AGP Executive Report

Aquaculture Policy & Risk Protection: The Philippines’ House approved HB 10365 to expand agricultural insurance via PCIC, adding coverage for aquaculture and fishery products alongside crops, livestock, and disease/pest losses—aimed at keeping farmers and fisherfolk from sliding deeper into debt after typhoons and floods. Biosecurity & Invasive Species: With 1,500+ ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, researchers warn biofouling on hulls could help invasive species spread when traffic resumes, raising a new global risk for ports and coastal food systems. Production & Infrastructure: Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul region is nearing completion of a Regional Center for Aquaculture and Fish Farming, built with Korea support, to bring modern fish-farming tech and strengthen cross-border cooperation. Feed & Modernization: Kenya’s aquaculture feed push got a boost as Maxim Agri Holding joined investors in a USD 3.95M fish feed plant tied to KenGen’s green energy park, targeting 8 MT/hour capacity to lower feed costs. Climate Pressure on Water & Stocking: Bangladesh highlighted ongoing efforts to grow fish production through technology-based aquaculture and better water-body management, while Sri Lanka coverage underscored the strain on local fisheries and the need to improve capacity.

Agriculture Insurance Reform (Philippines): The House approved HB 10365 to expand the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s coverage for farmers and fisherfolk, adding protection for typhoons, floods, droughts, and also plant, livestock and fish diseases plus pest losses—aimed at keeping households from falling deeper into debt after disasters. Blue Economy Budget Push (Malaysia/Sabah): Sabah’s marine and aquaculture sectors are set for special focus in Budget 2027, with an outcome-based allocation approach to speed infrastructure, boost productivity, and grow downstream processing like seaweed exports. Oyster Farming Tech (Maine, US): Engineers are testing a solar-powered floating system that automates oyster basket handling, targeting up to 125,000 oysters per raft per year and reducing manual labor. Seaweed Carbon Deal (China–Solomon Islands): A cross-border blue carbon project using seaweed aquaculture reports 2,951 tonnes of carbon sinks and enables carbon-sink accounting and trading. Aquafeed Investment (Kenya/Malaysia): Maxim Agri is investing in a new fish feed plant in Kenya’s green energy park, while Malaysia’s Sheng Long Aqua Technology broke ground on a major RM140m feed facility. Disaster Loans (US): SBA disaster loans are available to drought-impacted small businesses and small aquaculture enterprises in parts of North Carolina and New Hampshire. Aquaculture Policy/Permits (Maine, US): Jonesport voters extended Kingfish Maine’s “substantial start” deadline and adjusted permit review rules, pending state environmental review. Farm Resilience (Bangladesh): A government fish seed farm in Moulvibazar is struggling due to silted ponds and long-running staffing gaps, threatening supply during peak breeding season.

Disaster Finance for Farmers: Philippines lawmakers backed a push to expand Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation coverage, adding qualified farmers and fisherfolk against calamities and fish disease losses—aimed at keeping households from falling deeper into debt. Aquaculture Resilience Tips: Zimbabwe-style El Niño guidance is urging fish pond operators to cut stocking density, deepen water, prioritize daily aeration, and monitor oxygen and ammonia to prevent mass die-offs. Market Signals for Salmon: In Alaska’s Southeast, record chum prices are driving heavy troll activity, even as forecasts point to lower returns—an important read for processors and feed buyers. Biosecurity & Invasives Risk: Researchers warn that more than 1,500 ships stuck in the Persian Gulf could act as “super-spreaders” via biofouling, raising stakes for coastal fisheries and aquaculture. Blue Economy Funding: Nigeria’s fish supply gap is getting renewed attention from FAO/ECOWAS/EU calls for investment, while the Philippines secured €200M for marine ecosystem and blue-economy livelihoods. Feed Supply Expansion: Kenya’s green energy park is adding a new fish feed plant with investors like Maxim Agri, targeting cheaper, more reliable feed for aquaculture growth. Policy & Tracking: Greece is set to launch digital tracking for thousands of small fishing vessels to tighten traceability and compliance. Tech for Field Ops: India’s AkinAnalytics unveiled its NIKA2 drone for spraying, spreading, and aquaculture feed distribution.

Biosecurity & Invasives: Researchers warn that more than 1,500 cargo ships idling near the Strait of Hormuz could be priming “super-spreader” marine invasions via biofouling on hulls. Disaster Support for Farmers: CNMI lawmakers are pressing for funding pathways after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, while the U.S. SBA is offering low-interest drought disaster loans that can include small aquaculture enterprises. Seaweed & Blue Economy: Mexico is betting on biofuel and other uses to manage its chronic sargassum crisis, and the Philippines secured €200M+ for marine ecosystem and blue-economy livelihoods that include aquaculture operators. Feed Supply Boost: Kenya’s green energy park is adding a new fish feed plant investment, and Malaysia’s Sheng Long is building a major aquafeed facility. Tech for Aquaculture Ops: India’s AkinAnalytics launched the NIKA2 drone, including aquaculture feed distribution use cases. Policy & Regulation: Greece is rolling out digital tracking for thousands of small fishing vessels, and Rwanda replaced fragmented fisheries rules with a single law covering inland fisheries and aquaculture. Aquaculture Expansion Watch: A Maine ordinance update extends timelines for a kingfish recirculating aquaculture project, while Falklands residents push for a salmon-farming referendum.

Octopus farming setback: Nueva Pescanova has shelved its €65m industrial octopus farm near Las Palmas, citing “business and regulatory” reasons, after years of controversy over feasibility and ethics. Aquaculture tech for farmers: India’s AkinAnalytics launched the NIKA2 drone (16L spray/12L spread) and is pitching uses like aquaculture feed distribution alongside AI analytics. Feed investment in Kenya: Maxim Agri will invest about $3.95m into a KenGen-backed fish feed plant near Nairobi, targeting 8 MT/hour to cut costs and modernize nutrition. Policy and funding for fish supply gaps: Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture partners urged investment to close a 2.2m-tonne fish supply gap; the Philippines also secured €200m for blue-economy marine ecosystem protection tied to livelihoods. Sustainability and standards: Moldova published its 2026–2030 aquaculture sector program, while Ecuador’s Agriminigold earned ASC certification after mangrove protection and restoration. Risk and resilience: Sri Lanka approved Rs. 8.32b for post-cyclone fisheries rebuilding, with scrutiny on priorities and execution. Market signals: Alaska’s Bristol Bay sockeye forecast points to more fish in 2027, but smaller sizes could reshape processor economics.

US policy & research tie-up: USDA’s new Office of Seafood is partnering with the University of Maine after harvesters asked for clarity on federal eligibility, aiming to better integrate seafood into federal funding and services. Feed supply & cost: Maxim Agri Holding will invest about USD 3.95M in a Kenyan fish-feed plant in KenGen’s Green Energy Park, targeting 8 MT/hour to cut feed costs and boost aquaculture productivity. Aquafeed expansion: Sheng Long Aqua Technology broke ground on a RM140M Malaysia feed facility (150,000 tonnes/year), expected online in 2028. Aquaculture finance for resilience: The European Commission approved Malta’s fuel-aid scheme for fishers and aquaculture firms, with grants tied to higher fuel prices. Waste-to-food innovation: Ghana’s CSIR-WRI says fish-farm wastewater can be converted into crop inputs via an Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture System, reducing pollution while supporting vegetable yields. Regulation & modernization: Moldova published its Strategic Programme for Aquaculture Sector 2026–2030, including hatchery upgrades, water-body mapping, and genetic improvement. Local impacts & governance: Oriental Mindoro reported P56M in agriculture damage from storms, with aquaculture losses (mostly fishponds) at about P3.06M; and Rwanda replaced fragmented fisheries rules with a single law covering inland fisheries and aquaculture. Market & logistics: Palau moved reclaimed land and adjacent waters to the national government for a multipurpose fisheries and tourism port, including aquaculture ponds. Biosecurity & health tech: NTNU/Wageningen researchers say AI can detect salmon lice far faster than experienced biologists, supporting better control efforts.

Blue Economy Finance: The Philippines secured €200 million (about ₱14B) from France’s AFD for the Marine Ecosystem for Blue Economy Development (MEBED 1) program, aiming to protect marine ecosystems, improve solid-waste management, and expand sustainable livelihoods for 3+ million people, including fisherfolk, aquaculture operators, and tourism workers. Aquaculture Tech & Productivity: Ghana’s CSIR-WRI says it has developed an integrated aquaculture-agriculture system that turns nutrient-rich fish-farm wastewater into crop inputs, cutting pollution risks while boosting yields in trials. Biosecurity & Risk: Research warns that ships laid up during the Strait of Hormuz disruption may carry marine biofouling and spread invasive species when they resume travel, threatening wild fisheries and aquaculture. Salmon Lice Control: NTNU and Wageningen researchers report AI can detect salmon lice larvae far faster than experienced biologists, improving prospects for more efficient management. Industry Watch: Denmark’s BioMar posted higher Q2 volumes and revenue and raised full-year guidance, despite a slight EBIT dip. Market Access: NOAA Fisheries is seeking public input on nationwide aquaculture opportunity areas to guide future commercial development. Regional Impact: In the Philippines, tropical storms and monsoon rains caused about ₱56M in agri damage in Oriental Mindoro, including roughly ₱3.06M in aquaculture losses (mostly fishponds).

Funding & Investment: Moldova secured €150M from the EIB for the Livada Moldovei II project, with about €135M flowing via banks to micro, small and medium farms and agribusinesses including aquaculture, plus €15M for research, education, and food safety. Aquaculture Tech & Breeding: A University of Queensland PhD mapped barramundi genetics, showing sex-specific DNA reshuffling that could help farmers improve broodstock while conserving diversity. Policy & Blue Economy Finance: The Philippines locked in €200M (₱14B) from France’s AFD for marine ecosystem protection and blue-economy reforms, targeting livelihoods for 3M+ people including aquaculture operators. Regulatory/Market Pressure: Japan’s Hiroshima oyster farms reported up to 90% mortality amid unusually warm seas, while researchers warn marine heatwaves are increasingly tied to human health impacts. Industry Support: The U.S. Department of Agriculture and UMaine will expand the Local Catch Network’s role in connecting seafood communities to federal funding, technical help, and markets. Risk & Governance: Malaysia’s MACC says it has found no corruption so far in KWAP’s RM163.4M eFishery probe, but awaits overseas bank documents. Local Shellfish Input: North Carolina Sea Grant and Coastal Federation launched a survey and focus groups to shape future shellfish lease siting policy.

Norway Exports: Norway logged a record July for seafood exports, led by farmed Atlantic salmon, with value up 16% year-on-year to NOK 11.6bn and volume at 175,000 tonnes. Regulatory Reform: Ireland’s fisheries minister said a “fit-for-purpose” EU regulatory framework is key to generational renewal, pushing for concrete EU-level changes as the Common Fisheries Policy review moves forward. Aquaculture Approvals: New Zealand’s first aquaculture project cleared under its Fast-track Approvals Act, clearing a major hurdle for a new salmon farm off Stewart Island. Shellfish Policy Input: North Carolina shellfish farmers are being asked to share on-the-water experience via a new survey and focus groups to shape future lease siting and reduce user conflicts. Disease & Biosecurity: New Zealand highlights invasive marine pest risk to aquaculture through a national video on the Level of Fouling scale, while a case study shows how PKD-resistant practices boosted rainbow trout survival from 30% to 95%. Feed Supply Investment: CP Vietnam opened a VND 1.7tn aquafeed plant in Ca Mau to expand shrimp feed lines for Mekong Delta farmers. Climate Pressure on Farming: Multiple reports tie marine heatwaves to growing threats for human health and food systems, underscoring mounting pressure on aquaculture operations. Regional Growth Projects: Pakistan launched Punjab’s biggest-ever seafood and shrimp farming project, including a hatchery and processing capacity, plus an aquaculture mall to support the blue economy. Local Storm Impacts: In Zambales, monsoon damage estimates now include losses to rice, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, with figures still preliminary.

Antarctic Krill Management: Aker QRILL says the 2026 Antarctic krill fishery will close this week after CCAMLR’s precautionary harvest limit is reached, with fishing spread across Subareas 48.1 and 48.2 and most catches taken after 1 April. Aquaculture Research Push: Uganda’s NARO-linked ARDC in Kajjansi is ramping work on better Nile tilapia and African catfish strains, plus feeds, health, water quality, and hatchery systems to improve seed quality and survival. Feed & Quality Standards: Canadian aquaculture nutrition firm Onda’s FeedTech division earned FeedAssure certification, aiming to strengthen ingredient sourcing, traceability, sanitation controls, and continuous improvement for custom diets. RAS Hatchery Strategy: Chile’s Multi X says its MultiSea RAS hatchery helps shorten marine cycles, stabilize harvests, and reduce time fish spend in sea conditions by using post-smolts. Energy for Shrimp Farms: Founder Group’s subsidiary won a turn-key EPCC deal for a 1.78 MW rooftop solar system powering a Kedah shrimp farming and processing site. Policy Support for Farmers: Andhra Pradesh extended a ₹1.50 per-unit power tariff subsidy to eligible aqua farms in newly notified aqua zones, tied to power factor requirements. Climate Risk for Seafood: New research warns marine heatwaves are increasingly a human health threat, linking ocean warming to harmful algal blooms, seafood disruptions, and mental health impacts. Maritime Cooperation: Russia and Brazil are negotiating expanded fisheries and shipbuilding cooperation, with trade barriers and scientific collaboration on the agenda. Blue Economy Growth in Vietnam: Vietnam’s marine farming is emerging as a new growth engine as land-based aquaculture hits limits.

Public Funding for Aquaculture in Congo: The World Bank Group approved $60m to strengthen poultry and aquaculture value chains in the Republic of Congo, targeting better access to inputs like feed and fingerlings, skills, climate-resilient infrastructure, and reforms to draw private investment. Power Cost Relief for Indian Farms: Andhra Pradesh extended a Rs 1.50 per-unit concessional power tariff to eligible aquaculture farms in newly declared Aqua Zones and under APSADA/CAA registration, with eligibility tied to meeting a power factor requirement. Sea Lice Innovation Push: Germany’s AquaNab secured funding to develop alpaca-derived nanoantibodies delivered via fish feed to prevent and treat sea lice, aiming to cut the industry’s estimated $4bn annual losses from the pest and from stressful, regulated treatments. New Aquaculture Research Scholarships for the Pacific: ACIAR, Fiji National University, and USP are redesigning the Pacific Agriculture Scholarships and Support program to fund postgraduate research in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Marine Heatwaves as a Human Health Issue: New research argues marine heatwaves should be treated as a public health threat, linking warm seas to worse storms, seafood supply shocks, food safety risks, and mental health strain in coastal communities. ASC Cod Certification Milestone: Norway’s Ode became the first cod producer to earn Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification, covering both sea and land impacts, welfare, traceability, and local transparency. Liberia Input Support for Fish and Feed: EU-backed Seeds4Liberia handed over fish fingerlings, tilapia and catfish fry, and fish feed production equipment to local seed enterprises to boost aquaculture and food security.

Disaster Relief for Aquaculture: The U.S. SBA set a Sept. 9 deadline (with a 60-day grace period) for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans tied to the Pack Fire, with eligibility including small aquaculture enterprises. Blue Economy & RAS Efficiency: Japanese researchers say a new dissolved-oxygen energy management approach for land-based aquaculture could cut electricity use 17.8% and CO₂ emissions 31.9% in simulations. Sea Lice Innovation: Hamburg biotech AquaNab secured Nordic Foodtech VC funding to develop alpaca-derived nanoantibodies delivered through fish feed as a more welfare-friendly sea lice treatment. Cod Sustainability Milestone: Norway’s Ode became the first cod producer to earn ASC certification, covering both sea and land operations. Market & Trade Pressure: The EU Market Advisory Council warned that phasing out duties on Mexican canned tuna could hurt EU fleet and processing competitiveness. Regional Partnerships: Bangladesh signaled stronger Bangladesh-ASEAN cooperation, including fisheries and aquaculture initiatives, while India and Israel discussed scaling aquaculture cooperation via MASHAV. Climate Health Watch: New research flags marine heatwaves as a growing public health threat, with knock-on effects for seafood supply and coastal mental health.

Marine Heat & Fish Mortality: South Korea’s Pohang marine heatwave has killed 810,000 farmed fish across 27 facilities, with emergency oxygen and circulation pumps helping oxygen levels but not cooling water. Public Health Warning: New research says marine heatwaves are increasingly a human health issue, linking ocean warming to mental health strain and reduced seafood supplies. Tariff Pressure on Seafood: U.S. Section 301 tariffs hit major salmon and shrimp producers, leaving importers with few ways to avoid higher costs. Policy Support for Aquaculture: New York extended its $30M Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program deadline to Aug. 18, with aquaculture eligible for direct payments. Drought Relief Loans: The U.S. SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for drought-impacted small businesses, including small aquaculture enterprises. Industry Moves: Singapore-listed Qian Hu is setting up a Timor-Leste aquaculture subsidiary to develop lobster farming and seafood processing. Feed Supply Push: EU action is urged to speed adoption of insect meal in aquafeeds as Europe faces feed protein import dependence.

Marine Heat Stress: South Korea reported a record summer aquaculture die-off: 277,000 farmed fish dead across 27 facilities in Pohang, as July hit the hottest-ocean mark ever recorded for July—farmers face mounting losses with limited safety nets. Feed & Protein Policy: An EU-focused push argues insect meal should become a cornerstone feed by 2040, citing Europe’s heavy import dependence for animal feed protein and rising feed-security risks. Aquaculture Investment: Malaysia’s Sheng Long is breaking ground on its first aquaculture feed factory in Perak, targeting 150,000 tonnes annual capacity and regional supply resilience. Trade & Processing: Indonesia shipped its first marinated catfish export to Taiwan (10.5 tons), with a second batch planned for September and more processing exports expected. Sustainability Certification: Norway’s Ode won ASC certification for farmed cod—the first for any cod farming company—adding a new pathway for responsible cod production. Farm Economics: India’s shrimp sector is under pressure from small-farm scale, feed cost swings, and falling farm-gate prices, calling for structural reform. Climate Risk Beyond Farms: Research warns that shipping disruptions can spread marine biofouling and invasive species, threatening wild fisheries and aquaculture when routes reopen. Operational Disruption: Heat waves are also hitting farms broadly, with Korea reporting additional heat-related illness deaths and large fish losses. Industry Growth Signals: Vietnam seafood exports rose 11.5% to nearly $6.86B in the first seven months of 2026, though headwinds remain.

Heat Shock to Aquaculture: South Korea’s heat wave has pushed heat-illness totals to 3,237 cases with 28 deaths, and farms are taking a hit—about 1.4 million fish have died at aquaculture sites. Regional Fisheries Policy: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and SPC delivered 2026 ministerial outcomes to Forum officials, including a new 10-year regional fisheries and aquaculture framework, Vakamanu 2026-2035. New Zealand Salmon Fast-Track: New Zealand fast-tracked the Hananui aquaculture project off Rakiura/Stewart Island, targeting 14,400 tonnes of salmon annually and over $310M in sales. Freshwater Conservation Breakthrough: Kashmir researchers at SKUAST-K standardized induced breeding and larval rearing for the vulnerable Himalayan snow trout, aiming for captive seed and river restocking. Oman Food Diversification: Oman Food Capital pilots include an offshore oyster farm on Masirah Island and greenhouse structures over aquaculture ponds, alongside automated feeding systems. Marine Biosecurity Risk: A report warns that ships stuck during the Strait of Hormuz disruption could spread biofouling organisms to ports, threatening wild fisheries and aquaculture. Aquaculture Output Snapshot: Philippines PSA data shows fisheries output up 2% in Q2, but aquaculture fell 4.7% to 460,930 MT. Investment Scrutiny: Malaysia’s KWAP faces questions after a RM163.4M loss tied to Indonesia’s eFishery fraud case, raising due-diligence concerns.

Disaster Response: Typhoon Dolphin is forcing major coastal shutdowns in China, with Wenzhou moving 100,000 residents ashore, suspending fishing and aquaculture work, and halting port production as winds and extreme rain loom. Aquaculture Livelihoods: Japan’s economic affairs minister visited Lanao del Sur to back aquaculture and feed-mill training, including a halal-certified pilot feed mill for local associations. Marine Policy Push: Vietnam issued a 2030 action programme to modernize its marine economy, expand green and smart marine industries, and strengthen marine resource governance. Sustainability & Market Access: Yucatán is in the final phase toward MSC certification for the Maya octopus fishery, aiming to unlock higher-value exports as the 2026 season begins. Regulatory & Legal Pressure: Ecuador plans to merge aquaculture and fisheries oversight into a broader ministry structure, drawing skepticism from the fishing industry. Industry Finance: Oman Food Capital reported 2025 revenue up 40% after merging fisheries assets, while Sri Lanka approved an Rs. 8.32B recovery plan for cyclone-damaged fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure. Food Safety & Environment: A U.S. lawsuit alleges Pacific Seafood’s industrial shellfish hatchery violated the Clean Water Act in Washington’s Hood Canal.