US kingfish farm wins crucial discharge permit
A planned on-land yellowtail kingfish farm in the US state of Maine has been granted an important permit.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) has approved the Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MEPDES) permit for Kingfish Maine to build the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Jonesport.
The permit evaluates the facility’s discharge to ensure that Kingfish Maine will maintain the water quality of the area based on the location of the discharge point and the make-up of the effluent water.
Kingfish Maine, owned by Netherlands farmer The Kingfish Company, intends to grow between 6,000 and 8,000 tonnes of yellowtail per year.
Water quality
“We are pleased the Maine DEP has approved the MEPDES permit, confirming our commitment to uphold the water quality of Chandler Bay,” said Megan Sorby, Kingfish Maine’s operations manager, in a press release.
“For two years, we’ve worked very closely with the town of Jonesport and those who use Chandler Bay to address their questions. This is a major milestone for Kingfish Maine and we look forward to our continued work with the community.”
The Kingfish Company grows 1,250 tonnes of yellowtail a year at its RAS facility in Zeeland and is expanding production to reach 3,000 tonnes by the second half of next year.
