(thefishsite.com) The Dutch Producers'
Mussels from this fishery may now bear the blue MSC ecolabel, which gives customers assurance that the product is traceable to a certified sustainable source.
The Dutch mussel fishery has put a lot of effort in balancing fisheries and nature since the late 1990s and achieved positive changes to the fisheries management system. In 2009, the Dutch Producers' Organisation Mussel Culture was one of the first shellfish associations to receive a grant from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and innovation in support of MSC assessment.
The Dutch blue shell mussel fishery is located in the Dutch coastal region of the
Mussel seed fished from wild mussel beds or collected from off-bottom seed mussel catching installations are grown on cultivation lots on the seabed. The total landings in 2010/2011 were 56.6 million kilograms. The mussels are mainly sold to the Belgian, Dutch, French and German markets. The season for Dutch mussels runs from July to early April.
As a condition to the ongoing certification, the mussel fishermen have to present the results of an ongoing research project about the possible influence of the seed fishery on the long-term development of underwater habitats and on the impact of the suspended seed mussel collecting systems on the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.
This research project has been agreed upon as part a memorandum of understanding between the industry, environmental NGOs and the government, and is due for completion in 2014.
Hans van Geesbergen from the Dutch Producers' Organisation Mussel Culture is delighted to see the fishery’s sustainable management being recognised by the MSC ecolabel: "We have worked hard for this achievement and cooperated successfully with environmental NGOs and the government."
"These joint efforts are now rewarded with the MSC certificate which allows us to provide retailers and consumers with our mussels that are not only of high quality but now also certified sustainable.“
Nathalie Steins, MSC Manager Benelux, is also looking forward to see the first MSC certified mussels in the supermarkets: "The certification secures the agreement between sector, environmental organisations and the government to improve sustainable fisheries and helps to meet the growing demand for MSC certified shellfish in the Northern European market.”
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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