AGP Executive Report

Trade War Ripple: Canada says it will retaliate “dollar for dollar” against new US 50% tariffs, with duties starting Sept. 8 on steel, electronics and other goods—hitting sectors that include dairy, fishing rods and hockey equipment—after talks collapsed between the longtime allies. Policy Meets Food Systems: In Apec talks, the US is pushing an “America First” agenda and says it will focus on opportunities for US business in agriculture and fisheries, alongside energy, transport and food security. Aquaculture Innovation: Scotland’s first onshore fish farm, Otter Ferry Seafish, is scaling halibut production on land with filtered seawater to reduce parasites and escapes, and is now seeking partnerships to keep growth “sea-to-plate” at home. Industry Pressure: At Ferguson Marine, unions warn the Scottish government’s promised funding has stalled, as the yard seeks major voluntary redundancies amid uncertainty over new vessel contracts.

Trade & Tariffs: Canada and the U.S. have failed to seal a deal, triggering new 50% U.S. tariffs on about $20B of Canadian goods and prompting Ottawa to retaliate “dollar for dollar” starting Sept. 8, with sectors named including dairy, steel, electronics—and fishing rods and hockey equipment. Aquaculture & Fisheries Policy: Sri Lanka is launching a programme to tighten management of its shark fishing industry, saying sharks are mainly taken as by-catch and that exports of legally permitted products (fins, gills, jaws, skin) must meet international conservation standards. Blue Economy & Training: A new Blue Economy Centre of Excellence in Andhra Pradesh will focus on sustainable ocean use, coastal conservation, ocean tech and skills, with links to ocean observation and research partners. Food Safety: A study in Egypt flags heavy-metal risks in commonly eaten fish sold in markets, testing mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium across multiple species. Wildlife & Coasts: Giant Atlantic bluefin tuna have returned to Yorkshire waters after ~60 years, with researchers tagging fish off Whitby as fisheries management is credited for the comeback.

Aquaculture & Seafood Markets: Inshore fishermen in Donegal say margins are tightening as fuel, bait and shellfish prices rise, even as high-quality soft-shell crab is shipped live to China and lobster to France. Feed & Protein Debate: A new wave of “protein everywhere” products is drawing scrutiny from researchers, who warn that extra protein won’t build muscle without lifestyle changes. Regulation & Water Quality: A Washington court upheld science-based headwater stream protections, preserving forested buffers that help keep waters cool and clean for salmon and other aquatic life. Industry & Policy Pressure: South Africa’s coal and oil expansion faces fresh legal pushback over environmental impacts on children and future generations. Trade Shock: The US and Canada move into a tariff standoff, with 50% duties hitting Canadian goods and Canada promising dollar-for-dollar retaliation—raising uncertainty for seafood and other exports. Aquaculture in the Spotlight: A film teaser for Chiranjeevi’s “Kaaka” highlights the seafood and aquaculture workplace, bringing the sector into mainstream attention.

Aquaculture Training & Capacity Building: A Norwegian-funded “Samaki Poa” project in East Africa has set up five training and distribution hubs in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, helping aquaculture entrepreneurs scale sustainable seafood production and access quality fingerlings. Fisheries Management & Whale Risk: Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife rolled out two new Dungeness crab rules—electronic monitoring for commercial crab vessels and updated experimental gear permit guidelines—to cut whale entanglements. Tuna Governance Push: Businesses and environmental NGOs are urging the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission to adopt its first-ever tuna management procedures at its 24 August meeting, aiming for clearer harvest strategies for tropical tuna stocks. Lobster Food Web Insight: University of Maine researchers found baby lobster larvae preferentially feed on Calanus finmarchicus, while both the prey and larval survival appear to be declining in the Gulf of Maine—new clues for Maine lobster recovery efforts. Agri-Food Policy: Malaysia says it will expand local seed and breed production using modern biotechnology to reduce seed import dependency by 30% by 2040.

Microplastics in seafood (Ghana): CSIR-WRI reports microplastics in the guts and gills of both cage-farmed and wild fish from the Lower Volta Basin and Gulf of Guinea coastal communities, with some samples averaging about 365 particles per fish; researchers point to possible sources like boat/cage paint and PVC, plus contaminated fishmeal and plastic nets—raising fresh food-safety concerns for aquaculture and wild fisheries. Blue economy push (India): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay urged the Southern Zonal Council to put maritime growth at the center of regional planning, linking ports, coastal shipping, fisheries and marine industries to investment and jobs. Fisheries adaptation (Pacific tuna): A UNSW-led program is expanding “ships of opportunity” ocean temperature sensing on commercial tuna vessels to help Pacific fishers and managers track shifting tuna behavior as waters warm. Aquaculture-linked visitor management (Hong Kong): AFCD will run free weekend and holiday trial reservations for the Po Pin Chau section of High Island Reservoir East Dam to manage visitor flow—relevant for coastal recreation pressures near water resources.

Salmon & feed outlook: Lerøy says Q2 operational EBIT fell to NOK 574m as harvest volumes and margins softened, but it points to strong biology, lower farming costs and improved cash flow, keeping 2026 harvest guidance at 195,000 GWT and flagging expectations for firmer salmon demand and prices. Cold-water training: Khyber Aquaculture partnered with India’s Jammu & Kashmir Department of Fisheries to train trout farmers under a trout cluster program, focusing on fish health, biosecurity, water quality and proactive disease prevention. Fishmeal squeeze: IFFO reports weak fishmeal and fish oil output as El Niño disrupts fisheries, with Peru’s anchovy season largely inactive after repeated closures, threatening global marine-ingredient supply. Policy pressure on forage fish: A U.S. debate over the Atlantic menhaden fishery is getting national attention, with industry pushing back on NGO claims about environmental impacts and calling for management changes. Aquaculture support on the ground: Maine’s Aquaculture Innovation Center highlights business incubators and funding tools for new and growing aquaculture firms, including hatchery and best-practice development for scallops. School feeding push: Arkansas launched a catfish recipe contest to get locally farm-raised catfish into school lunches via the Arkansas Plate initiative.

Aquaculture Tech & Health: Hamburg-based AquaNab is pushing nanoantibody treatments delivered via feed to tackle sea lice, aiming to complete efficacy testing and move toward commercialisation as the parasite continues to hit salmon farms worldwide. Food Processing & Exports: Bangladesh Agricultural University researchers say they’ve developed modern canning tech for kuchia (eel) fish, with lab tests in India reporting results that support safe, long-shelf-life export potential. Policy & Industry Growth: Pakistan’s maritime ministry is drafting a National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy to unlock up to $10bn, including a “one-window” service model to cut red tape for investors. Fisheries Governance: Ghana has been named a Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) Implementing Country, a move meant to improve public access to marine fisheries information and strengthen stakeholder participation. Livelihoods vs Renewables: Scotland’s Fishermen’s Federation is calling for long-term compensation for fishers whose grounds are squeezed by offshore wind expansion. Local Aquaculture Capacity: Kenya says it will import about 25 million bags of maize to cover drought-driven shortfalls, underscoring pressure on food systems that also affects aquaculture feed and farm inputs.

Salmon Market Push: AquaChile says it wants about 40% of Vietnam’s frozen salmon market within 1–3 years, building on fast-growing demand and Chilean supply. Sustainability Certification: Chile’s four-year Clean Production Agreement has certified 19 salmon firms and 80 facilities, covering emissions cuts, waste recovery and circular practices. Enforcement Spotlight: Canada’s DFO seized lobster traps and arrested suspects in Nova Scotia, releasing 491 live lobsters; it also recently targeted alleged illegal cod sales outside licensed systems. Processor Restructuring: New Brunswick seafood processor Island Fishermen’s Cooperative Association filed for creditor protection to restructure after debts topped CAD 25 million. Bluefin Milestone: A 742-pound bluefin tuna was landed off Whitby for the first time in about 90 years, with a trainee onboard. Policy & Food Security: Malaysia’s agriculture ministry is urging more domestic production to cut reliance on imported inputs like fertiliser, citing lessons from recent geopolitical shocks. Marine Stewardship: New Zealand’s boat and fishing expo highlights responsible boating, sustainable fishing and marine conservation.

Aquaculture & Fisheries Policy: Kentucky’s Fish and Wildlife Commission advanced proposed changes to deer hunting seasons and requirements, plus disease monitoring steps for the 2026 hunting season, with updates moving through the state’s regulatory process. Marine Safety & Waste: Fiji launched a US$1m effort to remove 17 high-risk derelict vessels from Suva Harbour, pairing cleanup work with legal and regulatory reforms to prevent future abandonment. Climate Pressure on Seafood: Scientists warn warming seas around Ireland and parts of Europe could disrupt marine ecosystems, threaten fisheries, worsen algal blooms and raise public health risks. Aquaculture Business Growth: New Zealand fast-tracks an open-ocean salmon farm, signaling continued push to scale aquaculture revenue. Sustainable Protein & Feed: Ever After Foods expands cultivated-protein operations after acquiring Fishway, aiming to grow integrated food production tech. Regulatory Tech for Aquaculture: DMR launched an electronic application system for aquaculture leases, aiming to streamline approvals. Seafood Market Signals: Sealord rolled out “Skipper” seafood-only pet food in New Zealand and key Asian markets, using fish waste into nutritionally complete pet products.

Aquaculture Tech & Feed Safety: Malaysia is pushing halal postbiotic ingredients made from local resources (durian and cabbage) into healthcare, agriculture, livestock and aquaculture, aiming to cut antibiotic reliance and support food safety. Tilapia Expansion: Malaysia’s Fisheries Department backed a Klang tilapia project using ARC Berkat biofloc tech under PPAN, highlighting modern, land- and water-efficient production as tilapia scales to thousands of farmers. Regulatory Modernization: Maine’s Department of Marine Resources launched an electronic aquaculture lease application system to streamline experimental and standard lease filings, with other lease types to follow. Krill Fishery Warning: The Antarctic krill fishery shut early for a second year as vessels hit a trigger catch limit, raising alarms about concentrated effort in key feeding areas and the need for stronger protection. Seafood Markets & Jobs: Alaska’s Bristol Bay preliminary 2027 sockeye outlook points to more fish but potentially smaller sizes, with major downstream effects for processors and jobs. Trade Pressure on Seafood Inputs: Canada is bracing for new up-to-50% U.S. tariffs that could hit a range of goods including fishing rods, adding uncertainty for fisheries-linked supply chains. Community Support for Seafood Economy: A Southwest Florida dining fundraiser (Sizzle Dining) is expanding to a full September month, with proceeds supporting food-insecure children—bolstering local demand for seafood and restaurant activity. Blue Economy Research Calls: Nigeria’s NIMENA opened submissions for blue economy and marine engineering research journals, including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture topics. Pinniped Policy Debate: A U.S. bill would expand authority to kill seals and sea lions to protect endangered salmon, but critics argue it misses the root causes of salmon decline.

Aquaculture Finance: Philippines banks boosted lending to agriculture, fisheries and rural development to P3.1T in June, hitting 89.76% of loanable funds and marking the strongest compliance since Sept 2025. Ornamental Fish Boom: In Patuakhali, Bangladesh, youth entrepreneur Meherab Emon turned ornamental fish breeding into a home-based business earning over Tk 100,000 a month. Salmon Welfare Crackdown: UK regulators issued warning letters to Highland salmon farms over alleged animal welfare breaches, including fish suffocation and inadequate killing methods. Cultivated Seafood Deal: Ever After Foods raised $2M and acquired Belgium’s Fishway, aiming first at cultivated protein ingredients for premium pet food. Marine Access Enforcement: California arrested two commercial fishermen for fishing inside the Swamis State Marine Conservation Area, seizing catch and proceeds. Wild Salmon/Seafood Supply Pressure: China’s South China Sea fishing moratorium ended, with thousands of vessels resuming and authorities expecting major seafood returns. Policy Watch: Fiji warned farmers not to rush into agarwood farming, saying local agarwood production still needs proof through trials.

Mariculture expansion: The Maldives Fisheries Ministry has designated 10 new zones for mariculture, adding sites across Thaa, Meemu, Faafu, Dhaalu and Gaafu Alifu at a time when the government is pushing the sector toward major revenue growth. Illegal fishing pressure: New UBC research warns coastal communities can’t rely on seasonal catch alone as illegal and unreported fishing remains a systemic feature of the seafood economy, cutting into local incomes and jobs. Somalia–China trade boost: Somalia is set to start duty-free fish exports to China next month under a new agreement, with hopes for jobs and investment in cold storage and processing—though food-safety and infrastructure gaps remain. Bangladesh fish reality check: Despite being a top fish producer, Bangladesh still imports large volumes to meet demand and processing needs, highlighting how supply gaps and variety drive imports. Policy risk for fisheries: A U.S. conservation group is suing over an expanded federal grazing plan, arguing it could harm protected wildlife habitat—an indirect but important pressure point for land-and-water ecosystems tied to fishing.

Aquaculture Infrastructure Boost: Kyrgyzstan is nearing completion of a Regional Center for Aquaculture and Fish Farming in the Issyk-Kul region, built with support from the Republic of Korea, aiming to bring modern fish-farming tech and strengthen cross-border cooperation. Fish Health Alarm: South Africa’s West Coast sardine die-offs are under urgent review after pilchard herpesvirus genetic material was detected in both dead and some apparently healthy sardines; officials say toxins don’t point to a single cause and are now looking at stressors like harmful algae, low oxygen, and unusual ocean conditions. Coastal Erosion Pressure: Nigeria’s Ayetoro community is being steadily swallowed by the Atlantic, with coastline retreat averaging 15 meters per year (1987–2022), threatening homes, livelihoods, and local fisheries. Waterway Risk for Fisheries: Chennai’s Kosasthalaiyar river fish kill has sparked protests from fishermen who blame contaminated industrial discharge via the Buckingham Canal, demanding action to protect the river-estuary ecosystem. Dam Safety Scrutiny: In Maine, a Penobscot River dam shutdown has renewed calls for tougher oversight of Brookfield Renewable’s Ripogenus Dam after catastrophic impacts on juvenile landlocked salmon. Food Safety Enforcement: Karnataka launched a major statewide food safety crackdown on hostels, hotels, dhabas and warehouses, issuing fines and seizing unsafe food—relevant for seafood supply chains too.

Aquaculture Policy & Trade: The Philippines’ BFAR is moving toward electronic catch certification to boost traceability for exports and help curb IUU fishing, with a public consultation held in General Santos City. Aquaculture Tech: Maine researchers are testing a solar-powered floating oyster system that automates basket handling and targets up to 125,000 oysters per year from a small raft. Aquaculture Finance & Planning: Malaysia’s Sabah is putting marine and aquaculture into Budget 2027 planning, using outcome-based funding to expand downstream processing and supply chains. Fish Health Watch: South Africa’s Western Cape sardine die-off is under investigation after pilchard herpesvirus genetic material was detected in lab tests, though officials say it’s not yet proven the virus caused the deaths. Food & Water Risk: Illinois has become the first state in the Great Lakes and Mississippi watersheds to classify nurdle spills as pollution, requiring reporting and runoff prevention plans.

Aquaculture & Fisheries: Ennore fisherfolk in Tamil Nadu staged a road blockade after mass fish deaths in the Kosasthalaiyar river, alleging chemical waste discharge and demanding government visits and support for livelihoods. Aquaculture Management: An aquaculture specialist warns fish farmers to prepare for El Niño by cutting stocking density, using deeper pond water, prioritizing daily aeration and oxygen checks, and reducing feed during hot conditions. Seafood Supply & Livelihoods: In Ilocos Norte, BFAR Region 1 turned over a 62-foot tuna handline vessel plus catcher boats, gear, and training to help fishermen reach farther offshore waters with better safety and catch reporting. Policy & Infrastructure: Sindh’s chief minister ordered a bankable PPP plan to transform Keti Bandar into a modern deep-sea port and integrated economic corridor, with phased development including fisheries, logistics, energy, and tourism. Food Prices & Markets: Nepal’s Kalimati market set wholesale prices for key produce (tomatoes, potatoes, onions, vegetables), signaling near-term cost pressures for households and traders. Shellfish Industry Spotlight: Ireland’s Réalt na Mara Shellfish highlights an oyster-and-mussel operation built by multiple generations, with farm tours and direct-to-consumer sales.

Bycatch policy fight in Alaska: A new “Fighting for Alaska Fisheries” push is reviving debate over bycatch and bottom-trawl rules, with trawl interests reportedly staying quiet this time—while earlier bill drafts triggered backlash. Fisheries support in the Philippines: BFAR Region 1 handed Ilocos Norte fisher groups a 62-foot tuna handline vessel plus catcher boats and gear, aiming to expand offshore access and boost income. Coral heat protection in Florida: Teams in the Florida Keys are moving nursery-grown elkhorn and staghorn corals to cooler, deeper waters to prevent repeat bleaching after the 2023 heatwave. Sardine mass-death probe: South Africa’s DFFE detected pilchard herpesvirus in dead sardines on the West Coast, but says the virus alone may not explain the die-off as investigators test for environmental triggers. Ghost gear spotlight (Cornwall): Divers rescued two bull huss sharks trapped in a lost crab pot, underscoring the need for better reporting and recovery of abandoned fishing gear. El Niño risk for food systems: NOAA forecasts a very strong El Niño later in 2026, raising alarms for rainfall and water impacts across Latin America.