2024’s setback, market players and analysts no longer believe this forecast is realistic. Additionally, the investment activity in the Russian fish farming industry has fallen to an extremely low level recently.

“Investment activity in aquaculture has been stagnating for the last few years – we can only count on existing players implementing large-scale infrastructure projects,” Bereznyuk said. “And new participants are not entering the market as willingly as they were 5-6 years ago.”

To encourage investors, the Russian authorities need to develop new support measures, Bereznyuk suggested.

The Russian fish farming industry is at a turning point, Evgeny Katz, Director of the fish farming department under the Russian Agricultural Ministry, said during a government

meeting. He explained that authorities are re-evaluating the production targets and the development strategies. Katz indicated that the growth impetus given by the existing support mechanisms has wound down, and the authorities are now trying to figure out what to do next. The re-evaluation will also likely lead to establishing better traceability mechanisms, as government officials fear some farmers overstate their production performance.

He said: “We analysed the figures on the grown and sold aquaculture objects and saw a big difference between what fish farms report, how much they grew, and how much actually went to the market, to sale. The figures for a number of regions differ significantly from each other. The question is, where were the products that were grown?”

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