Newfoundland's Huge Northern Cod Fishery Begins FIP Project in Preparation for a Return to Market  In some major news ahead of next week’s Global Seafood Expo in Brussels, Newfoundland’s Northern cod fishery has entered into a fishery improvement project (FIP) in preparation for a return to the market. The FIP process is being led by the Association of Seafood Producers and the Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council; the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) will develop the program. The Newfoundland fishery, with a size that rivals the Barents cod fishery, infamously collapsed and was shut down completely in the cod moratorium of 1992. However, John Sackton reports that current surveys show a spawning stock biomass in the 200,000 ton range with the potential to increase 50 percent a year. This means the fishery could just be a few years out of reaching the necessary biomass for a reopening and a return to the market. “As has been said before, northern cod was an iconic fishery that helped shape the historic development of North America,” said Jim Cannon, CEO of the SFP “We are pleased to see industry stepping up, to collaborate to improve the policies and management around northern cod, as a key element in preparing the fishery for full recovery.” Meanwhile, New Bedford’s Atlantic Capes Fisheries has acquired UK-bases scallop processed Ocean Fleet Seafood. The deal will make Ocean Fleet a division of Atlantic Capes that will focus on expanding market access for US East Coast and Japanese Hokkaido Scallops to retail and foodservice customers in the EU market. Atlantic Capes will also focus on further developing its business in the Asian market through Ocean Fleet’s sales network.  The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has forecast Togiak’s herring run to reach well above its yen-year average at 163,480 tons. Of that 32,696 tons will be available for harvest when the season gets going next week writes Peggy Parker. The herring market is expected to be tight in Japan due to high inventories, declining consumption trrends, and the currency exchange rate.  Finally, Norway and China have agreed on a new food safety certification deal that will allow Norwegian salmon exports to flow into the Chinese market. In March China had banned imports of some Norwegian whole salmon out of concerns the fish would spread ISA and other viruses into its supply chain. Safe travels to all those heading to Brussels for next week's Seafood Expo Global. Remember to check here throughout next week for updates live from the show floor and visit Urner Barry at stand 6-842.  Have a great weekend.