Aquaculture IS Agriculture, Canadian Fish Farms Want Inclusion in the Next Policy Framework

Canada’s fish farming sector has made a case to 13 federal, provincial, and territorial ministers that aquaculture should be recognized more fully as an agri-food sector. The eight leaders of industry aquaculture associations were specific in the areas where their sector should be included. 

First, aquaculture should be eligible for all Federal Strategic Initiatives (in addition to the current AgriMarketing and AgriAssurance programs), with priority given to AgriInnovate. 

Second, aquaculture should be eligible for activities in the Multilateral Framework Agreement between the federal-provincial-territorial governments...

Harmful Algal Bloom Triggers Extensive Fish Mortality in Norway

Extensive mortality of farmed fish has been recorded in Norway's Boknafjorden over the past 24 hours, prompting authorities to automatically upgrade the area's risk level to high for algal blooms with negative consequences, according to a March 24 update from the Institute of Marine Research.

The mortality is linked to blooms of Pseudochattonella, a harmful algae that has been spreading westward along Norway's coast since mid-March. Algae samples taken on March 23 showed high density in the outer parts of Boknafjorden, with more variable density inside the fjord system...

SENA 2026: Mowi Unveils Unified Booth Design, Expands Flavor Innovation and Digital Marketing Push

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council is marking its fifth year of North American market investment at Seafood Expo North America, showcasing expanded retail partnerships and consumer recognition that positions the certification program for accelerated growth across US and Canadian markets.

Marketing Manager North America Athena Davis described 2026 as a milestone year, combining ASC's 15th anniversary globally with what she called "really being able to see the results, the fruits of our labor" from sustained North American campaign investments...

Shaping Responsible Aquaculture in and Around Protected Areas

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is launching a stakeholder consultation focused on how aquaculture can operate responsibly within and around Protected Areas. Running from 9 March to 9 April, the 30-day consultation will gather input from key stakeholders and forms part of ASC’s broader work to address environmental risks to biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystem processes in protected areas.

ASC Environmental Standards Coordinator Dan Auwkit says, “As aquaculture becomes central to feeding a growing global population and protected areas continue to expand, there is a clear opportunity...

Aquaculture Innovation Zone to Debut at Seafood Expo Global 2026

Seafood Expo Global is about two months away, and the 2026 edition will feature a new Aquaculture Innovation Zone home to exhibitors showcasing the future of aquaculture innovations and services.

The event, taking place from April 21-23, was described as a “launchpad” for state of the art aquaculture solutions. New companies in the new area include Apollonia Trade (Hong Kong), AquaBioTech Group (Malta), Bioceanor (France), Hishing Smart Equipment (China), Lice Defence AS (Norway), and Sagar Aquaculture (India). More companies are expected to be announced as confirmations roll in prior...

New Atlas Identifies Potential Opportunities for Aquaculture in the Gulf of Alaska

Last week, NOAA published the Atlas for Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs), identifying 77 locations that have potential for shellfish and seaweed aquaculture operations in the Gulf of Alaska.  

This atlas is the third released in recent months. The other two are focused on the Gulf of America (previously known as the Gulf of Mexico) and off the state of California.  

Identifying Aquaculture Opportunity Areas fulfills President Trump’s 2020 Executive Order “Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth” and supports the 2025 Executive Order “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness...

NOAA Fisheries Annual Aquaculture Highlights 2025 Showcases Federal Research and Outreach

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aquaculture Program is dedicated to advancing US aquaculture through cutting-edge science, communications, and policies. Its recently released annual report describes the scientific breakthroughs and ongoing support for the nation’s shellfish farmers, finfish, and, now, even plants, in the form of a wide variety of kelp species. 

Compared to farming on land, aquaculture is a far more resource-efficient means to produce protein. It’s also the fastest-growing food production system globally.

“While the United States lags in global aquaculture production...

Broad Coalition Urges Congress to Reject Offshore Aquaculture Bill

More than 420 organizations, businesses and community leaders this month sent a joint letter to Congress urging lawmakers to reject the Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act of 2025 (MARA Act). The signatories include commercial fishing groups, conservation and advocacy organizations, farmers and local community leaders.

Critics say the bill’s emphasis on “research” would effectively open the door to industrial‑scale fish farms in US federal waters. “MARA creates a one‑way road to permanent, large‑scale offshore fish farms, with no off‑ramps,” said Don’t Cage Our Oceans (DCO2)...

Rabobank: Salmon Supply Growth to Stall, Tariffs, Trade Shifts to Drive Shrimp Volume

Resilient consumer demand is keeping prices firm across major aquaculture species as 2026 gets underway, even with constrained supply, shifting trade flows, and geopolitical uncertainty continuing to test seafood markets around the world, according to Rabobank’s latest Global Aquaculture Update.

“While inflation has eased in major economies, supporting demand, the industry still faces headwinds from macroeconomic uncertainty, evolving tariff regimes, and climate‑related pressures,” said Novel Sharma, Seafood analyst at RaboResearch.

Farmed salmon input is expected to largely stall in 2026, with a potential...

Canadian Farmed Salmon Sector Signals Alarm Over BC Ban Amid Food Security Concerns

The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance’s latest report warns that the 2024 ban on west coast open-net pen salmon farming by the Trudeau government threatens Canada’s food security and jobs, and undermines the “Buy Canadian” push amid tariff uncertainty in the US.

“Canada’s aquaculture production is a national economic treasure, but it has been seriously weakened by irresponsible government policies,” said Timothy Kennedy, CAIA President & CEO. “Once a world leader in seafood, Canada now underperforms against global competitors, jeopardizing Canada’s independence and food security at...

Proximar in Japan and Nordic Aqua in China Show Norway's Success in RAS Salmon to Asian Markets

Two Norwegian Atlantic salmon producers, both using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), have released strong financial and production reports for Q4 2025.

Proximar Seafood AS announced its tenth regular production update following the initiation of production of Atlantic salmon in its Oyama facility in Japan in October 2022.

Nordic Aqua also reported good news from its facility in Ningbo, China. That facility reported a commercial harvest of 353 tonnes head-on gutted (HOG) Atlantic salmon, with an average harvest weight of 3.3 kg...

Nissui Finalizes $133M Chile Acquisition; Combined Salmon Output with Pesquera Yadran Hits 70,000T

Japanese seafood heavyweight Nissui has completed the acquisition of Chilean salmon farmer Pesquera Yadran (PY) through its subsidiary Salmones Antarctica (SA) for $133 million, the company announced on December 16.

The deal reflects Nissui’s strategic push to treat aquaculture as a priority growth area, with a target of achieving a profit margin of 10% or more.

Both SA and PY operate in the Chilean farmed salmon sector, with PY bringing both farming and processing capabilities and sales to overseas markets, including the United States...

Invasive Species and US Tariffs Add Pressure to Brazil’s Seafood Sector

Brazil’s tilapia sector is navigating another challenge after the National Biodiversity Commission (Conabio) labeled the fish species invasive. Meanwhile, US tariffs on Brazilian seafood, including tilapia, continue to squeeze export margins, compounding uncertainties for producers.

Tilapia is a cornerstone of Brazilian aquaculture, representing a significant share of the country’s farmed fish production. However, Conabio’s recent decision to classify tilapia as an invasive species has ignited alarm among producers and government bodies. The classification signals stricter controls and potential regulatory hurdles, threatening to disrupt one of Brazil’s most vital...

Global Maritime Leaders Gather in Seattle for Inaugural One Ocean Week

Maritime Blue and its partners hosted One Ocean Week Seattle, an inaugural series of summits, cultural and community events, and workforce development programs focused on the Blue Economy.

The weeklong gathering, held Oct. 20–26, brought together hundreds of industry leaders, researchers, innovators, artists, educators, and policymakers to discuss sustainability, technology, and equity in aquadic related industries.

Washington Lt. Gov. Denny Heck opened the event, praising the state’s maritime economy but warning that plastic pollution, undersea noise, and environmental degradation threaten its long-term...

More Than 20 Salmon Firms Sue Norway Over Traffic‑Light Sea‑Lice Rules

Over 20 salmon‑farming companies on Norway’s west coast have filed suit against the government, challenging the traffic‑light system used to monitor sea lice, Bergensavisen reports.

The companies, which include farming giants Mowi and Lerøy, filed a class action lawsuit against Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

The publication reported that the companies are demanding that “red lights” that were put in place on the west coast of Norway between 2022 and 2024 be lifted and claim the government...

Open Ocean Aquaculture Backers Rally on Capitol Hill to Urge Passage of MARA Act

Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), a group advocating for open ocean aquaculture in the US, began a two-day legislative fly-in on Capitol Hill on September 10.

SATS stated that seafood industry leaders and allies met with members of Congress and their staff to lobby for fish farming in federal waters.

"Federal legislation that supports open ocean aquaculture provides the US a chance to prove that we can sustainably produce more seafood in our own ocean waters," said Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of SATS...

Chile Government, Salmon Industry Back Plan to Fast-Track 200 Aquaculture Relocations

Authorities in Chile's Los Lagos region and salmon industry representatives have endorsed the new Kast administration's plan to expedite 200 pending aquaculture relocations, according to reports from Chilean media outlets.

BioBioChile reported March 16 that regional authorities and the salmon sector backed the government's project to "unblock" the 200 aquaculture relocations that have been stalled in the regulatory process.

The initiative represents a key component of President José Antonio Kast's efforts to reduce regulatory bottlenecks constraining Chile's aquaculture sector, according to SalmonExpert...

Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Support Hits Record High at 85% in Industry-Commissioned Survey

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers' Association (ACFFA) commissioned a survey showing 85% regional support for aquaculture, representing a four-point increase from 2024 and the highest level on record.

Narrative Research Associates conducted the telephone survey of 1,450 Atlantic Canadians aged 18 and older from February 4-23, 2026, as part of its Atlantic Quarterly Survey. Results are accurate to within ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Support reached record levels in Nova Scotia at 83%...

Chile's SMA Issues Preventive Notifications to 263 Salmon Farming Centers on Production Limits

Chile’s Superintendency of the Environment (SMA) has sent its first mass preventive notification of 2026 to 263 salmon farming centers, advising operators on current production levels against the maximum authorized in their environmental permits.

The notifications — part of SMA’s Environmental Compliance Strategy for Salmon Farming Centers launched in September 2023 — aim to help companies take early action to avoid overproduction at the end of their production cycles. According to SMA, the reports provide owners with estimates of their present output compared to their Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA)...

Thai Union Feedmill Signs MOU With Bangladeshi Partners to Transfer Aquaculture Tech, Boost Exports

Thai Union Feedmill Public Company Limited (TFM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bangladeshi partners to transfer Thai aquaculture technologies and standards to Bangladesh, the company said Feb. 10.

The collaboration, announced at a signing ceremony in Bangkok, will focus on upgrading production and market access for high‑value species, including whiteleg shrimp, black tiger shrimp, giant freshwater prawn and barramundi. TFM said the agreement covers technology transfer, knowledge sharing, innovation and the adoption of Thailand’s aquaculture standards to help Bangladeshi producers meet global benchmarks...

SATS Unveils Video Series Championing Open Ocean Aquaculture in the US

Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), an offshore aquaculture advocacy group, announced a three‑video series aimed at making the case for federal legislation to enable open‑ocean aquaculture in US waters.

The videos collect firsthand accounts from leaders across the seafood and broader agriculture supply chains who say the absence of a clear federal legal framework prevents the US from producing more farmed domestic seafood.

“The nation’s top environmental organizations, along with seafood leaders, chefs, and academics in the US agree that sustainable fish farming is essential to...

Cooke-Owned Kelly Cove Granted Expansion at Liverpool Bay After Week‑Long Public Hearing

Cooke Aquaculture-owned Kelly Cove Salmon was granted approval to expand its Liverpool Bay salmon farm in Nova Scotia, the company announced Feb. 17.

The Nova Scotia Aquaculture Review Board (ARB) approved changes at the site located offshore from Coffin Island in Liverpool Bay. The decision allows Kelly Cove to add six cages at the site, bringing the total to 20.

Kelly Cove has operated the farm for roughly 15 years in compliance with government regulations, Cooke said...

Norway's Annual Salmon Mortality Rate Dips Below 15% for First Time in Several Years

The annual mortality rate (mortality risk) for farmed salmon in Norway finished 2025 at an estimated 14.2%, down from 15.4% a year ago and 16.7% in 2023, according to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. This marks the first time the rate has fallen below 15% in several years.

The calculations were based on monthly records of the number of dead and live fish that farmers reported to Norwegian authorities, the institute explained.

“Several players have reported lower loss figures in 2025 and the Veterinary Institute's calculations support...

Nissui to Expand South American Salmon Production to Over 80,000t as Pesquera Yadran Deal Closes

Japanese seafood giant Nissui said it will expand its South American salmon aquaculture business to over 80,000 tons per year by the end of the decade, roughly 2.5 times higher than its current production level.

The bold goal came alongside the company’s announcement that it has completed its acquisition of Chilean salmon farming company Pesquera Yadran (PY), first announced in December of last year, as Expana reported.

The increased Chilean salmon goal aligns with the company’s long-term “GOOD FOODS 2030” vision...

Caleta Bay Launches “Authentically Raw, for Real Life Cooks” Campaign; Eyes US/Canada Expansion

Chilean steelhead trout producer Caleta Bay has debuted a new campaign, “Authentically raw, for real life cooks,” as it targets expansion in the US and Canada.

The company already has a standing in North America, but it is making a more significant push with the help of Nutrisco. The partnership will open the door for Caleta Bay to deliver its products to chefs and restaurants across the continent.

The campaign is focused on the “real heroes of the kitchen.” It highlights street food carts...

West Coast Salmon Files Bankruptcy After Nearly NOK 100M Loss on Nevada RAS Project

West Coast Salmon, a Norwegian company with plans to build a massive land-based salmon operation in Nevada, filed for bankruptcy.

The company reportedly lost close to NOK 100 million ($9.8 million) before the project could gain significant momentum, according to Norwegian publication Dagens Næringsliv. The planned facility never progressed beyond the design stage; the effort stalled after substantial losses.

The company initially planned 50,000 tons of HOG production at its Reno, Nevada, facility, but later reduced...

140 Signatories Call on Lawmakers to Advance US Offshore Aquaculture Bill

US offshore aquaculture advocacy groups and 140 supporters, including some notable seafood companies, penned a letter to the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the US House Committee on Natural Resources, urging Congress to pass the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act of 2025.

The letter was led by The Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) coalition and the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA). The groups said the letter highlighted the bipartisan support for expanding aquaculture in US federal waters...

Massport Launches Blue Edge Program to Boost Maritime Jobs and Innovation at Port of Boston

Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) has unveiled the Blue Edge program, aimed at boosting maritime jobs and fortifying the Port of Boston’s stature in the global blue economy sector. The initiative seeks to bring together established maritime industry leaders with new innovators, accelerators, and entrepreneurs, providing workspace at the Fish Pier to stimulate business growth.

Rich Davey, CEO of Massport, highlighted the program's goal: “Blue Edge will bring together all the great maritime partners that we work with daily with new startups...

Momentum Grows As Offshore Aquaculture Bill is Introduced in the US House of Representatives  

Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS), Ed Case (D-HI), Kat Cammack (R-FL), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Marine Aquaculture Research and Advancement (MARA) Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill that empowers the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expand offshore aquaculture in the U.S. 

The bill was introduced earlier in the Senate and appears to be gaining momentum, despite the current government shutdown.  

Speeches were made in the House by the bipartisan sponsors...

Rabobank Sees Tight Future for Fish Meal and Fish Oil as Aquaculture Grows

Rabobank’s latest RaboResearch report warns that while aquaculture demand for fish meal and fish oil is surging, supplies of these key marine ingredients remain tight, raising the risk of price volatility as the industry expands.

Rabobank noted that as aquaculture production grows, a stable supply of key omega-3 fatty acids and proteins as marine ingredient availability is “stagnant.”

“From 2024 to 2033, the production of mid-value and high-value fed aquaculture species is projected to grow...