Nordic Aquafarms is pleased to announce an exciting change that will build upon the success
with yellowtail kingfish (seriola lalandi) in Europe for our upcoming operations in Humboldt
County. Nordic Aquafarms California will also raise yellowtail kingfish. Nordic’s Hanstholm,
Denmark farm has raised the species since 2017 and its Fredrikstad farm is currently converting
from Atlantic Salmon to yellowtail kingfish.
Brenda Chandler, US CEO confirmed the benefits of the change with Nordic remaining a phased
project but anticipates the aquafarm will start smaller than what was projected for Atlantic
Salmon. Growth over time will be carefully considered. Nordic’s farm will still use seawater to
raise its fish but use less freshwater and energy. With yellowtail kingfish, it is a fully closed life
cycle, one that begins with in-house brood stock to produce fertilized eggs and grows fish to
harvest weight.
The US currently imports most of its yellowtail kingfish. The farm will augment domestic
demand and offset imports. Further, producing a healthy protein locally reduces the US balance
of trade deficit in seafood. “Both strategies are a solid part of the core values under which
Nordic Aquafarms operates”, Chandler said.
The Samoa facility will focus on yellowtail kingfish, which yields a firm-textured, light pink flesh
with an excellent clean, slightly sweet flavor. Yellowtail kingfish is a highly valued and popular
fish, excellent grilled or baked, and well-suited for sashimi, crudo, and ceviche. The market
demand for yellowtail kingfish saw strong growth both in Europe and the US in 2022 and is
expected to continue.
Across the country in Maine, Nordic Aquafarms has requested a stay of its permits for the
Belfast project. While the Maine project is paused, Nordic Aquafarms remains fully committed
and active in the permitting process with Humboldt County and the state of California, and we
look forward to breaking ground.