Cooke Aquaculture prepares to build a land based smolt farm in Chile

“The first of the land based smolt projects is in Chile with expected finalization of the contract in Q3 2019," said Joel Richardson, vice president of public relations,Cooke Aquaculture Inc.

AKVA group is a key supplier of equipment for global fish farming operations. The co-operation agreement is the first time Cooke Aquaculture Inc. has worked specifically on a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) project with AKVA group, Land Based Americas.

“The purpose of the recirculating aquaculture system facilities is to grow salmon larger on land, prior to their transfer to salt water farming pens. Currently, salmon smolt are transferred when they weigh around 120 grams.  This facility will help them grow to be at least 300 grams. These new facilities help to reduce fish handling, reduce time at sea and reduce days to market using the latest innovations and technology,” said Richardson.

Top Priority

Investment in research and development, facilities upgrades are always a top priority he added. More information regarding the partnership and project will be released at a later date.

Cooke Aquaculture Inc has been operating in Chile since 2008 following the acquisition of Salmones Cupquelan S.A. It is a family-owned company focused on sustainable seafood production. Cooke Aquaculture Inc, based in New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada, grows salmon in Canada, the United States, Scotland and Chile.

Last month AKVA announced the formation of AKVA group, Land Based Americas based in Puerto Montt, Chile. Operations in the Americas include 50 full time staff members. AKVA group ASA is a Norwegian manufacturing company of appliances for aquaculture. They produce steel cages, plastic cages and feeding software. AKVA operates in over eight countries.