In W30 in the salmon landscape, more than 80 global organizations are calling for the revocation of sustainability certifications for salmon and trout farming in Tasmania's Macquarie Harbour. However, the Best Aquaculture Practices and GlobalG.A.P schemes refute these claims, considering the letters as "misleading." The urgency of these demands rises as federal and state governments take action to protect the critically endangered Maugean skate, a rare fish species found exclusively in Macquarie Harbour. A study conducted by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) uncovered a concerning decline of almost 50% in the skate population over seven years, primarily attributed to pollution from salmon farming activities.
In 2023, the production of King salmon in New Zealand is expected to increase, as there was a decrease in wild king salmon catches and an increase in aquaculture production. The decline in wild catches was caused by high water temperatures during last summer's marine heatwave. However, king salmon farms, focusing on low-temperature aquaculture, are predicted to slightly increase the production. The New Zealand King Salmon Company has raised its profit indicators due to strong king salmon production and the expansion of the Ruakaka farm, which produces 750 tons of king salmon annually.
On the other hand, it was reported that the Norwegian fresh salmon HON (3-6kg FCA Oslo) increased 3.88% in W28 to USD 9.49/kg, while export volume dropped by 7%. Over the past five weeks, export volume rose by 6.5% to 5.5 metric tons (mt). The lowest price for salmon is expected on Sep-23 at USD 7.05/kg. In W29, the price of Norwegian fresh salmon HON declined by 8.71% to USD 8.57/kg, indicating a seasonal dip in consumption. However, Q3-23 future contracts were trading at USD 7.70/kg in W28, suggesting a slight uptick in prices post-September. This indicates a potential increase in prices after the expected bottom in Sep-23.
Customs officers in Smolensk, Russia discovered 17 tons of salmon hidden in a truck disguised as charcoal. The driver presented forged documents claiming the frozen fish originated from Denmark. Salmon bellies are crucial resources, and delays can result in losses of nearly USD 53.4 million. Investigators have opened a criminal case.
Meanwhile, Chile's farmed coho salmon season has started, leading to increased market supply as farmers harvest new stocks. The salmon volume is expected to rise further in mid-August. Due to abundant salmon and the main producer's entry into the European market, lower prices are anticipated. The price range for farmed coho salmon varies between USD 6.50/kg to USD 7.30/kg based on quality categorizations.
In response to declining fish stocks and ecosystem damage caused by illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing in the North Pacific Ocean, Operation North Pacific Guard (ONPG) conducts an annual mission. The goal is to combat illegal fishing, gather scientific data for better environmental understanding, and protect salmon populations and ocean health. Canada is leading this mission, covering 11 million square miles, with patrols aimed at detecting and addressing increasing IUU fishing activities. To support this effort, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has committed over USD 34.4 million over five years, including the deployment of a patrol vessel.