(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.”
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Gia Vien district, tilapia farming—particularly the “duong nghiep” strain—is expanding rapidly and gradually becoming an efficient production model for local farmers. Hatcheries in the area are supplying high-quality, uniform, and disease-free fingerlings, meeting the growing demand for commercial farming.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of March 19, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, Le Van Su, chaired a meeting to address bottlenecks and propose solutions to expand the super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming model using low water exchange and high biosecurity standards (RAS-IMTA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On March 10, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 1377/QD-UBND approving the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan for the 2026–2030 period. The decision takes effect from the date of signing and replaces previous plans for the 2021–2030 period that had been issued prior to the administrative merger in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City.
(vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Chile imported more than USD 156 million worth of tuna, up 8.1% compared to the previous year and the highest level in the past five years. As the supply structure in this market is rapidly shifting, Vietnamese tuna is facing both opportunities to expand market share and increasing competitive pressure from Thailand, Colombia, and China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vinh Long Province is stepping up efforts to develop brackish water shrimp farming in a sustainable direction, identifying it as a key sector in its agricultural structure. In 2026, the province aims to reach around 71,300 hectares of shrimp farming, with an output of over 314,000 tons.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ha Tinh Province is strengthening control over shrimp seed quality to minimize risks for the 2026 spring–summer farming season.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports reached USD 119 million, down slightly 5% year-on-year. However, thanks to strong performance in January, cumulative exports in the first two months of the year still reached USD 331 million, up 28% compared to the same period in 2025. Export activity slowed somewhat in February due to seasonal factors, particularly the Lunar New Year holiday, which disrupted production and shipments at many seafood processing enterprises.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Da Nang is accelerating the development of high-tech shrimp farming toward intensive production, disease control, and improved efficiency. Many shrimp farms have invested in automated environmental monitoring systems, continuously tracking indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity, enabling farmers to promptly adjust pond conditions and reduce disease risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 is considered a turning point for Vietnam’s shrimp seed industry as the sector faces the need for strong transformation in technology, production management, and gradual self-sufficiency in broodstock supply. These factors are seen as key to improving seed quality and strengthening the competitiveness of the shrimp industry amid increasingly demanding market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached nearly USD 310 million, up 17% year-on-year. Cumulatively for the first two months of the year, shrimp export value totaled USD 690 million, an increase of 20% compared with the same period last year. Compared with the 22% growth recorded in January, the pace of increase in February slowed somewhat, reflecting seasonal factors as the Lunar New Year holiday partially disrupted processing and shipment activities. Nevertheless, the nearly 20% growth in the first two months indicates that shrimp orders from Vietnam are maintaining a more positive trend than in the same period last year.
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