Maine-based Whole Oceans told IntraFish it is considering opening a land-based salmon farm somewhere along the US West Coast.
“Whole Oceans is considering west coast sites as part of our mission to capture 10 percent of the US market, and locate facilities closer to consumers for improved logistics and environmental footprint,” company spokesperson Angie Helton told IntraFish in an emailed statement.
A year ago, the company signed an agreement to purchase most of the former Verso paper mill site in Bucksport, Maine, to house a new land-based salmon farm it is now developing
That announcement followed hot on the heels of the unveiling of plans by in-state rival Nordic Aquafarms (NAF) to construct a 33,000-metric ton land-based salmon farm in nearby Belfast, Maine. Nordic announced in February that it is also planning to build a land-based facility on the US West Coast near Eureka, California.
Whole Oceans, meanwhile, says its Maine farm will be among the largest, most advanced land-based Atlantic salmon production facilities in the world.
Initially, the first phase will have an investment of $75 million (€65.9 million) and create 50 jobs. It will produce 5,000 metric tons of Atlantic salmon per year. Over the next 15 years, the company plans to produce as much as 20,000 metric tons per year.
Additionally, 8F Asset Management said in February it is also planning to build a 20,000 metric-ton land-based salmon farm along the US East Coast in Virginia. The company said it, too, is considering other future US sites, with one to service the West Coast.
