Nordic Aquafarms is proud to announce that all three Coastal Development Permits needed to move forward with our aquaculture project in California are now in hand. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in establishing a robust and sustainable aquaculture presence on the West Coast. The timing of such an endeavor couldn’t be better.
According to the USDA, the demand for seafood in the US has risen steadily in the last three decades. In 2023, the US seafood trade witnessed a deficit surpassing $20 billion as imports outpaced exports. Our farm will replace imports with fresh, local seafood, under the strictest of environmental regulations. Regardless of the increasing market for seafood, particularly on the West Coast, establishing a farm in California is not simple.
Notably, California has the most rigorous environmental laws in the United States and one of the most complex permitting processes. During the recent California Coastal Commission (CCC) hearing, members noted that even great projects often face significant challenges in California.
Recently, three large and beneficial projects in the state did not receive their approvals to proceed, despite 20 years of environmental research, studies, and effort. Given these challenges, it is difficult to overstate the significance of Nordic Aquafarms’ achievement in securing permits for our project. We have successfully navigated the complex regulatory landscape where many others have struggled, giving us a unique first-mover advantage in the California RAS market for the next 10 to 20 years.
“Having all three of the Coastal Development Permits needed to move forward is a significant accomplishment,” states Brenda Chandler, CEO of Nordic Aquafarms. “I am proud of this team and appreciate the confidence and support we’ve gained over the last few years from Humboldt County. We hope to have approvals for the remaining permits this summer. Working with the Harbor District to continue this momentum and bring a thriving waterfront to the Samoa Peninsula is coming closer to fruition, and we look forward to contributing to California’s agricultural front.”