The only onshore turbot fish farm in Ireland started operating in Achill last month, but it is expected that the first turbot will not be ready for sale for another 14 months, according to The Mayo News.
The new fish farm, which is run by Feirm Mara Oileán Acla Teo, is located in the Údarás na Gaeltachta business park in Bunnacurry on Achill Island. Last month, the first juvenile turbot, which arrived from Denmark and weigh approximately ten grammes, were released into the aquaculture tanks. They are expected to mature to one kilogramme over the next 14 months and the company hopes to produce between 25 and 40 tonnes in the first year.
Michael Flanagan of Feirm Mara Oileán Acla Teo told The Mayo News that this is the only turbot onshore fish farm currently operating in Ireland. He explained he has worked closely with Údarás na Gaeltachta over the last number of years to set up the business and is confident the venture will be a success. At present, there are three people employed in the factory but Mr Flanagan hopes that number will increase in the future when the business expands.
“The first batch of turbot is still growing and it is expected that it will be the end of next year before they mature. Then we hope to produce between 25 and 40 tonnes in the first year and in the future we can grow more. Turbot is a premium fish and our market in the first year will more or less be the Irish market but after that we hope to sell to the UK and Europe.
Achill Turbot Farm Opens
IRELAND - The country's only onshore turbot fish farm has opened in Achill business park.
