The equipment for the $25 million project will be provided by AquaMaof and the farm will be located in Tongoy Bay. AYT aims to produce 900 tonnes per year in the first phase, while production is expected to double thereafter.
Kingfish is known in the Japanese market as Hiramasa. Well suited for sashimi, they are also highly valued in markets such as the USA and Brazil.
"We are honoured to have signed this contract with AYT, and grateful for the great efforts of our local partner Inno-Sea in making it happen," said Roberto Tishler, sales director of AquaMaof, in a press release.
"This project is strategically important for AquaMaof in Chile. We look forward to working with AYT to supply the most upscale markets with high-quality yellowtail kingfish. We consider this to be the next bluefin tuna, grown in a healthy and controlled environment, without the use of antibiotics or chemicals. The result is a healthy, nutritious and fresh source of seafood, produced in a sustainable way while safeguarding fish welfare throughout their lifecycle, and optimising the human resources required to be involved in the processes."
"Respect for the environment in the development of a sustainable fish farming facility are key values for AYT," said Jorge Urrutia, general manager of AYT. "This first RAS facility for the cultivation of yellowtail kingfish is a major part of the company's vision to establish a sustainable commercial production of the highest-quality yellowtail kingfish. We strongly believe in and trust the AquaMaof RAS technology, which is integrated and operational in facilities around the world."
"In addition to deploying the latest recirculation technology and processes, the Atacama Yellowtail project will create approximately 50 new jobs, enabling the communities of Tongoy and Puerto Aldea to train in and develop economic activities different from those traditionally available to them. This is one of the objectives of AYT - to deliver a sustainable industrial activity that provides decent jobs, with employment security and permanent training," Urrutia added.
AquaMaof and Inno-Sea are to participate in this project as shareholders. Construction of the facility is expected to begin during the second half of 2022, delivering the first harvests to the market in Q4 of 2024.
