Crab

Egypt: Fish Prices in the Transit Market (Nov 29)

Fish prices witnessed stability in the transit market during trading on November 29, where Crab ranged between USD 0.98 and USD 3.25 (24 and 80 pounds).

Octopus

Tridge Analysis: Senegal and Mexico Gain Market Share in Portugal’s Frozen Octopus Market (Nov 30)

Senegal and Mexico are now the third and fourth largest exporters of frozen octopus to Portugal, and had a combined market share of 10% in terms of volume from Jan-Sep 2022, up from 3% in Jan-Sep 2021. Both Senegal and Mexico offer frozen octopus at a lower average price compared to Portugal’s top two suppliers. Octopus demand in Portugal is high, while prices in Mauritania have recently dropped, which might open an opportunity for an increased trade flow among countries. (Continue Reading)

Vietnam: Seafood Exports Fell to Negative for the First Time but Squid and Octopus Increased by 30% (Dec 1)

In November 2022, for the first time since the beginning of the year, seafood export growth fell to a negative level (down over 14%) compared to the same period last year, reaching only about USD 780 million, the lowest level since the 2022 Lunar New Year. Although November exports fell sharply, but accumulated from the beginning of the year to the end of November 2022, Vietnam's seafood exports reached USD 10.2 billion, up nearly 28% over the same period in 2021. Export of squid and octopus increased strongly by 30%, reaching USD 704 million.

Vietnam: Exports of Fish and Seafood Again Reached a Record (Dec 1)

From the beginning of the year until the end of last October, exports of squid and octopus reached $630 million (squid $354 million, octopus $277 million).

South Korea: The South Headquarters of Korea Fisheries Resources Corporation Released 10,000 Octopus to Induce Mating in Hampyeong Bay (Nov 28)

The South Headquarters of Korea Fisheries Resources Corporation will release 10,676 octopuses (533 folds) weighing around 150g by November, targeting the Hampyeong Bay area and 10 places where artificial octopus spawning grounds have been created to recover octopus resources. Namhae Headquarters and Hampyeong-gun spent USD 3.025 million (4 billion won) for 5 years from 2021 to 2025 to transplant mother octopus, create artificial spawning grounds, and transplant octopus food (chil crab, clams, etc.) are promoting. By 2021, five artificial octopus spawning centres have been created and operated in Seokdu, Haksan, Jupo, Wolcheon, and Seokchang fishing villages. As a result of promoting the construction of an octopus spawning ground in cooperation with the Namhae Headquarters of the Corporation and Hampyeong-gun, it is reported that the amount of octopus fishing and sales increased compared to before the project.

Salmon

Russia: The Results of the Implementation of Fishing Rules in the Amur and Ussuri Rivers (Dec 2)

In Khabarovsk, a meeting of the Working Commission on Fisheries Management in the Border Waters of the Amur and Ussuri Rivers in 2022, provided for by the decisions of the 30th session of the Joint Russian-Chinese Commission on cooperation in the field of fisheries, was held in the format of a videoconference. The parties exchanged information on the results of fish conservation work, as well as materials on the facts of violations of fishing in border waters, committed by fishermen of both countries. They discussed and summed up the joint control measures taken in the border waters of the Amur and Ussuri rivers, and also agreed on the terms, area, procedure and conditions for conducting joint control over fishing in the spring-summer and autumn periods in 2023. A separate block of questions was devoted to the restoration of aquatic biological resources in border waters, including the artificial reproduction of autumn chum salmon and sturgeon species at Chinese and Russian hatcheries. During the meeting, the parties agreed on the terms, procedure and conditions for holding joint activities in 2023 to release juvenile aquatic biological resources into the border waters of the Amur River. 

Turkey: 17,333MT of Contribution to Salmon Production From Sinop (Nov 28)

This year, 17,333 MT of salmon were produced in the natural port city of Sinop. Salmon production, which started in 2011 at the facilities established in the Gerze district and off the coast of Demirciköy, continues to increase with each passing year. Turkish salmon production, which started with 3 thousand MT in the city, reached 17,333MT in 2022. This year, USD 54,453,517 contributed to the national economy from the salmon produced in 11 facilities in May, June and July and exported to Russia, Japan and European countries. Fatih Önlem, Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, said that factors such as climate change, environmental pollution and population growth make it difficult for people to access protein foods. Pointing out that countries are now producing fish as an alternative to natural hunting, Önlem emphasised that Turkey has made significant progress in salmon farming. The fact that salmon production continues to increase with each passing year is very valuable for the economy of the city and the country.

Turkey: Turkish Salmon Export Volume Increased 118% YoY in the First 10 Months of 2022 (Nov 30)

In the first 10 months of 2022, 15,779MT of Turkish salmon were exported from the Black Sea region, worth USD 115.30M. This represents an increase of 118% YoY in volume and a 198% YoY increase in value compared to the same period in 2021. From January to October 2022, Turkish salmon was exported to Russia for USD 78M, followed by Vietnam for USD 20.45M and Japan for USD 6.88M.

Chile: The Chilean Trucker Strike Continues in W47 Affecting Logistics and Operational Activities of Salmon Companies (Nov 28)

During W47, the Chilean trucker strike continued and created logistics problems related to exports and operational activities, worrying salmon companies since there is a delay in food and other elements of the harvest process.

Chile: Price for Chilean Atlantic Salmon Remained Stable During W47 in the US Market (Nov 28)

According to Chilean salmon farmers, fresh fillet prices in the North American market did not change during W47. The demand is stable, and supply was adjusted to avoid generating downward pressure on prices. In W47, FOB MIA prices stood at USD USD 5.45-5.65/lb for 2/3 lbs and USD 5.55-5.75/lb for 3/4 lbs.

Chile: Low Stocks of Chilean Salmon Available for Non-programed Deals in W48 (Nov 29)

Farmers in Chile report Coho Salmon stocks remain stable during the harvesting season in W48. However, the low stock is available for non-programs deals. This situation forecasts a price adjustment at the beginning of 2023. Forward price CIF main ports of Europe, for H&G Premium Coho, are around USD 8.00-8.10/kg (spot) and will increase USD 0.10-0.20/kg in 2023.

Chile: Chilean Salmon Harvests Increased by 5% In January-August 2022 (Nov 30)

According to information shared by Chilean salmon producers, Atlantic salmon harvests in Chile between January-August 2022 increased by 5% compared to the same period in 2021, from 472,100 to 495,800 tons. For the other salmonid species, the increase in coho salmon harvests was 18% from 58,000 to 68,500 tons, and trout was a 4.9% increase from 40,300 to 42,300 tons.

Argentina: Maintainance of Zone Free of Salmonid Diseases (Nov 29)

The National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa) found no presence of salmonid diseases in the analysis carried out on samples taken from fish produced in the zone free of these pathologies, in the provinces of Neuquén and Río black. Within the framework of specific epidemiological surveillance of diseases that affect salmonids, the Senasa Regional Laboratory located in San Martín de los Andes , province of Neuquén, processed - using the histopathology technique - the samples of rainbow trout fingerlings produced in El Bolsón to supply the Alicura and Piedra del Águila reservoirs . The results were negative for the presence of diseases that affect salmonids and that are mandatory notification, according to group 1 of Senasa Resolution 153/2021. In summary, these negative results indicate the absence of the diseases that are monitored under the Salmonid Disease Surveillance Plan .

Seaweed

Vietnam: Nearly Half a Million Dong a Kilogram of Seaweed (Dec 1)

Compared to the "ocean's nest", dried seaweed, a specialty of the sea, is usually available all year round, but the quantity is not much. This type of seaweed, after being dried and processed, is currently sold by production units for USD 16.67 - 20.83/kg (400,000-500,000 VND). This price also increased by 30% compared to the same period last year. Ms. Hoa, the owner of a food store in District 5 (HCMC), said that seaweed is quite attractive to customers. Each time she imported about 100-200kg (1-2 quintals), but they were all bought by customers. "I am placing an order for Tet about 300 kg, but by now 70% of customers have ordered to make salad or cook tea," Ms. Hoa said. As a unit that collects tens of tons of dried cartilage seaweed every year in Phan Rang, Ms. Huynh Thi My Oanh, Deputy Director of Canh Trang Trading and Service Co., Ltd. said that every 8 kg of fresh seaweed is 1 kg of dried. After clean processing, the drying rate of the finished product continues to decrease. Cartilage is most abundant in the spring months, so at this time the output is low, making the price high and expensive.

Shrimp

Tridge Analysis: US Frozen Shrimp Imports Fall Below 5-Year Average (Nov 28)

In September 2022, the monthly value of US imports of frozen shrimp (HS Code 030617) stood at its lowest level since April 2021, at USD 427 million. Imports fell 21% compared to September 2021 levels and were 8% below the 2016-2021 September average. The decline in import value came on the back of decreases in both volume imported and the average import price. Import volume stood at 49 thousand mt, the lowest level since April 2022, down 17% compared to September 2021, and 6% below the 5-year average. Meanwhile, the average import price was USD 8.71/kg, which dropped 3% compared to August 2022, 5% compared to September 2021, and 2% compared to September's 5-year average. This was the first month in 2022 when prices stood below the 5-year average. (Continue Reading)

Ecuador: During W47 Ecuadorian Processing Plants Are Declining Visitor Requests Due to Strict Controls Requested by the Chinese Government (Nov 28)

Chinese customs experienced receiving shrimp containers from Ecuador that tested positive for COVID-19 and made the Chinese government pressure for strict controls during the processing destined for China. Due to this, Ecuadorian processing plants are declining visitors' requests in W47.

Ecuador: Price of Ecuadorian Hoso Vannamei Shrimp Increases Slightly in W47 (Nov 28)

For W47, the price of Ecuador HOSO Vannamei shrimp increased slightly in China by about USD 0.1-0.3/kg compared to W46. Below are the ex-farm prices:

• Size: 20/30(PPK), keeps the price at USD 4.4/kg with no change.
• Size:30/40(PPK) increases USD 0.2/kg to USD 3.4/kg.
• Size: 40/50(PPK) increases USD 0.2/kg to USD3.15/kg.
• Size: 50/60(PPK) increases USD 0.3/kg to USD 2.8/kg.
• Size: 60/70(PPK) increases USD 0.1/kg to USD 2.5/kg.
• Size: 70/80(PPK) keeps the price of USD 2.2/kg with no change.

The price may keep increasing in the future as farmers are still not satisfied with current price levels.

Vietnam: Shrimp Exports Continue to Face Difficulties (Nov 28)

According to data from Vietnam Customs, in October 2022, Vietnam's shrimp export value decreased by 16% compared to the same period in 2021, reaching USD 360 million. This is the third month since the beginning of this year, shrimp exports recorded a decrease compared to the same period last year. Previously, in June and July, shrimp exports decreased by 1% and 13%, respectively. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), although shrimp exports have decreased in recent months, due to the breakthrough growth in the first half of the year, Vietnam's shrimp exports as of October 2022 are still increased by 18% to reach USD 3.8 billion. According to the analysis of Ms. Kim Thu, shrimp market expert of VASEP, in the structure of Vietnam's shrimp exports, exports of whiteleg shrimp increased by 13%, black tiger shrimp increased slightly by 1.2%, and marine shrimp increased the most by 106%. Among export vannamei and black tiger shrimp products, processed products outperformed live/fresh/frozen products.

Vietnam: Shrimp Exports to the EU Decreased by 35% (Nov 29)

Shrimp exports to the EU, which grew strongly in the first half of this year, tended to decrease in the last months of the year due to many objective factors. According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shrimp exports to the EU are on a strong downward trend. Specifically, in October, shrimp exports to the EU decreased by 35% compared to the same period last year. In which, exports to the 4 main markets in the EU, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, simultaneously decreased by double digits. In the context that shrimp exports to most of the main markets have decreased, exports to the EU have fallen sharply, which has had a significant impact on shrimp exports in general. In October, Vietnam's shrimp export value only reached USD 360 million, down 16% over the same period last year. Shrimp exports to the EU are on a strong downward trend due to economic and political uncertainties and the trend of increasing commodity prices, especially energy prices, which have negatively impacted import demand from this market. in recent months. This situation is negatively affecting not only Vietnam's shrimp exports but also other shrimp exporting countries in Asia, which account for two-thirds of the world's farmed shrimp production.

Vietnam: Shrimp Occupying a Unique Position in United States (Nov 29)

The shrimp industry, although it still increased by 18% and brought the highest export value of nearly USD 3.8 billion, the proportion of this year's shrimp industry was 40%, 5% lower than the same period last year. Shrimp exports increased sharply in the first 5 months of the year, then slowed down and even declined over the same period in some months. In the second half of the year, shrimp exports declined due to a decrease in market demand and a lack of domestic raw materials. The average export price of shrimp did not increase as strongly as that of pangasius because of the great competitive pressure from Ecuador and India.

Vietnam: China Becomes Vietnam’s Largest Shrimp Import Market Overtaking the US (Nov 30)

According to Ms. Kim Thu, shrimp market expert of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in October 2022, Vietnam's shrimp exports to China increased by 50% to reach USD 65 million. This increase helps China to surpass the US and continue to be Vietnam's largest shrimp import market in October. With this increase, Vietnam's shrimp exports to China recorded the highest growth rate in the top 5. Vietnam's main shrimp import market. In the 10 months of 2022, shrimp exports to China reached USD 547 million, up 60% over the same period last year. Analysing the reason why Vietnamese shrimp exports to China are high, Ms. Kim Thu said that China's domestic shrimp production decreased due to adverse weather and shrimp diseases in some main shrimp production areas. The increased demand for shrimp imports for the Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, and the Lunar New Year has prompted China to increase shrimp imports in recent months. According to China Customs, in October 2022, China's shrimp imports reached 80,000 tons, down from 87,000 tons imported by China in September. Supply from India (mainly headless shrimp), halved to 10,000 tons in October from 20,000 tons in September. Imports from Ecuador fell 5,000 tons from 49,000 tons in September. In the first 10 months of this year, China imported 691,000 tons of frozen warm water shrimp, up 49% over the same period last year where the value increased by 65% ​​to USD 4.52 billion. It is expected that China's shrimp imports in November and December may continue to decrease compared to the previous months, although still recorded a strong increase compared to the same period last year. The cause was a seasonal drop in demand after stockpiling for the Lunar New Year. Import demand is expected to increase strongly after the Lunar New Year in China.

Vietnam: Shrimp Exports (Dec 1)

The shrimp sector, with nearly USD 3.8 billion, accounted for 40% of exports, down 5% from the same period in 2021. Shrimp exports increased significantly in the first five months of the year and then slowed down due to lower demand. The average export price has not risen as much as that of pangasius due to strong competitive pressure from Ecuador and India.

Vietnam: Inflation Forces Vietnamese Seafood Exporters to Focus on Asia (Dec 2)

The shrimp sector in Vietnam typically posted its best export performance of the year in November and December, but its producers struggle to secure raw materials amid high inflation and growing shrimp disease problems in Vietnam. Vietnam's shrimp sales fell to USD 313 million (€300.6 million) in October, an eight-month low, and down 26% YoY. Sales to Japan fell 19% YoY, sales to South Korea fell 26%, the US fell 56%, and the EU fell 56%.  Sales fell 55% YoY in October. However, shrimp exports to China and Hong Kong in October increased by 18% YoY and 14% YoY, respectively. Recently, China has bought more shrimp to offset a decline in domestic production due to adverse weather and rising disease problems. As a result, Vietnam, Ecuador, Indonesia and Argentina recorded higher shrimp sales to China. Rising production costs and capital cuts caused by the Vietnamese government's efforts to curb inflation will make it difficult for the Vietnamese shrimp industry to increase production and processing in the coming months, VASEP said.

Indonesia: Strong Competition of Indonesian Shrimp Packers to Export to Japan (Nov 28)

The performance of the Indonesian shrimp export market is starting to decline in demand, specifically from the American market. Large Indonesian packers that only focus on the American market are starting to look for alternative new markets such as Japan and Taiwan. Japan is one of the main target markets for large Indonesian packers. As a result, many shrimp packers who previously only focused on the Japanese market have started to formulate new strategies due to the large number of new packers offering their products to Japanese buyers at lower prices.

Argentine: Shrimp Exports (Nov 29)

The situation for shrimp in general is one of the most critical in the industry, with export demand down 21% and the average price down 9.3%, remaining at USD 6,510/t, hence foreign exchange earnings decreased by 28%. In total, 70 thousand MT were exported. The report notes a disturbing fact: it states that “the price of whole shrimp has not yet bottomed out” and points out that the cumulative fall in prices is a consequence of the sharp decline registered in the respective markets over the past four months. "an average of -6.6% in July, -10.3% in August, -15.3% in September and -26.3% in October." The main market for this product is Spain, which bought 20% less shrimp this year at a price 8% lower than in 2021. Italy is another important market for whole shrimp, and the decline in demand has been so significant that the country has dropped to fourth place in the list of top buyers this year. In the Italian market, sales fell by 68% and value by 16%.

China: Prices for Ecuadorian Shrimp in W47 (Nov 28)

During W47, prices for Ecuadorian shrimp CFR in the Chinese Market stood at:

Size Price/kg

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

Prices are forecasted to remain stable in the upcoming months. However, the supplying market expects that at the end of January 2023 after the end of the Chinese New Year celebration, prices should begin to slowly increase.

China: Higher Ecuadorian Vannamei Shrimp Prices Expected in W48 (Nov 28)

In W48, the Chinese import price of Ecuadorian for Vannamei shrimp 30/40 stood at USD 4.51/kg, 40/50 at USD 4.31/kg, and 50/60 at USD 4.11/kg. Chinese importers believe the prices will increase in the upcoming weeks as the catch volume of Ecuadorian shrimp is starting to drop.

China: Shrimp Imports in October 2022 (Nov 28)

In October, the import volume of Indian shrimp in China decreased from 20K MT in September to 10K MT in October, with an import volume of USD 68M. The Chinese imports of Ecuadorian shrimp decreased to 49K MT in October, and the import value was USD 310M. The import price of Ecuadorian white shrimp stood at USD 6.33/kg, and the price of Indian shrimp stood at USD 6.95-6.91/kg.

China: USD 547 Million Used to Buy a Seafood Species From Vietnam, Buying More Than the US (Dec 4)

According to information from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, in October 2022, Vietnam's shrimp exports to China increased by 50%, reaching USD 65 million. This increase helps China to surpass the US and continue to be Vietnam's largest shrimp import market in October. Accumulating 10 months of 2022, shrimp exports to China reached USD 547 million, up 60% compared to the same period.

Peru: Fishing Landings Grew More Than 17% In October 2022 (Nov 29)

The Ministry of Production (Produce) reported that in October the extractive activity of the fishing sector experienced an increase of 17.8%, in terms of volume, in relation to the same month of 2021. Among the main species that influenced the positive performance of the landing of CHD are: bonito (539.5 %), squid (13.0 %), shrimp (9.6 %) and hake (26.4 %).

South Korea: Recovering High Value-Added Shrimp Resources (Nov 28)

Currently, domestic shrimp production is dependent on natural production, and production in Jeollanam-do is on a continuous decline from 59 tons in 2016 to 12 tons in 2021, so resource recovery is urgently needed. The Jeonnam Provincial Institute of Maritime Science and Fisheries has released 14 million shrimp since 2015 to create resources for declining prawns. In addition to securing mothers for the annual release of young prawns, planned seed production regardless of external environments such as fishing and sea conditions. Research on possible artificial sexual maturation induction is being promoted step by step. 

Egypt: Shrimp Prices (Dec 4)

Fish prices witnessed remarkable stability where a kilo of jumbo shrimp ranged from USD 14.21 to USD 18.26 (350 to 450 pounds), size 1 shrimp ranged between USD 10.55 and USD 13.80 (260 and 340 pounds), size 2 shrimp ranged from USD 6.09 to USD 10.55 (150 to 260 pounds), and size 3 shrimp ranged from USD 2.44 to USD 5.68 (60 to 140 pounds).

Snail

Turkey: 857,000MT Turkish Sea Snails Exported in First 10 Months of 2022 (Nov 30)

From January to October 2022, 857,000MT of Turkish sea snails worth USD 7.11M were exported to seven countries, with South Korea topping the list. Sea snails worth USD 5.2M were exported to South Korea, followed by China with USD 946,000 and Japan with USD 426,000. Sea snails were also exported to Taiwan, the USA, Italy, and Georgia during this period. Additionally, from the Black Sea region, sea snails worth USD 6.91M were exported to South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and the USA. Export numbers at year's end are anticipated to rise even further.

Squid

Indonesia: W47 Price Indication of Land-Frozen Loligo Squid (Nov 29)

Loligo squid in the East Java area is caught within the Pacific Ocean FAO 71, primarily in the two regencies of Lamongan and Gresik. Seine nets and drift nets are the catching device used by the suppliers/fishermen in the area, and the majority of the squid is being frozen. The annual catch volume ranges from 1700-2400MT in each regency based on data from the local fisheries authority. Squid is highly available during low tide, and the peak season is usually between September, October, and November depending on the climate/weather and sea situation at that time. Below are the prices offered by the East Java supplier for each size of Frozen Loligo squid on a whole round FOB basis:

• 10-15 cm = USD 4.80/kg
• 15-20 cm = USD 6.15/kg
• 21-25 cm = USD 6.35/kg
• 26-30 cm = USD 6.40/kg

Argentine: Squid Exports (Nov 29)

As in 2022, squid exports rose, partially offsetting the fall in other products. 142MT were exported at an average price of USD 2,148, representing a 20.5% increase in sales and a 26% increase in value, due to a 5% increase in price. South Korea, which did not participate in this year's 2021 exports, was the main sales destination, where 25% of total sales were sent. Thailand ranked second in the list of major markets with a 102% increase in demand, and in Singapore demand increased by 104.5%, but China needed less squid this year: 12% less production was exported to this market. 

Tuna

Vietnamese: Tuna Exports to the US (Nov 29)

According to VASEP, tuna exports will certainly reach a record of USD 1 billion in 2022, as by the end of October this industry has earned USD 884 million, up 49% and accounting for 9.4% of total exports of aquatic products, higher than 8.4% in the same period last year.

Vietnam: Gradual Increase in the Added Value of Vietnamese Tuna Products (Nov 29)

Currently, all offshore fishing vessels of the tuna industry have installed cruise monitoring equipment (VMS); completing the digitization of fishery information, in addition to using modern fishing, preserving and processing technology, gradually increasing the added value of Vietnamese tuna products. Currently, tuna exporters are focusing on two main segments, frozen tuna and canned tuna, and the Association is also actively supporting businesses to take advantage of and exploit the full potential and advantages of the agreements. EVFTA and CPTPP agreements as well as bilateral and multilateral agreements with other countries.

Vietnam: Tuna Exports to Egypt Will Continue to Decline (Dec 1)

According to statistics of Vietnam Customs, Vietnam's tuna exports to Egypt in October 2022 decreased by 41%, reaching only USD 569 thousand. Accumulated in the first 10 months of 2022, Vietnam's tuna exports to Egypt reached nearly USD 13.5 million, up 17% over the same period in 2021. Egypt is currently a large single tuna import market, 13th of Vietnam and 2nd largest in the Middle East, after Israel. In the context that tuna exports to traditional markets are increasingly difficult due to high competition and saturated consumption demand, Middle Eastern countries are being selected by Vietnamese businesses to expand exports in recent years. Egyptian consumers favor canned tuna products because of their affordability, taste and convenience. In this market, canned tuna is considered a product that can be consumed anytime, anywhere and is the main ingredient for many meals. Egyptians mainly prefer chopped and cut tuna, accounting for 51% and 45% of canned tuna consumption, while 5-7% is canned tuna. The market mainly consists of 0.14kg net weight cans. However, there is growing interest in value-added tuna or salads but mainly in the premium segment.

Vietnam: Overcoming Iuu, Binh Dinh Seafood Exports Increased Dramatically (Nov 2)

In 2022, the seafood export industry in general and tuna products in particular in Binh Dinh province faced many difficulties. The fishing grounds have declined, gasoline prices have increased, and exports to the European and American markets are full of barriers due to strict sanctions on illegal, undeclared and unregulated fishing activities (IUU). In difficulties, fishermen, businesses and associations accompany and support each other to overcome difficulties and gradually find a sustainable direction. At the beginning of the year, the price of gasoline increased, while the catch was decreasing, the price of tuna did not increase, making many ship owners bored. Mr. Le Van Minh, in Hai Cang ward, Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh province, owner of fishing boat BD 91464, who specializes in tuna fishing, said that this year fishermen's income is lower than a few years ago. “Each trip out to sea, on average, the boat catches about 20 tuna, every trip is quite new to catch 40 fish. In order to increase the value of the fish, the ship owner must keep the fish fresh, the price is still cheap and the business is still buying and selling," he said.

Indonesia: Vice President Flags off Papua Tuna Exports to Japan (Dec 2)

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin on Friday flagged off an export consignment of 1.4MT of tuna from the Biak Integrated Maritime Fisheries Center (SKPT) in Papua province to Japan. The potential for tuna caught by fishermen’s groups in the Biak Numfor district area is sufficiently large to support export activities in the area, he noted. However, he listed several problems that have disrupted export activities, including limited flight capacity, which is still inadequate to support export activities, especially since export shipments by airplane can only be scheduled once a week via Biak-Jakarta to Narita, Japan. He further said he hopes that the opening of direct flight routes from Biak to destination countries will increase the volume of tuna exports from Biak to Japan and the United States. Earlier, Amin also handed over 45 boats and fishing equipment to a number of indigenous Papuan fishermen’s groups. He also expressed the hope that the assistance would support the fishermen's activities and increase their productivity.