Crab

Russia: The Far East Opposes the Introduction of Investment Quotas (Nov 15)

The heads of a number of Far Eastern territories stated that the adoption of a bill on investment quotas would jeopardise the work of regional fishing enterprises, which would eventually lead to a significant decrease in tax revenues to the budgets of the subjects. In the Khabarovsk Territory, they proposed to postpone the implementation of the second stage of investment quotas. Here they said that if the law is passed, quotas for fish and crab will be lost to enterprises that "cannot find billions for the construction of the fishing fleet and coastal plants." 

Norway: Increased Crab Sales in October (Nov 16)

Norway exported 110 tons of king crab worth NOK 77 million in October, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council. The value increased by NOK 25 million reflecting about 49% as compared to October last year. The growth of export volumes is about 7%. “The most significant growth is seen in exports of frozen and live king crabs to the US, which increased by NOK 32 million indicating 562%.. The weakening of the Norwegian krone against the US dollar also had a positive impact on the value of exports in October, as prices in Norwegian krone remain high,” Josefina Voraa.

On the other hand, In October, Norway exported 231 tons of snow crab worth NOK 33 million. The value increased by NOK 33 million and the volume by 230 tons. The largest markets for snow crab were the United States, Canada and Denmark. Compared to October last year, there is a strong increase in the export of snow crab, as just under 2 tons were exported. Abundant stocks and weaker demand in the US have driven the price of snow crab down and cut Norwegian snow crab exports by 66% this year. 

Vietnam: Specialty Fish and Seafood in Kien Giang Simultaneously Increased Sharply (Nov 14)

In An Minh, Vinh Thuan and U Minh Thuong districts, the price of brick crab is about 300,000 VND/kg while the meat crab ranges from 220,000 to 250,000 VND/kg. On the other hand, In Go Quao and Giong Rieng districts, the prices of eels, frogs and crabs also fluctuated by 20-30%.

Vietnam: Agriculture Industry and the Buddhist Church of Dong Nai Province Released Nearly 4,000 Tiger Shrimp, Crabs and Fish Into the River (Nov 18)

On November 18, Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Rural Development coordinated with the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Dong Nai province to release 392,241 individuals of tiger shrimp, sea crab and barramundi at Phuoc An fishing wharf (Nhon Trach district, province) with the purpose of regenerating and protecting aquatic resources, developing a stable and sustainable agriculture. According to the leader of Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, over the years, the seafood industry has created many products and goods of high economic value, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the province. It is estimated that for the whole year of 2022, the value of seafood production will reach about VND 2,500 billion, an increase of more than 4% over the same period.

Egypt: Fish Prices in the Transit Market (Nov 17)

The “Akhbar Al-Youm Portal” publishes the prices on 11-17-2022 where Crab ranged between 24 and 80 pounds.

Lobster

Canada: Eastern Seafood Industry Faces Uncertain Future After Storm Fiona and Market Turmoil (Nov 14)

Canadian miners and processors were hit hard in mid-September 2022 when a storm hit Canada's east coast, leaving thousands without power and causing, by one estimate, nearly $500 million (€512 million) in insured damage, according to the CBC. The storm has resulted in massive losses to local fisheries and aquaculture, which have already experienced falling lobster and crab prices this year. Describing the storm as “massive and historic,” Nat Richard, executive director of the Canadian Lobster Processors Association in New Brunswick, said the government and fisheries stakeholders continue to assess the damage the storm has caused to fisheries. In early October, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $220 million (€225 million) in funding for recovery efforts. In New Brunswick, fishing was in an area known as LFA25 when Fiona swooped in, resulting in a massive loss of tackle and unsold product. One estimate is that tens of thousands of lobster traps were lost, costing approximately US$220 (€225) apiece. “Many fishermen have lost their catch,” said Pierre Dupuy, director general of the Marine Fisheries Union, who heads the organisation's scientific division, although he noted that the union had recently restored 2,500 traps. The union asked the DFO to extend the season by three days to make up for lost fishing time, but the request was denied, Dupuis said. 

China: Increase in Imports of Vietnamese Lobsters (Nov 16)

In nine months, lobster exports increased more than seven times over the same period last year, reaching US$179 million, with China alone accounting for 90% of the market share with 3-digit growth. The reason why lobster exports have skyrocketed is due to high consumer demand in China. It is forecasted that the purchasing power of this product will continue to increase strongly in the last months of the year when consumers in this country prepare for the traditional Tet holiday. Currently, the export value of lobster accounts for over 5% of the shrimp industry's exports. A survey by VnExpress shows that the number of lobsters in farming areas is decreasing due to the impact of storms and floods, causing shrimps to be suffocated with fresh water, causing many farming households to suffer heavy losses. Currently, blue lobsters of 3-4 pieces per kilogram have a retail price of 1.3-1.5 million VND per kilogram, up 10% as compared to the previous month. The price of cotton lobster is around 1.7-2 million VND per kg (type 1 head per kg).

Salmon

North America: Price Drop of Fresh Fillets of Chilean Atlantic Salmon in W46 (Nov 16)

Chilean farmed salmon producers report that prices for fresh fillets in the North American market continue to decrease due to the stable demand and adequate supply. The price of fresh fillets Trim D dropped by USD 0.50 per pound for shipment during W46. Prices stood at USD 5.50-5.70/lb for the 2/3 lbs and at USD 5.60-5.80 for the 3/4 lbs, all FOB MIA prices.

Russia: Extraction of Aquatic Bioresources Reached 4.3 Million Tons (Nov 17)

The volume of fish and seafood production in Russia reached 4.3 million tons by mid-November. This is stated in the message of the Federal Agency for Fisheries. "According to the industry monitoring system, by mid-November, Russian fishermen had harvested more than 4.33 million tons of aquatic biological resources," the report says. At the same time, the department does not compare with data for the same period last year. The volume of Pacific salmon production reached 271.9 thousand tons.

Russia: The Federation Council Approved the Law on Increasing the Rates of Collection for the Catch of Bioresources (Nov 17)

Companies that invest in the development of production and increase the volume of fish and seafood processing at enterprises in Russia will be able to receive a deduction until the end of 2027 and pay only 15% of the fee for the entire catch if they are engaged in fishing in the coastal zone or process the catch on shore or at sea, as well as fishing on new vessels built at Russian shipyards. A similar right is granted to fishing artels (collective farms). The law establishes the minimum value of fees for the use of aquatic biological resources in the amount of 150 rubles per ton, with the exception of algae, for which the fee rate will be 50 rubles per ton. At the same time, the tax rate for Far Eastern pink salmon rose to 7.9 thousand rubles per ton, chum salmon - up to 12 thousand, coho salmon and chinook salmon - up to 15.1 thousand, sockeye salmon - up to 30 thousand. 

Norway: Melanin Spots Linked to Fractured Ribs in Farmed Salmon (Nov 16)

Dark melanin spots in fillets are the most common quality problem in farmed salmon. Most spots are found in the fillet near the head and abdomen. The new research has been undertaken by Nofima and the Norwegian University of Life Science (NMBU). “We have investigated many possible causes, and now know that neither feed nor genetics are the main causes of dark spots in salmon fillets,” said Turid Mørkøre, a senior scientist at Nofima and a professor at NMBU, in a press release. The scientists followed a group of fish from the freshwater phase to slaughter, and the results were compared with wild fish. Bæverfjord was surprised by how many rib defects the salmon had, both with and without fractures. The fractures were mainly located in the same place in the fillet as the dark spots. In both freshwater smolt and wild salmon, there was an average of four rib defects per fish. After transfer to sea, the number had increased to 10 defects per fish. The increase occurred during the final freshwater period and the first months at sea, and remained stable until slaughter. The scientists believe that they need to focus on what the fish are exposed to during this period, with a view to improving technology and routines so that the problem of dark spots can be prevented.

Turkey: Salmon export from Tokat to Russia (Nov 16)

In the Almus district of Tokat, the dam lake, which irrigated agricultural lands, generates electricity and contributes to regional tourism, stands out with its cage fishing. Approximately 6 thousand tons of fish are produced annually in the lake, where there are about 30 large and small facilities. Produced fish are exported to European countries, especially Russia. With the cooling of the weather, some fishermen send their products to the farms by the sea. Fish weighing approximately 350-600 grams are exported when they weigh 2-3 kilograms in farms located in the sea. Stating that the demand for Turkish salmon is quite high, Onar said, "The fish here are grown as an alternative to Norwegian salmon. It tastes better than Norwegian salmon. The price ranges from 4 dollars to 5 dollars per kilogram."

Chile: Chilean Salmon Exports to China Recovered in 2022 (Nov 18)

In 2022, the exports of Chilean salmon to China have gradually recovered but are still at a low level compared to the Year 2019 before the COVID outbreak. The export volume of Chilean salmon to China increased by 260% YoY to 9,535 tons, and the value increased by 294% YoY to USD 73M. Chilean salmon exports to China may rise more in the future and return to their 2019 levels with the improvement of the COVID regulation in China.

Seaweed

Indonesia: Constrained by the Governor’s Regulation, Tens of Tons of Seaweed in Lembata Cannot Be Sold Outside NTT (Nov 20)

Seaweed collectors in Lembata Regency are complaining because the commodities they buy from farmers cannot be sold outside the province. In Pergub, the NTT Provincial Government prohibits the export of seaweed which makes farmers, including local collectors in villages, miserable. Previously, the Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat on January 14 2022 issued Governor Regulation (Pergub) Number 39 of 2022 concerning Trade Procedures for Fishery Commodities in the NTT Province. According to the guidelines, all dried seaweed can only be sold to three companies in NTT, namely PT. East Sumba Sustainable Algae, PT. Rote Carrageenan Archipelago and CV. To Flower.

Shrimp

Ecuador: Shrimp Exports Will Break All-Time Record (Nov 15)

Ecuadorian shrimp exports could close the year at approximately USD 7,000 million, the highest figure in the Central Bank's historical record. In the first nine months of 2022, shrimp exports amounted to USD 5,676 million, which means a growth of 54% compared to the period January-September 2021, according to the Central Bank. The value was about 7% higher than the total shrimp exports in 2021, which were USD 5,323 million. In this context, it is very possible that shrimp exports will be around USD 7,000 million in 2022, says economic analyst José Orellana . If the forecasts are met, shrimp will rank as the main product in Ecuador's non-oil exportable basket for the fourth consecutive year.

Ecuador: If There Is No Agreement With Mexico Until the Summit of the Pacific Alliance, Ecuadorians Will Think of Another Strategy (Nov 15)

A decisive week with 99% progress in the negotiations of the trade agreement with Mexico is still to be defined what will happen to Ecuador's star products, such as shrimp and bananas. Although the Government mentions that the new Mexican trade authorities have an open position, a new strategy is already being analysed in the event that an agreement is not sealed until the Pacific Alliance Summit, which will take place between November 23 and 25, 2022 in the North American country. The trade agreement with Mexico is one of the requirements that Ecuador lacks to be part of the Pacific Alliance , made up of Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile. 

Ecuador: Whole Shrimp CFR Prices in Chinese Ports in W46 (Nov 18)

As the demand in China begins to increase, Ecuadorian whole shrimp prices have increased. In W46, the price for whole shrimp in CFR terms for any main ports in China as follows:

• 20/30 USD 6.31/kg
• 30/40 USD 5.61/kg
• 40/50 USD 5.01/kg
• 50/60 USD 4.71/kg

Ecuador: The Price of Ecuadorian Vannamei May Not Increase Until February 2023 (Nov 18)

The Ecuadorian white shrimp market expects a decline in the upcoming months as the demand from the three major markets (China, the United States, and Europe) will decrease significantly. Some producers believe prices will drop due to the demand drop and will not recover until February 2023. Wholesale prices of Ecuadorian shrimp in W45 stood at about USD 0.40-0.90/kg less than in previous weeks, standing at:

• USD 4.50/kg for 20/30
• USD 3.50/kg for 30/40
• USD 3.20/kg for 40/50
• USD 3.00/kg for 50/60
• USD 2.60/kg for 60/70
• USD 2.40/kg for 70/80
• USD 2.00/kg for 80/100
• USD 1.80/kg for 100/120
• USD 1.60/kg for 120/140

Ecuador: Electrification, a Dream Against the Current for Shrimp Industry (Nov 20)

In recent years, each government on duty has admitted how advantageous it can be for Ecuador, in terms of efficiency and profitability, to get its shrimp industry, the largest source of export currency, to replace the use of diesel with electricity. The plan consists of agreements, conventions, resolutions and rules that aim for the country to take advantage of a $200 million loan that CAF approved in 2019 for that purpose, but which to this day remain unused. A third extension for its use is due to expire in December.

Vietnam: Shrimp-Rice Model for Sustainable Adaptation to Climate Change (Nov 14)

The shrimp-rice model and a journey of more than 20 years since the Government's Resolution 09 was issued in 2000, has allowed the conversion of inefficient areas such as rice production and salt production areas in coastal swamp to shrimp farming. The shrimp-rice model has grown rapidly from 71,000 hectares to more than 200,000 hectares of shrimp farming, accounting for 29.6% of the Mekong Delta provinces, with shrimp production reaching nearly 129,000 tons. In Bac Lieu, the shrimp-rice model has been applied by farmers since 2001. Up to now, more than 20 years of implementation, the "shrimp embraces rice" model has developed in both production methods and diversification of crops - livestock, bringing high income to farmers. It can be affirmed that Resolution 09 of the Government is a turning point that has changed the agriculture in the Mekong Delta in general and the shrimp-rice model in particular. The opportunity to convert inefficient lands such as rice, salt, coastal marshes to shrimp farming, the shrimp-rice model develops rapidly year by year.

Vietnam: Farmers ‘Make a Fortune’ Due to Loans From Agribank (Nov 14)

A VIP customer of Agribank Phu Cat Xuyen for 12 years in shrimp farming on sand using new technology, Mr. Nguyen Tat Tung (38 years old) in Cat Minh commune (Phu Cat district, Binh Dinh) relies on this capital of the company, Agribank Phu Cat district. Currently, Mr. Tung is a typical example of successful shrimp farming in Binh Dinh with new technology. But in order to have capital to invest in upgrading ponds and buying equipment for shrimp farming according to SemiBio-Floc technology, Mr. Tung must rely on a loan from Agribank Phu Cat, but if he relies on the "internal resources" of his family, it becomes “impossible”, because the investment is very high. 12 years ago, when Mr. Tung just came home from Ho Chi Minh City to start a business with shrimp farming, he decided to start raising shrimp in the direction of high technology to avoid risks. At that time, to invest in raising the bottom of 4 hectares of ponds, 1.2m high; in which, there are 2 hectares in Cat Minh commune (Phu Cat district) and 2 hectares in My Thanh commune (Phu My district), Mr. Tung had to spend up to 1.5 billion VND.

Vietnam: Specialty Fish and Seafood in Kien Giang Simultaneously Increased Sharply (Nov 14)

This year, Kien Giang farmed about 125,000ha of brackish water shrimp, about 60,000ha of freshwater shrimp. Currently, the price of black tiger shrimp and white leg shrimp ranges from 120,000 to 140,000 VND/kg (30 pcs/kg). Type 1 and 2 giant freshwater prawns cost about 110,000 to 150,000 VND/kg.

Vietnam: Shrimp Farming According to CPF Combine Model Gives Unexpected Results (Nov 14)

According to Mr. Dung, although to apply the CPF Combine model, it requires quite a large investment, but the efficiency is higher than that of the traditional farming method. The advantage of the CPF Combine model is that it is easy to manage the pond due to the round pond shape, the movement of centrifugal force helps the excess food, the dead shrimp carcass concentrate at the bottom of the pond, making it easy for farmers to control, check the bottom and the water quality. It is also easier to vacuum the pond bottom, when changing the water, just flush the valve, saving electricity and labour in cleaning the pond bottom. With this farming technique, shrimps grow fast, easy to control diseases and clean the pond bottom. “I just harvested my first pond under the CPF Combine model with more than 7.5 tons of commercial shrimp (equivalent to 62.5 tons/ha – PV), the size of 28 fish/kg while the rearing time is only 87 days. The number of stocked shrimp seed is 240,000. With the selling price of 232,000 VND/kg, minus the interest expense of about 1 billion VND. The second batch of shrimp is also growing well, promising for a bumper crop," Dung shared.

Vietnam: Shrimp Exports to Many Main Markets Fell Sharply (Nov 15)

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in October 2022, shrimp exports to major markets all suffered a sharp decline. Accordingly, shrimp exports to the US decreased by 56% to over US$52 million, to Japan decreased by 19%, to Korea decreased by 26%, to the UK and the EU countries decreased deeply by 55% - 88% over the same period. Particularly, exports to China and Hong Kong still maintained growth of 18% and 14% respectively compared to October 2021. By the end of October, although it decreased by 19% over the same period, the US market still accounted for the largest proportion, accounting for nearly 20% of Vietnam's shrimp exports with a turnover of 727 million USD, equivalent to about 63 thousand tons of shrimp. In the third quarter of 2022, the country's shrimp exports reached 1.13 billion USD, a slight increase of 9% compared to the same period last year. In October, with a deep decrease of 26%, shrimp exports clearly revealed the downward trend of the import market as well as the inadequacies of shrimp enterprises in particular and the whole seafood industry in general.

Vietnam: Shrimp Exports in October Decreased by 26% Because of Weak Demand (Nov 16)

According to the Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam's shrimp exports in the first nine months of 2022 recorded a growth of 23% to nearly $3.4 billion. However, shrimp exports really only saw a breakthrough in the first half of the year thanks to high export prices and strong market demand. Since the third quarter, shrimp exports have slowed down and gradually decreased compared to the same period last year and decreased compared to the previous months. In the third quarter of 2022, the country's shrimp exports reached 1.13 billion USD, a slight increase of 9% over the same period last year. In which, whiteleg shrimp exports only increased by nearly 4%, black tiger shrimp exports decreased by 7%. Particularly in September, whiteleg shrimp exports decreased by 5% over the same period, black tiger shrimp exports decreased by 7%. However, lobster exports in the third quarter increased more than 4 times over the same period. In October, with a deep decrease of 26%, shrimp exports clearly revealed the downward trend of the import market as well as the inadequacies of shrimp businesses in particular and the whole seafood industry in general.

Indonesia: Declining Prices of Vannamei Shrimp Caused a Mass Harvest of Shrimps (Nov 15)

Many Vannamei Shrimp farmers in Indonesia have started harvesting in large quantities to reduce the risks associated with the trend of dropping shrimp prices, which has been happening for a few months. Numerous farmers gather shrimp in the small to medium-sized range (60-90). This massive harvest has left many shrimp ponds inactive today, as can be observed. In January 2023, shrimp producers will begin the next shrimp stocking season.

Indonesia: Shrimp Exports to US Touch Us$1,106 Bln (Nov 19)

Indonesia exported 118 thousand tons of shrimp worth US$1.106 billion to the United States in the period from January to September 2022, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has informed. "The target national shrimp export market includes the United States, Japan, China, ASEAN (nine countries), the European Union (27 countries), and has a positive growth of 12.97 percent YoY," Marketing Director at the ministry’s Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Product Competitiveness Improvement Erwin Dwiyana said. Dwiyana said that Indonesia's shrimp exports to the US accounted for 71.6 percent of the total national shrimp exports, making the US the largest export destination for shrimp commodities. Japan was the next largest export destination with the volume of shrimp exports reaching 28 thousand tons, worth US$298 million. According to statistical data, the average value of the global shrimp trade reached US$4.34 billion in the period from 2017 to 2021, with Indonesia cornering around 7.7 percent, US$1.89 billion, of the commodity’s market share.

Argentina: Shrimp Season Is Delayed in October (Nov 14)

The industry of shrimp exporters in Argentina, previously planned to start the shrimp season in the middle of October 2022, sending vessels to the prospection tides along with the INIDEP (Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero) to define and authorise the zone to fish, located in provincial waters near the coast of Argentina. At the beginning of October, exporters started negotiations, but salary disagreements with unions have generated delays in the season. Exporters will start fishing activities once a salary increase agreement is accepted.

Egypt: Fish Prices (Nov 17)

On Thursday 11-17-2022, fish prices witnessed remarkable stability where jumbo shrimp, size 2, ranged between 160 and 270 pounds, shrimp of size 2 frozen amounted to 90 to 170 pounds, and shrimp of size 3 ranged from 64 to 155 pounds.

Snail

Ukraine: Opening a New Market for the Export of Snails Intended for Human Consumption (Nov 19)

Due to the efforts of the State Production and Consumer Service and Ukrainian diplomats as part of the work to support Ukrainian companies and eliminate technical obstacles, a new market for Ukrainian exports of snails intended for human consumption was opened in October. From now on, Ukrainian snails can be supplied to Georgia and transit through its territory. The relevant form of the official certificate was agreed by the State Production and Consumer Service with the National Agency for Food Products of Georgia.

Squid

China: Strong Growth of Imported Seafood Volume in October 2022 (Nov 18)

China imported 380K MT of seafood in October 2022, of which 370K MT is edible seafood. The accumulated import volume approached 3.64M MT in the past ten months of 2022. In October 2022, the value of edible seafood was USD 1.759B (CNY 12.6B), while over the previous ten months, it was USD 14.4B (CNY 103.2B). In terms of growth, the volume of imported goods increased by 25.2% MoM while the price rose by 47.2%, implying a sharp increase in the cost of imported seafood. The value of all imports increased by 42.2% and the volume by 22.2% over the last ten months of 2022.

Spain: Captures of Spanish Northern Shortfin Squid Fell in W46 Due to Bad Weather (Nov 16)

The Northern Shortfin Squid season has recently begun in northern Spain, from Galicia to the Basque Country. The season started with normal volumes and a fair price of USD 1.40/kg FOB Vigo for fresh squid (8–10 pieces/kg) at local auctions. However, squid prices in W46 increased due to low captured volumes caused by extreme weather conditions and tougher sea conditions on the northern coast of Spain, with the price reaching USD 1.50/kg FOB Vigo. The season will last until March 2023, and fishing boats will continue to catch squid in the coming months.

Egypt: Fish Prices (Nov 17)

On Thursday 11-17-2022, fish prices witnessed remarkable stability where squid ranged between 105 and 215 pounds 

Egypt: Fish Prices in the Transit Market (Nov 17)

The “Akhbar Al-Youm Portal” publishes the prices, adding to the announced price 3-4 pounds over the price per kilo in retail markets. The prices of Squid and calamari ranged between 80 and 110 pounds. 

Tuna

Indonesia: Skipjack Tuna Price Is Unable to Meet Price Demands From China in W46 (Nov 16)

Chinese buyers are looking at purchasing Indonesian skipjack tuna (species: katsuwonus pelamis) to process into a canned good. Skipjack is commonly captured across the Indonesian sea from the west part north of Sumatera (FAO 57 - Indian Ocean) to central Java sea until the east part in Celebes sea (FAO 71 - Pacific Ocean). In W46, the latest CFR price demand from China buyers stood at USD 1,600/MT, while suppliers from Jakarta, West Java are offering a USD 1,700-1,780/MT and USD 1,800/MT from a supplier in Surabaya, East Java for the sea frozen 1.8 kg UP skipjack. Since Indonesia is one of the world's major producers of canned tuna the local demand is high, keeping prices high.

Spain: The Mapa Presents the Strategy to Consolidate Aquaculture as a Sustainable Food Production System (Nov 16)

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, today chaired the Fisheries Sector Conference in which he presented to the autonomous communities the "Contribution of Spain to the Strategic Guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive European Union aquaculture for the period 2021-2030”. By autonomous community, Galicia leads the fattening production of marine species in Spain, with 81.3% of the total and 32.6% of the value, mainly due to the production of mussels, and also turbot, trout, clams and oysters. They are followed by the Valencian Community (6.93% production; 17% value) and the Region of Murcia (3.92% production; 20.7% value), with important productions of sea bass, sea bass, sea bream and tuna.