Editor's Picks: An uninspiring aquaculture plan, Birds Eye's farmed fish deal, Cargill chases shrimp market

Hello all --

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its much-anticipated five-year aquaculture strategy last week, and it was, well, disappointing. The 20-page document did little to illuminate what America would do with its vast wealth, resources and can-do spirit.

It was instead a dry, vague and uninspiring read that made it pretty clear that the US remains decades behind in its thinking of the potential of the sector.

Executive Editor John Fiorillo pointed out at least one major oversight in the plan, and he and I took a few shots at America's failure to make progress on the world's fastest-growing protein sector on this week's IntraFish Podcast.

Whitefish (r)evolution

With Russia's status on the whitefish stage unclear, Western buyers have been hunting for other options and finding precious few alternatives.

Soon after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we speculated that pangasius -- a farmed catfish mostly raised in Vietnam -- could be a candidate.

At first, it didn't look like the species was quite ready for the big stage. But that's changed with news Friday that Nomad Foods -- parent of frozen fish brands Birds Eye, Iglo and Findus -- struck deals with several suppliers to supply the fish for use in products in 2023.

We've been all over the whitefish trade lately, so make sure and check out our dedicated page if you want to catch up.

Must Reads

• Americans are skeptical that Russia can deliver on grandiose pollock plans
• Kingfish CEO: After three years of slashing red tape for its Maine land-based farm, it's time to start 'the real work'
• Austevoll Seafood's billionaire owner warns: A tax 'grenade' could be headed your way
• Decline in Spain's seafood consumption should be viewed with 'sense of urgency'

Reader Favorites

• Cargill inks joint venture to nearly double shrimp feed capacity in Ecuador
  
• Former MD of Mowi Ireland to face the salmon farming giant in court
• Is it time to toss out 'imitation crab'? Surimi may fare better in the US market being called by its true name

Signing off to get you started on another exciting week --

Drew

Email: drew.cherry@intrafish.com

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