New Skipper show date ‘light at end of Covid-19 tunnel’

NEW dates have been set for Scottish Skipper Expo 2020 following its postponement due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. The show will now go ahead from November 13-14, 2020, at the P & J Live arena in Aberdeen, said organisers Mara Media. Sharon Boyle of Mara Media said: ‘The feedback we received was that there…

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Norwegian salmon exports thrive in retail markets

THE Norwegian seafood industry is proving ‘agile and adaptable’ in the global coronavirus lockdown, switching to more processed products as demand for fresh whole fish drops. In the salmon market, there was an eight per cent decline for fresh whole exports last week, while fresh fillet exports increased by 28 per cent, said the Norwegian…

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Food workers the ‘hidden heroes’ of crisis

WORKERS in Britain’s food and drink industry are the ‘hidden heroes’ of the coronavirus crisis, as they continue to provide a vital service to the country. This was the message from the UK\’s environment secretary, George Eustice, who has written an open letter to the sector, expressing his – and the nation’s – pride and…

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Grimsby fish auction suspended as chippies shut

GRIMSBY fish market will continue to remain open for handling and contract sold supplies, although the fish auction has been suspended. The decision to shut down the auction came earlier this week following a large downturn in trade resulting from coronavirus and new instructions on social distancing. Although takeaways are permitted under the current coronavirus regulations, the National…

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‘Dire’ Covid-19 consequences for EU supply chain

EUROPEAN fish processors and traders are calling for further measures to mitigate ‘market failure’ in the seafood industry. The sector is dealing with a general disruption of demand that has resulted in ‘dire consequences’ in the supply chain of fresh fish, said the body representing EU processors, AIPCE CEP. Businesses active in frozen seafood and…

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Outgoing Mowi chief earned £1.5m last year

FORMER Mowi chief executive Alf-Helge Aarskog earned 19 million kroner – or almost £1.5 million – last year, according to the company’s 248-page annual report, released this week. Aarskog, who stepped down in November after 10 years at the helm, successfully built the Norwegian based company into not only the world’s largest salmon farming business, but also a…

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Shetland lists fish farmers as key workers

SHETLAND has made clear that salmon farmers will be regarded as key workers during the coronavirus lockdown, giving staff access to support such as child care. The council has issued a list that it says will ensure essential services can function. Included are those directly involved in farming fish, contractors supporting animal husbandry and food…

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Regulator adopts flexible approach in virus crisis

SALMON farmers in Scotland have welcomed moves by regulators that will help them meet the challenges of producing fish during the coronavirus outbreak. With staff reductions and disruptions to processing and retail distribution, temporary measures have been agreed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and the government that allow regulatory leeway. In particular, fish…

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Door to door fish deliveries a ‘lifeline’

HOUSEHOLDS in the south-west of England are enjoying fresh fish deliveries on the doorstep thanks to a campaign launched in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown. The ‘FishToYourDoor’ promotion, which links Cornish fish merchants and fishmongers to consumers, has been inundated with orders so far, with many merchants delivering beyond Cornwall. The scheme, organised by…

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ASC approved seal scarer could beat US salmon ban

NEW anti-predation technology that could help salmon farmers avoid an export ban in the US has been approved for use on Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified farms. The Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST), developed at St Andrews University, deters seals from salmon farms without affecting other marine life, according to the company selling it. GenusWave…

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