© Cooke Aquaculture
The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for KCS, reinforcing Cooke’s long-standing investment in the region and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and job creation in the aquaculture industry.
AquaBounty was previously known for its land-based biotech farming, particularly the development of genetically engineered salmon. However, Cooke has made it clear that it does not farm or sell genetically engineered seafood products and has no plans to do so following this acquisition. Instead, KCS will use the facilities to produce large smolts to supply its existing sites across Atlantic Canada.
The acquisition includes a series of four buildings on PEI, comprising two hatchery facilities, a state-of-the-art egg incubation laboratory in Bay Fortune, and a modern recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Rollo Bay. The Rollo Bay site also houses an unfinished building designed to accommodate another large RAS unit, which KCS now intends to complete. These assets will enable KCS to enhance smolt production capacity and streamline operations to support its ocean-based salmon farming activities.
As part of the transition, KCS has already rehired seven former AquaBounty employees, providing continuity and ensuring the retention of skilled local expertise. Additional employment opportunities are expected to become available as operations scale up.
Beyond expanding production, KCS is also optimising its supply chain by introducing a new shipping route through the Port of Souris. This port, which serves a commercial fishery fleet of 40 vessels, offers infrastructure for offloading and berthing along with essential services such as an icehouse, water, and power. The well boat route is expected to improve logistics efficiency for transporting smolts to KCS ocean sites while supporting the local maritime industry.
“The addition of KCS's operations not only brings new opportunities for local businesses but also reinforces our commitment to supporting the maritime industry. We look forward to a prosperous partnership that will benefit the entire island," said Peter Warris, executive director of the Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance, in a press release.
