Connect with:
Thursday / April 25. 2024
HomePosts Tagged "Norway"

The collaboration on the Norwegian Marine Restoration (NoMaRe) project aims to restore 5,000 square kilometres of seaweed forest by managing invasive sea urchin predation

IFF a global leader in food and beverage, home and personal care and health, announced its partnership with environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) Bellona in a long-term project to restore seaweed forests in northern Norway. The collaboration on the Norwegian Marine Restoration (NoMaRe) project aims to restore 5,000 square kilometres of seaweed forest by managing invasive sea urchin predation. The regrowth of the forests could increase biological carbon sequestration by 12 million tonnes – the equivalent of Norway’s total oil and gas industry emissions in 2021. The launch event held in Norway was attended by Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, as well as senior members of the research community.

“As one of the largest global users of seaweed for alginates and carrageenan, we are proud to be an initiator of this major project,” said Renee Henze, chief sustainability officer, of IFF. “Alginate from Norwegian seaweed is used in pharmaceutical applications, dietary supplements, and food, including new plant-based meat alternatives. Increasing advocacy for the often-forgotten seaweed forest is key to mitigating the effects of climate change while creating sustainable jobs and products globally.”

Seaweed forests are among the most important natural environments on Earth but are facing challenges on a global scale. Norwegian seaweed forests are the main food source and home to over 300 species of invasive sea urchins. During the 1970s, human activity disrupted and removed many of the urchin larvae’s natural predators, allowing urchins to increase in high numbers and convert the northern Norway seaweed forests into desert-like “urchin barrens.” This has caused ecological ripple effects on the biomass of native animals and plants, including limiting opportunities for seaweed harvesting.

The collaboration on the Norwegian Marine Restoration

China’s slow economic recovery impacting fishmeal and fish oil consumption

Cumulative total fishmeal production during the first ten months of 2023 was down by approximately 22 per cent compared to the cumulative production reported through October 2022, according to the IFFO reports. The predominant factor contributing to this decline must be attributed to the 60 per cent year-on-year decrease in Peru, whose activities were heavily affected by the El Niño phenomenon and the subsequent cancellation of the April-June first fishing season of the year.

As for fish oil, the total cumulative output in the first 10 months of 2023 was 20 per cent down year on year. The supply shortage in Peru (due to both fewer landings and lower oil yields) was here again the main cause for such negative performance. Chile remained the only country that registered a positive change year on year thanks to improved catches and higher-than-average oil yields in the South of the country.

The above figures are based on a list of countries considered in the IFFO reports – Peru, Chile, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, UK, Ireland, Faroe Islands, USA, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Mauritius and Spain

In Peru, around 66 per cent of the second fishing season’s quota had been landed in the north centre of the country. The early start of the second fishing season in the North-Centre of Peru, which took place in October and is usually scheduled in November, explains larger catches of small pelagics than usual when we compare October 2023 with October 2022.

In the USA, the menhaden fishing season officially ended in November. The new fishing season will resume in May 2024.

China’s slow economic recovery impacting fishmeal and fish oil consumption.

China’s domestic production of fishmeal and fish oil in quarter IV 2023 might exceed that reported in quarter IV 2022. Despite this, local fishmeal producers are encountering difficulties in selling their products due to a poorer demand and the abundance of standard quality fishmeal. As a result, the inventory of domestic fishmeal appears higher than it was a year ago. Cumulative imports of fishmeal from January to November have declined by 9.4 per cent year on year, in line with the weaker domestic demand from both aqua- and piglet feed producers and the reduced Peruvian supply.

China’s 2023 fishmeal consumption in aquaculture is not expected to surpass that of 2022, although a rebound in the global supply of marine ingredients might open new scenarios. Similarly, the pig sector is grappling with subdued prices, hovering around a low point. The anticipated higher seasonal demand for the period November-February has yet to materialise. At this point, farmers are banking on improvements in the second half of 2024.

China’s slow economic recovery impacting fishmeal and

From 2024 to 2028, the EAF-Nansen Programme will intensify efforts to improve food and nutrition security in partner countries

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the government of Norway announced a new five-year phase of the EAF-Nansen Programme at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The Programme is a partnership between FAOthe Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway, regional fisheries organizations and 32 partner countries in Africa and the Bay of Bengal, dating back to 1975.

Norway will fund a budget of 1 billion NOK ($94 million) for the new period.

From 2024 to 2028, the EAF-Nansen Programme will intensify efforts to improve food and nutrition security in partner countries, placing a stronger focus on strengthening fisheries management in response to the impacts of climate change.

“A large number of the global population live by and off the ocean. For people to continue to do so, we need to manage the marine environment and life sustainably. The Nansen Programme plays a key role in collecting and sharing ocean knowledge. This effort is crucial in fighting climate change and ensuring food security also for future generations,” said Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, the Norwegian Minister of International Development.

“This unique Programme generates essential data, research and science needed for countries to make informed decisions that support sustainable fisheries management. FAO welcomes the announcement for this new phrase to build a sustainable and resilient future for our oceans, working together to promote responsible fishing practices, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and address the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems,” said Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General.

From 2024 to 2028, the EAF-Nansen Programme

10 foreign missions from different countries along with various International organisations attend the conference

On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, the Dept. of Fisheries, GoI is organising a Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 which began at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying inaugurated the Special Pavilion and main Exhibition of Global Fisheries Conference India 2023. Minister of States for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Dr Sanjeev K. Balyan, and Dr L Murugan, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Ministers of various states, Ambassador of various countries, other dignitaries and heads of various organisations and fisheries research institutes were present in the event.

Parshottam Rupala released the “State Fishes of India Booklet” to encourage each state in India to adopt a fish and conserve its biodiversity. The booklet contains details of 21 fish species adopted as State Fish and declared as State Aquatic Animals. The other key publication released was “Handbook on Fisheries Statistics year 2022” which aims at providing key data points and performance indicators for the Fisheries sector making accurate and reliable fisheries data available to all.

Further, Rupala distributed Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) claim cheques (Rs 5 lakhs each) to beneficiaries /legal heirs from the states of Odisha and Puducherry, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to eligible beneficiaries with the loan amount of Rs 35 thousand to Rs 3 lakhs for beneficiaries from Gujarat, Green Fuel conversion kit for sustainable development of fisheries sector that included beneficiaries from Kerala and transponders for beneficiaries from Gujarat.

Sagar Mehra Joint Secretary for DoF, highlighted that the Department of Fisheries organised an event of this scale and magnitude for the first time. He said it is a moment of pride for DoF (MoFAH&D, GoI) to host 10 foreign missions from the countries of France, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, Russia, Spain, Zimbabwe, Angola, Brazil and Greece along with International organisations namely Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN-FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bay of Bengal Program (BoBP), Marine Stewardship Council India (MSC), Ministers from the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa and Andhra Pradesh.

The delegation interacted with the exhibitors in the special pavilion that included a demonstration of aquariums, Artificial reefs, Seaweed Cultivation, capture fisheries, marine cage culture, bio floc, RAS, fish feed, LPG converter kits, pearl extraction and nucleus implantation, model of Setcom satellite terminals communication system, eco-friendly movable kiosks, multi-species hatchery etc.

10 foreign missions from different countries along

It is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to come together and learn about the latest developments in the seaweed industry

The Seagriculture EU 2023 conference, the leading conference for the seaweed industry, will be taking place from 21 – 22 June 2023 in Trondheim, Norway. This two-day event will explore the vast potential of seaweed in various applications such as feed, food, offshore cultivation, investment and business aspects, as well as biorefinery of seaweed and much more.

“We are thrilled to welcome all seaweed enthusiasts in Trondheim. It is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to come together and learn about the latest developments in the seaweed industry,” said Silje Forbord from the event sponsor SINTEF. “Seagriculture EU 2023 offers a diverse range of sessions and networking opportunities, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in the seaweed industry.”

According to the organisers, the programme includes six plenary sessions and a panel discussion, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and opportunities in the seaweed industry. Top speakers from the industry will share their know-how and insights and it will also feature poster presentations where researchers will have the opportunity to present their latest findings to fellow conference delegates.

In addition, the accompanying trade show will provide companies within the seaweed industry with a platform to showcase their products and services to other industry professionals. This aims to facilitate networking and collaboration opportunities among attendees, while also allowing them to stay informed about the latest developments in the field.

It is a unique opportunity for industry

The two companies are currently working on the next generation of halibut feed

Nordic Halibut has signed a three-year contract with halibut feed supplier Skretting. The agreed collaboration ensures stability and predictability for feed supply to cover the Company’s growth plan phase 1 of 4.500 tonnes of HOG production in 2026.

Nordic Halibut has worked closely with Skretting over several years to develop sustainable products with precise nutrition that are specialised for halibut. The two companies are currently working on the next generation of halibut feed.

We at Skretting are pleased about this long-term collaboration with Nordic Halibut. We have extensive experience with halibut feed, and now we will use our nutritional knowledge together with our extensive efforts for sustainability so that we can develop tomorrow’s halibut feed to be even more sustainable, says Martin Davidsen, sales manager at Skretting Norway

Nordic Halibut strives to sustain a high level of performance in the company’s ESG areas and to establish ambitious ESG targets to maintain sustainable production and local uplift communities. It is advantageous that the Skretting production facility is located at Averøy, near Nordic Halibut’s core production hub at Nordmøre contributing to minimising supply risk and reducing the environmental impact of transportation.

We believe that long-term cooperation is fundamental to achieving sustainable development. Working closely with Skretting will help us optimize the feed so that we can offer a premium quality product with a minimal footprint. Their ambitions in terms of quality and sustainability reflect ours. Therefore we choose to enter a new three-year partnership that ensures sufficient high-quality feed supply towards our production targets in 2026, says Edvard Henden CEO.

The two companies are currently working on