Fish Focus

Scientists aim to answer critical questions around carbon impact of seabed trawling. A first-of-its-kind study in the Irish Sea, involving scientists from Plymouth Marin Laboratory (PML), is addressing critical evidence gaps around the environmental impact of seabed trawling on seabed carbon storage and its potential implications for climate change.

Momentum growing towards a national fishing strategy. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries has published a fisheries action plan. Can the government take the decisive next step? The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisation’s (NFFO) has called on successive governments to take fishing more seriously as an industry. Our sector is not conservation problem, nor an impediment to building offshore wind farms.

Fisheries and Seafood Scheme support expanded to allow for grant contributions towards new engines and gearboxes on vessels. Fishermen across England will benefit from an expanded Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), with grant support now available for engine and gearbox upgrades. The funding will help vessels modernise and become more efficient, which will help reduce engine emissions. Eligible projects will be able to apply for support through the scheme’s standard application process.

ASC champions practical change at Global Shrimp Forum 2026. From testing new approaches to more inclusive shrimp supply chains to bringing retailers together to advance animal welfare, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) helped turn discussion into practical action at the 2026 Global Shrimp Forum (GSF), held in Utrecht from 1–3 September.

UK seafood businesses invited to join UK pavilion at China Fisheries and Seafood Expo. UK seafood businesses are being invited to register their interest in joining the UK Pavilion at this year’s China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE).

New Icelandic Ambassador Vows to build on strong relationship with Grimsby’s seafood sector in first visit to the Humber. Grimsby’s seafood leaders have met with Iceland’s new Ambassador to the UK. Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir has made the Humber one of her first visits, taking in both Grimsby and Hull, just weeks into the official role. Key officials underlined the importance of trade relations between the two nations.

Bioguto becomes Lithuania’s first Friend of the Sea® certified omega-3 brand. MB Pilnas šaukštas becomes the first Lithuanian company to achieve Friend of the Sea certification for an omega-3 product, reinforcing its commitment to responsible sourcing and traceability.

Seafood industry calls for reform of EU CATCH System.

Migrant fishers launch Freedom for Fishers Campaign, Call on StarKist to Negotiate binding agreement on labour rights. FOSPI-PMFU, a labour union representing migrant fishers in Taiwan who work on vessels in StarKist’s supply chain, launched the Freedom for Fishers Campaign — Kampanye ABK Merdeka —  together with Global Labour Justice.

Frozen cooked whelk meat imports fall 70.6% in August, cumulative volume down 63.9%. UK remains the dominant supplier with a 75.8% share, while average import prices edge higher. According to seafood import statistics, South Korea imported 122 tons of frozen cooked whelk meat in August 2026, down 70.6% from 415 tons in the same month last year. Compared with July 2026, when imports totalled 129 tons, August volume declined 5.4%.