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Blue Food Industry Report: The Moves Driving Aquaculture Forward

Here's a quick, insight‑packed roundup of the biggest moves shaping the future of aquaculture - from major investments and policy shifts to breakthrough technologies redefining fish health and market growth.

🐟 Builders Vision Backs Hatch Blue to Accelerate Global Aquaculture Growth - Builders Vision has made a rare minority GP‑level investment in Hatch Blue, signalling strong institutional confidence in aquaculture as a major pillar of the future food system. The funding deepens a long‑standing partnership and supports Hatch Blue’s expansion as a specialist global aquaculture investment platform.

📈 US Makes Aquaculture a 2026 Policy Priority - The Trump administration has formally identified aquaculture as a national priority, with NOAA emphasising regulatory efficiency to support growth in offshore and land‑based production. Officials highlighted new Aquaculture Opportunity Areas and ongoing efforts to streamline development in federal waters.

🏗️ AKVA Lands $21M Deal for New Salmon Facility - AKVA Group has secured a $21m contract to supply technology for a major land‑based salmon farm project, strengthening its long‑standing collaboration with Icelandic operator Laxey. The facility will significantly expand Iceland’s land‑based salmon output, pending final project financing.

🧬 Biosort Raises $10M to Launch Individual Lice Control Tech - Biosort has secured more than NOK 100 million (about $10m) in funding to commercialise its AI‑driven, individual‑based sea lice removal system. The technology targets lice at the earliest stages to reduce well‑boat treatments and improve fish welfare across salmon farming operations.

🐚UK Seafood Market Hits £2.6bn as Sector Seeks Growth Beyond Salmon - UK seafood sales have reached £2.6bn, prompting a renewed industry push to diversify beyond salmon and tap into rising interest in whitefish and alternative species. Shifting consumer habits and higher non‑salmon prices are opening the door for broader category growth.

⚠️ Waitrose Suspends Mackerel Sales Amid Rising Overfishing Concerns - Waitrose has become the first major UK supermarket to halt sales of fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel after scientific advice revealed severe overfishing in the north‑east Atlantic, with stocks falling well below sustainable limits. The retailer said current catch levels exceed responsible sourcing standards, prompting the suspension until mackerel populations recover.