AGP Executive Report

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.

PMMSY Boost: India’s Odisha is set for a fisheries and aquaculture upgrade with ₹1,301.18 crore approved for an integrated aqua park, modern fish market, and related benefits, aiming to strengthen the full value chain from hatchery to marketing. Aquaculture Training: Nigeria’s Agriculture ministry, with FAO, kicked off a three-day shrimp and finfish pilot grow-out workshop focused on site selection and strengthening sustainable aquaculture. Export Push: Türkiye is targeting at least $2.4B in seafood exports this year, with aquaculture driving 60% of production and exports up 13% in the first half. Protein Expansion: Indonesia plans to roll out aquaculture in 40,000 thematic villages in 2026 to boost protein self-sufficiency and expand fish and shrimp exports. Tech for Farms: A new on-site oxygen generation approach is gaining attention for land-based fish farms, promising reliable, high-purity oxygen without trucked supply. Cold-Chain Investment: Northwards is adding £640,000 in insulated trailers to support Shetland salmon exports with real-time temperature monitoring.

AP–UAE Food Cluster Deal: Andhra Pradesh’s CM N. Chandrababu Naidu met UAE officials to position the state as a food-processing and export hub, highlighting horticulture and aquaculture strengths and a planned UAE-backed food cluster. India Fisheries Output: India reported fish production rising to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 under PMMSY, with major focus on cold chains, marketing, and women’s participation. Aquaculture Finance & Policy: Malawi is weighing tax and duty waivers to cut cage-farming costs as investors face expensive inputs. Feed & Innovation: Indonesia plans 40,000 fish-farming villages to boost protein self-sufficiency, while BRIN promoted spirulina as a functional feed ingredient for sustainable aquaculture. Tech & Infrastructure: Bangladesh inaugurated a new aquaculture research center in Mymensingh to support RAS research, training, and disease diagnostics. Processing Expansion: China’s Pan Fish opened a $50M seafood plant near Qingdao to scale salmon processing and expand into shrimp and king crab. Project Pipeline: AKVA is progressing a second phase of Cermaq’s Chile RAS smolt facility, targeting 14M smolts/year. Compliance Pressure: Sri Lankan exporters were warned to prepare for tougher EU sustainability rules ahead of looming deadlines. Local Support: Massachusetts’ Tisbury Oyster Co. received a $10,000 state grant for oyster cages and equipment upgrades.

Policy Push (India): India’s fish production rose to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 under PMMSY, with Parliament told the scheme has also backed women in fisheries and expanded cold-chain and marketing funding. State-Level Boost (India): Odisha received Rs 1,568 crore for fisheries and aquaculture under Blue Revolution/PMMSY, including a scampi production and processing cluster in Baleshwar. Feed & Affordability (Africa): Tanzania small-scale farmers face high feed costs; a new model turns food waste into affordable fish feed and fertilizer. Investment & R&D (Bangladesh/Australia/France): Bangladesh inaugurated a new aquaculture research centre for RAS work; CSIRO opened a free R&D programme for aquaculture SMEs; France’s Pure Salmon won a key step toward a salmon RAS approval despite protests. Sustainability & Tech (Global): Indonesia plans 40,000 fish-farming villages to lift protein output; BRIN promotes spirulina as a functional feed ingredient; EU eyes algae to future-proof aquaculture amid supply shocks. Governance & Compliance: Ghana held stakeholder talks on draft fisheries/aquaculture regulations, while India joined the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement—explicitly leaving aquaculture outside the scope. Risk & Oversight (Malaysia): Malaysia’s KWAP defended its eFishery investment after fraud-linked losses, as lawmakers demand accountability.

Aquaculture Governance & Oversight: Malaysia’s KWAP is pushing to recover RM163.4m from Indonesian aquaculture tech firm eFishery, saying it was a minority investor (2.51%) but that falsified financial reporting misled major backers too; Malaysia’s PM says MACC must investigate the full investment process. Policy & Regulation: Ghana’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministry held a two-day stakeholder review of draft Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulations under Act 1146, covering licensing, monitoring, enforcement, aquaculture development and post-harvest quality. Trade Rules for Wild Fisheries: India joined the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which targets marine wild-capture and at-sea fishing-related subsidies while explicitly excluding aquaculture—aimed at curbing harmful support linked to IUU and overfished stocks. Feed Cost Pressure: Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu urged India’s Centre to allow imports of GM soybean meal to cut shrimp feed costs, and also sought GST relief and support measures for aquaculture farmers. Biosecurity Research: Nofima reported Atlantic cod juveniles can grow well in RAS with lower water exchange (500 vs 1,000 L/kg feed/day), pointing to better water-use efficiency without harming welfare. Shellfish Safety: South Africa indefinitely extended its ban on wild shellfish harvesting in Saldanha Bay due to paralytic shellfish toxins; nearby shellfish farms paused operations.

Malaysia eFishery Probe: Malaysia’s KWAP says it’s pursuing legal and financial avenues to recover about RM163.4m (around $40m) from its Indonesian aquaculture-tech investment, after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended the fund’s process while urging full scrutiny by the MACC. Governance & Fraud Lessons: Anwar also warned lawmakers not to rely too heavily on auditors, pointing to the eFishery case as a reminder that fraud can slip through even with “globally renowned” checks. Feed Cost Pressure (India): Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu asked Union ministers for GST cuts, credit support, and permission to import GM soybean meal to lower shrimp feed costs, plus more NFDB backing for aquaculture. Disease & Industry Fallout (Australia): NSW’s white spot disease controls have pushed a historic prawn co-op toward selling its Maclean site after major revenue losses. Research & Skills Boost (US/Philippines/UK): UMaine joins a $15m NSF Seafood Engine to develop new seafood tech and low-cost water sensors; the Philippines’ BFAR secured long-term rights for an aquaculture facility; and Cornwall opened a marine skills centre with regulators and scientists. Trade Standards (Namibia): Namibia moves to harmonize African fisheries and aquaculture standards to cut trade barriers and improve export access. Climate Watch: India’s CMFRI warns El Niño-linked warming could hit oil sardines and disrupt coastal aquaculture planning.