Indonesia is actively developing tuna farming as part of its efforts to bolster the aquaculture sector and reduce pressure on the world’s largest marine tuna fisheries. As the leading tuna-catching nation, accounting for approximately 16% of the global tuna supply, Indonesia has realized the unsustainability of intensive fishing practices in its waters.

To address this issue, the Indonesian fisheries ministry has implemented various measures to ensure sustainable tuna production. These measures include the introduction of harvest controls, species monitoring in specific fishing areas, management of fish-aggregating devices, and encouragement of international-standard sustainability certification for fishers. Building on these efforts, the ministry is now exploring the establishment of tuna farms in the country’s bays.

Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized the potential benefits of developing tuna farming in Indonesia during a press conference in Legian, Bali. He explained that instead of relying solely on mass tuna catches, the country could opt to catch them and then cultivate them for a specific period. This approach would provide economic added value to the tuna while meeting the protein demands of consumers.

Sakti mentioned that farming tuna in sea pens would require different skills and techniques compared to traditional fishing methods. He sought guidance from a fisheries expert in Turkey and expressed his intention to consult with experts from Australia on tuna-farming techniques. The Turkish expert highlighted Indonesia’s potential to become the world’s largest tuna-farming country.

Indonesia’s abundant bays, particularly in the eastern parts of the country, offer promising sites for tuna farming. Locations such as Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara province and Morotai in Maluku province have been identified as potential areas for tuna farms. The waters surrounding Indonesia’s 17,000 islands serve as important fishing grounds for albacore, yellowfin, bigeye, and southern bluefin tuna, while other regions are crucial spawning grounds for these species.

The Indonesian tuna fishery plays a vital role in the livelihoods of coastal communities and serves as a significant food source for consumers worldwide. In 2021, the country produced 791,000 metric tons of caught tuna, valued at 22 trillion rupiah ($1.5 billion). The majority of exports, totaling 174,764 metric tons valued at over 10.6 trillion rupiah (more than $710 million), were sent to the United States, Japan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, Australia, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines.

The government is also pushing for more sustainable certification and eco-labeling of tuna fisheries in Indonesia. Certification schemes ensure that fish stocks are sustainable, environmental impacts are minimized, labor rights are respected, supply chains are transparent and traceable, and management follows best practices.

President Joko Widodo instructed the fisheries ministry to enhance the country’s aquaculture productivity at the start of his second term in 2019. Indonesia is among the top global producers in aquaculture, which has seen a remarkable 527% growth from 1990 to 2018. In the third quarter of 2021, the country’s aquaculture output reached 12.25 million metric tons, representing a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2020. The aquaculture sector contributed approximately $1.94 million in non-tax state revenue by November 2021, surpassing the target of $1.39 million set by the ministry.

The original article pre-edited is available at Mongabay.com.

To reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, it’s important to create sustainable rechargeable batteries for storing renewable energy. Aqueous rechargeable batteries, like Zn-metal batteries, are promising because they are safe, charge quickly, eco-friendly, use readily available materials, and are cost-effective. However, Zn-metal batteries face challenges such as the growth of unwanted structures called dendrites, corrosion, and hydrogen production during the charging process, which can lead to poor battery performance and failure. Crab shells could be the solution.

Issues occur because the deposition of Zn is not well regulated, and conventional electrolytes contain a lot of water. Various attempts have been made to tackle these problems by adjusting the electrolyte, including using high-salt “water-in-salt” electrolytes, additives, or organic electrolytes. However, these approaches sacrifice the conductivity or safety of the battery.

In a study lead by Liangbing Hu, at the university of Maryland, researchers propose a chitosan-Zn gel electrolyte as a solution for high-speed and long-lasting Zn-metal batteries. Chitosan is an environmentally friendly and biodegradable material derived from chitin, which is abundant in crab and other crustacean shells.  When combined with a poly organic cathode, the Zn-metal batteries achieve high capacity, stable cycling, and the ability to safely scale up to large capacity batteries. Additionally, the chitosan-Zn electrolyte is safe and biodegradable, making it suitable for environmentally friendly Zn-metal batteries.

Overall, the chitosan-Zn electrolyte offers high-performance capabilities for Zn-metal batteries while using sustainable and biodegradable crab shells. This contributes to the development of green and sustainable energy storage solutions.

According to the latest information from Urner Barry, the crab meat market has remained stable and firm in July, with prices increasing, particularly for the larger grades such as colossal, jumbo lump, and super lump. These grades experienced price hikes during the first week of July.

Comparing the current price quotations for jumbo lump to the 5-year average, the market is currently 9.4 percent higher. However, compared to last year, the market for blue jumbo lump meat has seen a 6.5 percent decrease.

Market participants are closely monitoring the price trends, which resemble those observed in 2021. Given the current supply situation, the market may not stabilize just yet.

The impact of COVID has significantly affected this situation, causing logistical and shipping challenges from Asia to the U.S., resulting in longer lead times. In 2022, declining prices persisted throughout the year, hampering importers’ ability to replenish their inventories. However, in 2023, inventories improved, and certain grades became scarce, leading to increased demand. Consequently, the market experienced rapid price increases over the past four months.

Imports have begun to rise this month, surpassing the three-year average for the first time in 10 months. Indonesia and Venezuela are at the forefront of this increase, with month-over-month growth rates of 16 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

On a year-to-date basis, the crab meat market continues to decline, down 34 percent overall. Indonesia, which holds a 46.6 percent market share, has witnessed a 30 percent decrease in crab meat imports this year. Other major producing regions, such as Venezuela, the Philippines, and Vietnam, have also experienced negative year-to-date numbers, with declines of 24 percent, 60 percent, and 36.5 percent, respectively.

Currently, we are in the peak demand period for the Mid-Atlantic region, with summer in full swing and vacationers flocking to beaches and resort areas. However, caution remains among market participants, and reports indicate that crab meat is being taken off menus in non-beach areas. The market will be closely monitored as we enter the second half of summer.

The Canadian Snow Crab Season has come to a close, and although the Gulf of St. Lawrence successfully reached nearly 100% of their quota, the FFAW issued a warning last week indicating that harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador would likely fall short of landing their entire quota.

Harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador faced a six-week hiatus due to disagreements over pricing, resulting in a significant delay. They have now been back on the water for five weeks, but according to preliminary data from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), as of June 11, they have only harvested 27% of their quota. The DFO reports that there are still 40,057 metric tons of snow crab remaining in the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The likelihood of achieving the full quota this year is diminishing, with nearly 70% of license holders believing that they will not have the opportunity to harvest their complete quotas this season. In contrast, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as of June 13th in the Maritimes Region, has almost reached their full quota, while CFA 23-24W has landed less than 47% of their quota, leaving 3,911.863 metric tons still unharvested.

With the Canadian Snow Crab attracting attention in the seafood industry and whether shortages will begin to occur later in the year or prices will increase for Canadian product, alternative snow crab species from Japan (Chionoecetes angulatus) and Korea (Chionoecetes japonicus) are gaining popularity. These species offer a delicious product and excellent value as alternatives to the Canadian Snow Crab.

The original article pre-edited is available at SeafoodNews.com.

A recent study published in the European Journal of Nutrition has shown that regularly consuming seafood is associated with a reduced risk of cardiometabolic disease. The research, titled “Prospective associations between diet quality, dietary components, and risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in older British men,” was part of a 20-year initiative to investigate the prevalence of cardiometabolic issues among older populations globally. The study was conducted to aid the World Health Organization (WHO) in monitoring cardiovascular disease rates in the U.K.

The study focused on men aged 60 to 79 and found that those who included seafood in their diet once or twice a week had a lower likelihood of developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks.

While the study did not reveal significant associations between overall dietary patterns, quality, or composition and the risk of developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases, it did observe that increased consumption of seafood and fish was linked to a decreased risk of an initial cardiometabolic disease progressing into a multimorbidity condition. In other words, men who experienced one cardiometabolic issue, such as type 2 diabetes, a heart attack, or a stroke, were less likely to see their condition worsen if they consumed seafood regularly.

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Furthermore, the study indicated that adhering to a Mediterranean diet is also associated with a lower risk of acute myocardial infarction, type 2 diabetes, and strokes. Additionally, individuals who consumed higher quantities of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and seafood had a reduced risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, according to the findings of the study.

The original article pre-edited is available at Seafoodsource.com.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) anticipates an increased likelihood of El Niño throughout the remaining year, which would bring contrasting effects on weather and climate patterns compared to the preceding three-year period dominated by La Niña. Currently, the tropical Pacific is in an ENSO-neutral state, with neither El Niño nor La Niña prevailing. The potential arrival of El Niño could contribute to higher global temperatures.

The probability of transitioning to El Niño rises from 60% between May and July to 80% from July to September. However, information regarding the duration and intensity of this El Niño event is currently unavailable. In 2016, the combination of the previous El Niño event and human-induced warming resulted in the warmest year on record. Since the full impact typically takes a year to manifest, the complete consequences of this potential El Niño event may not be fully evident until 2024.

El Niño’s influence on weather patterns is extensive, causing droughts in Indonesia and Southern Asia while increasing rainfall in the Southern United States. Additionally, it can fuel the development of powerful hurricanes and have lasting effects on marine life. The severity and duration of the event will determine the extent of extreme weather occurrences and its impact on the ocean ecosystem.
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The snow crab harvest in Newfoundland and Labrador has entered its third week, with some improvements seen in the catch price and the smooth operation of processing plants. Jeff Loder, the executive director of the Association of Seafood Producers, stated that the readiness of producers contributed to the smooth start. Out of the province’s 22 crab processing plants, 20 are currently in operation, and thousands of people have returned to work both on the water and on land. Approximately 11 percent of the quota, which is around 54,000 metric tons, has been processed so far.

Market conditions have also improved, leading to an increase in the minimum catch price from $2.20 to $2.25 per pound, which will take effect on Sunday. Loder expressed hope for further price increases, emphasizing the importance of sharing the value created by the snow crab fishery according to existing agreements.

However, tensions between the Association of Seafood Producers and the Fish, Food & Allied Workers union continue to simmer. Some unresolved issues include trip limits for fishing vessels, changes in the policy regarding smaller crab, and allegations of discrimination against the under-40 fleet by some companies. Trip limits and other matters are being discussed, and federal fisheries officers are enforcing the trip limits specified in licenses.

There have been reports of delays for harvesters waiting several days before returning to the fishing grounds after landing their catch, which raises concerns about whether the entire quota can be caught this year. The FFAW-Unifor union is focused on ensuring a fair chance for all participants in the harvest and is engaging in talks over the weekend. The union opposes the decision to reduce the tolerance level for smaller crab with shells under four inches. Previously, harvesters were paid the minimum price even if up to 20 percent of their catch fell under this category. However, this year a 30-cent penalty will be applied to all crab under four inches.

Regarding allegations of discrimination against the under-40 fleet, Loder denied the claims and emphasized that every harvester could not go fishing on the first day. He stated that there has been no discrimination and requested a more respectful conversation.

This year’s snow crab harvest in Newfoundland and Labrador has faced significant challenges and tensions due to disagreements over revenue sharing and collapsing markets. The fishery was initially scheduled to begin in early April but was delayed as harvesters refused to untie their boats after the price-setting panel established a lower arbitrated price of $2.20 per pound, compared to previous years with higher prices.

The original article pre-edited is available at SeafoodNews.com.

The snow crab fishing season in Newfoundland and Labrador was delayed due to unsuccessful negotiations between the Fish, Food & Allied Workers (FFAW) and the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP). However, after weeks of standstill, the FFAW’s Snow Crab Bargaining Committee reluctantly agreed to sign off on a final offer from ASP to start the crab fishery for the 2023 season.

Under the agreement, the fishery will begin at a minimum price of $2.20, as set by the Standing Fish Price Setting Panel. However, the agreement includes incremental increases tied to the Urner Barry (UB) price. If the UB price increases to $4.85, the price will move up to $2.25. If the UB price increases to $4.95, the price will be $2.30. If UB price increases to $5.50 and $6.00, the prices will be $2.60 and $2.75, respectively. If the UB price surpasses $6.01, there will be reconsideration. It’s important to note that this agreement is valid only for the 2023 season and is without prejudice.

“In a press release, FFAW President Greg Pretty expressed the Committee’s discontent with the signing of the deal, stating, ‘Nobody on the Committee is happy to be signing this deal today.’ He emphasized the extensive efforts undertaken by the Committee, consisting of numerous volunteer hours, to seek a more favorable outcome for harvesters. The industry’s prolonged standstill of over six weeks presented immense challenges on multiple fronts. Despite the hope for market improvements in recent weeks, these expectations did not materialize, ultimately cornering the Committee into the agreement.

Furthermore, FFAW disclosed that the agreement with ASP was contingent upon Premier Furey’s public commitment to overhaul the final offer selection process and work towards a formula before the 2024 season.

The Standing Fish Price Setting Panel, established in 2006, holds the responsibility of annually identifying fish species for collective bargaining in consultation with stakeholders. It plays a crucial role in collecting and disseminating market information, defining negotiation parameters, facilitating collective bargaining, conducting hearings, and serving as an arbitration panel when necessary to set fish prices in cases of disagreement. The Panel comprises three members, including a chairperson appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor, a member representing the certified bargaining agent appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor, and a member representing the processors’ organization.

The Panel conducts hearings on various species in the absence of binding agreements, including halibut, crab, lobster, spring shrimp, lumproe, whelk, cod, sea cucumber, turbot, capelin, summer shrimp, herring, squid, mackerel, and fall shrimp. Snow crab is one of the most contentious species involved in the Panel’s proceedings. As per the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act, if FFAW and ASP fail to reach an agreement, the panel must hear and consider their submissions on price and conditions of sale, making a final and binding decision on the parties and all other processors involved in processing the species.

This year, ASP remained steadfast in their adherence to the Price Setting Panel’s decision, selecting their price offer of $2.20. However, one of the panel members acknowledged that the “correct” price might lie between the two positions. Despite multiple failed negotiation attempts between FFAW and ASP over the past few weeks, both groups engaged in accusations against each other.

While the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab harvest is currently facing challenges, it’s worth noting that there are alternative species within the Chionoecetes genus from other regions that can help meet the demand for snow crab in the market. Specifically, Chionoecetes angulatus, harvested in Japan, and Chionoecetes japonicus, harvested in Korea, are two such species.

These alternative species offer a viable solution to fill any gaps in the snow crab market. They provide a delicious and cost-effective option for consumers and businesses alike. Whether in frozen form or pasteurized cans, these alternatives ensure that the availability of crab meat remains stable and offers a variety of options to cater to different culinary preferences.

It’s important to highlight that while the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab harvest may be experiencing challenges, the presence of alternative species allows for a continuous supply of high-quality crab products. This ensures that consumers can still enjoy the unique flavors and textures associated with snow crab, even if it’s sourced from different regions.

As the industry adapts to the evolving market dynamics, exploring these alternative options can provide opportunities for both suppliers and consumers to continue enjoying the culinary delights of the Chionoecetes genus. So, rest assured that the availability of snow crab is not in jeopardy, thanks to the availability of these delicious and cost-effective alternatives.

The original article pre-edited is available at SeafoodNews.com.