Blue Life Hub

19/02/2025

The field of aquaculture is constantly evolving, driven by individuals who bring passion, curiosity, and resilience. Merna Salah’s work reflects a deep commitment to hatchery management, sustainable practices, and bridging scientific research with industry needs.

Salah’s professional growth has been shaped by continuous learning and international training. In 2024, she attended an intensive course at the Freshwater Fisheries Research Center in China, where she gained deeper insights into fish seed production and feed development. Her time at the Aller Aqua Egypt Factory and the Rice Research Center further strengthened her expertise in fish nutrition, refining her ability to optimize hatchery operations with a strong focus on private-sector needs.

Merna Salah: building a career in aquaculture through dedication, knowledge, and hands-on experience - The field of aquaculture is constan...

18/02/2025

📺 Boti Tatu – Online Screening on February 20th
Don’t miss the exclusive online screening on February 20, 2025, at 12:00 (Rome time) / 2:00 PM (East Africa Time – EAT).
🔗 Join the screening: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85154651661?pwd=vfhATrN7b8ldpH5Xdt2T59XUWtxLlF.1
🆔 Meeting ID: 85154651661
🔑 Passcode: 306358
Boti Tatu is more than just a film—it’s a powerful glimpse into the daily lives, struggles, and resilience of Uyombo’s fishing community in Kilifi County in Kenya. Told in Swahili and Giriama with sub-titles in English, this documentary amplifies the voices of local fishermen, allowing them to share their own story and reveal the deep connection between tradition, the ocean, and modern challenges.
This documentary is a collaboration between and Kenyan fishing communities, made possible through funding from the ’s .

18/02/2025

Fish and microplastics, a disturbing link that threatens our health – A recent peer-reviewed study has shed light on a worrying reality: 99% of fish samples analysed contain microplastics. Out of 182 samples tested, as many as 180 showed traces of these tiny particles, detected in five different fish species and pink shrimps from the US West Coast. These data raise crucial questions not only for the fishing industry, but also for consumers around the world.

Microplastics, fragments less than 5 mm in size resulting from the degradation of plastic materials, infiltrate marine ecosystems through a variety of sources: from textile fibres released during household washing to residues from packaging and industrial products. According to the researchers, more than 80% of the microplastics detected in the samples analysed are fibres of textile origin, underlining the direct impact of our daily habits on the marine environment.

Particularly alarming are the results for shrimps, which show the highest levels of contamination. This is probably related to their plankton-based diet, which tends to accumulate microplastics in surface waters. Fish such as herring and juvenile lamprey also show significant concentrations, while king salmon, analysed only in fillets, have lower levels.

Fish and microplastics, a disturbing link that threatens our health - A recent peer-reviewed study has shed light on a worrying reality: 9...

17/02/2025

The European Union is accelerating the ecological transition in the Mediterranean with the MEDIGREEN project, an initiative aimed at revolutionising the management of maritime space and making key sectors of the blue economy more sustainable. Madrid hosted the kick-off meeting of this ambitious plan, which is part of the European Green Deal and aims to ensure harmonious development between fishing, aquaculture, renewable energies and the protection of the marine ecosystem.

Maritime spatial planning (MSP) is at the heart of the MEDIGREEN strategy. This innovative approach involves the integrated management of sea-related economic activities, optimising resources and reducing conflicts between sectors.

Sustainable Mediterranean at the heart of MEDIGREEN - The European Union is accelerating the ecological transition in the Mediterranean...

14/02/2025

In the heart of Iraqi Kurdistan, in Duhok, an ambitious project is taking shape that is set to redefine the aquaculture landscape in Iraq. With an annual production target of 60,000 tonnes of carp, the Al Rafedeen Fish project aims not only to meet the growing domestic demand for fish, but also to transform the region into a strategic aquaculture hub.

Dr Shokri Omar Mustafa, the project’s lead consultant, has more than 30 years of experience in the field, gained in Iraq, Turkey, Australia and Malaysia. Under his guidance, the project has already overcome significant challenges, from the identification of the ideal site near the Tigris River to the construction of modern infrastructure including closed recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) and state-of-the-art hatcheries.

Iraq Aquaculture on the rise with Al Rafedeen Fish - In the heart of Iraqi Kurdistan, in Duhok, an ambitious project is taking shape that...

13/02/2025

Aquaculture has now overtaken capture fisheries as the world’s main source of aquatic protein production. This rapidly expanding sector is at a crossroads: either continue to grow without limits, with the risk of serious environmental and social impacts, or embrace sustainable development models that ensure food security and the protection of marine ecosystems.

FAO recently published the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture, a document that establishes fundamental principles for the sector, aiming at a balance between productivity, sustainability and benefits for local communities. Let’s take a look at the main recommendations and challenges for operators in the coming years.

Sustainable aquaculture, opportunities and challenges for the sector's future - Aquaculture has now overtaken capture fisheries as the wor...

12/02/2025

AquaFarm 2025, united with NovelFarm and AlgaeFarm, the two trade fairs dedicated to agriculture in a controlled environment and to the cultivation of algae and other microorganisms, is hosting from today the main players of the fish and aquaculture sector at international level. With a focus on sustainability, innovation and emerging technologies, the event represents a unique networking and updating opportunity for professionals and companies in the sector.

AquaFarm with Novelfarm and AlgaeFarm this year occupies three halls of Pordenone Fiere for a total of 7,000 square metres with over 110 exhibitors. This edition welcomes, thanks to the collaboration with Agenzia ICE, a delegation of 30 top international buyers from Brazil, North Africa, the Balkans and Greece, to which other delegations will be added, for example from the Baltic countries, strengthening the role of AquaFarm as a platform for global collaborations in the sector.

AquaFarm

Pordenone Fiere hosts AquaFarm from today - AquaFarm 2025, united with NovelFarm and AlgaeFarm, the two trade fairs dedicated to agricult...

11/02/2025

Sometimes cinema can touch us deeply; other times, it can amaze, teach, or raise awareness. At times, it can even promote change, tell stories of growth, and demonstrate the value of collaboration toward a common goal.

This is the spirit behind the creation of the film Boti Tatu. The project was born from a collaboration between the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Nairobi and Cultural Video Production (CVP). Together, they worked with fishing communities in Kenya to cocreate a film that addresses shared challenges and encourages new, practical solutions. The aim was to craft a story that resonates both with the film’s protagonists and its audience – a story that speaks their language and inspires them to act.

On 20th February 2025, , in collaboration with , will host an online screening of Boti Tatu.

📽️ For the screening you will watch the film here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85154651661?pwd=vfhATrN7b8ldpH5Xdt2T59XUWtxLlF.1

ID meeting: 851 5465 1661

Pass Code: 306358

Boti Tatu: A Participatory Film inspiring Kenya’s fishing communities to drive change - Sometimes cinema can touch us deeply; other times...

10/02/2025

Agadir, Morocco – The seventh edition of the Halieutis International Fair marked a significant milestone in Morocco and Africa. Aziz Akhannouch, the President of the Government of Morocco, inaugurated the event in the presence of Ahmed El Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, and Zakia El Driouch, Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries. Under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, the exhibition runs until February 9, 2025, welcoming 523 exhibitors from 54 countries, including South Korea, the United Kingdom, India, and Oman for the first time.

Halieutis 2025: Agadir, the Gateway to Morocco and Africa’s Blue Economy - Blue Life Hub participated in the Halieutis International Fair...

10/02/2025

07/02/2025

In a rapidly evolving world where sustainability and innovation drive economic development, Samaky Hub is at the forefront of transforming Africa’s aquaculture sector. Founded by Proscovia Alando, the initiative fosters inclusive and sustainable growth, providing women and youth with the resources, knowledge, and networks to thrive in the Blue Economy.

The idea for Samaky Hub emerged from Proscovia’s personal struggles as a young woman in aquaculture. Facing financial constraints, cultural barriers, and limited access to resources, she recognized that many others shared similar challenges. Determined to bridge these gaps, she created Samaky Hub as a platform for collaboration, capacity building, and innovation.
Since its launch, Samaky Hub has trained over 650 farmers across East Africa, focusing on empowering women and youth. The initiative has also introduced waste-to-value solutions, such as Black Soldier Fly farming, converting organic waste into sustainable animal feed and fertilizers. Beyond direct training, Samaky Hub has amplified African voices on global platforms, including COP27, UN forums, and Blue Economy summits, ensuring that underrepresented communities are heard in policy discussions.

Proscovia Alando: empowering women and youth through Samaky Hub - In a rapidly evolving world where sustainability and innovation drive eco...

05/02/2025

The ADAPT Program (Support for sustainable development in the agriculture and artisanal fisheries sector in Tunisia) is a forward-looking initiative designed to drive economic, social, and environmental transformation in Tunisia.

With a total budget of €70 million funded by the European Union and implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in partnership with the World Food Program (WFP) the program runs from 2020 to 2028. ADAPT promotes private investments as key levers for change, balancing food security, resource management, and rural development while aligning with the European Green Deal.
The program aligns with Tunisia’s national sustainability policies and strengthens private sector capacity to contribute to the ecological transition, making it an innovative response to environmental and economic challenges.

ADAPT Program: Promoting sustainable transformation in agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture in Tunisia - The ADAPT Program (Support for s...)

04/02/2025

In recent years, the phenomenon of seafood mislabelling fraud has raised global concerns. The increasing complexity of supply chains, international trade and the growing demand for seafood products have contributed to making the sector vulnerable to manipulation and deception. This phenomenon does not only affect certain markets, but extends everywhere, from large economies such as the US and Europe to emerging markets where controls are often less stringent.

A major meta-analysis published in ScienceDirect analysed the phenomenon in the US, revealing that 39.1% of fish products sold are mislabelled. Species substitution is one of the most common practices, in which less valuable fish are sold as more valuable varieties, often to maximise profits. The use of unacceptable market names is also a common strategy to confuse consumers, while ambiguous trade names add further confusion to the market.

Fraud in seafood labelling. Global analysis and perspectives for action - In recent years, the phenomenon of seafood mislabelling fraud has...

03/02/2025

As Africa’s top aquaculture producer, Egypt shares its expertise with Liberia, strengthening South-South cooperation to drive sustainable fisheries and food security.

In a significant step towards boosting Liberia’s aquaculture sector, a high-level three-man Egyptian delegation toured several counties in Liberia from January 24, 2025. The delegation’s mission was to assess the country’s aquaculture needs and lay the foundation for a transformative strategy in the sector. The team visited aquaculture facilities in Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Montserrado, Lofa, and other regions to gather first-hand information.
The Egyptian delegation was led by Dr. Ahmed Saneyeldin Mohammed Sadek, a member of the Lakes and Fish Resources Protection and Development Agency of Egypt. Accompanying him were Engineer Hany Mohammed Mabrouk Ibrahim, General Manager for Fish Resources at the Authority for Fish Resources Development, and Dr. Dawlat Ali Hassanin Mohamadin, a veterinarian from the same agency.

Egyptian Delegation Tours Liberia to Assess Aquaculture Potential - As Africa’s top aquaculture producer, Egypt shares its expertise with...

31/01/2025

In the fish industry, waste management is one of the most complex and strategic challenges. More than 50 per cent of processed fish is discarded in the form of bones, skin, hard tissue and parts considered inedible.

This waste of raw material not only represents a significant economic loss for companies, but also has a strong environmental impact. Reducing waste and maximising the use of every part of the fish has become a crucial goal for the industry, especially in a context where sustainability is now a decisive criterion for consumers and investors.

It is in this scenario that the partnership between SuperGround, a Finnish foodtech company, and Korshags, a historic Swedish fish processing brand, was born.

Sustainable innovation in the fish industry revolutionises waste management - In the fish industry, waste management is one of the most co...

30/01/2025

The EU fishing sector is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, it is essential to find solutions that reduce this dependence, favouring the adoption of renewable and low-carbon energy sources. The DecarbonyT project, which started in December 2023 and is funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, is assessing the extent to which the use of optimised trawl gear in the Mediterranean and Black Sea can lead to a decrease in fuel consumption.

Mediterranean fishing boats towards decarbonisation - The EU fishing sector is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. In order to achiev...

29/01/2025

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has introduced an innovative educational toolkit titled Farmers of the Water: Education Toolkit for the Blue Transformation of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. This initiative seeks to increase awareness and social acceptability of aquaculture among young people aged 5–18 in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. By engaging the next generation, the GFCM aims to shape future advocates and informed consumers for sustainable aquaculture.

As part of its 2030 Strategy for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the GFCM underscores the need to improve perceptions of aquaculture. The sector’s resilience, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability hinge on public support and understanding. Aquaculture not only provides healthy, affordable proteins but also contributes to economic growth and food security. The toolkit addresses these themes by educating young people about aquaculture’s vital role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

FAO’s New Educational Toolkit Promotes Aquaculture in Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions - The General Fisheries Commission for the Medit...

28/01/2025

Aquaculture is poised for strong growth in 2025, consolidating its role as the main driver of increased global animal protein supply. According to Rabobank’s Global Animal Protein Outlook 2025 report, the sector will expand 2.3% annually, outpacing the recovery of poultry and establishing itself as the leading sector in the global protein supply.

After a slight contraction in 2024, the seafood sector is poised to dominate the scene thanks to a recovery in salmon production, a rebalancing of the shrimp market, and an increase in fishmeal availability resulting from an increased anchovy catch in Peru. However, macroeconomic and geopolitical factors could influence international trade, affecting costs and supply and demand dynamics.

Aquaculture accelerates and overtakes poultry in protein production - Aquaculture is poised for strong growth in 2025, consolidating its...