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This study highlights both theoretical as well as practical contributions to improving traceability in supply chain management with special focus on the fish supply chain. As a theoretical contribution, it highlights how blockchain technology can contribute to improving supply chain transparency in various sectors by providing real-time visibility. Concerning practical contributions, this study adopted a case study approach in the Philippines to track and trace the fish supply chain from bait to plate. It deploys a project titled 'Tracy', a blockchain-based information technology artifact to support fishermen in the Philippines, who are facing numerous challenges in the seafood industry such as different standards and regulations, requirements for international exports, catch certification, etc. This study specifically contributes to developing a smartphone app through the Tracy project that allows fishermen to view the history of their fish captures and exchanges (such as the name of the fish species, weight, and length of the fish, date of capture, and vessel name). The update of transaction histories, the identity of the fishermen, and the amount of fish that has to be sold are additional updates also made possible by this app. This research study concludes with overall study outcomes and limitations with future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seafood is an important source of food and protein for humans. However, it is highly susceptible to microbial contamination, which has become a major challenge for the seafood processing industry. Bacteriophages are widely distributed in the environment and have been successfully used as biocontrol agents against pathogenic microorganisms in certain food processing applications. However, due to the influence of environmental factors and seafood matrices, using bacteriophages for commercial-scale biocontrol strategies still faces some challenges. This article briefly introduces the current processes used for the production and purification of bacteriophages, lists the latest findings on the application of phage-based biocontrol in seafood, summarizes the challenges faced at the current stage, and provides corresponding strategies for solving these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine aquaculture (mariculture), the farming of marine species, is currently a relatively small contributor to the United States' seafood industry. There is tremendous potential for growth in this sector and increasing interest in advancing the industry through supportive federal and state policies as well as concerns about how to best manage potential negative impacts or unsustainable development. While some mariculture is conducted in land-based tanks as well as saltwater ponds, and there are pilot projects and ongoing applications to commence mariculture operations in federal waters, the majority of mariculture activities occur within state waters (typically, 3 nautical miles, or 5.5 kilometers, from shore) and are largely managed by state-level policies and regulations. The policy mechanisms by which each of the 23 coastal states manages their respective mariculture industries are quite varied, making it difficult to identify policy trends and assess which approaches may be enabling or impeding the development of the sector. As such, we present the State Marine Aquaculture Policy Dashboard: a publicly-available, living database collating state-level policy and legislative data related to the management of the mariculture industry. This centralized, accessible catalog of laws, policies, regulations, and initiatives is a valuable resource for understanding the current landscape of state mariculture policy frameworks in the U.S. and can create opportunities for policy transfers and collaboration across states as they seek to manage their industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seafood is abundant in high-quality protein, healthy fats (n-3 and n-6 PUFAs), minerals (calcium, magnesium, copper, selenium, and so on), and vitamin D. Functional compounds in seafood can protect against lifestyle-related diseases. Having had all the merits mentioned, it is also a highly putrefiable food item. To maintain quality and prolong seafood's shelf life, various chemicals have been added, including nitrite, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde. In this review, we summarize the uses, the incidence of added formalin contamination, and the approved limit for seafood products. Additionally, worldwide regulations or standards for the use of formalin in seafood products, as well as recent changes relevant to new methods, are highlighted. Although strict limits and regulations have been placed on the utilization of formaldehyde for seafood preservation, there are few incidences reported of formalin/formaldehyde detection in seafood products around Asian countries. In this context, various qualitative and quantitative detection methods for formaldehyde have been developed to ensure the presence of formaldehyde within acceptable limits. Besides this, different rules and regulations have been forced by each country to control formaldehyde incidence. Although it is not an issue of formaldehyde incidence in European countries, strict regulations are implemented and followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective monitoring of perishable food products has become increasingly important for ensuring quality, enabling smart packaging to be a key consideration for food companies. Among the promising technologies available for transforming packaging into intelligent packaging, chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors stand out. Despite the high initial implementation costs associated with chipless RFID technology, the potential benefits could outweigh the costs if electrical challenges can be overcome. We examine various economic methods to analyze the economic benefits of chipless RFID technology, evaluating the benefits of using this technology for the quality monitoring of seafood products of an Australian seafood producer, Tassal. The analysis considers three primary business drivers, viz. quality monitoring, operational efficiency, and tracking and tracing, using net present value and return on investment as the key indicators to assess the feasibility of implementing the technology. Based on sensitivity analysis, we suggest chipless RFID technology is currently best suited for large firms facing significant quality monitoring and operational efficiency challenges. However, as the cost of chipless RFID sensors decreases with further development, this technology may become a more viable option for small businesses in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On Along the Integral Margin: Uneven Development in a Myanmar Squatter Settlement by Stephen Campbell. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2022. Review Essay 1: Elliott Prasse-Freeman Rampaging elephants and cyclone-induced floods [...]

The last open-net pen salmon farms in B.C. have until July 2029 to figure out a different way of doing business. Environmental advocates say the shift is long overdue but [...]

The biofilm-forming pathogens with acquired antibiotic resistance and associated disease outbreaks are increasing worldwide, especially in the seafood industry. This study hypothesised that the bioengineered iron nanoparticles using the myrobalan (Terminalia chebula) extract (M-FeNPs) and its resin coating have an effective antibiofilm properties. 12 seafood waste-based biofilm-forming strains (SSS) were isolated from SS-316 metal coupon and screened for their antibiotic-resistant profile as per CLSI (2016) standards. M-FeNPs were characterised by UV, FTIR, etc. Over 50 % of SSS were resistant to Ciprofloxacin, Cefalexin and Penicillin-G. The antibiofilm activity of the M-FeNPs showed an excellent inhibition zone (16–24 mm), and the combination of M-FeNPs + Methicillin also showed better activity. in vitro antibiofilm study shows that upon adding M-FeNPs, biofilm formation was reduced from 1.425 g to 0.83 g at the end of the eighth day. The CLSM and SEM images indicated that the M-FeNPs are effective antibiofilm agents against biofilm strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global seafood industry is crucial in food production, providing essential nutrition and contributing to food security. Beyond its traditional role, the industry holds significant potential for generating high-value products by utilizing seafood resources. This comprehensive review explores the diverse applications of seafood resources, focusing on fish, shellfish, and seaweeds, in producing high-value products. The review examines various technological processes in extracting and purifying bioactive compounds from seafood, highlighting the advancements in seafood processing areas such as nanoencapsulation, fermentation, and enzymatic hydrolysis. Furthermore, it also discusses these innovations' economic and environmental impacts, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and efficiency in utilizing seafood by-products and waste. The seafood industry can minimize environmental pollution and promote circular economy principles by repurposing these materials. The review provides a holistic view of the future directions in this field, advocating for continued research and development efforts to enhance the value and sustainability of seafood resources. Overall, this review underscores the significance of seafood-derived high-value products in addressing global challenges while fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sentiment analysis, a form of data analytics, utilises information from online discussions, reviews, and social media posts to assess consumer sentiments. This study utilised data collected from social media using online listening procedures to assess online sentiments on oysters from January 2019 through December 2022. The analysis utilises machine learning algorithms to extract consumer sentiments, opinions, and demands from online chatter from different online domains. The online sentiments are determined as positive, negative, or neutral based on their word choice, tone, and context. The information provided gives insights into perception, which is valuable information for oyster producers, seafood industry stakeholders, and marketers to identify consumer preferences and formulate appropriate strategies accordingly. The results suggest that while farmed oysters are gaining popularity, there are still some concerns and criticisms around the industry. Positive words associated with mentions of oysters in general include 'great', 'love', 'delicious', 'enjoyed', and 'oyster bar', while negative words associated with oysters include 'water', 'raw oyster', 'bad', and 'not eat'. The overall percentage net sentiment associated with all oysters in the United States is positive at 63%. The net sentiment associated with wild oysters is positive, at 51%, and that of farmed oysters is 58%. The oyster industry could invest more in public education, sustainability, and water‐cleaning initiatives to improve its image. Utilising social media to monitor and shape public perception can help the industry address concerns and enhance oyster‐related sentiments, offering valuable insights for marketing and sales strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Meat quality is of paramount importance in the fisheries and aquaculture industries, but the quality of seafood can be affected by environmental variability and change, creating uncertainties in the delivery of consistent, high‐end product. Reports from fishers operating in an Australian fishery catching broadbill swordfish (Xiphias gladius) suggest that anomalously warm waters are linked with myoliquefaction of muscle tissue. The condition affects the marketability of fish by turning the meat into a soft, mushy texture post‐mortem and is caused by infection by the myxozoan parasite Kudoa musculoliquefaciens. Here, we combine microscopy, molecular techniques and ecological modelling to explore potential environmental drivers of the prevalence and intensity of K. musculoliquefaciens in swordfish, as a first step in understanding how a warming ocean might exacerbate the risk of harvesting an infected swordfish and the resultant potential risk of myoliquefaction. We develop predictive dynamic risk surfaces on seasonal timescales, with results revealing both the likelihood of harvesting an infected swordfish and the intensity of parasite load increase during the Austral summer. The prevalence of the parasite further increases in the region dominated by the East Australian Current, when locally warm areas are atypically cool and when average monthly temperatures are more variable. These findings provide information useful in predicting the conditions under which the risk of harvesting infected swordfish might be intensified, enabling adaptation to climate change impacts and optimisation of decision‐making when fishing under risky conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a profound problem around the world yet it's study on the effect on zooplankton including copepods are very limited. The study was conducted between January 2021 and January 2022 in the Lower Meghna Estuary to investigate MPs ingestion in two different family of copepod: Calanoid and Cyclopoid. A method of acid digestion along with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to identify MPs ingested by copepods from the conducted area. However, three types of MPs namely fiber, fragment and foam were extracted from this copepod biomass. Fibers represent highest (> 50%) of the ingested MPs from both group of copepod that exceed fragments and foams in all sampling stations. The overall ingestion rate of Calanoid was found higher (0.084 ± 0.002 particles/individual) compared to the Cyclopoid group (0.077 ± 0.001 particles/individual). The results of the study have effectively illustrated that copepod, obtained from multiple sampling sites within the Lower Meghna Estuary, display a propensity to ingest MPs and subsequently endangering the food security of seafood industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses a panel of monthly data to investigate the effects of antidumping (AD) duties imposed on shrimp imports to the U.S. The results from the augmented gravity model show that initiating AD investigations and the final AD duty rate harm trade with the named countries. Distribution of AD duties among domestic industry producers stimulates a positive supply response. Rejection of imports by European countries for food safety reasons deflects trade to the U.S. The pass-through effects of the AD duty rate (and exchange rate) on import prices are small, indicating minimal adverse effects of AD policy on consumer welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study focused exclusively on analyzing Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination in fresh raw mussels and ready-to-eat (RTE) stuffed mussels obtained from authorized and regulated facilities. However, it is critical to recognize that such contamination represents a significant public health threat in regions where unauthorized harvesting and sales practices are prevalent. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and antibacterial resistance profiles of E. coli in fresh raw mussels and RTE stuffed mussels. E. coli counts in fresh raw mussel samples ranged from 1 to 2.89 log CFU/g before cooking, with a significant reduction observed post-cooking. RTE stuffed mussel samples predominantly exhibited negligible E. coli presence (<1 log CFU/g). A phylogenetic analysis revealed a dominance of phylogroup A, with variations in the distribution observed across different sampling months. Antibacterial resistance was prevalent among the E. coli isolates, notably showing resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, and cefotaxime. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESβL) production was rare, with only one positive isolate detected. A variety of antibacterial resistance genes, including tetB and sul1, were identified among the isolates. Notably, virulence factor genes associated with pathogenicity were absent. In light of these findings, it is imperative to maintain rigorous compliance with quality and safety standards at all stages of the mussel production process, encompassing harvesting, processing, cooking, and consumption. Continuous monitoring, implementation of rigorous hygiene protocols, and responsible antibacterial drug use are crucial measures in mitigating food safety risks and combating antibacterial resistance. Stakeholders, including seafood industry players, regulatory agencies, and healthcare professionals, are essential to ensure effective risk mitigation and safeguard public health in the context of seafood consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the synergistic effects of antimicrobial compounds on enhancing hygiene standards in the food industry. Specifically, it evaluates the efficacy of preserving rainbow trout fillets in slurry ice containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, with or without citric acid, during a 15-day storage period. Fish fillets were divided into three groups: Pure slurry ice (SI), slurry ice containing 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SIS), and slurry ice containing 0.5% SDS and 0.1% citric acid (SISC). Microbiological tests (total mesophilic and psychrophilic bacterial counts), chemical analyses (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBA), total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), and pH), and sensory evaluations (color, odor, texture, and overall acceptability) were conducted every three days. Results indicate that rainbow trout samples preserved in SISC exhibited a shelf life extension of 3–5 days compared to the control group. These findings highlight the potential of combining sodium dodecyl sulfate and citric acid in slurry ice to prolong the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets while maintaining quality attributes. These findings offer practical benefits for the seafood industry, reducing food waste and maintaining fish quality during storage and distribution. Additionally, the study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the preservation effects of dodecyl sulfate and citric acid, aiding in the optimization of preservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides perspectives on the graying of the fleet and research efforts to understand it in Alaska fisheries, discusses recent abrupt multifaceted challenges faced by Alaskan fishermen, and compares divergent public perceptions and support programs for farmers and fishermen in the United States. Equity concerns have seen a resurgence in academic and policy realms and the graying of the fleet is now a common example of distributional inequity, yet despite in-depth research attention on the issue, few substantive programmatic modifications have been made to address it in Alaska. Aging trends in United States fisheries have typically been framed as one of changing aspirational preferences. Research suggests coastal youth do desire and highly value fishing careers, but structural and financial barriers limit opportunities for new generations. The precarity of the fishing industry was highlighted in 2023 with sudden global seafood market instability, rising interest rates and operating costs, destabilized geopolitical tensions, and hastening climate change impacts. This recent industry turmoil disproportionately impacts those on the margins and adds an additional layer of complexity to addressing graying of the fleet trends. Unlike in fisheries, there are numerous federal programs to support young farmers and the agricultural industry. This paper calls for proactive and comprehensive measures to stabilize and support fishing communities and the viability of next generation pathways amidst recent fishing industry market turmoil and longer term inequities in fishery governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seafood industry generates waste, including shells, bones, intestines, and wastewater. The discards are nutrient-rich, containing varying concentrations of carotenoids, proteins, chitin, and other minerals. Thus, it is imperative to subject seafood waste, including shrimp waste (SW), to secondary processing and valorization for demineralization and deproteination to retrieve industrially essential compounds. Although several chemical processes are available for SW processing, most of them are inherently ecotoxic. Bioconversion of SW is cost-effective, ecofriendly, and safe. Microbial fermentation and the action of exogenous enzymes are among the significant SW bioconversion processes that transform seafood waste into valuable products. SW is a potential raw material for agrochemicals, microbial culture media, adsorbents, therapeutics, nutraceuticals, and bio-nanomaterials. This review comprehensively elucidates the valorization approaches of SW, addressing the drawbacks of chemically mediated methods for SW treatments. It is a broad overview of the applications associated with nutrient-rich SW, besides highlighting the role of major shrimp-producing countries in exploring SW to achieve safe, ecofriendly, and efficient bio-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a focus on seafood industries, this study provides a framework for economic contribution assessments, outlines Virginia's seafood supply chain components, and evaluates the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of Virginia's seafood industry in 2019. Utilizing an analysis-by-parts method in IMPLAN, primary expenditure data from watermen, aquaculture farmers, processors, and distributors were collected through surveys. The efficacy of obtaining primary data through stakeholder surveys heavily relies on the investigator's interpersonal skills to establish trust and elucidate the study's benefits, particularly its potential to inform policy decisions. In 2019, the Virginia seafood industry's estimated total economic contributions amounted to USD 1.1 billion, supporting 7187 individuals. This impact encompasses 6050 direct jobs, 523 indirect jobs, and 614 induced jobs, primarily benefiting watermen and coastal communities. Furthermore, the industry's influence extends beyond its immediate economic sphere, supporting diverse sectors such as polystyrene foam manufacturing, boat building, sporting and athletic goods, and commercial and industrial machinery. Wages and salaries disbursed throughout the seafood supply chain ripple to Virginia's economy, benefiting nondepository credit intermediation, owner-occupied dwellings, and real estate sectors. Future research focusing on seafood sales in restaurants and retail outlets will complete the understanding of the seafood industry's broader economic impact on the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is the description and characterization of a severe microsporidian infection in a batch of salted and dried cod. Particularly, the case involves a batch of approximately 800 kg obtained from Gadus macrocephalus (Food and Agriculture Organization Zone 61 - Northwest Pacific Ocean), which, after rehydration and sectioning operations, underwent routine company checks before packaging. In about 20% of the samples, the presence of whitish nodules with a diameter ranging from 1 to 2 mm was observed on the surface of the fillets and in cross-section. The lesions ranged from a few units to 10 per cm2. Some samples were subjected to fresh microscopic observation with the stereomicroscope, confirming the nodular nature of the lesions, which were often confluent, alternating with empty spaces, giving the tissue a honeycombing aspect. The histological examination at low magnification allowed us to observe the heavy vacuolization of nodular lesions irregularly surrounded by a spongy-like wall. The observation at higher magnification of other sections allowed us to identify intra-myofibrillar cists containing presumptive microsporidian elements. The tissue damage derived from the technological processes and gravity of lesions did not allow a morphological characterization of presumptive protozoans. The molecular examination of the nodular lesions and the analysis of the sequence of an 897 bp fragment of the small subunit 16S rRNA revealed 100% identity with Microsporidium theragrae (GenBank accession number MT928885-89) first isolated from the skeletal muscles of Gadus chalcogrammus specimens from the Sea of Okhotsk. This finding confirms the importance of selecting suppliers and raw materials in the seafood industry, as well as the usefulness of an effective traceability system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activity has led to microplastic contamination throughout the marine environment. As a result of widespread contamination, microplastics are ingested by many species of wildlife, including fish, cephalopods, and shellfish. Taiwan is surrounded by oceans that offer a rich range of seafood. Taiwanese residents can easily acquire seafood as a source of dietary protein. A recent research project by Greenpeace shows that the Taiwanese eat 16,000 microplastic particles per year. There is concern regarding microplastic physical and chemical toxicity, which poses potential health risks to the local community via food chains. Thus, monitoring microplastic contamination in seafood is imperative to provide helpful information for the government and local communities. Efforts should be taken to reduce microplastic pollution at the source to minimize potential effects on ecological and health safety. This review article emphasizes the urgent need for further research on microplastic pollution in Taiwan, highlights the potential challenges to mitigate this emerging environmental threat, and analyzes food safety hazards as well as microplastic contamination in seafood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crustacean shells, waste from the seafood industry, have been identified as a potential sustainable material for the adsorption of lead, a potent heavy metal found in the discharge of industrial processes. The dynamics and kinetics of its performance were evaluated in batch experiments under pH, temperature, time, and initial concentration. A unique and non-intuitive key finding was that among the native components of the crab shell matrix, i.e., chitin, protein, and calcium carbonate, calcium carbonate was instrumental in sequestration. The role of protein was minimal, whereas the efficiency of chitin in lead complexation was linked to the lead atomic radius, which, of the crab shell components, we determined was very prone to interacting with chitin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, with increased home cooking and decreased restaurant dining, significantly altered seafood consumption patterns. By applying an ordered logit model to identify factors affecting seafood consumption during the pandemic, this study found that the shift in seafood consumption was driven by factors such as changes in meal preparation methods, more time spent at home, and shifts in financial situations. While take-out consumption boosted overall seafood intake, popular varieties saw a rise in home consumption, while high-end seafood suffered from decreased demand as consumers focused more on home dining. This study underscores the importance of supporting suppliers, restaurants, and retailers dealing with high-end seafood, as they face economic challenges due to reduced consumption. In summary, pandemic-induced restrictions on mobility led to a notable transition from restaurant-prepared seafood to home-cooked options, highlighting the need for targeted policies to aid affected sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the mismanagement of marine by-products (head, skin, guts, blood, and bones) is a problem for the seafood processing industry, causing economic losses and environmental problems. Shrimp is a high-protein marine plankton species, and after processing, 45% of the total weight is discarded. Therefore, processes must be developed to recover biomolecules from this waste. Hydrolysis of shrimp by-products is an efficient way to add value to the protein for the extraction of bioactive peptides. The present review focuses on recent research on the use of marine by-products to obtain bioactive peptides, especially those from shrimp waste, and discusses their benefits for human health. Protein hydrolysates from shrimp by-products are a viable and technological strategy to obtain peptides of different sizes and improved antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, antiinflammatory, and hypocholesterolaemic activities. Therefore, the reuse and valorisation of shrimp by-products by obtaining bioactive peptides is an active research area, with potential applications and beneficial effects for human health, the environment, and the economy. However, further studies are needed to ensure their safe use, and to understand their mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the synergistic effect of combining flavourzyme, a natural enzyme, and floating electrode–dielectric barrier discharge (FE-DBD) plasma (1.1 kV, 43 kHz, N2 1.5 m/s) treatment, a non-thermal decontamination technology, against Escherichia coli biofilms in squid. E. coli (ATCC 35150 and ATCC 14301) biofilms were formed on the surface of squid and treated with different minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of flavourzyme (1/8; 31.25 μL/mL, 1/4; 62.5 μL/mL, 2/4; 125 μL/mL, and 3/4 MIC; 250 μL/mL) and FE-DBD plasma (5, 10, 30, and 60 min). Independently, flavourzyme and FE-DBD plasma treatment decreased by 0.26–1.71 and 0.19–1.03 log CFU/cm2, respectively. The most effective synergistic combination against E. coli biofilms was observed at 3/4 MIC flavourzyme + 60 min FE-DBD plasma exposure, resulting in a reduction of 1.55 log CFU/cm2. Furthermore, the combined treatment exhibited higher efficacy in E. coli biofilm inactivation in squid compared to individual treatments. The pH values of the synergistic combinations were not significantly different from those of the untreated samples. The outcomes indicate that the combined treatment with flavourzyme and FE-DBD plasma can effectively provide effective control of E. coli biofilms without causing pH changes in squid. Therefore, our study suggests a new microbial control method for microbial safety in the seafood industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many years, the International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH) has focused on highlighting research, training and advocacy work and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to foster a healthier, safer seafood industry. While prior conferences have included many opportunities for trans-disciplinary discussions and problem-solving, the IFISH Planning Committee has been exploring the option of developing a platform for collaboration and information exchange in between events, which only happen every few years. At the IFISH 6 Conference, held at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, participants were invited to attend the “International IFISH Innovation Exchanges” post-conference workshop, which was held on the final day of the conference. The focus of the workshop was to get participant feedback on how to create a platform for collaboration in between conferences. This brief report provides an overview of the concept, participant feedback and the work that has been conducted post-conference to make the IFISH Innovation Exchange a reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IFISH6 conference brought together researchers and practitioners from around the world to discuss innovations and progress in protecting the safety and health of workers in the fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing industries. This brief provides an overview of the feedback that was received about this conference, ideas for enhancing the impact of IFISH7, and methods of continuing collaboration and innovation in between. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial fishers, fish processors, and regulatory agencies in the Great Lakes region have expressed interest in mentoring the next generation of the industry's workforce using structured, cross‐discipline training curricula. A framework for an apprenticeship program for the Great Lakes region was developed using a regional online survey and in‐person, semistructured focus group discussions with Anishinaabe fishers, multigenerational fishing families, and regulatory agency staff. Using these findings, we propose the Great Lakes Future Fisheries Initiative as a framework that meets the need for place‐based job opportunities that include cultural and regulatory contexts specific to the region. Next steps include using the framework in collaboration with commercial businesses to pilot an apprenticeship program to address workforce development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate‐driven environmental change is increasingly impacting global fisheries and marine resource use. Fisheries provide a broad range of economic, social and cultural benefits while delivering essential contributions to nutrient security and human health. Despite this, little is known about how climate change will impact the availability and quality of seafood‐derived nutrients. Here, we quantified spatial and temporal changes in the nutritional quality of the commercially harvested eastern school whiting, Sillago flindersi, sampled throughout the south‐east Australian ocean warming hotspot. Several nutrients measured in S. flindersi, including protein, ash, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the omega‐3 PUFA–docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ɷ3), were related to one or more environmental factors (sea bottom temperature, depth and chlorophyll). We also detected seasonal variability in DHA and ash composition throughout the species' commercially harvested distribution. Historical and future spatial modelling predicted a decrease in DHA of up to 6% with increasing ocean temperature under future Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 emission scenarios. Overall, our results identified S. flindersi as a rich source of protein and essential PUFAs for human consumers and supported emerging evidence that reductions in seafood‐derived essential nutrients may occur under future ocean warming, specifically reductions in omega‐3 fatty acids. The development of nutritional quality forecasting tools for seafood holds the potential to inform fishers and managers of locations and times of the year to target species with optimal nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2020 and 2022, Thailand instituted a series of policies to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of the regulations were rooted in structural discrimination against the migrant population. This paper reveals how the discriminatory nature of the government's policies heightened the vulnerability of migrant workers in Thailand's commercial fishing and seafood processing industries. COVID-19 containment measures and immigration policies, coupled with the exclusion of migrant workers from social protection programs, inadvertently subjected migrant workers in Thailand's seafood industry to increased risk of forced labor. At the same time, further restrictions on freedom of association rights and the weakening of labor inspections during the pandemic hampered workers' ability to report labor abuses and the government's ability to identify and remedy cases of forced labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of emerging issues has garnered growing interest as a way to establish proactive policy formulation. However, in fisheries research, analyzing such issues has largely depended on the literature or researchers' judgment. We use keyword analysis, targeting news application programming interfaces (News APIs) (72,981 news sources and blogs), to investigate issues in the global seafood industry from January 2019 to March 2022. Among a variety of topics identified by year and country, in general, seafood market function, health, and tariffs were the main issues in 2019, while COVID-19-related issues were primarily mentioned between 2020 and 2021. After 2022, the role of the market regained attention, and various new issues rose to the surface. To identify emerging issues, we jointly employ dynamic time warping (DTW) and growth models, which derive several keywords, including coercion, cuisines, food safety, ketones, plastic ingestions, seafood alcohol, urbanization, wastewater treatment, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). High interest in food safety, environmental change, trade conflict, and seafood value improvement reveal the need for proper policy responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]