Aquaculture for all

Nordic Aquafarms set for land-based yellowtail kingfish aquaculture

Yellowtail Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) Land-based production systems +6 more

Yellowtail kingfish swims one step closer to being farmed on land with Nordic Aquafarms recently being awarded the final permit needed to build the necessary facilities in California.

Two yellowtail on ice
Yellowtail kingfish farmed by Nordic Aquafarms will soon be produced for market in land-based aquaculture facility in Humboldt County, California

© Nordic Aquafarms

Nordic Aquafarms has announced that the California coastal commission has approved the final major permit it needs to build a land-based finfish farm in California. The outfall Coastal Development Permit (CDP) will contain further conditions, but the company claims that it is a landmark achievement that marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to establish the first-of-its-kind aquaculture facility in the region.

The project is strategically located on the site of a former abandoned pulp mill which has been re-envisioned by the landowner, the Harbor District, as an Aquaculture Innovation Centre. The company believes that this transformative initiative not only advances sustainable aquaculture practices but also contributes to the environmental restoration of an underutilised industrial site.

Nordic Aquafarms has acknowledged and appreciates the support and collaboration from various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local and state governments, and the dedicated members of the community. They also commented that the project’s success is a testament to the power of effective engagement and cooperation among diverse groups with a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible development.

The Harbor District, as the landowner, has played a pivotal role in facilitating the project’s progression and will continue its permitting activities for the intake side of the initiative. The next phase is anticipated to be completed by 2024, which the company hopes will further demonstrate their commitment to responsible and transparent development practices.

“We are extremely proud of the engagement and collaboration with NGOs, local and state governments, and our many steadfast community members. Together we simply made this a better project all around,” stated Brenda Chandler, US CEO of Nordic Aquafarms, in a press release.

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