The pens are submersible, meaning that farmers can prevent them being damaged in storms, by sinking them below the wind and waves © Innovasea
The farm will be located eight kilometres from the town of Lüderitz and will use Innovasea’s SeaStation pens, submerged grid infrastructure and proven open ocean technology.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Benguela Blue Aqua Farming on this important project to bring open ocean aquaculture to southern Africa,” said Langley Gace, Innovasea’s senior vice-president of business development, in a press release. “The company has a strong business vision and has worked closely with authorities in Namibia to develop a smart, realistic plan to safely raise healthy fish and create good-paying jobs for the local economy.”
Innovasea’s released a statement today detailing how its consulting services helped Benguela Blue obtain the permits required to run a trial operation consisting of up to four SeaStations, as well as a permit to raise up to 35,000 tonnes of fish annually.
“We are proud to be the first company to bring sustainable aquafarming to Namibia,” said Johannes Aldrian, co-founder and executive director of Benguela Blue Aqua Farming. “The area has excellent water conditions and enormous potential, and we’re optimistic that Namibia’s stable governance will encourage other companies to follow our lead to help create a thriving fish farming industry.”
The farm is targeting the second quarter of 2024 to begin operations. Its first harvest is expected to be around 100 tonnes.
Water conditions at the site are ideal for raising salmon, but strong surface currents and wave heights often in excess of two metres require the use of pens that can be submerged to avoid most of the wave energy.
According to Innovasea, the SeaStation is the world’s toughest fish pen and has a proven track record surviving hurricanes, typhoons and other significant storms over the last 28 years.
“The open ocean is the future of fish farming and provides a healthier, more natural environment for fish by reducing their exposure to pathogens,” said Gace. “But it requires robust equipment like the SeaStation and our submerged grids to withstand the day-to-day punishment of the sea.”
Benguela Blue Aqua is currently looking for additional investors to help fund the project in Namibia. For more information, contact Johannes Aldrian at johannes_aldrian@gmx.net.
