International News

Spain: Aquaculture organisations join forces

New teaching materials in Denmark focus on sustainable proteins from the sea

Th e Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) are joining forces to improve the aquaculture sector in Europe, which employs about 70 000 people across the continent according to the EU. At the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona the organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding pledging to work together towards their shared vision of a responsible aquaculture sector providing the solution to growing food demand and to ensure aquaculture is better recognised at a political level. Th e collaboration comes at a time of growing recognition and importance of sustainable food systems. Th ese issues are being looked at by the EU, and both ASC and FEAP have built up valuable knowledge and experience over many years that can help with these developments. FEAP members will also benefi t from greater access to ASC’s guidance on improving farm practices, which always bring economic as well as environmental benefi ts.

Aquaculture’s importance to Europe cannot be overstated: homegrown seafood like salmon, shellfi sh and seabass are vital to economies across the continent and provide food security. A more eff ective, and better represented industry is better for all Europeans, Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO, said. From its inception the ASC programme has been about collaboration between diverse stakeholders and knowing how eff ective this can be at driving change across the industry. FEAP’s President Lara Barazi-Geroulanou pointed out that European aquaculture was a frontrunner on environmental and social sustainability, but is a small player in the market. Th e

By joining forces the two organisations will improve the aquaculture sector in Europe and ensure better representation at a political level.

Teaching materials for to let students know about the need for and potential of blue proteins can be found at madfrahavet.dk.

European Union’s legal framework needs clear and sound technical screening criteria for sustainable aquaculture, she said. Our working experience as fi sh farmers together with the expertise of the ASC on responsible aquaculture standards will assure valuable results, she added. The collaboration will be driven by a steering group co-chaired by Chris Ninnes and Javier Ojeda (FEAP’s General Secretary), which will identify opportunities and manage projects in line with the organisations’ shared objectives.

Th e world’s population is expected to increase to 10 billion by the year 2050 and all these people need food - and not just any food, but good and nutritious food. A shift towards more ‘blue proteins’ in the form of food from the sea, reduces competition for both arable land and fresh water. Th erefore, to solve the food crisis that a growing population will create, it is vital to source more protein from the sea. Danish Pelagic Producer Organization (DFPO) and the Fisheries and Maritime Museum, in collaboration with Marine Ingredients Denmark, Dansk Akvakultur, the WSP consultancy fi rm and Hedeselskabet, have with support from the EMFF, developed new teaching materials for schools that focuses on future proteins from the sea and on the marine food industry’s ability to feed a growing population.

When most people consider blue proteins and food from the sea, they usually think of fi sh. Fish is a great resource, but we can hardly get much more out of wild fi sh stocks in the sea, so we have to consider other alternatives. Th e sea off ers many other raw materials like oysters, mussels and seaweed, which are high in protein. And maybe animals not thought about could potentially provide a meal. Denmark is the country in the Nordic region that eats the least seafood. We import almost all the fi sh we eat, while at the same time exporting tonnes of fi sh and mussels that we fi sh and farm. So the sea stores lots of protein-rich and climate-friendly foods—we just need to get better at eating them. Esben Sverdrup-Jensen, CEO of the Danish Pelagic Producer Organization, said, we want to give children and young people a solid background knowledge so that they have a better understanding of modern fi shing and what food potential the sea holds.

Sustainable fi shing in the Northeast Arctic strengthened by EU and Norway agreement

Denmark: Fishmeal producers deliver valuable ingredients from offcuts and pelagics

Norway and the EU have reached a political agreement on fi sheries in the Northeast Arctic, which includes the waters around the archipelago of Svalbard and the Barents Sea, that ensures sustainable fi shing in the region, while also providing certainty for EU fl eets fi shing there. Virginijus Sinkevi ius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, said that the understanding with Norway refl ects the joint commitment to sustainable fi shing and highlights what can be achieved when addressing matters of common interest.

Th e fi sheries covered include catches of cod, redfi sh, haddock, and Greenland halibut. Th e EU and Norway will in this case engage in consultations regarding such measures, and the measures will be set in a coordinated manner. In addition to strengthening their commitment to sustainable management of marine living resources in the Northeast Arctic, the understanding also allows EU fl eets fi shing for cod in the waters around the archipelago of Svalbard to continue fi shing in line with their historic fi shing rights. Th e understanding also allowed the EU today to set a defi nitive total allowable catch (TAC) fi gure of 19 636 tonnes for Arctic cod in an amendment of the Fishing

In addition to ensuring a sustainable region, the arrangement also secures EU fi shing rights for cod around Svalbard.

Opportunities Regulation for 2022, replacing the provisional TAC of 4 500 tonnes, which expired at the end of April.

Fishmeal and fi sh oil constitute an important feed ingredient for the aquaculture and agriculture sectors. Fishmeal is typically included as a key ingredient for aquaculture farming, but is also used in feed for pig, chicken and pet food production. Fish oil is primarily used as a feed ingredient for fi sh farming and for human nutrition. Fishmeal and oil are produced primarily from pelagic fi sh that live in large schools and are not used for direct human consumption. In Europe, it is typically the fi sh species capelin, sandeel, blue whiting, and sprat as well as off cuts and residues from the processing industry that are used in its production. Fisheries are regulated by quotas based on biological recommendations from ICES and subsequently adopted politically. Th is is essential for the conservation of marine biological ecosystems. Continuous quality control at factories ensures fresh raw materials and traceable products that comply with quality requirements and safety standards throughout the distribution chain.

Anne Mette Bæk, director of European Fishmeal and Fish Oil Producers, the European industry’s association explains that fi shmeal and oil are valuable feed ingredients due to their high content of essential amino acids, minerals, phosphorus lipids, and omega-3 fatty acids. Th e longchain omega-3 fatty acids are key components of the cell membrane and play an important role for both animal and humas in ensuring optimal growth, physical health and good reproductive abilities. Despite the many health eff ects, it is not always easy to be a fi shmeal producer. “In addition to the current energy prices— which obviously aff ect us all—the industry is subject to a web of traceability requirements, various sustainability certifi cations and a

Offcuts are ideal to use in the production of fi shmeal and oil and can provide a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that are vital in feed production.

comprehensive regulatory framework from both the EU and individual countries that do not always harmonise. Th e challenges are many, but they are common, and that is why it is so important that we as an industry work together on the solutions,” she said.

At the European level, there is an increasing focus on optimizing the utilization of these raw materials, which provides value for consumers by being included as an ingredient in, for example, salmon feed. Th ere are no omega-3 fatty acids in the salmon if it does not get it through the feed. Not only are omega-3 fatty acids essential for salmon health, they also have a wide range of health eff ects for humans who, like salmon, can only get omega3s through food. In that way, the fi sh off cuts and the hard-to-sell industrial fi sh ends up on the plate anyway and benefi ts the consumer.

Turkish fi shermen fear mines in the Black Sea

In Rumelifeneri, a village set on the rocks of the Bosphorus in northern Istanbul a drifting mine from the Black Sea was discovered. A second and third mine were found subsequently in the Turkish part of the Black Sea, which most likely originate from Ukraine where Russia launched an invasion in February. Many fi shermen now fear the worst, as hitting a mine would be life threatening. Turkish authorities also fear an accident and believe the mines have been set adrift from the Ukrainian coast during storms. As a reaction offi cials have banned fi shing at night where the mines are more diffi cult to spot. Th e price of diesel reaching extreme heights has also scared many fi shermen who have decided to end the fi shing season ahead of time. Th e future of the fi shermen in this region is laced with many uncertainties.

Norwegian Seafood Council appoints new CEO

Børge Grønbech has been appointed new CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) and replaces Renate Larsen, who resigned from the position earlier in the year. Børge Grønbech has been employed by NSC since 1998, and has been NSC’s director of global operations since May 2018. His previous positions with the council include marketing director at the head offi ce and fi sheries envoy in Boston, U.S.A. Th e Norwegian Seafood Council works together with the Norwegian fi sheries and aquaculture industry to develop markets for Norwegian seafood. NSC is a public company owned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. Th e Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries appoints the board of directors for NSC for a two year period. Th e Norwegian seafood industry fi nances the activities of the Council through fees levied on all exports of Norwegian seafood. Th e Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) aims to increase the value of Norwegian seafood resources through market insights, market development, market risk management and reputational

Norwegian Seafood Council

Børge Grønbech, who has been working in the Norwegian Seafood Council since 1998 has been appointed the new CEO following Renate Larsen’s resignation earlier this year.

risk management in select markets around the world. Norway’s seafood industry exported a record NOK 34 billion (EUR 3.5 billion) worth of fi sheries and aquaculture products to overseas markets in the fi rst quarter of 2022. Compared with Q1 2021, the increase in value was 22 percent or NOK 6.2 billion.

Iceland: More than an exhibition

Th e thirteenth Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition which will be held from 8-10 June this year is going to be much more than just an exhibition. Although the event usually takes place every third year since its inception in 1984, it has been postponed due to the COVID-19 situation. Luckily things are looking better and people can meet in person again. Th e wait has allowed the organisers to plan a proper welcome back programme for supplier and buyers with the 4th Fishwaste for Profi t conference, the 8th Icelandic Fisheries Awards, and matchmaking meetings all taking place during the three days. In addition, the second virtual Icefi shConnect will run in tandem with the in-person exhibition increasing the attendees’ reach far beyond the exhibition halls. Th e Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition is a leading event for anyone interested in the latest technology, equipment and developments in the fi shing, processing, seafood, and byproducts industry. For more information visit icefi sh.is

Norway: Are salmon less pink?

Th e colour of salmon fi llets is one of the most important quality criteria and paler salmon are downgraded, resulting in fi nancial losses for fi sh farmers. A new research project by Nofi ma is looking to establish whether farmed salmon fi llets have become paler during the past ten years.

It is widely believed that the colour of Norwegian salmon fi llets has deteriorated over the last decade. However, while levels of the pigment astaxanthin in fi llets has dropped, astaxanthin levels in salmon feed have increased during the sea growth phase. Trine Ytrestøy a senior researcher at Nofi ma, says that if the main reasons for poor pigmentation in commercially produced salmon can be found, the industry could work on production improvements in a more targeted manner. Th ere is not much documentation available about the extent and prevalence of poor pigmentation—either geographically or temporally. Th is is why Nofi ma is launching the “Knowledge Mapping Pigmentation” project, which will continue until 2024 and is being funded by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund.

Nofi ma wants to fi nd out if salmon fi llets have become less pink despite a higher level og the astaxathin pigment in salmon feed.

Key ingredients for the feed industry were previously sourced from the areas now affected by the confl ict which affect devlivery security and costs.

The confl ict in Ukraine affects Danish feed supplies and markets

EU support for the industry to relieve the crisis

Danish feed producer, BioMar grew its Q1 year-on-year volume sales by 8 and reported a revenue increase of 34. But while sales are growing, challenges with raw material prices, cost of energy, and the decision to suspend trade with Russia aff ect the bottom line, where earnings were signifi cant impacted and the extra costs have not yet been passed on to the customers.

Following the invasion of Ukraine, BioMar left the Russian market both in terms of sales to Russia and in terms of sourcing of raw materials. “We took a tough decision following

The European Commission has proposed a legislative amendment to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020 which would allow for additional crisis measures to support the EU fishery and aquaculture sectors in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It comprises financial our values when we suspended trading with Russia. Our sale in Russia has for years been a very important part of our business, especially for the BioMar units in Denmark and Norway. At the same time, we have sourced some of our key raw materials in the area now aff ected by the confl ict. However, our customers must be able to rely on us as a business partner with high ethical standards”, stated Carlos Diaz CEO BioMar Group. Th e decision to suspend trade with Russia has impacted sales of fi nished goods as well as purchase prices for raw materials, as suppliers needs to be substituted. At the beginning

compensation for increased costs, missed income, and storage of products, as well as for the temporary cessation of fishing activities where they are currently unsafe. This is a legislative proposal which needs to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council before it can take effect.

Biomar

of the year, EBITDA was expected in the DKK 980 -1,040 million range. Th e international sanctions have increased the risk pertaining to receivables and other assets held in Russia. Against this background, BioMar now expects to generate full-year 2022 EBITDA in the DKK 890- 940 million range.

Report on the decline of cod in the Baltic Sea and its recovery

Th e Eastern Baltic cod population used to be one of the largest. Now, decades of overexploitation combined with eutrophication and habitat degradation have led to a dramatic decline in Baltic cod stocks. But, according to a new report, Th e Decline of Cod in the Baltic Sea, published by the Fisheries Secretariat, it is not too late for the species to recover. If decisive action is taken to protect the fi sh themselves, as well as the ecosystem around them, it may yet thrive again. Th e analysis provides a comprehensive review of published literature and reports on cod biology and environmental factors, as well as an overview of fi sheries management, and relevant policy. Th e report gives a detailed overview of the factors infl uencing the decline of Baltic cod which are driven by setting TAC above scientifi c advice in combination with diff erent environmental factors. Th e report also highlights the key gaps in the

Publication: Meagre in EU

Over 55 thousand tonnes of meagre were produced globally in 2019 of which 68 was farmed. Egypt is the top producer with almost 50 of the global production(26 355 tonnes). Th e EU-27 is the second biggest producer with a production of over 10 thousand tonnes. Spain and Greece are the biggest EU producers accounting for 76 of EU production followed by France, Croatia and Portugal. From 2015 to 2019 EU production of meagre increased over 300  due to strengthened aquaculture production. Th e new EUMOFA Case study on Meagre in the EU with a special focus on Greece, Italy and Spain has been published and is available on the eumofa.eu website.

Estonia opens fi shing ports to the public

Fishing ports along the sea and at selected freshwater sites in Estonia arranged an open day, where the public was invited to see and participate in the daily life. The ports will host a range of events and attractions to the public. The open day is the fourth of its kind to be organised in Estonia with support from the Ministry of Rural Affairs and 24 fishing ports along the coast as well as freshwater ports, for instance on lake Peipsi, participated. Visitors were able to purchase fresh fish and related products, while experts like craftspeople and chefs showed off their talents.

The main event was opened at the popular harbor of Võsu, Lääne-Viru County where Minister of Rural Affairs, Urmas Kruuse, commented that the UN had declared this year the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture making it wholly appropriate to pay attention to the daily activities of those people engaged in traditional coastal fishing, through which fresh fish reaches our table. The open day at the fishing ports provides a great opportunity for this, he said. In addition to the minister, a famous chef, Vladislav Koržets, and a legendary rock band, Singer Vinger made an appearance.

The fourth annual open port day in Estonia gave the public a chance to see life in and around their local ports.

implementation of essential policy elements like Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management and preferential access for low impact fi sheries. A set of nine recommendation on fi sheries management, sustainable improvements to fi shing practices, as well as advances in environmental protection are also presented and if implemented with urgency, these actions will place Baltic cod on the road to recovery, allowing populations to increase again and form the basis of stable, sustainable fi sheries in the future. Th e report can be downloaded from fi shsec.org

The recent report analyses the reasons for the collaps of the Baltic cod stock and provides recommendations for recovering the stock.

Success stories from sustainable artisanal

15 June 2022