Maltese fishermen last week lashed out at a decision to keep bluefin tuna quotas almost intact for 2013, despite scientific evidence that the stock is recovering rapidly.
But the Federation of Maltese Aquaculture Producers took a softer stance although it hinted it is expecting a change in the coming years.
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) made the decision at its annual conference in
National Fisheries Cooperative secretary Raymond Bugeja complained that the decision is not fair on fishermen as they were expecting a substantial increase.
ICCAT, the international body responsible for the setting of quotas, decided to increase its annual quota by just 500 tons over 2012, reaching a total of 13,400 tons – the same as in 2010.
“Following the positive scientific evidence showing tuna is recovering very rapidly, we were expecting the global quota to increase at least to 16,000 tons. This 500-ton increase will mean a mere five tons more for Maltese fishermen next year and this is not fair for our industry,” Mr. Bugeja said.
In the past few years, due to overfishing and dwindling tuna stocks in the
Maltese fishermen were badly hit, seeing their annual quota reduced by half over a three-year period, reaching 160 tons this year.
“We wanted our quota to increase at least to 200 tons in 2013. However, the EU opposed to this increase and we have to suffer the consequences once again,” Mr. Bugeja said.
But the federation, which represents Maltese tuna ranchers, said it is generally satisfied with the outcome of the ICCAT meeting and feels vindicated in its stance over the past few years.
“Though it considers that the contracting partners could have easily pushed for a greater increase consistently with scientific advice and the need to ensure sustainability, it accepts this year’s result in view of the commitment made to increase the quota in future whenever such increase is justified by scientific advice.”
FMAP said it is optimistic that the recovery will continue in the coming years and it is clear that the management of this stock is a success story. Bluefin tuna is very lucrative for Maltese fishermen and tuna ranchers as juvenile fish is flown directly to the Japanese sushi and sashimi markets after fattening, securing high prices.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The US remains Vietnam’s largest single market for shrimp imports, accounting for 20% of Vietnam's total shrimp exports globally. As of October 15th, 2024, Vietnamese shrimp exports to the US reached nearly 600 million dollas, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs, pangasius exports to Canada reached over 1 million USD in the first half of October 2024, a 33% decrease compared to the same period last year. However, by October 15, 2024, total pangasius exports to Canada had reached 32 million USD, reflecting a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Cà Mau is accelerating its digital transformation, developing green industries, and promoting high-tech processing of agricultural and aquatic products, with a focus on sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2024, themed 'Dong Thap Pangasius: Green Journey - Green Value', will take place on November 16-17 in Hong Ngu City.
The positive business momentum in the domestic seafood sector could last into the first half of 2025, according to experts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three quarters of 2024, brackish water shrimp production exceeded 1.1 million tons, with export revenue reaching $2.8 billion. The seafood industry has set a target of $4 billion for shrimp exports for the entire year.
While the price of 1 kg of shrimp hovers around 20 USD, the value of 1 kg of chitosan—extracted from shrimp—can soar to 500 USD. This highlights a significant challenge within the seafood processing industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) By October, Vietnam's shrimp exports had generated nearly $3 billion, reflecting an increase of over 10% compared to the same period last year. Shrimp remains the leading commodity contributing to the export turnover of the entire seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sao Ta Foods Joint Stock Company (FIMEX VN - HoSE: FMC) concluded Q3/2024 with significant growth in revenue. Specifically, Sao Ta Food recorded revenue of VND 2,845 billion, a 58.6% increase year-on-year. The company's profit after tax reached VND 95 billion, up 6.2%.
VASEP's Seafood Export Report for the third quarter of 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's seafood export performance in the first nine months, with impressive results reaching $7.2 billion—an increase of 9% over the same period last year. In the third quarter alone, seafood exports grew by 15%, totaling $2.8 billion. This growth is attributed to a recovery in demand and prices in key markets such as the U.S. and China, as well as the competitive advantage of value-added products in markets like Japan and Australia.
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