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A high-level meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) was conducted recently. Facilitated through video conferencing, the meeting was in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and standard operating procedures established between the coast guards of both nations in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

The discussions during the meeting focused on crucial maritime issues, including the sensitization of fishermen regarding cross-border fishing activities, information sharing mechanisms, and enhancing operational capabilities. These discussions were grounded in the collaborative framework established by the previous agreements between the two neighbouring countries.

The co-chairpersons for the meeting were Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan, the Commander of the Indian Coast Guard’s northeast region, and Captain Mohammad Kibria Haq, the Commander of the Bangladesh Coast Guard’s west zone. Their leadership underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges.

This collaborative effort signifies a proactive approach in addressing concerns related to border security and maritime activities, reflecting the ongoing commitment of India and Bangladesh to fostering regional stability and cooperation.

Cooke Inc. CEO Glenn Cooke declared an all-out war with his fiery speech at the Responsible Seafood Summit, against environmental groups, accusing them of spreading unscientific claims and harming both the fishing and aquaculture sectors. According to Cooke, these groups, once allies of the industry, have now become a common enemy.

Cooke pointed fingers at outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia, labeling them as a major antagonist in the battle. He claimed that Patagonia’s significant resources were dedicated to fighting salmon farming, influencing governments and driving campaigns against the industry.

The CEO emphasized the urgent need for unity within the seafood industry to counter what he deemed as misleading narratives. Cooke called for a strategic alliance between aquaculture and fishing sectors, stating, “The sooner we can coalesce into a major, stronger force to take them on, the better in my mind.”

Expressing disdain for the impact of social media, Cooke lamented that in today’s age, science holds little weight. He criticized the platform it provides for anyone to make and spread unscientific claims, stating, “Basically, [social media] gives everyone a platform and a voice to the point where science doesn’t matter, and that’s a shame.”

Cooke also took a swipe at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), denouncing their move to limit or eliminate net-pen salmon farming in British Columbia as “horrendous.” He drew parallels to the company’s experience in Washington state, where environmentalists allegedly stirred up non-truths, leading to the loss of net-pen permits after a massive escape of over 300,000 Atlantic salmon.

The seafood industry, under Cooke’s rallying cry, now faces a battle on multiple fronts, from environmental groups to the evolving landscape of misinformation on social media.”

To protect the struggling U.S. domestic shrimp industry, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) has introduced a bill targeting subsidies offered by the Indian government to its shrimp sector. The proposed legislation aims to level the playing field by matching U.S. tariffs on Indian shrimp imports with the subsidies provided to the Indian shrimp industry.

Senator Cassidy’s bill has gained significant support, with endorsements from key players in the seafood industry, including the Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), the Louisiana Shrimp Association, the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force, and the American Shrimp Processors Association.

The SSA’s executive director, John Williams, emphasized the urgency of addressing what he referred to as India’s unfair trade practices. Williams cited concerns about India’s use of banned antibiotics in aquaculture, tolerance of forced laboUr in shelling plants, and substantial export subsidies, which, according to him, are detrimental to the U.S. market.

Senator Cassidy, in his pursuit of fair trade practices, has also introduced the Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act. This companion bill seeks to establish a joint agricultural trade enforcement task force dedicated to monitoring and recommending strategies for addressing Chinese industrial subsidies.

Speaking on the matter, Cassidy highlighted the importance of ensuring the health and standards of domestically produced seafood. He stressed that the bills are crucial in maintaining a level playing field for Louisiana shrimpers and the food they supply to Americans.

This legislative effort aligns with broader initiatives by federal and state lawmakers to curb the influx of imported shrimp into the U.S. Earlier this year, Representatives Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) and Kathy Castor (D-Florida) introduced the Laws Ensuring Safe Shrimp Act, focusing on funding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for rigorous testing and inspections of shrimp imports. The proposed funding would be generated from tariffs on imported shrimp.

The push for fair trade comes at a time when the U.S. Commission on International Trade, in June 2023, voted to maintain anti-dumping duties on frozen warm-water shrimp producers from India and other countries. The legislative landscape reflects a concerted effort to shield the domestic shrimp industry from both natural disasters and what is perceived as unfair competition.”

To promote healthier lifestyles and encourage increased seafood consumption, the Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is set to unveil its latest public health promotion campaign, “Fall in Love with Seafood.” Scheduled to launch in October during National Seafood Month, the campaign aims to continue throughout 2024, emphasizing the delicious, nutritious, and versatile aspects of seafood for Americans both at home and away.

Research indicates that less than 25% of Americans adhere to the recommended two servings of seafood per week, as outlined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the American Heart Association, and the World Health Organization.

Linda Cornish, President and Founder of Seafood Nutrition Partnership, expressed the campaign’s goal to educate consumers about seafood as a lean protein with everyday health benefits. Over the past decade, SNP and its partners have played a crucial role in promoting a healthier America and raising awareness about the nutritional advantages of seafood. The “Fall in Love with Seafood” campaign will serve as a unifying message for the entire seafood supply chain and complement the efforts of SNP’s partners.

Developed in collaboration with the award-winning agency Milestone Integrated Marketing, the campaign seeks to stand out in the crowded social and digital media landscape. Utilizing bold, mouthwatering imagery and playful headlines, it aims to highlight the diverse and appealing taste of various seafood options.

Sarah Crowley, VP of Marketing and Communications at SNP, mentioned that the campaign’s objective is to enhance consumers’ cravings for seafood and encourage them to “Fall in Love with Seafood.” A soft launch is scheduled for October 2023, coinciding with National Seafood Month, with year-round activations beginning in January 2024. The campaign is expected to involve key market players, including retailers and foodservice partners.

Paul Doremus, SNP Board Chair and Trident Seafoods’ VP for Sustainability Strategy and Policy, highlighted the campaign’s strategic timing, coinciding with the New Year when many Americans make resolutions to adopt healthier eating habits. This national seafood promotion campaign comes at a crucial time, as seafood sales and consumption have declined since the growth observed during the pandemic. “Fall in Love with Seafood” aims to unite the seafood industry in a collaborative effort to boost seafood sales and improve the health of the American population.