AGP Executive Report

Fisheries diplomacy: Liberia’s NaFAA chief J. Cyrus Saygbe wrapped a one-week Morocco visit focused on stock assessment, training, value addition, and landing-site development, with a cooperation agreement planned for July 2026. Conservation tech: In China’s Yangtze, researchers used an underwater drone and ROV to document three released endangered Chinese sturgeon at the Xianglutan spawning grounds, showing how robotics can reach hard-to-study habitats. Coastal heat impacts: Ghana’s Jamestown fisherfolk report worsening heat stress that cuts shifts short and forces improvised cooling while they mend nets and keep fishing. Animal welfare push: A salmon farming viewpoint argues welfare should be a core design principle in RAS, linking low stress to better stability and feed efficiency. Climate restoration: New research finds mangroves are rebounding globally, reversing decades of loss. Policy & funding: The U.S. House passed a FY2027 agriculture bill that includes another year of funding for USDA’s new Office of Seafood. Biosecurity enforcement: Norway’s Supreme Court upheld fines against Aller Aqua over a 2022 salmon escape. Shellfish trade controls: New Zealand fined Waimana Marine and Sollys Freight for moving mussels and oysters out of a parasite-controlled zone. Research & markets: NOAA launched CIFARM with $13.5M to expand U.S. seafood supply and sustainable aquaculture, with UH Hilo as a core partner. Emissions alternative fuel: Ireland’s trial found hydrotreated vegetable oil can cut fishing-vessel emissions versus diesel, though higher costs may slow adoption. Oyster ecosystem effects: A New York study reports farmed oysters can mix with and help breed wild populations in Long Island Sound. Sector strategy: Japan is reframing aquaculture as an export engine as domestic seafood demand declines.

Government Funding Push: New Zealand’s PM Christopher Luxon and Agri Minister Todd McClay announced $59m in six commercial projects (total $143m) across dairy, sheep and beef, horticulture, forestry, Māori land and aquaculture, plus up to $51m to speed farm tech adoption to cut emissions while lifting productivity. Export Pivot: Japan’s 2025 Fisheries White Paper reframes aquaculture as an export engine as domestic seafood demand keeps sliding, with aquaculture now about 60% of total production and exports hitting record value. Biosecurity Enforcement: New Zealand fined Waimana Marine $24,000 and a freight firm $15,000 for illegal movement of nearly 80 tonnes of live green-lipped mussels and thousands of pacific oysters, breaching controlled-area rules tied to bonamiosis. US Research Boost: NOAA launched CIFARM, a five-year aquaculture research and markets institute funded with $13.5m, with the University of Hawaiʻi as a core partner. Blue Economy Outreach: Cape Cod installed 37 new shellfish aquaculture education signs to help the public understand oyster farming and safe shoreline access. Tech & Trade: Chinese RAS equipment demand is rising in Algeria as investors seek faster, cheaper indoor tilapia production support. Feed Cost Pressure: Andhra Pradesh shrimp stakeholders met over rising feed prices, with calls for a transparent, science-based pricing mechanism. Ocean Governance: China marked the 10th anniversary of the Port State Measures Agreement and highlighted its role in fighting illegal fishing.

Seaweed for decarbonization: Ocean Visions launched a Seaweed-Based Products for Decarbonization roadmap, mapping the science, tech, and policy needed to scale seaweed beyond food and hydrocolloids into biofuels and other low-carbon uses. Jellyfish control for farms and coasts: Researchers at the University of Alicante unveiled an anchored floating buoy that uses electromagnetic fields to deter jellyfish, aiming to protect beaches, desalination intakes, and aquaculture facilities. EU market access for India: The EU added India to its authorized list to keep exporting aquaculture products, eggs, honey, and animal casings beyond September 2026 under an antimicrobial-resistance focused framework. Namibian salmon funding: A Namibia Atlantic salmon project in Lüderitz moved forward with a share underwriting agreement, backed by Norwegian export guarantees and consortium partners. Equipment demand signal: New market research projects the global aquaculture equipment market will nearly double to $37.1B by 2033, driven by automation and water management needs. Ghana aquaculture workforce push: Ghana’s Fisheries Commission is training Senior High School students through practical “Youth in Aquaculture” programs to build future talent and reduce fish import dependence. Ghana premix fuel accountability: Ghana’s Premix Fuel Secretariat recovered GH₵4.6M in previously unaccounted funds from a 2016–2024 audit tied to fishing-community development projects.

EU Market Access: India secured EU approval to keep exporting aquaculture products, eggs, honey and animal casings beyond September 2026 under amended AMR-linked rules, protecting about $1.59B in fisheries trade. Sector Crossroads: New analysis argues aquaculture’s next decade will hinge on balancing protein demand with sustainability limits, including species concentration and feed-related environmental shifts. Feed & Decarbonization: Skretting says it cut operational emissions 40% since 2018, but Scope 3 reductions now require coordinated action across the whole seafood supply chain. Local Production Boost: Philippines’ BFAR-1 backed Pangasinan milkfish and siganid growers with fry and equipment to expand output. Blue Economy Cooperation: Norway and ASEAN launched a blue economy project in Jakarta, pairing regional capacity-building with sustainable aquaculture and fisheries goals. Trade Tensions: Thailand is escalating its shrimp dispute with Malaysia to WTO/ASEAN forums after Malaysia suspended five Thai shrimp species and tightened sea bass testing. Governance & Research: NOAA announced CIFARM to expand aquaculture research and markets, while Ghana reaffirmed World Oceans Day commitments to curb IUU fishing and expand marine protected areas. Biosecurity Crackdown: Hyderabad authorities seized ~90 tonnes of illegal chicken waste allegedly diverted to aquaculture feed in Andhra Pradesh.

EU Market Access: India secured continued EU authorization for aquaculture products, honey, eggs and animal casings beyond September 2026 under tighter AMR-linked rules, protecting about $1.59B in fisheries trade. Feed & Inputs: Purdue ag engineers are advancing microbial anaerobic digestion to turn aquaculture sludge into renewable biofuel, while soybean meal demand is forecast to climb to $94.2B by 2031—key for aquaculture feed planning. Biosecurity & Vessels: Hofseth’s new low-emission hybrid vessels are now operational, designed to cut fuel use and CO₂ with battery power and shore power integration. Kelp Market Pressure: Alaska’s kelp farms face a market test as Build Back Better grant support ends, even as permit interest keeps rising. Enforcement & Safety: Hyderabad police seized 120 tonnes of poultry waste allegedly diverted for fish feeding, warning of health risks from untreated waste. Regional Policy: Azerbaijan expanded preferential loans to fisheries enterprises, including aquaculture equipment financing. Ocean Conditions: Malaysia warned diesel-cost pressure may slightly reduce fish output later this year as some deep-sea Zone C2 vessels cut operations.

Marine Heat Stress in West Africa: Ghana’s fishers report worsening heat that cuts trips short and raises health strain, as Gulf of Guinea marine heatwaves push fish stocks under pressure. Ocean Policy Push: A new UN-backed World Ocean Assessment warns the ocean’s climate, food, and jobs roles are under intensifying stress, with knock-on risks for global supply chains. Invasive Species Threat: Japan has recorded at least 112 non-native marine species since the late 1800s, with warming seas helping some spread—raising alarms for aquaculture die-offs. Aquaculture Scale-Up in India: ICAR-CMFRI and NFDB showcased ~4 tonnes of Indian pompano from a large 12-metre sea cage off Visakhapatnam, pointing to higher yields per crop. Hatchery Capacity Boost: BFAR turned over a P1.5M modified intensive tilapia hatchery in Tinoc, Ifugao, targeting 80,000–100,000 fingerlings monthly. Antibiotic Residues & AMR: Research from Pakistan’s Punjab finds higher market antibiotic residues than farms and links misuse to multi-drug resistant bacteria—fueling calls for tighter monitoring and rules. Blue Economy Governance: Kerala’s CM backs a port-led blue economy push, while KUFOS proposes a Kerala Blue Economy Council to coordinate fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal resilience. Drought Relief for Aquaculture SMEs (US): SBA disaster loans are available to eligible small businesses and nonprofits in multiple states, with support allowed for small aquaculture enterprises.

Invasive Species Watch: A new Japanese study flags at least 112 non-native marine species since the late 1800s, with many spreading north as warming seas favor them—some include parasites and pathogens that can hit farmed fish and shellfish. Aquaculture Innovation (India): Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies students launched a crab aquaculture startup, building crab feed plus CrabRAS water-quality management and mineral supplements to boost growth and survival. Open-Sea Farming Proof (India): Visakhapatnam researchers and partners showcased a record ~4 tonnes of Indian pompano from a large 12-metre sea cage, pointing to higher yields than typical smaller cages. Biosecurity & Antibiotics: Research from Punjab, Pakistan finds higher antibiotic residues in market fish than farm samples, with resistant bacteria detected—pushing calls for tighter residue monitoring and responsible drug use. Blue Economy Push (India): Andhra Pradesh’s CM announced an “aqua corridor” linking coastal hubs to speed aquaculture research, startups, and processing for export growth. EU Ocean Monitoring: The EU unveiled OceanEye, a $107M ocean observation push to track climate-driven risks—aimed at better protection for marine ecosystems.

Marine Cage Farming in India: ICAR-CMFRI and NFDB showcased Indian pompano harvests from a 12-metre sea cage at Visakhapatnam, reporting about 4 tonnes from one crop and pointing to up to 8 tonnes per crop with larger cages. Export Push for India’s Aquaculture: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged scaling seafood exports from $8.5B to $30B in five years, stressing quality and value-added products, while Andhra CM Naidu backed an “aqua corridor” and “pond to port” upgrades to strengthen aquaculture and processing. Shrimp Export Risk: A report flags rising rejection rates tied to banned antibiotic residues in shrimp as a threat to the trust behind India’s export rebound. Ocean Monitoring Investment: The EU announced OceanEye, a $107M ocean monitoring push, as climate-driven storms and heat intensify pressure on marine ecosystems. Aquaculture Policy & Governance: Kenya advanced its Marine Spatial Plan discussions on who gets access to the sea, with stakeholders debating zoning and fisheries priorities. Tech for Water Quality: Qingdao LuminSens expanded its OEM fluorescent water quality sensor offering for aquaculture and environmental monitoring, targeting faster, more reliable aquatic data. Local Expansion in Canada: Amar Seafood’s delayed fish farm expansion in Victoria, P.E.I., is expected to break ground by fall or spring after permits were finalized.

Seafood Export Push (India): Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urged India to scale seafood exports from $8.5B to $30B in five years, betting on higher production quality, value-added products, and new market access from nine recent free trade deals. Blue Economy & Aquaculture Expansion (Andhra Pradesh): CM N. Chandrababu Naidu backed an “aqua corridor” linking key coastal hubs and stressed “pond to port” upgrades, plus more processing capacity to lift India’s seafood competitiveness. Aquaculture Investment & Permitting (Canada): Amar Seafood’s delayed fish farm expansion in Victoria, P.E.I. is expected to break ground by fall or spring after regulators cleared the project. Wild Salmon Crisis (Scotland): A North Atlantic salmon summit highlighted record-low rod catches and pointed to pressures including climate change, overfishing, pollution, sea lice, and farm escape impacts. Biosecurity & Invasive Species (Japan): A study found at least 112 non-native species in Japanese waters since the late 1800s, with warming-linked spread raising risks for farmed fish and shellfish. Ocean Monitoring (EU): The EU announced OceanEye, a $107M push to expand ocean observation using drones and satellites as climate-driven storms intensify. Coastal Resilience (Indonesia): Indonesia’s Java north coast plan calls for hybrid defenses—mangrove restoration, groundwater control, and spatial planning—alongside seawall protection to safeguard fisheries and ports. Disaster Relief (U.S.): SBA opened low-interest drought loans for eligible Georgia small businesses and private nonprofits, with aquaculture enterprises included.

Seafood Exports Push: India’s Piyush Goyal says the country can jump seafood exports from $8.5B to $30B in five years by prioritizing quality, value-added products, and branding—backed by new free trade deals. Blue-Economy Infrastructure: Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu promises an “Aqua Corridor” linking key hubs and calls for more processing capacity, noting only about 12% of fish is processed today. Aquaculture Expansion in Canada: Amar Seafood’s stalled Victoria, P.E.I. fish farm expansion is set to break ground by fall or spring after permits were finalized and community concerns addressed. Farmed Fish Monitoring Tech: WellFish Tech says its salmon-farm monitoring tool is gaining regulatory clearance in Norway, aiming to improve mortality forecasting and proactive health management. Shellfish Under Climate Pressure: Virginia researchers team with shellfish farmers to study how ocean acidity affects calcium needed for shell growth, supported by NOAA funding. Disaster Relief for Aquaculture: The U.S. SBA opened low-interest drought loan applications, explicitly including eligible fish farms and marine operations. Regional Policy Coordination: Caribbean fisheries ministers approved a new five-year aquaculture action plan and focused on food security, climate resilience, and tackling IUU fishing.

Atlantic Health Watch: A report highlights Vibrio bacteria spreading along the Atlantic Coast, raising new concerns for coastal water monitoring and seafood safety. Big Investor Moves: New Zealand’s Ngai Tahu Investments is cutting its stake in Sanford from 19.9% to 10.3%, selling shares to raise about NZ$64.1m. Salmon Expansion: Shetland’s council has green-lit Cooke Scotland’s Vementry salmon farm, with plans for 10 pens and up to 1,350 tonnes maximum biomass. India Export Push: Andhra Pradesh and Union ministers opened a Visakhapatnam seafood exports workshop, with targets of USD 30bn exports in five years and more value-added, traceable products. Feed Innovation Funding: Innovafeed secured €51m to scale insect-based ingredients, aiming to support more sustainable aquaculture nutrition. Aquaculture Infrastructure: Greece launched a €6.1m tender to upgrade the Kato Pyrgos fishing shelter, including dredging and new quays. Biofertiliser From Fish Waste: Chennai’s CIBA developed fish-waste-derived products (CIBA-PlanktonPlus and CIBA-HortiPlus) to boost soil and aquaculture productivity. Regional Cooperation: CRFM ministers met to set fisheries and aquaculture priorities, including climate resilience and IUU action.

Policy & Governance: Venezuela’s fisheries and aquaculture leaders tied “productive graft” to protein supply, highlighting fishermen and aquaculturists’ councils as part of the Homeland Plan. Trade & Market Access: Japan reported record 2025 fishery exports at 423.1 billion yen, while Egypt won EU approval to export farmed fish products starting Q3 2026. Regional Cooperation: Caribbean ministers at CRFM’s 20th council meeting pushed aquaculture expansion, food security, climate/disaster resilience via insurance, and continued action against IUU fishing. Feed & Tech: Singapore unveiled an aquafeed feed-technology centre (F2TC) for tropical marine species, and a new land-based trout farm began operations, targeting 3,000 tonnes/year. Sustainability & Environment: Tulane research says mangrove forests are shifting to net global recovery, and NOAA-linked warming plus El Niño risks are raising pressure on kelp and reefs. Funding & Support: Togo launched a revolving fund to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates start fish farms, and Malaysia earmarked RM25m to offset rising agri input costs for farmers and aquaculture entrepreneurs. Compliance & Safety: India moved to tighten enforcement after banned antibiotic residues triggered shrimp export rejections.

Funding Push for Aquaculture Entrepreneurs (Togo): The EU and AED backed a €1m revolving fund (about 655 million CFA francs) to help IFAD-Aquaculture graduates launch and scale fish farming, with repayments recycled for new cohorts. SME Support Call (Togo): ADTPME opened applications to back 50 agro-industrial micro and small businesses, explicitly including tilapia and catfish farming, plus equipment upgrades and market access. Policy Uncertainty Hits Salmon (Canada): B.C. salmon operators say they’re stuck waiting on Ottawa’s final Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan, which would steer open-net farming toward closed containment by 2029—raising fears of investment pullback. New Farm Starts in Singapore: Blue Aqua International’s first land-based trout farm began operations, targeting 1,200 tonnes this year and ramping to 3,000 tonnes by 2028. Aquaculture Investment Boost (Greece): Greece approved 105 aquaculture projects worth €131m, with €87m in public funding, aiming for 5% annual production growth. Feed and Tech R&D (Singapore): A new Singapore testbed led by SFA and SIT targets better fish feed and marine tilapia output, with €6.3m earmarked. Regional Growth Snapshot (Turkey): Turkey’s 2025 fishery output rose 11.1%, with aquaculture driving 60.4% of total production.

Aquaculture Investment: Greece approved 105 new aquaculture projects worth €131M (with €87M in public funding), aiming for 5% average annual production growth while also flagging ongoing concerns around abandoned fish farms. Feed & Tech Push: Singapore is backing a new fish-feed R&D testbed led by the Singapore Food Agency and S’IT to boost productivity and marine tilapia output, while AquaCulture Pro launched a free FCR and harvest projection calculator for pond farmers. Seaweed & Siting Scrutiny: Pew urged NOAA to strengthen Alaska seaweed farming planning by using better baseline data, assessing cumulative impacts, and ensuring meaningful Tribal engagement. Food Safety & Trade Tensions: Malaysia suspended imports of five Thai shrimp species and tightened sea bass testing from June 1, as U.S. Sen. Tuberville pressed certification groups over FDA safety alerts tied to radioactive imported shrimp. Funding for Operators: The SBA approved drought-related Economic Injury Disaster Loans in Virginia and Georgia, noting aquaculture enterprises are eligible. Regional Growth Moves: Cameroon opened its aquaculture trade show and signed a Kribi port-zone partnership to attract investors and expand the fish value chain.

Ornamental Fish Boom: Kelantan’s ornamental fish sector topped RM8M in production value (2023–2025) with 468,673 fish output, led by guppies, bettas and mollies, and officials urged more youth to enter the low-capital breeding market. AI for Aquaculture Monitoring: Florida Atlantic University researchers used underwater crunching sounds from shell-crushing eagle rays to train an acoustic system that can detect predation events—aiming to better track pressure on shellfish that matter for water quality and farming. Marine Protection Push (Ireland): Ireland reaffirmed plans to protect 30% of its maritime area by 2030, backed by INFOMAR mapping work and EU LIFE funding. Feed & Farm Productivity: AquaCulture Pro launched a free FCR and harvest projection calculator for pond farmers, while Singapore is setting up a feed R&D center to improve nutrition for barramundi, snapper and shrimp. Trade Tensions (Shrimp/Sea Bass): Malaysia suspended five Thai shrimp species and tightened sea bass testing, raising the risk of supply gluts and farmer revenue hits in Thailand. Blue Economy & Jobs: Japan and Sri Lanka agreed on technical employment pathways for fisheries graduates, and Zanzibar is pitching investment in ports, processing and aquaculture to scale seaweed and marine exports. Regional Governance: SADC renewed its fisheries surveillance board leadership and called for urgent coordinated action to protect food security amid climate and supply shocks. Eel Farming Breakthrough (Japan): Japan began trial sales of fully farmed eels to reduce reliance on wild juveniles.

Regional Enforcement: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board in Maputo, with priorities including the Regional Register of Fishing Vessels and cutting donor reliance. Water Pollution Crackdown: China’s procuratorate launched a yearlong public campaign targeting Yangtze River pollution, with focus on agricultural and aquaculture waste and illegal dumping. Bilateral Aquaculture Push: India and New Zealand discussed a possible MoU to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture cooperation, including IUU action, biosecurity, and seed research. Shrimp Investment Talks: Venezuela and Indonesia explored investment and technical visits to expand shrimp farming in Venezuelan states including Zulia, Falcón and Sucre. Permitting & Public Input: Ireland opened an 8-week public consultation on a salmon aquaculture and foreshore licence application for Inver Bay, Co. Donegal (T12-096). On-the-Ground Compliance: Ghana arrested two inshore operators at Tema Harbour for operating without valid licences and using unapproved gear. Business & Production: US land-based salmon producer Superior Fresh is set for its first commercial harvest at the former AquaBounty facility in Indiana. Funding for Farm Tech: India’s shrimp platform Aquapulse raised Rs 45 crore to expand disease management, procurement, and export operations. Disaster Relief: SBA disaster loans were announced for drought-affected South Carolina small businesses and private nonprofits, with aquaculture enterprises eligible.