Fish Update Briefing, Friday, May 25

FUp Briefing

DISCARDED GEAR RISK TO WILDLIFE
GRIM photographs showing the effect of discarded fishing gear on red deer on the Scottish island or Rum have been released. Two animals died after becoming entangled on fishing rope that had been thrown away, while another had an orange buoy in its antlers. The images were published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), which manages Rum National Nature Reserve. Although taken two years ago they have now been published following the global outcry over plastic and marine pollution. Lesley Watt, reserve manager on Rum for SNH, said: ‘Marine litter is a huge international problem. But small actions can make a big difference, and everyone has a part to play. SNH has recently joined the campaign to bin plastic straws; and we\’re cutting down on disposable plastics by providing our staff with re-useable travel cups.’
GOING TO POT IN A FISH FACTORY
A FORMER fish processing factory on the Newfoundland coast could be converted into a cannabis growing facility to produce medicinal and recreational pot. Local businessman Daniel Porter is working on the plan, which involves the former Ocean Choice International site in Port Union, and he estimates the project could create up to 100 jobs. The factory stopped processing fish after a devastating hurricane eight years ago. Using pot for medicinal purposes is expected to be allowed under certain conditions in the near future.
EAT FISH TO BECOME PREGNANT
COUPLES who eat more seafood tend to have a more active sex life and get pregnant faster than other couples trying to conceive, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society\’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. The study says seafood is an important source of protein and other nutrients for women who are or may become pregnant, but concerns about mercury have led some women to avoid fish when trying to conceive. ‘Our study suggests seafood can have many reproductive benefits, including shorter time to pregnancy and more frequent sexual activity,’ said one of the study\’s authors, Audrey Gaskins  of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts.
PROFIT UP FOR BIRDS EYE OWNER
NOMAD Foods, the group behind Birds Eye, one of the biggest UK names in frozen food and seafood, has announced increased earnings and profits for the first three months of 2018. Its other big driver names are Findus, Goodfella’s Pizza and Iglo. Revenue for the period rose by 1.5 per cent to €539 million, while the gross profit increased 10 per cent to €171 million. Gross margin expanded 240 basis points to 31.8 per cent due to positive mix and improved pricing and promotional efficiency. All the indications are that Nomad, which is less than five years old, is going for even more growth. The profit after tax was €62.4 million.

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Fish Farmer March 2024 - cover

The March 2024 issue of Fish Farmer is out now online