Cermaq further increases production capacity (+4,000t p.a.) in Chile’s Region XII: 2 new licences

Cermaq Chile has acquired two new licenses for salmon production in Region XII. The two licenses are located in the same area as Cermaq’s current production in Region XII.

The two new licenses will increase the production capacity by 4,000 tons per year when fully developed. The new licenses were purchased for a consideration of USD 2 million. “This acquisition adds to the two licenses acquired in April and is a part of Cermaq’s strategy of increasing capacity in region XII in order to balance the production between the Chilean farming regions. The longer term ambition will be to acquire additional licenses in the region XII bringing the total production capacity in the region including existing licenses of up to 40,000 tons per year “, says CEO, Jon Hindar. Before the acquisition Cermaq Chile’s current production capacity in region XII is 14,000 tons per year.

Source: Cermap PR Published: 08:41 CEST 26-09-2014 /GlobeNewswire /Source: Cermaq ASA / : CEQ /ISIN: NO0010003882 & [HUG#1858474] http://www.newsweb.no/index.jsp?messageId=361664

 

About Cermaq -Cermaq is one of the world’s leading companies in farming of salmon and trout, with operations in Norway, Chile and Canada. In 2013 the farming business had sales of NOK 5.1 billion, and a total harvested volume of 142.3 thousand tonnes. Cermaq’s feed business unit EWOS was sold in 2013. Cermaq is listed on the Oslo stock exchange with ticker code CEQ. www.cermaq.com

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)

 

New CEO appointed for one of World’s Top 3 fish feed firm: Carlos Diaz replaces Torben Svejgard at helm of BioMar Group

Torben Svejgard, who has been Group CEO in BioMar since 2008, has resigned from his position in order to focus on a career as a full-time board member. The BioMar board has appointed Vice President Carlos Diaz as new Group CEO. He will take over the seat from Torben Svejgard sometime towards the end of the year.

Torben Svejgard says about his decision: “My 6 years with BioMar have been fantastic. Aquaculture is an exciting industry and BioMar is a wonderful company with wonderful and smart people. It has thus been a very difficult decision for me to resign, but this is the right time for me to withdraw from the executive life and seek a new career path as a non-executive.”

Chairman of the board, Jens Bjerg Sorensen, says: “First I want to thank Torben for his contribution to BioMar’s development over the past 6 years. His successor Carlos has been with BioMar since 2000 and after a strong career in the Chilean organisation he has during the last years broadened his responsibility area successfully, so he today has responsibility for the two Regions Americas and Continental Europe and on top of that he is the overall responsible for business development. I and the board are thus confident that we in Carlos have a strong Group CEO, who can lead the company towards new heights.”

Carlos Diaz is 45 years old, has a background as a veterinarian and holds an MBA with specialization in marketing and commercial management. Before BioMar he has been working in the aquaculture industry in some Chilean companies, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry.

Commenting his appointment Carlos Diaz says: ” I am pleased and happy to take this new professional challenge in my career and contribute to consolidate and grow BioMar as a global leader in fish feed. I am sure that with all the good people in the company we can continue making a difference and creating value for our customers, employees and shareholders”.

Source: BioMar PR (17.09.2014)

DIPLOMACY: EU-28, USA Australia, Brazil, Israel, New Zealand, Mexico and Monaco file international démarche against Iceland’s whaling

The European Union (EU), its 28 Member States and the governments of the United States, Australia, Brazil, Israel, New Zealand, Mexico and Monaco, on Monday (September 15, 2014) declared their opposition to the fact that the Icelandic government still permits commercial whaling, in particular the hunting of fin whales and the subsequent trading of fin whale products.

The EU’s Ambassador to Iceland, Matthias Brinkmann, along with the diplomatic representatives of the United States, France, Germany and the UK delivered a demarche to this effect to the Icelandic government this morning. The Ambassador also pointed out that public opinion in the countries that are Iceland’s main trading partners is very much against the practise of whaling.  This is evidenced by the public pressure put on companies around the world to boycott Icelandic goods, not to mention the pressure that voters and various organisations put on their politicians, encouraging them to send Iceland an increasingly stronger message.

The text of the demarche was as follows:

JOINT DEMARCHE BY THE EUROPEAN UNION, ITS MEMBER STATES AND THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, BRAZIL, ISRAEL, MEXICO AND NEW ZEALAND.

We, the European Union and its Member States and the Government of the United States of America, Australia, Brazil, Israel and New Zealand, wish to express our strong opposition to Iceland’s continuing and increased commercial harvest of whales, particularly fin whales, and to its ongoing international trade in whale products.

Iceland is well known for its responsible marine resource management practices; however, we are deeply disappointed with the Icelandic Government’s continued authorisation of the hunting of fin and minke whales. The authorisations have been put in place without presentation to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and without regard for the long term interests of cetacean conservation. We are especially troubled by Iceland’s harvest of 125 fin whales in 2009, 148 fin whales in 2010, and 134 fin whales in 2013, all of which are a significant increase from the seven fin whales harvested over the 20 years prior to 2009. The current 5 year quota of 770 fin whales is considered unsustainable under IWC stock assessment methods.

We encourage the Government of Iceland to adhere to the internationally agreed moratorium on commercial whaling and to re-examine the decision to continue to issue fin and minke whale quotas.

WealsoobjecttoIceland’sinternationaltradeinwhaleproducts. Fin whales and minke whales are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I (with the exception of the population of minke whales of West Greenland which is included in Appendix II) and we remain extremely concerned with Iceland’s reservation, entered in 2000, for these and other cetacean species. We urge Iceland to withdraw this reservation and safeguard these species from international commercial trade. We are not convinced that Iceland’sharvest andsubsequenttradeoffinwhalesmeetsany domestic marketdemandor need;it also undermineseffectiveinternationalcetaceanconservationefforts

We recognise the conservation efforts made by Iceland under other international agreements and hope the Icelandic Government will be able to extend this stance to fully support global efforts for cetacean conservation.  Furthermore, we would like to draw attention to the considerable economic, social and educational benefits of Iceland’s growing whale watching industry as a possible alternative to commercial whaling. We hope the Icelandic Government will seriously consider the benefits of eliminating commercial whaling and return to its previous position of acceptance of the moratorium on commercial whaling that was put in place by the International Whaling Commission in 1986.

In summary, we once again call upon Iceland to respect the IWC’s global moratorium and end its commercial whaling and international trade in whale products.

Below is also the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) eNGO PR, un-edited:

THIRTY-FIVE GOVERNMENTS CALL ON ICELAND TO STOP WHALING AND END TRADE IN FIN & MINKE WHALES
A formal diplomatic protest, known as a démarche, was today [September 16, 2014] delivered to the Icelandic Government in Reykjavik. The top-level protest registered countries’ “strong opposition” to Iceland’s continued whaling, particularly of endangered fin whales. The démarche also objects to Iceland’s international trade in whale products, stating: “Fin whales and minke whales are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I … and we remain extremely concerned with Iceland’s reservation, entered in 2000, for these and other cetacean species.” The démarche was signed by the 28 EU Member States, the USA, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico and New Zealand. In addition Monaco associated with the statement. The 35 countries called on Iceland to “respect the IWC’s global moratorium and end its commercial whaling and international trade in whale products”. Clare Perry, Senior Campaigner for the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), said: “Since 2006, Iceland’s whaling company Hvalur has killed more than 500 endangered fin whales, purely to cash in on a limited demand in Japan. This démarche highlights Iceland’s flagrant disregard for international efforts to conserve whales. We congratulate those countries that have initiated this protest and urge them and other countries to take further diplomatic efforts to bring an end to Iceland’s commercial whale slaughter.” Susan Millward, executive director of the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), said: “We welcome the fact that so many governments have acted to put Iceland on notice that its whaling is unacceptable to the world community. AWI urges Iceland to respect the call made in this diplomatic protest and to bring an end to both its whale hunts and trade in whale products, to stem the damage already done to both its reputation and economy.” WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Chief Executive Officer Chris Butler-Stroud said: “We join the signatories of the démarche in urging Iceland to come in from the cold and join the international community in creating a world where whales are safe from this outdated practice. At a time when Icelandic parliamentarians are questioning the negative effect that whaling is having on Iceland’s international standing, we urge Iceland to abandon this unnecessary slaughter and instead support its profitable and growing whale watch industry which brings considerable economic and social benefits to the country.” Last week, the three organisations jointly released Slayed in Iceland, a new report outlining the connections between Iceland’s fin whale hunt and Iceland’s leading seafood company, HB Grandi. The report strongly urged the IWC, governments and businesses dealing with Icelandic companies linked to whaling to take action to compel Iceland to cease commercial whaling and trade. NOTES:

 

1. The full text and press release is available here: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-529_en.htm 2. Read and download Slayed in Iceland at http://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/Slayed-in-Iceland-FINAL.pdf 3. HB Grandi is Iceland’s largest fishing and seafood export company, controlling nearly 11 per cent of the country’s fishing quotas. In light of HB Grandi’s role in promoting Icelandic whaling, non-governmental organisations have been working with fish wholesalers and retailers to ensure they are not sourcing fish from HB Grandi 4.  A new poll commissioned by AWI, EIA, HSI, IFAW, OceanCare, Pro Wildlife and WDC, conducted by ORC International, indicates overwhelming public opposition in Germany and the UK to Iceland’s resumption of commercial whaling, with nine out of ten people in both countries stating they disagree with Iceland’s decision to resume whaling.

 

MARINE Harvest acquires of 40,000 tonnes integrated salmon farming capacity in Chile’s Region XI; Acuinova Chile S.A. assets

Marine Harvest is pleased to announce an agreement to purchase assets of the former Chilean farming company Acuinova Chile S.A., currently in bankruptcy. The assets represent a capacity to produce about 40 thousand tonnes HOG per annum.

The asset purchase includes a hatchery, a smolt facility, 36 sea water licences and a primary and secondary processing facility, all located in Chile’s Region XI. The biomass included in the deal is expected to generate a harvest volume of about 15 thousand tonnes HOG in 2015.

The agreed purchase price for the assets is USD 120 million. Closing of the transaction is expected during Q4 2014 and the deal is subject to confirmatory due diligence and approval from relevant competition authorities as well as other customary approvals for such transactions.

During the last years, Marine Harvest Chile has left its comprehensive portfolio of assets in Region XI dormant and focused all production in Region X. The acquired assets provide Marine Harvest with the necessary comfort on zone control and on-shore infrastructure to commence sustainable production in the region.

Marine Harvest views the deal as an important step in forming a lasting sustainable production framework in the Chilean farming industry.

Source: MHG PR (15.09.2014) Published: 08:00 CEST 15-09-2014 /GlobeNewswire /Source: Marine Harvest ASA / : MHG /ISIN: NO0003054108

Forward-looking Statements

This press release may be deemed to include forward-looking statements, such as statements that relate to the production capacity of the acquired assets, the expected 2015 harvest volume of the acquired assets and the expected closing of the transaction and its timing. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases, such as “expect” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “may”, “should,” “would,” and “could.” Forward-looking statements are Marine Harvest’s current estimates or expectations of future events or future results. Actual results could differ materially from those indicated by these statements because the realization of those results is subject to many risks and uncertainties, including operational factors that may affect the production capabilities of the acquired assets and failure to satisfy conditions precedent for the acquisition. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available at the time of the release, and Marine Harvest assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

 

 

Of seafood & CSR: IFFO doesn’t question unacceptable human rights & labour abuse issues in fishing industry; Challenge lies in defining universally “acceptable” standards

IFFO – the main international organisation representing and promoting the fishmeal, fish oil and marine ingredients industry worldwide – issued today (September 10, 2014) a letter to the Editor of The Guardian (uk) entitled “Taking a holistic approach to ensure better fishery management” In response to ‘Why independent fishers are the key to seafood sustainability <http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/sep/01/seafood-industry-overfishing-acidic-oceans-labor-human-rights-crab-tuna-whole-foods-walmart-costco-certified> ’ by Cristina Rumbaitis del Rio and Sissel Waage, published Monday 1 September 2014. Full, un-edited, text is below:

 ************

Dear Sir/Madam,

The article above that appeared on theguardian.com website raised a number of important questions but overlooked some key requirements and obstacles to achieving the desired outcomes.

Few would disagree that the recent reports of labour and human rights abuses in some parts of the fishing industry are totally unacceptable, or that there is an urgent need to achieve healthy oceans and ecosystems. The article called on the private sector to continue their efforts to achieve these goals and there are many examples of progress including, within our membership, independent certification of over 40% of the global production of fishmeal and fish oil as being from responsibly managed sources, traceable and safe.

It could also be argued that the low hanging fruit has been picked, leaving the more challenging sectors which include, as the article mentions, small scale and independent fishers. However, the difficulties here are not just the costs of certification but often the lack of data on which to base certification decisions. Developing world jurisdictions often lack the resource to monitor and record volume and species of fish landed, numbers of vessels or gear types, all of which are needed to estimate the sustainable yield of a fishery with any level of confidence. The less information that is known, the more precautionary any recommendations will be, to the point where they may be unacceptable.

Government can also take a political rather than a biological view when considering fishery management. Fish don’t vote but awarding quota to catch them can certainly be populist.

Consumers, anecdotally, always prefer the picturesque small boat to the large rusty trawler. Small scale and independent fishers can therefore offer variety and marketing opportunities. However, in the real world, the picturesque small boat may also need refrigeration and fish handling facilities both on board and on landing to deliver a good product. The boundary between small and large vessels can be unclear and sufficient numbers of not-so-small vessels can inadvertently lead to overfishing. There is also a debate about whether the catch should be utilised locally instead of requiring infrastructure and transport to some of the multinational retailers listed in the article. In the perfect world, there is balance between small and large vessel operations as both have their benefits to the fish economy and ecology.

Companies are already seeking to address these difficulties. IFFO offers an Improver Program as part of the independent IFFO Responsible Supply (RS) standard and we are currently working with our members and partners in schemes in South East Asia to raise fishmeal and fish oil production standards towards eventual certification. This includes a requirement to demonstrate responsible fishery management. Other standards, e.g. the Marine Stewardship Council, focus on the fishery itself and fishery improvement programs are in place in several regions. However, there is still a reliance on local government to create a legal framework for good management, to enforce regulation and to collect data essential for harvest control.

The issue of social standards is even more reliant on good regulation and enforcement. The recent reports from Thailand showed how weak regulation of migrant labour in the fishing industry allowed desperate and vulnerable individuals to be exploited far from the protection of the authorities.

While the focus is rightly on requiring social as well as environmental standards, there are many differences in establishing what is acceptable. Environmental impact is relatively objective and science based while social standards are influenced by culture and religion (amongst others), requiring a very different skill set to evaluate. Adding social requirement clauses to the IFFO RS standard is currently under way but even developed world companies can find it difficult to demonstrate compliance with national or international labour standards without expensive in-depth audits. Few get the backing of their local authority to demonstrate they meet local regulations and it is difficult to assess performance in this area.

The private sector should continue their efforts to address these problems but will have a much greater chance of success if the (hopefully) elected representatives in each jurisdiction are also doing their part to deliver the objectives. Buyers should lobby government as well as their suppliers and in turn those governments need to ensure that the resources they control on behalf of their constituents are responsibly managed for the long term.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Mallison

Director General

 

Source: Courtesy of IFFO, PR issued 10.09.2014

 

LANDCATCH to become 45% shareholder in Troutlodge; New Chile joint venture on the cards; Salmon genetics & breeding programme

Two world leading aquaculture companies have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming to significantly extend their global share of the Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout markets, they announced on August 28, 2014. Pioneering Scottish company Landcatch, which supplies Atlantic salmon eggs and smolts, as well as cutting-edge genetic services to the international aquaculture industry, has signed a MoU to become a 45% shareholder in Seattle-based Troutlodge, Inc, the world’s largest rainbow trout egg producer.

It will mean Landcatch diversifying into a new species for the first time, a strengthening of the Hendrix Genetics aquaculture operations, as well as enhanced support and growth for Troutlodge, with all three companies enthusiastic about the opportunities that will come from greater positioning in world aquaculture.

The deal will include:

• A joint venture (JV) that will see a new company, Landcatch-Troutlodge Chile SA, being formed to establish an independent Atlantic salmon breeding programme, backed by genetics research. It aims to capture a substantial market share of salmon eggs in Chile within 3-5 years.
• Troutlodge Chile SA’s existing trout egg production and supply operation will be developed and expanded. It is also planned to develop a pedigree coho salmon programme to service the Chilean industry. With all three species combined, it is expected that the employment will grow significantly.

 

• A Genetics Support Agreement (GSA) that will ensure all Troutlodge breeding programmes will now be supported by Landcatch and Hendrix Genetics, combining pioneering genetic technologies transferred from the salmon and livestock industries with Troutlodge’s decades-long genetic improvement programme.

 

Neil Manchester, Managing Director of Landcatch, said: “This is a very exciting investment which will see Troutlodge and us make a further significant impact in world aquaculture. It increases our sustainability by working with such a credible partner; it allows us to become re-established in Atlantic salmon egg production in Chile and it enables us to pursue a significant expansion strategy with the aim of becoming one of the main global players in salmon and trout.”

Steve Brown, CEO of Troutlodge Inc, said: “The collaboration with Landcatch and Hendrix Genetics enhances our ability to feed the world with healthy fish. It will result in improved products as well as exciting opportunities for our dedicated employees.

“Having access to Landcatch’s advanced genetics and genomic technologies will be vital in enhancing salmon and trout production in the future.”

Antoon van den Berg, CEO of Hendrix Genetics, added: “This key investment makes sound business sense. It will also produce fish that are affordable, healthier, more productive and less susceptible to disease. It also underlines our ambition to be leaders in every sector in which we do business.”

A report published in May by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation said global fisheries and aquaculture production totalled 158 million tonnes in 2012, a rise of about 10 million tonnes on 2010. It said fish farming holds ‘tremendous promise’ in responding to surging demand for food due to global population growth.

Troutlodge is one of the oldest aquaculture companies in North America, having been in the business for nearly 70 years and employs over 110 individuals worldwide. Troutlodge is the world’s largest producer of pathogen-free rainbow trout eggs, annually selling nearly a half billion eggs in over 50 countries. Troutlodge eggs are available on a year-round basis and superior performance is achieved by using genetic technologies to achieve continual improvement. Troutlodge operates 15 hatcheries located in the United States, the Isle of Man and Chile. The Isle of Man hatchery produces trout eggs for Europe and the Middle East. The Chilean operation began in 1996 and produces salmon and trout eggs, fry and smolts which are sold to salmonid producers throughout Chile.

www.troutlodge.com

Landcatch, based at Ormsary in Argyll, operates four freshwater tank sites in Scotland, producing up to 4.5 million smolts annually, plus a land-based seawater site for brood fish, producing up to 40 million eggs.

It is renowned for its genetic advances and use of selective breeding to develop strains of salmon which can perform to ever higher levels at every stage of production from eggs to adult fish.

It has also helped develop genomic selection technologies and later this year will make available for sale for the first time salmon eggs with improved resistance to sea lice.

www.landcatch.co.uk

Hendrix Genetics BV, headquartered in Boxmeer, NL-EU, is a leading multi-species breeding company with primary activities in layer, turkey, pig, aquaculture and traditional poultry breeding. The company is dedicated to generating solutions for the animal protein sector that solve the challenges of today and those of tomorrow. Backed by a strong portfolio of leading brands, Hendrix Genetics provides expertise and resources to producers in more than 100 countries, with operations and joint ventures in 24 countries and more than 2,400 employees worldwide. With respect and care for people, animals and the environment, Hendrix Genetics is ready and dedicated to delivering better breeding today, for a brighter life tomorrow.

www.hendrix-genetics.com

 

“THIS TIME it’s different” says Rabobank: ‘Salmon industry tackles legal and biological limits’

After a brief period of strong supply expansion in 2014, the global salmon industry is reverting to the ‘high-cycle scenario’ present since late 2012. This temporary, but unusually long-lasting, undersupply and high price environment is expected to remain for at least the coming two years. During this period, the salmon farming industry will focus strongly on biosecurity, sustainability, cost control, certification and technological innovations. The Netherlands-headquartered leading agrifood bank Rabobank said today (August 28, 2014) it expects increased global demand to support the high price environment and the strong profitability of farmers. This expectation holds true, even with Russia’s ban on Norwegian and EU salmon, which will likely create large scale trade shifts and price volatility.

“Growth will undoubtedly return; but when, where and how remains unknown,” said Rabobank analyst Gorjan Nikolik. “In two or three years’ time, possibly due to technological innovation, the salmon farming industry is likely to solve many of the biological and environmental issues that are currently being tackled.”

Despite the strong growth in the first half of 2014, legislative and biological constraints in both Norway and Chile are coinciding to limit further growth in supply and will likely prolong the high price environment. Nearly all Norwegian salmon producers are now reaching their legal production limit and, for some time, the Norwegian industry and legislators have debated whether changing this legislation to increase limits would allow growth in the sector. Based on all the growth possibilities, Norwegian supply growth is expected to range from 3 -5 percent in the coming three years, provided there are no negative developments. While this is respectable, it is considerably lower than the long term average of 7 percent.

In Chile, the deterioration of the sanitary conditions during 2012 and 2013, along with increasing costs and the resulting financial losses for producers, have ultimately been the main reasons for the slowdown in growth. Measures taken by producers and regulators have reversed the negative trend and, assuming the good sanitary conditions and profitability remain, the Chilean industry could emerge in the long term as the leading growth driver of global supply.

With high levels of profitability in the industry, the key question is what farmers will do with this cash flow in an environment with relatively limited organic growth options. Rabobank expects that investing in biosecurity will receive the utmost priority and ample funding, especially when it comes to tackling the lice problems in Norway and Chile. Furthermore, although sustainability is not necessarily a function of tight supply, it will also be addressed within the framework of the sector’s commitment to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification, as part of the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI). If the GSI goals are achieved as planned by 2020, farmed salmon will not only be a leading protein in terms of its healthiness, but it will also be an example in terms of sustainability and the low environmental impact of the farming process.

NOTE

• The report/presentation attached is sent specifically to enable journalists to do their work, i.e. as the basis for an article or news report, or as preparation for a telephone or personal interview with a content expert. In line with good journalistic practice, a reference to the source would be appreciated
• Please note that it is expressly forbidden to forward the attached report/presentation in any form to third parties, or to publish this report either partially or entirely on a website.
• Rabobank has recently updated the distribution lists for Food & Agribusiness Research reports. If you have no interest in further receiving this information, please let us know and we will remove your email address promptly.

Download the 10-page report here : Rabobank Industry Note Salmon August 2014

http://hugin.info/133178/R/1850885/646971.pdf

 

Source: Rabobank PR (28.08.2014)

Of ASC & Sustainability goals; Marine Harvest will halt freshwater salmon production on Lake Llanquihue

Marine Harvest Chile has reportedly decided to halt its operation on Lake Llanquihue (Chile’s second largest lake in with an area of about 860km²) in the Los Lagos (Region XI) Region in September, in order to alleviate local community concerns and to align itself with the group-wide aim for ‘sustainable’ production.

Marine Harvest – the Norway-headquartered world n°1 salmon farming company – has pledged (including under its membership of the Global Salmon Initiative – GSI) to have all its operations certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) by 2020… standards which forbid salmon production in ‘open’ freshwater operations if the water body contains native salmonids.

Marine Harvest Chile general manager, Roberto Riethmüller, told the local media: “To us it is important to maintain a good relationship with the communities in which our company operates. This was a conflict that had been kept for a long time and we feel it was necessary to sit at the table and talk […] I think we have achieved a positive agreement, which allows us to move around and drive improvements to our processes and, at the same time, strengthen trust with the entire community,” he said.

Riethmüller emphasized that “to Marine Harvest it is essential to generate a sustainable industrial activity under the highest quality standards and comply with all current health regulations.”

Local communities and residents of Rincones Bay intiated opposition to MH Chile’s operations eight years ago, alleging the salmon firm was polluting Lake Llanquihue. In August 2013, the Chilean Supreme Court had confirmed a ruling for a ~CLP 185.5 million (US$ 320,550 fine for breach of health regulations performed by the salmon company.

 

EWOS takes over Pescanova’s Nova Austral in Chile; 15,000t p.a. salmon production capacity

According to recent reports in the Chilean press, salmon farming company Nova Austral (part of the Spanish Pescanova group which has filed for bankruptcy) has been taken over by the fish feed firm EWOS for ~€7.4 million (assets reportedly worth €134.6 million, to which accrued liabilities worth ~€128 million were subtracted).

Nova Austral has an annual salmon production capacity of ~15,000 tonnes; with 28 licences in the ‘isolated’ Magallanes region.

 

GIANT Amazon fish becoming extinct in many fishing communities, saved in others; bioeconomic vs “fishing-down” theory

An international team of scientists has discovered that a large, commercially important fish from the Amazon Basin has become extinct in some local fishing communities. The team compared mainstream bioeconomic theory — which policymakers have depended on in order to protect fish populations — with the lesser-known “fishing-down” theory, which predicts that large, high-value, easy-to-catch fish can be fished to extinction. Below is the remainder of the Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment August 13 2014, press release, un-edited:

*********

“Bioeconomic thinking has predicted that scarcity would drive up fishing costs, which would increase price and help save depleted species,” said study leader Leandro Castello, an assistant professor of fisheries in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment. “If that prediction were true, extinctions induced by fishing would not exist, but that is not what has happened.”

The research was conducted with arapaima, a 10-foot long fish that can weigh more than 400 pounds.

“Arapaima spawn on the edges of floodplain forests and come to the surface to breathe every 5 to 15 minutes, when they are easily located and harpooned by fishers using homemade canoes,” said Caroline C. Arantes, a doctoral student in wildlife and fisheries science at Texas A&M University and an expert on fish biology and fishery management.

The giant fish dominated fisheries in the Amazon a century ago, but three of the five known species of arapaima have not been seen for decades, said Donald J. Stewart, professor in the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at the State University of New York at Syracuse, who recently discovered a new species of arapaima.

The research was based on interviews with 182 fishers in 81 communities who were selected by their peers as being experts and on fish counts in 41 of the fishing communities, accounting for 650 square miles of floodplain area.

The results indicate that arapaima populations are extinct in 19 percent of communities, depleted (approaching extinction) in 57 percent, and over-exploited in 17 percent.

The results are reported this week in the journal Aquatic Conservation: Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems.

“Fishers continue to harvest arapaima regardless of low population densities,” said Castello, an expert on tropical fish, fisheries, and conservation.

When the mature, large fish are gone, fishers use gill nets to harvest other, smaller species, unintentionally capturing juvenile arapaima and further threatening remaining populations.

The good news is that in communities that have implemented fishing rules, imposing minimum capture size and restricting gill-net use, for instance, density of arapaima is 100 times higher than where there are no rules or the rules are not followed, said David G. McGrath of the Earth Innovation Institute in San Francisco.

“These communities are preventing further arapaima extinctions,” said McGrath.

Only 27 percent of communities surveyed have management rules for fishing arapaima. The community of Ilha de São Miguel banned the use of gill nets two decades ago and now has the highest arapaima densities in the region.

“Fisheries productivity in Ilha de São Miguel is also the highest in the study area,” said Castello. “Cast nets are allowed because they are much more selective yet they yield abundant fishes for local consumption, so food security for the community is not compromised.”

“Because tropical regions suffer from widespread illegal fishing and a lack of data, these findings suggest that many similar fishing-induced extinctions likely are going unnoticed,” he continued. “There is also a lack of economic alternatives for the fishers.”

But the experience in Amazonas State, Brazil, shows that things can be different.

“Many previously overexploited arapaima populations are now booming due to good management. The time has come to apply fishers’ ecological knowledge to assess populations, document practices and trends, and solve fisheries problems through user participation in management and conservation,” Castello said.

Fabio De Souza of the nonprofit Society for Research and Protection of the Environment in Santarém, Pará, Brazil, is developing and implementing community management for arapaima in the region.

“There is willingness among fishers to implement management, but our efforts require more support from governmental agencies,” De Souza said.

Source: Virginia Tech PR (13.08.2014)

 

“Without a doubt prices will go up”: Chilean salmon farmers eying Russian market following international ban

The Russian ban of (sea)food from Europe, the US/Canada, Australia and Norway is likely to benfit substantially Chilean salmon exporters, reports a Bloomberg news story. Carlos Odebrecht, a consultant and former SalmonChile head, told the news agency that: “This is a tremendous opportunity for Chile,” Odebrecht said. “Without a doubt prices will go up.” Russian food safety agency Rosselkhoznadzor’s chief, Sergei Dankvert, met with Chile’s Ambassador to Russia Juan Eduardo Eguiguren in Moscow on Thursday August 7… the day the ban was announced.

While stocks of the main Norwegian salmon farmers plummeted on the Oslo stock exchange on Thursday, those of the Chilean listed firms in Santiago (AquaChile and Multiexport) rose by around 7%. Meanwhile, prices of Norwegian farmed salmon will likely fall by ~10% this week, down to NOK 30/kg.

Read the August 8, 2014 Bloomberg story: Russia Turns to Patagonia Fjords to Sate Salmon Appetite

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-08/russia-turns-to-patagonia-fjords-to-sate-salmon-appetite.html

Read also, previously on SalmonIntelligence.com: SALMON shares plummet as Russia announces 1-year trade ban on agricultural imports – incl. farmed salmon – from EU, Norway, USA, Canada & Australia (07.08.2014): http://salmonintelligence.com/2014/08/07/salmon-shares-plummet-as-russia-announces-1-year-trade-ban-on-agricultural-imports-incl-farmed-salmon-from-eu-norway-usa-canada-australia/

Researchers propose “One Health” model to guide sustainable growth of aquaculture industry; “Expert collaboration is the key”

Getting more people to eat seafood because it’s a healthier option will need careful planning to ensure that the expansion of the aquaculture sector does not pose a risk to the environment. Business leaders in the sector should not aim only for profits, but rather embrace the principles of the One Health model that sees the health of humans being interwoven with that of animals and the environment. The model brings together experts from various fields to develop sustainable operations that ensure adequate human nutrition, and healthy environments, say Juan Gormaz of the University of Chile in Chile and David Love from Johns Hopkins University in the USA, lead authors of a study in Springer’s journal Current Environmental Health Reports.

Global aquaculture production continues to increase at a rate of six percent per year. This expansion is important in the light of how many governments, including the US, have issued dietary guidelines that suggest that their citizens eat more seafood in place of some meat and poultry. This was done in reaction to the pandemic rise in non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes in many high and middle income countries, which are the result of poor lifestyle choices and diets.

The authors believe that the impact of an ever-expanding aquaculture sector can be tempered by following the integrative One Health approach. This focus will connect experts such as researchers, clinical health specialists, policy makers and veterinary scientists, who can together develop methods and policies to ensure sustainable operations and healthy human lifestyles. The model has its roots in the efforts of veterinary scientists and human health experts to combat infectious diseases that are carried over from animals to humans. “It is important to address the animal health and environmental impacts of aquaculture as these could potentially stand in the way of a steady supply of seafood products,” says Gormaz.

The health risks involved in eating contaminated seafood must be identified, communicated and addressed, while alternative production methods must be developed to reduce or eliminate the need for antibiotics, pesticides and other chemicals. Experts should also work together to develop ecologically sustainable, healthy and safe animal feeds that do not contribute to over-fishing, nor compromise human food security for low-resource coastal communities.

“It is insufficient to simply increase seafood production without also taking equity and the protection of the public’s health and natural resources into account,” believes Love. “To address these issues, we propose applying and expanding the One Health approach, which is an existing model for promoting synergy among the disciplines of human, animal and environmental health sciences. By examining the interactions between aquaculture, fisheries, human diet and health, and ecological health, priorities can be set to enhance human nutrition and the ecological sustainability of aquaculture.”

• Full bibliographic informationGormaz, J.G. et al. (2014). Public Health Perspectives on Aquaculture. Current Environmental Health Reports. DOI 10.1007/s40572-014-0018-8.

Source: Springer Science+Business Media PR (15.07.2014)

Continued high costs in Chile for Cermaq, “but encouraging underlying biological development”

EBIT pre fair value and non-recurring items was NOK 123 million in second quarter 2014 versus a comparable pro forma EBIT of NOK 137 million in second quarter 2013. Strong prices helped create satisfactory results in Norway and Canada, while earnings in the Chilean operation were hampered by high costs.  Below is the remainder of the Cermaq Q2 results PR, un-edited:

– A continued strong market made this a reasonable quarter for Cermaq in Norway and Canada, says CEO Jon Hindar in a comment.

– Chile had weak results for Atlantics and trout as cost continues to be high. This is related to challenging growing conditions during 2013 and high mortality due to the SRS bacteria. The increase in ex-cage cost for Atlantics this quarter versus first quarter is reflecting harvesting underperforming sites. At the same time the underlying biological development of the biomass is improving. This development makes us uphold our target of reaching an ex-cage cost for Atlantics of USD 3.8 per kg in 2015, as communicated at our capital markets day in November 2013, Jon Hindar continues.

Group volumes sold in second quarter were 26.5 ktonnes, some 6 ktonnes below estimate due to market timing. Harvest volume was is in line with production plans and expected sales volume for 2014 is 158 ktonnes, marginally up from previous estimate of 157 ktonnes.

Cermaq Chile’s earnings in second quarter improved versus previous year. The EBIT pre fair value was NOK 5 million whereas EBIT for the same quarter last year was a loss of NOK 6 million. EBIT per kg for Atlantics and trout was a loss of NOK 0.6 and NOK 1.0 respectively. Coho continues to perform well and came in at NOK 7.5 per kg. Ex-cage cost for Atlantics was USD 4.7 per kg in the first half of 2014. This is an increase of USD 0.2 compared to full year 2013. On a constant feed price basis the cost declined by USD 0.2 per kg in the same period.

The sanitary situation in Cermaq’s Chilean operations is developing in a positive direction. Sea lice levels are lower than in the same period in 2013 and 2012, and harvest weights have further increased. Use of antibiotics was reduced compared to first quarter due to less severe SRS outbreaks and more effective treatment. Still, SRS remains a concern, also due to resulting mortality on large fish. Cermaq’s antibiotics usage remains significantly below industry average.

Cermaq Norway delivered an EBIT pre fair value of NOK 81 million versus NOK 122 million last year. EBIT for Nordland was NOK 11.0 per kg and NOK 8.8 per kg for Finnmark. Cermaq Canada reported an EBIT pre fair value of NOK 52 million, a reduction of NOK 2 million compared to previous year. EBIT per kg was NOK 11.8.

Net interest bearing debt was NOK 2.1 billion and equity ratio 53 percent. EBIT pre fair value was NOK 167 million and includes a gain of NOK 44 million from sale of a grain silo.

About Cermaq -Cermaq is one of the world’s leading companies in farming of salmon and trout, with operations in Norway, Chile and Canada. In 2013 the farming business had sales of NOK 5.1 billion, and a total harvested volume of 142.3 thousand tonnes. Cermaq’s feed business unit EWOS was sold in 2013. Cermaq is listed on the Oslo stock exchange with ticker code CEQ. www.cermaq.com

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)

• Result presentation Q2 2014
• 2nd Quarter 2014

Source: Cermaq Pr (18.07.2014)

NEWSFLASH: 2014 SeafoodIntelligence Benchmarking of the Top Salmon farming & Top Fish Feed sustainability reporting is out!

After many months of hard (& oft-tedious…) work analyzing & scrutinizing hundreds of documents/reports, websites, disclosures, and holding ‘sustainability’ discussions with key stakeholders etc… we are pleased to report that the 454-page 2014 edition of the SeafoodIntelligence benchmarking of the Top 34 Salmon Farming & Top 3 Fish Feed firm’s Corporate, Social & Environmental Responsibility (CSER) / Sustainability reporting is finally out!

The SeafoodIntelligence report is the only report benchmarking comprehensively the main salmon farming  & fish feed firms’ CSR & Sustainability reporting (in English) world-wide against a set of 213 environmental, corporate, social, and financial key performance indicators (KPIs). The firms’ disclosures in English for the Financial Year 2013 (and others) were analyzed and compared against various criteria & KPIs [including those of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)’s Salmon Standards].

For the 4th consecutive year, salmon farming companies operating in Norway, Chile, Canada (British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador), USA (Maine), Ireland, UK (Scotland), Faroese Islands, New Zealand & Australia (Tasmania) have been benchmarked on how transparent & communicative they are when it comes to Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility issues.

Previous editions have been proving increasingly popular & influential, with some firms/top execs referring to it in their annual reports, investor presentations, press releases, website, in private/industry forums, etc… Several C-suite executives have told us the reports proved ‘instrumental in highlighting opportunities for improvement’ in sustainability reporting.

Our CSER/Sustainability Reporting rating Methodology (revised in 2014) assesses three dimensions for each of the 213 indicators monitored: A) Comprehensiveness of reporting, B) Relevance of data/level of details, and C) Frequency of reporting. To these quantitative measures we have factored, for each firms, qualitative D) ‘bonus points’ aiming to reward a) Overall quality of data & website(s)’ / reports’ presentation; b) Progress; improvement on previous FY year’s reporting performance; c) Goals for Higher Sustainability Performance & Improvements’ (detailed goals, vision, leadership, etc.), including but not restricting rewards for firms that engage for the first time upon on CSR & Environment reporting and those members of the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI).

We have also held lengthy – and hopefully insightful – interviews/ ‘sustainability conversations’ with the convener of the Global Salmon Initiative, CEOs of firms listed on the Oslo & Santiago stock exchanges (incl. the current two GSI co-chairs), Sustainability Directors/managers of Feed companies, with the ASC and the GAA.

We are happy to report some significant improvements – for some – in the quality and relevance of their public reporting to stakeholders. We nonetheless highlight the ‘disappointing’ performance of (still too) many firms.

The technically-detailed & data/commentary-rich report highlights, among others:

• Global ratings in CSER for all Top 35 salmon & trout farming companies & the Top 3 Fish feed firms.
• Sustainability reporting rankings (/countries; /Stock exchange, / GSI membership).
• Detailed matrix & company ‘Sustainability’ communication profiles & comments,
• Progress registered vs. previous years,
• ‘Hot’ Sustainability  issues which most do not [want to?] communicate upon,
• FY 2013 & 2014E farmed salmon production figures, per company,
• Comparative table of GRI indicators used by some of the Top firms, Who reports what…
• The best quotes by industry leaders relating to aquaculture, salmon farming, sustainability, ASC, GSI, biosecurity, transparent, impacts, offshore aquaculture and other KPIs…

The report features among others the following firms:

Acuinova, Alsaker Fjordbruk, AquaChile & Verlasso, Australis Seafoods, Bakkafrost, Biomar (Shcouw & Co.), Blumar Seafoods, Bolaks, Bremnes Seashore, Camanchaca, Cermaq (incl. CM Chiloé), Cooke Aquaculture, Ellingsen Seafood, EWOS, Firda Sea, Grieg Seafood, Huon Aquaculture, Invermar, Leroy Seafood, Los Fiordos, Marine Farms (/GMT), Marine Harvest, MultiExports, New Zealand King Salmon, Nordlaks, Norway Royal Salmon, Nova Sea, Petuna, Salmar, Salmones Antartica (Nissui), Salmones Aysen, Salmones Austral (Pacific Star + Trusal), Salmones Humboldt (Mitsubishi), Sjøtroll, Skretting (Nutreco), Tassal, The Scottish Salmon Company, Ventisqueros.

The overall SeafoodIntelligence CSER benchmarking rating obtained is noted out of 10. According to the demanding CSER reporting/communication rating standards adopted in this report, we estimate that: Any rating >5 = ‘Very Good’; rating [3-5] = ‘Good’; rating [1.5-3] = ‘Could do better/merits encouragements’ rating [0.5-1.5] = ‘Poor’ rating <0.5 = ‘Extremely poor’.

AIMS:

• This report will help key players and stakeholders assess the level of proactive/voluntary transparency & communication endeavours displayed by top salmon farmers worldwide when it comes to corporate, social and environmental sustainability reporting.
• This report will help salmon farming companies aspiring to a higher level of sustainability reporting to compare – by topics & indicators – & benchmark their performances (where noted) and transparency with that of their competitors and leaders in the field…
• This benchmarking report will help salmon farmers devise their first Sustainability Report and gain precious time by learning from the best reporting practices in the industry; and provide them with many useful tips & much information.
• This benchmarking report will provide salmon farmers aiming for ASC certification with a benchmark & check list of sort re. disclosures and topics to be addressed.
• This report provides stakeholders, retailers / buyers, analysts & investors with a snapshot of the 2013 & 2014 (statements & disclosures monitored up to July 1, 2014) salmonid aquaculture industry, available data and trends. It provides context-setting information regarding the global salmon market and some of the challenges it faces.
• This report provides industry organisations, authorities and eNGOs with a good overview of the current status of the global aquaculture/farmed salmon “sustainability” debate; and gives them an insight into key industry decision-makers’ positions and expectations.

Price (+VAT at 20% in the European Union):

• EURO 1,699 for unlimited user licence within the same company (2014 report – exclusive Pdf version). [Additionally, you can order printed copies for €80 per hard copy (delivered >end August).]
• EURO 2,300 for both 2014 + 2013 Salmon & Fish Feed Firm’s benchmarking reports (when ordered together).

Contact: Editor [at] SeafoodIntelligence.com

On Twitter.com: https://twitter.com/Salmoskius/status/505076863300276224

IFFO welcomes FAO’s GLOBEFISH as a new member

IFFO are delighted to welcome GLOBEFISH as a Non-Producer member.  As a unit of the United Nations Fisheries and Aquaculture Department (FAO), GLOBEFISH is responsible for information on international fish trade and recently celebrated their 30th birthday.  With three decades of experience in gathering, assessing, analysing and disseminating up-to-date marketing and trade information worldwide, GLOBEFISH’s work perfectly partners with that of IFFO’s and we look forward to continuing to work closely together in the future.

IFFO’s relationship with FAO has grown from strength to strength over the past few years.  IFFO is an accredited observer to FAO but recently we have also participated as an observing body in the OECD-FAO agri-commodities working group meeting. This group produces an annual update on the Agricultural Outlook for the following 10 years, a report that is becoming an important reference point for both the public and private sector worldwide. IFFO is playing a key role as the only industry organisation called to contribute to the fish and seafood section. We are also collaborating in a joint project with FAO and the China Society of Fishery (CSF) on improving the statistics on China production of fishmeal and fish oil.

About GLOBEFISH

The core of GLOBEFISH is the GLOBEFISH Databank and the group also produces a number of publications including fish price reports (European Fish Price Report), market studies (GLOBEFISH Research Programme), market trend analysis (GLOBEFISH Highlights) and online market reports. News, statistics and prices are collected worldwide and disseminated through the GLOBEFISH publications and the web site. GLOBEFISH provides up-to-date coverage of global seafood market developments thanks to its close contact with the fishery industry and its statistical information sources.

GLOBEFISH also coordinates the FISHINFO Network (FIN) which consists of 7 independent intergovernmental and governmental organisations. Created to assist the fishery sector in developing countries and countries in transition, the FIN provides services to private industry and to governments.

Notes

 

1. IFFO represents the marine ingredients industry worldwide. IFFO’s members reside in more than 60 countries, account for over 50% of world production and 75% of the fishmeal and fish oil traded worldwide. Approximately 5 million tonnes of fishmeal are produced each year globally, together with 1 million tonnes of fish oil. IFFO’s headquarters are located in London in the United Kingdom and it also has offices in Lima, Peru, and in Beijing, China. IFFO is an accredited Observer to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

 

2. The Global Standard for Responsible Supply (IFFO RS) is a business-to-business certification programme that enables a compliant factory to demonstrate that it responsibly sources its raw material from well-managed fisheries and responsibly converts that into pure and safe products.

To be certified fishmeal and fish oil factories must demonstrate sourcing from well managed fisheries and safe and traceable production. Assessments are conducted by an independent certification body and in just over two years, IFFO RS has successfully attracted 90 certified factories, spread across nine countries. Most of the largest fisheries such as Peruvian anchovy, Alaskan Pollock, Blue Whiting in UK, Iceland and Norway, Gulf menhaden in USA and many more have been approved for supply into the manufacturing food chain including whole fish and by- product raw material to produce compliant fishmeal and fish oil. For more information visit the IFFO RS Website – http://www.iffo.net/iffo-rs

3. Fishmeal is a natural, balanced, highly nutritious feed ingredient used in diets for farmed fish and crustaceans and as a high protein supplement in nutritionally demanding periods in the life cycle of pigs and poultry, as well as in pet food.
4. Fish oil is the major natural source (97%) of the healthy long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Most fish oil is used in feeds for farmed fish and there is an expanding market for fish oil for human nutritional supplements and functional foods.

Source: IFFO PR (30th June 2014)

GLOBAL Salmon Initiative announces 3 new members from New Zealand, Tasmania (Australia) & Chile: New Zealand King Salmon, Huon Aquaculture & Ventisqueros

The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) is pleased to officially announce today (NB: July 1st – SeafoodIntelligence had however alerted its members earlier of this development…) – welcome Huon Aquaculture, New Zealand King Salmon and Ventisqueros, from Tasmania, New Zealand and Chile respectively, as the latest farmed salmon producers to join the leadership initiative. The addition of these three new companies brings GSI’s membership to 17, representing more than 70% of the industry’s total global production, and highlights the growing commitment of the industry towards improving sustainability.

• Our Comment: A growing list of GSI members… These latest three members (who joined in May-June 2014)’s decision to join the GSI must be praised for this brave and forward-looking move and commitment (notably to be ASC-certified by 2020) towards increased social, economic and environmental responsibility and sustainability. There are now companies headquartered in Norway, Chile, the UK, New Zealand, Australia… BUT – we must note – still none headquartered in Canada [the main BC salmon farmers are members through their Norwegian-HQed parent companies: Marine Harvest, Cermaq & Grieg Seafood], i.e. none from the East Coast of North America…

“GSI is thrilled to have expanded its global representation with the addition of three new member companies who share our vision, including representation in Oceania for the first time,” said Ricardo Garcia, current Co-Chair of GSI and CEO of Camanchaca. “Together, through global collaboration, we are even better positioned to continue progress towards our objectives as we move the industry to a more sustainable future.”

By joining GSI, these new members commit to prioritizing collaboration over competition when it comes to improving the sustainable performance of the industry. By working together, all GSI members have committed to reaching the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Salmon Standard by 2020; improving biosecurity management, including an immediate focus on sea lice; and working with industry stakeholders to secure sustainable sources of salmon feed to meet growing demand.

• Huon Aquaculture, founded in Tasmania’s rugged far south, is a vertically integrated company that processes and sells approximately 15,000 tonnes of premium quality Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout products to domestic and international markets each year. New technology, improved information and knowledge, coupled with a strong desire to be a world leader in farming practices are at the heart of Huon’s sustainable growth.
• New Zealand King Salmon, with five farms based in the Marlborough Sounds region and three processing facilities in Nelson, is the world’s largest producer of Pacific King Salmon. The company operates three brands and its premium Ora King brand can be found in 400 of the world’s top restaurants. Its annual volume is 6,500 tonnes and is set to grow to 12,000 tonnes with planned expansion activities.
• Ventisqueros, a vertically integrated Chilean farmed salmon producer, is 100% owned by the private Schorghüber Corporate Group of Germany. Last year, the company harvested 45,000 metric tonnes, out of which 30,000 were Atlantic salmon.

All three companies have been operating for 25 years.

“While we all experience unique regional issues, the GSI members recognize that ensuring a sustainable future for the industry is a global challenge,” said Cristián Swett, CEO of Ventisqueros. “We look forward to sharing knowledge and learning from the other progressive GSI companies, including the other newest members, in order to achieve success together.”

Source: GSI Pr (01.07.2014)

About GSI

The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) is a leadership initiative established in 2013 by global farmed salmon producers focused on making significant progress on industry sustainability. GSI is committed to fully realizing a shared goal of providing a highly sustainable source of healthy food to feed a growing global population, whilst minimizing our environmental footprint, and continuing to improve our social contribution.

GSI member companies include: Bakkafrost; Blumar; Cermaq; Compañía Pesquera Camanchaca; Empresas AquaChile; Grieg Seafood; Huon Aquaculture, Lerøy Seafood Group; Los Fiordos; Marine Harvest; Multiexport Foods SA; New Zealand King Salmon; Norway Royal Salmon; SalMar; The Scottish Salmon Company; Scottish Sea Farms and Ventisqueros.

GSI companies have a presence in Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Norway, Tasmania, the Faroe Islands, Ireland and Scotland, and make significant contributions to the economies of these respective countries.

For further information on GSI one can contact them:

• Website – http://www.globalsalmoninitiative.org
• GSI Secretariat – GSI@axon-com.com
• Twitter – GSI_Salmon

New Member Companies

For more information about the new member companies, visit:

• New Zealand King Salmon – http://kingsalmon.co.nz/
• Huon Aquaculture – http://www.huonaqua.com.au/
• Ventisqueros – http://www.ventisqueros.com/

AQUACHILE signs deal to sell all Ventisqueros salmon & trout production in the USA and Canada

AquaChile and Ventisqueros signed earlier this month an important commercial agreement, whereby AquaChile will offer and sell all of the Ventisqueros salmon and trout production in the US and Canada. This partnership aims to create a more stable and continuous supply of Chilean salmon and trout to the American and Canadian markets, as well as deepen and widen the sales into those markets.

“This agreement will afford a more stable and continuous supply to current clients as well as deepen and widen sales of Chilean production to new clients and geographic areas,” reads the June 12, 2014 statement.

AquaChile—through its subsidiary AquaChile Inc—has had sales offices in the US since 2002, operating as a commercial platform to supply Chilean salmon and trout to the important American and Canadian markets. Presently, these markets consume more than 400,000 gross tonnes of salmon, which is almost 15% of global production.

Initially, annual sales are expected to reach over $260 million, supplying different clients in an integral way and offering them a high level of service of real benefit to them.

“The experience and in-depth knowledge of the American market that AquaChile has developed for over 12 years, will allow Ventisqueros to gain access to a higher quantity of clients considered to be ‘end users’ of its products,” explains Víctor Hugo Puchi, Chairman of Empresas AquaChile.

Cristián Swett, CEO of Ventisqueros added that, thanks to this agreement, the company will not only optimize distribution channels bringing clients and producers closer to one another, but will also be able to identify more clearly market needs and trends over time.

*********

AQUACHILE is a Chilean company that produces food from aquaculture farmed species such as Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon, sea trout and tilapia. AquaChile has operations in Chile, Costa Rica, Panama and the United States, selling and marketing their products around the

The company is made up of a group of companies that strategically farm, produce and sell food. It gives employment to more than 5,900 people in Chile, the United States, Costa Rica and Panama and is one of the main producers of sea trout and Pacific salmon in the world, being the main provider of fresh Tilapia to the United States.

VENTISQUEROS is a Chilean Company with German capital which is part of the Schörghuber Unternehmensgruppe holding company. It is one of the 5 largest salmon producers in Chile with an annual production of 45,000 tonnes farming 3 species of salmonids: Atlantic salmon, sea trout and Pacific salmon.

The company is 100% integrated and has its own hatcheries, lake farms, sea licenses and processing plants, producing and selling fresh, frozen and smoked products.

AQUAVISION 2014 Quotes: Time to invest ‘now’; “aquaculture industry has to acknowledge that yes there are problems but…”

 

And the winners are… Atlantic salmon, white shrimp, tilapia, catfish/pangasius and some other species (eg. tamaquin, snakehead, Asian bass) will all be the top aquaculture species, produced globally in excess of 1 million tonnes + by 2020 (some already are…) – Nutreco CEO Knut Nesse told AquaVision 2014 attendants. 2.8 million tonnes of Atlantic salmon are forecast for 2020E (with a compound annual growth rate – CAGR- of 6%), 6.5 million tonnes for shrimp (5% CAGR) and 8 million tonnes for white shrimp (CAGR 4%).

“The development of land based, recirculation and closed containment technologies, is “expanding the room of possibilities for aquaculture going forward” – Trond Williksen, CEO of Akva Group.He was commenting on the increasing challenge of finding suitable coastal space for expanding salmon farming operations. He said people were now increasingly looking at offshore fish farming and closed-contained aquaculture. He said that closed containment was “expanding the room of possibilities for aquaculture going forward” […] “Is it financially viable? It still remains to be seen. Indications are it could be competitive in terms of production costs.”

“Norwegian seafood business will grow five fold in the next 35 years. Growth and consolidation is to continue and the cyclical nature of banks mean that it is a borrowers market again,” Harald Serk-Hanssen, Group Executive Vice-President of DNB Bank. He commented that uncertainties remained as for the future: “You must use this window of opportunity to make sure you have a diverse source of funding, while you can…”

*********

“We are in a period of fundamental change, a time where we have already passed the regenerative capacity of the earth and taken everything that we can replace. Our natural resources are being used up faster than they can be replenished, and now the notion of sustainability on what is a planet with finite resources is literally impossible.” – Keynote speaker Bob Geldof. “[…] you are messing with the natural processes of nature, which makes consumers suspicious. It is to do with the right management of the production, it is about allaying fears of the consumer, you have to deal with that first.”

“NGOs are allowed to shape policy where leaders cannot. They may be annoying but it is better than getting products blacklisted. You do that stuff NGOs want you to do not to get them on side, but because it makes business sense. […] Aquaculture is vital, but needs to be articulated with NGOs and explained and transmitted to the consumer […]We need to get to the point whereby aquaculture is not only a viable business but also a viable methodology for keeping so many of us alive.”

“[…] The focus should be on compromise nor competition. The aquaculture industry has to acknowledge that yes there are problems, such as sea lice, but we are dealing with it. It is about compromise, consensus, cooperation, not competition,”

He told AquaVision attendants that the aquaculture industry to strike the right balance between consumer and business demands together with the broader social and environmental needs of the planet. “When you do this, and you will, you will have helped deal with the signature issue of our time, which is inequality and disequilibrium. That is worth fighting for and it is worth getting right. All of this is achievable; we just need the will, commitment and absolute understanding that we will implement that change.”

Geldof said Africa is “a new frontier” where “corruption isn’t as bad as people think”… “There is a great world of opportunities in Africa, and the returns are bigger there than in any other market, I cannot understand why people are unwilling to go and invest […] The Chinese see it, they have been jumping in there even as the West has gone crawling to China.”

 ********

“Aquaculture can become more efficient and utilize open waters to become a viable tool to feed the surging demand for food if done responsibly” – José Villalon, Nutreco Sustainability Director, as he spoke of the challenge of feeding the world’s 9 billion inhabitants by 2050 (‘when more food will need to be produced than has been in the past 8,000 years’). “Our challenge will be how to do this while managing the environmental footprint […] In all cases, from a resource efficiency perspective, fish is the smart and responsible choice.”