AGP Executive Report

Policy & Support: Andhra Pradesh’s cabinet approved its PPP Policy 2026 and withdrew the Disha Bill, while also extending subsidised power for aquaculture farmers—plus an Ease of Doing Business push aimed at speeding investment. Disaster & Biosecurity: China stepped up coordinated, tech-enabled preparations for Typhoon Dolphin, with forecasts warning of rough East China Sea conditions; meanwhile, researchers warn that ships stuck during the Strait of Hormuz shutdown could spread marine biofouling and pose biosecurity risks to fisheries and aquaculture. Farm Safety: Chilean salmon farms faced renewed scrutiny after two diver deaths in a month, prompting calls for urgent safety working groups and stronger labor practices. Tech for Production: AI is moving into fish farming via tools for automated fish counting, juvenile sorting, farm-data analysis, and real-time mortality detection. Market Inputs: USDA reports Vietnam’s feed industry is set to grow on livestock and aquaculture demand, but disease and food-safety concerns remain key risks. Regional Growth: Kyrgyzstan unveiled plans for a full-cycle aquaculture cluster at Toktogul Reservoir, covering breeding, feed, processing, and export development. Funding Deadlines: New York producers have until Aug. 11 to apply for a $30M tariff-relief program that includes aquaculture.

Climate & Water Stress: South Korea’s record heat wave is pushing up seafood prices and killing farmed fish, with authorities warning that water temps above 28°C are stressing aquaculture and driving mass losses. Disaster Risk for Farmers: Myanmar urged fish and shrimp farmers to reinforce pond embankments and monitor warnings ahead of flood risks as heavy rains raise river levels. Disease & Biosecurity: Hainan reported major red tide outbreaks linked to toxic algae, causing large-scale marine fish deaths and exposing weak spots in marine aquaculture resilience. Policy & Investment: Andhra Pradesh approved a PPP Policy 2026 and an Ease of Doing Business Act, while extending subsidised power support for aquaculture farmers—moves aimed at improving investment conditions and lowering operating costs. Production & Inputs: China’s Yuehai Feed opened a shrimp seedling base in Jiangsu to boost domestic larval supply and reduce reliance on imports. Research & Breeding: North Carolina aquariums joined NOAA-funded work to develop breeding methods for more than 20 marine fish species in human care, supporting more sustainable finfish aquaculture. Market & Trade: Japan’s first-half 2026 agri/forestry/fishery exports hit a record, with yellowtail and other seafood helping drive growth.

Regulatory Pressure on Aquaculture Expansion: Scotland’s Kames Fish Farming is seeking to more than double phosphorus discharge into Loch Tay, drawing calls to block the plan over risks to endangered Atlantic salmon and potential eutrophication. Biosecurity & Trade Oversight: Malaysia and Thailand are running virtual cross-inspections of shrimp and seabass farms, hatcheries and labs, with Malaysia’s temporary shrimp import suspension tied to disease and chemical compliance checks. Climate Stress Hitting Farms: South Korea’s record heat wave is damaging crops, livestock and aquaculture, with reported mullet deaths at fish farms and drought worsening water availability. Waterway Connectivity for Native Fish: India’s Yamuna basin states are being pushed to build fish ladders at major barrages to help declining native species like catla and rohu. Market & Industry Events: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia returns to Singapore Sept. 2–4, spotlighting processing, cold chain and aquaculture-linked supply resilience. Circular Economy from Aquaculture Waste: Chile shipped its first export batch of compacted EPS made from salmon-farming waste to Europe, signaling new waste-to-value pathways. Funding & Seed Support: Mexico opened an application window for certified aquaculture genetic resources (seed/larvae/fry) plus production support for species including shrimp, tilapia and oysters.

Clean Water Act Fight: Center for Food Safety filed a federal lawsuit to stop pollution from Pacific Seafood’s industrial shellfish hatchery on Washington’s Hood Canal, alleging repeated permit violations tied to large water intakes, heated water for algae/larvae growth, and wastewater discharges that could harm endangered species. Public Notice (BC Aquaculture): Mowi Canada West applied for an amendment to a marine finfish aquaculture tenure in Shelter Passage near Wishart Island (Crown Land File #1404091), with comments due Oct. 11, 2026. Climate Pressure on Farms: South Gyeongsang Province reported heat and drought impacts spreading to aquaculture, including 33,000 mullet deaths at Namhae and Hadong sites, while Andhra Pradesh extended subsidised power to about 12,500 aquaculture farmers in non-aqua zones to help manage El Niño fallout. Policy & Market Signals: Mexico opened a seed-and-funding window for certified aquaculture genetics (Aug. 3–14), and Kirinyaga, Kenya, drew praise for turning fish farming into a profitable commercial sector. Research Watch: Brazilian scientists identified columnaris-causing Flavobacterium in tilapia and native fish, underscoring the need for tighter disease surveillance and vaccines.

Policy Support for Aquaculture: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu extended subsidised power to aqua farmers in non-aqua zones at Rs 1.50 per unit, matching notified aqua zones and targeting about 12,500 farmers, alongside El Niño outreach from Aug 7 and guidance on PMDS dry sowing via the Rythu App. Disease Watch: Brazilian researchers report columnaris-causing Flavobacterium in fish farms for the first time, including Nile tilapia and native species, urging tighter surveillance and vaccines tailored to local strains. Heatwave Early Warning: A Korean deep-learning system can issue marine heatwave advisories about 38 hours ahead for cage farms, using offshore buoy data to detect lethal thermal anomalies sooner. Indonesia’s Village Fish Farming Push: Indonesia is preparing a Thematic Aquaculture Program to set up fish-protein villages nationwide, aiming for 40,000 inland mini-RAS sites across 37 provinces and linking production to the Free Nutritious Meals program. Industry & Markets: Seafood Expo Asia in Singapore (Sept 2–4) is drawing first-time exhibitors and new national pavilions across four continents, signaling continued demand for seafood supply-chain deals. Corporate Moves in RAS: Atlantic Sapphire sold a majority stake to Coral Holding as it restructures and pursues financing for its next phase.

Policy & Programs: Indonesia is rolling out its Thematic Aquaculture Program via village cooperatives, aiming for 40,000 inland mini-RAS sites across 37 provinces and about 1.2 million tons of fish annually. Funding & Support: Zambia has operationalized the US$1m Samfya Aquaculture Park to produce fingerlings, train farmers, and expand cage-based farming around Lake Bangweulu. Regulation & Risk: Australia’s Seafarms Group remains tied up in court over AUD 1.4m in liquidated funds as it weighs asset sales, while Vietnam reports antibiotic-resistant Vibrio in fish-farming waters near Cat Ba Island, underscoring the need for monitoring. Market & Trade: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia (Sept 2–4, Singapore) is drawing new pavilions and first-time exhibitors as demand grows. Sustainability & Environment: WWF North Africa launched a Tunisia initiative to turn marine waste into circular-economy value while restoring seagrass and removing abandoned gear. Community & Skills: Bangladesh’s small-scale farmers (including aquaculture) earn far less than large producers, and a U.S. 4-H program is giving hands-on aquaculture and water-quality training.

Mangrove Restoration & Coastal Livelihoods: Chinese Academy of Forestry researchers completed a five-day technical visit to Cambodian mangroves in Kep, Kampot and Preah Sihanouk under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework, aiming to boost biodiversity and community benefits. Aquaculture Compliance & Enforcement: New South Wales is moving to strengthen fisheries officer powers to crack down on illegal catches and black-market seafood, including abalone, lobster and mud crab. Offshore Aquaculture Pilot: Ocean Era won approval for a Florida Gulf Coast offshore pilot to cultivate 20,000 red drum over a year using submerged net systems. Catfish Producer Relief: Mississippi catfish farmers face overseas competition, input costs and bird losses, with USDA support including ELAP payments tied to bird depredation and Section 32 purchases. EU Fuel Aid for Fisheries/Aquaculture: The European Commission approved €20 million in state aid for Friuli Venezia Giulia to offset high fuel and fertilizer costs affecting fishing and aquaculture operations. Training for the Seafood Supply Chain: Seafish secured funding to support up to 6,000 training days annually across fishers, processors and aquaculture businesses in the UK. Biosecurity & Antibiotic Scrutiny: A UK report flags inconsistent testing and mismatched salmon antibiotic rules that could leave U.S. consumers exposed to drugs not approved by the FDA.

Offshore & species suitability: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova has abandoned the world’s first commercial octopus farm after a long legal fight and public backlash over how octopuses would be harvested and confined. US land-based expansion: Maine’s Kingfish Company is seeking a 30-month construction extension for its Jonesport land-based yellowtail RAS project, with local approval now in focus. Policy & investment support: The EU approved €20 million in state aid for agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture in Friuli Venezia Giulia to offset higher fuel and fertiliser costs. Aquaculture for food programs: Indonesia is expanding village-based aquaculture under its Free Nutritious Meals push, using biofloc catfish estates to feed school meal kitchens and stabilize farmer markets. Climate stress on farms: El Niño-linked heat and low oxygen are worsening shrimp and fish losses in India’s aquaculture regions, with calls for stronger disease-prevention practices and better seed testing. Research & sustainability: FIU researchers are turning rice husk waste into reusable water filters that capture industrial dyes, pointing to cleaner-water benefits for agriculture-linked communities. Training & workforce: Seafish secured funding to expand seafood workforce training across the UK, including aquaculture businesses and retailers. Conservation & co-management: The Melanesian Ocean Reserve is being set up as a multinational Indigenous marine protection framework across EEZs, allowing only sustainable, values-aligned economic activity. Local roadmap: Zamboanga del Sur in the Philippines is rolling out its 2026–2031 Provincial Commodity Investment Plan, prioritizing aquaculture alongside crops and livestock.

El Niño Pressure on Farms: Shrimp and fish farmers across Asia are taking hits from heat and low oxygen, with reports of mass mortality and losses tied to El Niño conditions. Indonesia’s Protein Push: Indonesia is expanding village-scale aquaculture under its Free Nutritious Meals program, including a biofloc catfish estate in Central Java aimed at feeding local kitchens. U.S. Policy Fight: The MARA Act is drawing strong opposition from fishermen and environmental groups, who warn it could accelerate offshore fish farming and worsen ocean impacts. Feed and Feedstock Shift: A Scottish startup is pitching omega-3 algae grown on whisky waste as a way to reduce reliance on wild fish oil for farmed fish feed. Climate-Linked Mortality: Jeju Island reported more than 30,000 dead flatfish after record heat drove water temperatures up. Restocking Support: The Philippines’ DA says it will distribute fingerlings and solar aerators to fishpond operators affected by fishkills. Market Diversification: Armenia has started exporting fish to Georgia after Russia tightened import rules. Aquaculture Skills Agenda: Ghana’s UCC is being urged to build degree-awarding vocational education, including applied aquaculture enterprise training. Nature-Based Coastal Planning: Bangladesh and West Africa are pushing nature-based solutions and conservation measures to protect coastal ecosystems and support fisheries resilience.

Restocking Support for Fishkills (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture will distribute fingerlings to pond operators hit by recent fishkills and plans solar-powered aerators to help small farms maintain dissolved oxygen, with officials inspecting the rehabilitated Sual Fish Port in Pangasinan. Heat Stress Mortality (South Korea): Jeju’s record heat wave has killed nearly 33,000 farmed flatfish at multiple sites, prompting stronger monitoring and farm response measures like early shipment and oxygen adjustments. Flood Damage to Farms (India): Floodwaters in Kataka district washed out commercial fish ponds, killing hundreds and pushing farmers to seek compensation after a detailed damage assessment is promised. Invasive Species Pressure (U.S./Great Lakes): Illinois says the Trump administration halted work on the Brandon Road invasive carp project, escalating a fresh fight over protecting freshwater ecosystems. Climate-Smart Shrimp (Indonesia): Indonesia is backing renewable energy for shrimp aquaculture, rolling out solar-powered aerators and IoT monitoring for farmers in Lombok and Sumbawa. Market Diversification Push (Armenia-Georgia): Armenia has started exporting fish to Georgia after Russia tightened import restrictions, aiming to grow volumes steadily. Aquaculture Tech for Resilience (Canada): Canada’s aquaculture sector is leaning into AI, sensors, genomics and land-based systems to boost productivity and reduce environmental impacts. Animal Welfare Backlash (Spain): Nueva Pescanova has abandoned its planned commercial octopus farm in Spain following global protests and legal hurdles.

Fish Health Support: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture will distribute fingerlings to fishpond operators hit by fishkills and provide solar-powered aerators to help prevent future oxygen crashes, with officials pointing to stable bangus and tilapia output despite El Niño-linked warm-water shifts. Climate Shock on Farms: Floodwaters in India’s Kataka district washed out commercial fish ponds, killing hundreds of fish and prompting calls for compensation as officials plan damage assessments after waters recede. Heatwave Mortality: South Korea’s Jeju Island reported more than 30,000 dead farmed flatfish after coastal temperatures spiked, triggering stronger monitoring and farm response measures like early shipment and oxygen management. Invasive Species Pressure: U.S. officials say a federal work stoppage on the Brandon Road invasive carp project threatens Great Lakes protection, while Maryland health authorities warn warming Chesapeake Bay conditions are linked to rising Vibrio illness cases. Ethics & Regulation: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova has abandoned plans for the world’s first commercial octopus farm amid animal welfare and legal concerns. Tech for Resilience: Indonesia is backing solar-powered eco-aerators and IoT monitoring for shrimp farms to cut costs and emissions, while Canada highlights AI- and sensor-driven “precision aquaculture” to improve productivity and reduce environmental strain.

Heat Stress & Mortality: Jeju fish farms reported 32,995 dead flatfish/olive flounder after coastal water hit 29.3°C, prompting stronger monitoring and farm response steps. Disaster Impacts: Floodwaters in Kataka district, Ghana, killed hundreds of pond fish and left farmers seeking compensation. Biosecurity & Invasives: The U.S. halted work on the Great Lakes invasive carp barrier project, drawing sharp criticism from Illinois officials; meanwhile, invasive carp spread is traced back to aquaculture pond escapes decades ago. Food Safety & Public Health: Chesapeake Bay warming is linked to rising Vibrio illness reports in Maryland, with officials urging summer precautions. Aquaculture Policy & Markets: Armenia began exporting fish to Georgia after Russia restricted imports, while Egypt and Uganda discussed expanding trade including aquaculture. Tech & Training: Singapore’s James Cook University opened a new Asian seabass broodstock/hatchery facility, and a Singapore farm federation rolled out a digital record-keeping app to help farms meet standards. Sustainability & Welfare: Spain’s planned commercial octopus farm was abandoned amid animal welfare and protest pressure. Climate-Smart Farming: Indonesia backed renewable energy adoption in shrimp aquaculture via solar aerators and monitoring to cut costs and emissions.

Renewables for shrimp: Indonesia’s Ministry of Villages is backing solar-powered Eco-Aerators and IoT monitoring for shrimp farms under a climate-resilience program, targeting at least 250 farmers and extension officers in Lombok and Sumbawa. Biosecurity & invasive species: Venezuela, with FAO support, unveiled seven validated methods to contain invasive coral Unomia stolonifera along the Venezuelan coast, including in Mochima National Park, and is pushing prevention codes for aquaculture and aquarism. Great Lakes carp fight: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says the Trump administration halted work on the Brandon Road invasive carp project, calling it an attack on Great Lakes freshwater; the state says it learned of the stoppage from contractors. Health watch in warm water: Chesapeake Bay warming is linked to rising Vibrio illness risk, with Maryland reporting higher vibriosis incidence and hospitalizations over 2006–2019. Training & tech for farms: James Cook University opened Singapore’s first university-based Asian seabass broodstock and hatchery facility, while Singapore’s aquaculture sector is rolling out a farm record-keeping app to help meet certification standards.

Digital aquaculture & farm compliance: Singapore’s aquaculture farms get a productivity boost via a new SG Farm App that helps record weights, mortality and feed use for certification-ready, more accurate reporting. University hatchery expansion: James Cook University (Singapore) launched a new Asian seabass broodstock and hatchery facility to train students and improve production control from breeding to larvae. Cold-water farming wins: Norway’s Ode, the country’s largest farmed cod producer, reported its first profitable year in 2025, with revenue up sharply and cod output scaling fast. Heat stress hits farms: South Korea’s heat wave pushed seawater temperatures up, triggering flatfish deaths at fish farms and raising supply concerns for sashimi. Community-led fisheries reform: Ghana’s Volta fishers agreed to limit the banned poli net to Aug–Feb only to protect juveniles and help fish stocks recover. Policy support for producers: Singapore announced a one-off Farm Business Resilience Support grant to help farms offset short-term Middle East-driven cost pressures. Broodstock & genetics capacity: Nagaland University and ICAR-NBFGR flagged off fisheries input distribution to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and strengthen fish farmer livelihoods. Funding & releases: Malaysia plans to release 200,000 flower crab juveniles off Pulau Besar within a year, supported by seagrass conservation. Animal welfare pressure: Nueva Pescanova abandoned plans for the world’s first commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria after NGO and public outcry. Climate risk to aquaculture: El Niño fears are prompting water and crop monitoring in India’s Nellore district, with officials warning impacts could extend to aquaculture and fisheries.

Heat Stress on Farms: A Korean heat wave pushed seawater temperatures into a high-water alert zone, and flatfish deaths are already being investigated at multiple fish farms, raising fears for summer sashimi supply. Aquaculture Policy & Permits: Maine’s Kingfish Maine is asking voters to extend timelines for its 22-acre land-based kingfish project after years of legal fights, with state environmental approval still required. NGO Pressure Stops Expansion: Compassion in World Farming says Nueva Pescanova abandoned plans for Spain’s proposed “world’s first” commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria after sustained campaign pressure. Feed & Production Moves: Iceland’s Arctic Fish/Arctic Sea Farm became the first Icelandic fish farmer to earn GlobalG.A.P. certification, signaling tighter food safety, welfare, traceability, and environmental controls. Funding for Fisheries: India approved Rs 147.23 crore under PMMSY and Rs 107 crore under FIDF for Goa, supporting hundreds of beneficiaries across fisheries and aquaculture. Disease & Bloom Preparedness: Texas A&M’s Aug. 18 webinar will train producers to identify and manage cyanobacteria blooms to protect fish and livestock. Integrated Aquaculture Push: Denmark’s Globaq Solutions is partnering with Fiskarna Aqua to build Algeria’s first integrated aquaculture hub, spanning RAS, offshore farming, hatchery work, feed, and skills. Shellfish Production Spotlight: Cape Cod’s Aquaculture Research Corporation in Dennis is being expanded after a majority acquisition, with plans to scale clam and oyster larval production.

Crab Replenishment: Malaysia’s Fisheries Department plans to release about 200,000 flower crab juveniles off Pulau Besar within a year, starting with 35,000 today, alongside seagrass habitat work to boost spillover catches. Seaweed Scaling: The Philippines opened its first seaweed bioreactor facility in Sorsogon to produce disease-free planting materials year-round, aiming to lift Kappaphycus output and exports. Heatwave Fallout: South Korea reported mass deaths of 5,000 farmed diamond mullet in Hadong after sharp water-temperature spikes, with officials launching investigations via water-quality tests. Aquaculture Diversification: DA-BFAR is pushing samaral (rabbitfish) culture as a diversification play, citing existing consumer demand and established breeding and grow-out know-how. Off-Flavor Control: Freshwater Institute and Ohio State University tested consumer taste thresholds for geosmin in Atlantic salmon, targeting better depuration and higher-quality land-based production. EU Fuel Relief: The European Commission approved a €149m aid scheme to help fishing and aquaculture firms hit by elevated fuel costs tied to the Middle East crisis. Climate Risk Watch: NOAA says Gulf of Maine warming has slowed for now, but the ecosystem remains unstable—urging fishermen to diversify. Research for Early Warnings: BloomNet, a new forecasting approach, aims to predict harmful algal blooms hourly up to 72 hours ahead with risk and driver signals. Shellfish Growth Story: A Dennis, Massachusetts shellfish operation is expanding clam and oyster production using proprietary algae feeding systems. Infrastructure for Resilience: A UK-funded “Resilient Waves” program will support Sri Lanka’s coastal fishing communities through habitat restoration, climate-smart fisheries, and aquaculture until 2029.