AGP Executive Report

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.

Seaweed Tech Boost: The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture has opened its first seaweed bioreactor facility at BFAR Sorsogon, using automated modular systems to produce disease-free Kappaphycus planting materials year-round and distribute propagules nationwide. Early-Warning for Blooms: Researchers unveiled BloomNet, a model designed to forecast harmful algal blooms hourly up to 72 hours ahead, aiming to improve risk estimates and explain key ecological drivers. Species Recovery at Sea Center: California’s Santa Barbara Sea Center welcomed back endangered sunflower sea stars after years of absence tied to sea star wasting disease, highlighting ongoing ecosystem restoration efforts. Marine Finfish Breeding Push: A nationwide partnership between public aquariums and research institutions is advancing breeding methods for more than 20 marine fish species in human care to reduce reliance on wild-caught stock. Feeding Innovation: Nærøysund Aquaservice and ScaleAQ launched a hybrid feeding solution that shifts feed delivery from air to water at the cage edge, targeting more precise feeding with less nutrient loss. Policy & Governance: EUSeA criticized the EU Protein Action Plan for excluding aquatic foods from the framework, while Togo and Nigeria both moved to align fisheries and aquaculture strategies with broader governance and development priorities. Climate Pressure on Fisheries: NOAA warned the Gulf of Maine ecosystem remains unstable despite a temporary slowdown in warming, and researchers flagged rising odds of a “super” El Niño that could disrupt West Coast crab and salmon fleets. New Marine Farming in Africa: Senegal began testing its first marine aquaculture floating cages, aiming to prove technical and economic feasibility and create jobs. Disaster Relief for Aquaculture: The U.S. SBA reminded eligible small aquaculture enterprises in flood-affected counties that economic injury disaster loan applications are due Aug. 24.

Feed & production investment: De Heus opened a marine and cold-water fish feed mill in Vietnam (168,000 metric tons/year), aiming to expand specialized nutrition for sea bass, barramundi and other marine species. Aquaculture tech: Nærøysund Aquaservice and ScaleAQ unveiled a hybrid feeding solution that lets net-pen farms switch from air-based to water-based delivery at the cage edge without major retrofits. Seaweed scaling: The Philippines’ first seaweed bioreactor began operating at BFAR Sorsogon, producing disease-free planting materials year-round for Kappaphycus growers. Policy & governance: Togo launched EU-backed consultations to align fisheries and aquaculture reforms with AU standards, while the Maldives proposed a new legal framework to lease lagoons and uninhabited islands for uses including aquaculture. EU & market pressure: EU fisheries ministers met in Cork as France pushed for a stronger long-term fisheries budget and industry groups criticized the EU protein plan for excluding aquatic foods. Biosecurity & health: FAO training in Georgia focused on disease surveillance and biosecurity for aquaculture, including traceability and farm management systems. Climate risk: NOAA warned the Gulf of Maine ecosystem remains unstable despite a temporary warming slowdown, urging diversification including aquaculture. Restoration & enforcement: West Bengal began restoring 1,600 hectares in the Sundarbans by demolishing illegal brackish-water fisheries.

Philippines Aquaculture Diversification: BFAR is pushing samaral (rabbitfish/siganids) culture to broaden aquaculture options for fisherfolk, citing existing consumer demand and established breeding and grow-out know-how. EU Fisheries Pressure: Irish fishing groups warn the sector can’t survive without urgent government and EU support as ministers meet in Cork amid stock and access losses. Aquaculture Investment & Infrastructure (India): Jammu & Kashmir received Rs 154.57 crore under PMMSY, including trout raceways, hatcheries, feed mills, biofloc and RAS units, plus fishers’ livelihood support. Feed Supply Boost (Vietnam): De Heus opened a marine and cold-water aquaculture feed mill in Vinh Long with capacity up to 168,000 MT/year for species like barramundi and sea bass. Inland Processing for Aquaculture Feed (Australia): K and C Fisheries Global secured $1.948m to build an inland fish processing facility in NSW to turn harvested invasive carp into aquaculture feed while improving waterways. Corruption Probe Linked to Aquaculture Tech (Malaysia): MACC is seeking overseas documents via MLA in its KWAP/eFishery investment-loss investigation involving alleged misrepresentation and manipulation. Livelihoods via Cage Farming (Malawi): Likoma youth groups report progress in cage fish farming, with improved survival after earlier losses. Species & Ecosystem Watch: Brazil’s tambaqui added to threatened lists could trigger fishing curbs unless recovery plans land; Türkiye reports success removing invasive pufferfish through a buyback incentive.

PMMSY Push for Cold-Water Aquaculture: India’s Jammu & Kashmir received Rs 154.57 crore in fisheries projects under PMMSY, including trout raceways, hatcheries, feed mills, biofloc and RAS units, plus support for thousands of fishers. EU Policy & Quotas in Focus: EU fisheries ministers met in Cork to discuss sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, including generational renewal and the Common Fisheries Policy. Feed Supply Investment: De Heus opened a marine and cold-water aquaculture feed mill in Vietnam (up to 168,000 MT/year), targeting species like sea bass and barramundi. Tech for Smarter Farming: Students in Maryland used low-cost Bay Observation Boxes to support oyster aquaculture and restoration monitoring in Chesapeake Bay. Risk & Governance Watch: Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency is expanding a KWAP probe tied to an eFishery aquaculture investment loss, seeking documents from Dubai, Singapore and Indonesia. Local Growth Stories: Malawi’s Likoma youth are seeing improved survival in cage fish farming, while Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador reported strong 2025 seafood value with aquaculture contributing CAD 453m. Biosecurity Alert: Türkiye says an incentive buyback program has removed hundreds of thousands of invasive pufferfish, aiming to prevent Mediterranean ecosystem damage.

EU Fisheries & Aquaculture Policy: EU fisheries ministers meet in Cork to push sustainable development and generational renewal, with ministers also touring Charles Fort. Seafood Market Snapshot: Newfoundland and Labrador says its 2025 seafood sector hit CAD 2.1B in market value, with aquaculture at CAD 453M and 37,480 tonnes. Trade Pressure on Salmon: Chile’s salmon sector is reacting to new U.S. forced-labor-related tariffs that include farmed salmon, raising concerns about access to the biggest market. Corporate Restructuring: Japan’s Umios will split Taiyo A&F, moving aquaculture and processed-food segments into the parent, including its bluefin tuna ranching. Aquaculture Governance in Greece: Greece’s fish-farming rules are still stuck without a long-delayed spatial planning framework, limiting new licenses and fueling community-environment tensions. Feed & Biosecurity Tech: BIO-UV reports €20.1M H1 2026 turnover, citing growth in fisheries and aquaculture services and a new Iceland salmon water-treatment contract. Blue Economy Push (Vietnam): Vietnam advances integrated marine governance to unlock blue-economy growth, linking fisheries, shrimp, energy and security goals. Antibiotic Use Warning (Ghana): A Ghana study flags unregulated antibiotics in fish farming as a risk for antimicrobial resistance and environmental contamination. Cold-Chain Boost (India): Arunachal Pradesh launches refrigerated transport for Mechukha rainbow trout to expand market reach and cut post-harvest losses. Aquaculture Innovation Trials (Portugal): Pep4Fish begins commercial offshore trials of new feed formulations aimed at improving resilience and reducing mortality. Ethics & Animal Welfare: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova cancels plans for a “megafarm” octopus project after administrative and environmental-procedure uncertainty and backlash.

Offshore Aquaculture & Feed Trials: Portugal’s Pep4Fish project is running commercial-scale offshore feeding trials to test new feed formulations aimed at boosting fish resilience, cutting mortality, and reducing losses from bacterial stress. Fish Health & Welfare: SINTEF research is measuring light from the fish’s point of view, targeting better salmon hatchery lighting standards to improve welfare. Biosecurity & Antibiotics: A Ghana study warns about unregulated antibiotic use in fish farming, flagging risks to antimicrobial resistance and environmental contamination. Regulatory & Site Planning: Greece is pushing to raise aquaculture output 5% annually to 2030 and speed up aquaculture industrial zones, though industry groups remain skeptical about long-delayed spatial rules. Market & Supply Chain: Vietnam tilapia exports hit $69.4M in H1, with Brazil up 289-fold to become the top buyer. Sustainable Fisheries Policy: The EU renewed its tuna access protocol with the Seychelles for four years, allowing up to 55,000 tonnes/year under licensed purse seine and longline fleets. Climate Risk to Aquaculture: El Niño warnings note potential heavy losses for aquaculture operations, including shrimp, as flooding and ocean warming intensify. Industry Growth in the Field: Ocean Era won approval for a Florida Gulf Coast offshore pilot to grow 20,000 red drum over a year. Ethics & Species Farming: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova scrapped plans for a “megafarm” octopus project after mounting ethical and environmental concerns.

Mangrove & coastal resilience: Pakistan says its mangrove carbon market could generate $20–50m annually, urging faster protection and restoration of Indus Delta and Balochistan forests. Food security & aquaculture policy: Palau’s president flags a “rightsized” marine sanctuary after tuna declines, and calls for expanded agriculture and aquaculture support to lift food security. Farm regulation reform: New Zealand’s resource management changes gained support after reforms recognized “food and fibre production” and clarified how environmental limits can be set. Aquaculture science & welfare: SINTEF research aims to measure light from the fish’s perspective, addressing how farm lighting can disrupt salmon sleep and development. Biosecurity & public health data: A new open-access Coastal Water Pathogen Database maps coastal microbes, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors to help assess nearshore risks. Industry & trade: Vietnam tilapia exports hit $69.4m in H1, with Brazil imports surging 289-fold; Pacific Seafood also expands via acquiring Ocean Beauty Seafoods’ distribution. Food safety recall: Australia warns consumers after brevetoxin contamination led to a recall of Yumbah greenlip abalone. Shellfish monitoring: South Africa’s Cape West Coast shellfish harvesting resumes after paralytic shellfish toxin levels fall back to safe limits. Enforcement: Bulgaria seized two poaching boats with 500kg+ of black mussels near Varna, citing sanitary rules and illegal dredging.

Southern Zone Support (Malaysia): Malaysia’s Department of Fisheries has earmarked over RM3.32 million for fisheries entrepreneurs, aquaculture farmers and fishing communities, including RM2.956 million for 89 aquaculture operators in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor to grow catfish, tilapia and prawns. Sustainable Tech & Policy (Indonesia–Norway): Indonesia and Norway agreed to deepen cooperation on marine aquaculture, focusing on sustainable fisheries technology and better management, alongside energy-transition collaboration. Food Security Push (Oman): Al Wusta Governorate is investing OMR857 million by end-2026, including new aquaculture deals for shrimp and sea cucumbers. Shellfish Safety (South Africa): South Africa lifted the ban on Saldanha Bay mussels and oysters after Paralytic Shellfish Toxin levels fell below legal limits; harvesting and sales can resume with monitoring. Feed & Market Signals: A USSEC event highlighted how high-quality sustainable feed ingredients can boost aquaculture performance, while a separate report flags fishmeal’s marine ecosystem trade-offs as aquaculture remains its biggest buyer. Aquaculture Consolidation (Greece): Cooke’s Greek expansion continues, with industry leaders urging regulators to deliver more predictable rules to attract investment. Risk Watch (Global): Scientists warn that stalled shipping can spread invasive species via biofouling, adding another pressure point for coastal aquaculture and fisheries.

Shellfish Safety Returns (South Africa): South Africa’s DFFE lifted the May 2026 ban after Paralytic Shellfish Toxin levels in Saldanha Bay fell below legal limits, letting mussels and oysters resume harvesting and sales while monitoring continues. Poaching Crackdown (Bulgaria): EAFA inspectors seized two poaching boats near Varna carrying 500+ kg of black mussels taken from prohibited navigation channels, with tougher penalties reportedly in the works. Aquaculture Policy Push (Bolivia/Caribbean): Sucre, Venezuela’s fisheries ministry says a national “single box office” with QR-linked vessel and crew records will start in Sucre to simplify inspections and fishing procedures. Feed & Farm Inputs (U.S./MENASA): USSEC highlighted how high-quality sustainable feed ingredients—especially U.S. soy—can improve aquaculture performance across Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Biosecurity & Health (Ghana): Researchers warn indiscriminate antibiotics in fish ponds can leave residues in fish and raise antimicrobial resistance risks for consumers. Invasive Species Risk (Global): Scientists warn stalled shipping traffic could spread invasive organisms via biofouling, raising stakes for coastal and aquaculture biosecurity. Training & Jobs (Pakistan): Punjab launched a 2026–27 Shrimp Internship Program offering 100 interns a monthly stipend and hands-on training at a shrimp estate. Project U-Turn (Spain): Nueva Pescanova shelved plans for the world’s first commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria, citing regulatory delays and approval uncertainty.

Food Security & Farming Tech: Malaysia’s Mohamad Sabu urged Labuan to cut import dependence by expanding greenhouse farming and using agencies like MARDI to improve soil and boost local output. Biosecurity & Invasive Risk: Scientists warn that stalled ships near the Strait of Hormuz could spread invasive species via biofouling on idle vessels. Coastal Habitat Protection: Experts marked International Day for Mangroves by calling for more community-led restoration, saying mangroves support fisheries, storm protection, and livelihoods across South and Southeast Asia. Shellfish Safety: South Africa’s Cape West Coast shellfish harvesting resumed after Paralytic Shellfish Toxin levels fell back to safe limits, with continued monitoring planned. Aquaculture Feed Investment: De Heus opened a marine and cold-water fish feed mill in Vietnam (168,000 tonnes/year), targeting feed for species like sea bass and barramundi. Regulatory Shock to Farming: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova shelved its planned commercial octopus farm at Las Palmas after regulatory delays and changing environmental requirements. Training & Capacity Building: St. Kitts and Nevis wrapped an FAO-backed shrimp and finfish grow-out training workshop to strengthen biosecurity and water management skills. Invasive Species Management: Iraq says African catfish is now established and mapping is underway for a national invasive-species plan.

Octopus Aquaculture Setback: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova has withdrawn plans for the world’s first commercial octopus farm at Las Palmas, citing prolonged administrative and environmental approval delays, ending a project that drew heavy scrutiny from scientists and animal welfare groups. Food Safety Recall: Australia’s Yumbah Aquaculture Greenlip Abalone 1kg was recalled after brevetoxin (neurotoxin) contamination was detected, with consumers urged not to eat affected batches and to seek refunds. Fisheries Policy Push: Thailand’s cabinet approved a five-year plan to rebuild fisheries, including targets for higher aquatic output, illegal fishing controls, and expanded research and technology use by 2027. Coastal Health Data: A new global Coastal Water Pathogen Database aims to help assess microbial and antibiotic-resistance risks in estuaries and nearshore waters, supporting surveillance for aquaculture and public health. Feed Industry Investment: De Heus opened a marine and cold-water fish feed mill in Vietnam (168,000 tonnes/year), targeting species like sea bass and barramundi. Shellfish Safety Update: South Africa lifted the closure for mussels and oysters in approved Saldanha Bay areas after paralytic shellfish toxin levels fell below safety limits. Invasive Species Management: Iraq says African catfish is now established and eradication is impossible, launching mapping and a national program to manage spread. Training & Capacity: St. Kitts and Nevis concluded shrimp and finfish grow-out training with FAO support, building local aquaculture skills.

Invasive Species Management: Iraq says African catfish is now firmly established in multiple rivers and marshes, making eradication “impossible,” and is mapping its spread for a national invasive-species program. Aquaculture Tech & Livelihoods: China’s aquaculture know-how is being showcased on Kenya’s Lake Victoria as fish cages expand production and shift communities away from “sex-for-fish.” Feed Industry Expansion: De Heus opened a marine and cold-water fish feed mill in Vietnam (168,000 tonnes/year), targeting sea bass and barramundi feed for regional growth and export markets. Shellfish Safety Restart: South Africa’s fisheries authorities lifted the Saldanha Bay shellfish harvesting ban after paralytic shellfish toxin levels fell below safety limits, with continued monitoring required. Governance & Compliance: Morocco’s aquaculture growth is being held back by licensing delays and red tape, according to a World Bank diagnostic. Oxygen Supply Innovation: Hatch Blue invested $2m in Ireland’s Nernst Electric to develop on-site oxygen generation for fish farms, aiming to cut reliance on trucked liquid oxygen. Anti-Corruption Probe: Malaysia’s MACC recorded statements from 10 witnesses in its investigation into KWAP’s RM200m eFishery investment loss. Policy Push for Aquatic Foods: EUSeA urged the EU to keep aquatic foods central to protein resilience plans, warning they’re being sidelined.

Aquaculture Policy & Governance: Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency MACC has begun an investigation into KWAP’s RM200m loss tied to Indonesian aquaculture tech firm eFishery, recording statements from 10 witnesses and reviewing investment papers, due diligence, site visits, and financial records. Feed & Inputs: De Heus opened a marine and cold-water fish feed mill in Vinh Long, Vietnam, targeting 84,000 tonnes/year with export-ready nutrition for species like sea bass and barramundi. Animal Welfare & Regulation: Spain scrapped plans for the world’s first commercial octopus farm in the Canary Islands after regulatory constraints, with NGOs calling it an animal-welfare win. Food Safety: South Africa’s Saldanha Bay shellfish zone saw paralytic shellfish toxin levels in mussels and oysters fall below safety limits, reopening harvesting under continued monitoring. Industry Consolidation: Pacific Seafood completed its merger with Ocean Beauty Seafoods, expanding distribution reach while keeping Ocean Beauty’s operations focused on service reliability. Training & Capacity Building: Meghalaya (India) trained 50 fish farmers in modern freshwater aquaculture and distributed improved Amur carp seeds, supported by solar-powered aerators. Shellfish Health Monitoring: DFFE confirmed toxin levels are safe for human consumption in approved production areas, with ongoing checks planned.

Malaysia Probe Update: Malaysia’s MACC has begun its investigation into KWAP’s RM200m loss tied to Indonesian aquaculture tech firm eFishery, recording statements from 10 witnesses and reviewing investment papers, due diligence, meeting minutes, and KWAP financial records. China Fisheries Science: China’s East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute ran a weeklong fishery resources survey in waters east of Taiwan, collecting biological and environmental DNA samples to support conservation and sustainable management. Aquaculture Training: Venezuela’s fisheries ministry held a Sucre workshop training officials on documenting sightings and interactions between fishing gear and aquatic mammals, using its national registration system. Oxygen Tech Funding: Irish startup Nernst Electric raised €1.7m seed funding to scale on-site oxygen generation for fish farms, aiming to cut reliance on costly trucked liquid oxygen. Shellfish Lease Hearing: Maine’s Department of Marine Resources scheduled a public hearing for Blackstone Point Oyster Co.’s 2.19-acre experimental oyster lease in the Damariscotta River. Ghana Antibiotic Pushback: Ghana’s fisheries head urged fish farmers to use organic methods (like bitter leaves) rather than indiscriminate antibiotics to fight bacterial infections and protect ecosystems.

Budget & Exports Push: Sri Lanka’s President reviewed 2026 Fisheries/Aquatic/Ocean projects and set priorities for the 2027 Budget, including infrastructure, production and export support. Regulatory & Permitting: Maine’s Department of Marine Resources will hold a public hearing on Blackstone Point Oyster Co.’s 2.19-acre experimental oyster lease in the Damariscotta River (Aug. 28, with a Sept. 4 backup). Bangladesh Tech Transfer: The Netherlands reaffirmed support for Bangladesh’s sustainable aquaculture via a Center of Excellence in Mymensingh under FoodTechBangladesh. Nigeria Supply Gap: SEREC warned Nigeria’s local fish output still falls far short of national demand, leaving imports to fill the gap. Startup & Blue Economy: NIMASA launched a Blue Economy Accelerator Programme to back marine/blue-economy startups with mentorship and business development. India Seafood Infrastructure: India approved Rs 21,395 crore under PMMSY to strengthen seafood export infrastructure and processing capacity. Indonesia Village Expansion: Indonesia plans to roll out aquaculture across 40,000 villages from 2026 to boost protein self-sufficiency and exports. Market Demand Shift: EU seafood consumption fell to a decade low in 2023, with consumers eating less often at home. El Niño Risk: Chilean salmon producers are bracing for El Niño-driven warm, low-oxygen conditions and supply-chain disruptions. Energy Efficiency Funding: Nova Scotia backed seafood and aquaculture firms with $2.22M for efficiency upgrades, including electrified oyster barges and solar at processing sites.