During the last four weeks, equatorial sea surface temperatures have been more than 0.5ºC above average across the Eastern Pacific Ocean, according to the Climate Prediction Center of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The continued warmth, along with model forecasts, means there is “increased confidence for a weak-to-moderate El Nino during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter 2012-13.”
The climate pattern occurs across the tropical Pacific Ocean about every five years and it is known to drive tuna stocks away from fishing grounds off the eastern coast of South America. In 2010, skipjack catches in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) declined by more than half, when compared to 2008 levels, after an El Nino period developed in mid-2009 and continued into the first quarter of 2010.
To escape the warmer temperatures, tuna fish migrate west where fishermen in the Western and Central Pacific (WCP) eagerly wait for the favorable fishing conditions. In 2009, skipjack catches increased by about 10% in the WCP from the previous year. Similarly in 2010, skipjack catches in the WCP were about 6% higher than 2008 levels, reaching 1,610,578 tons.
According to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, the organization in charge of the region’s management, fishing effort typically expands to the east during El Nino years and contracts to western areas of the WCP (Papua New Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands) during periods of its cooler opposite, La Nina.
Korean tuna giant, Dongwon, is already anticipating higher profits this year due to the influx of tuna in its fishing region.
The Climate Prediction Center indicates El Nino conditions are likely to develop during August or September.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The “Moringa Noodles Salad” product by Sa Giang Import-Export Corporation was honored as one of the “Top 10 Winning Products” at the THAIFEX – Anuga taste Innovation Show 2026, held as part of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 in Bangkok.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a fairly strong upward trend in 2025, Vietnam’s clam exports entered 2026 with a mixed picture: strong growth at the beginning of the year, followed by a slowdown from March onward. According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam’s clam export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached more than USD 38 million, up 2% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is facing new opportunities to expand its development space as many localities and businesses begin promoting marine farming models aimed at diversifying farming areas and adapting to climate change. However, for pangasius to truly “go offshore” and develop into a large-scale industry segment, significant challenges related to technology, broodstock, and markets still need to be addressed.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports in April 2026 reached USD 11 million, up 92% compared to the same period in 2025. This strong growth indicates that Vietnamese tilapia products are continuing to penetrate and expand rapidly in international markets. Cumulative export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 49 million, up 151% year-on-year.
(seafood.vasep.com) At VietShrimp Asia 2026, disease management trends in shrimp farming are shifting strongly from treatment-based approaches toward proactive prevention through environmental and pond ecosystem control.
(vasep.com.vn) After a period of strong growth, with export turnover reaching USD 38 million in Q1/2026 — up 174% year-on-year — the sector’s rapid expansion clearly reflects growing market opportunities.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the ASEAN bloc reached USD 44 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025. After falling to the lowest level of the quarter at USD 9 million in February — reflecting the seasonal slowdown in orders after the festive period — exports recovered strongly to USD 18 million in March, the highest monthly value of the quarter. This development shows that import demand for pangasius in ASEAN remains relatively stable despite short-term fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May 11, 2026, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a positive comparability finding for Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries, along with those of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With this decision, seafood and seafood products harvested from Vietnam’s swimming crab fisheries will continue to be eligible for import into the US market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a slowdown in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Germany showed more positive signs in the first quarter of 2026. However, the recovery remains uncertain as consumer demand in Germany is still cautious, while market competition is increasingly driven by pricing and supply stability.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) After a sharp decline in 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel are showing positive signs of recovery in the early months of 2026. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover to this market grew steadily month by month in Q1/2026, reaching nearly USD 10 million, up 33% compared to the same period in 2025. However, compared to Q1/2024, this level remains significantly lower, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stage following last year’s strong adjustment.
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