Keith Decker to depart private equity-backed Blue Harvest to join closed-containment salmon farming project

Keith Decker, currently CEO of New Bedford-based Blue Harvest Fisheries, has been named the new CEO of American Aquafarms.

Decker will remain in his role at Blue Harvest during the search for a successor, and will continue to be a board member and investor in the firm.

Norwegian-backed American Aquafarms has filed two draft lease applications with the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to begin development of a closed-containment, ocean-based salmon operation. The company plans on establishing a hatchery, fish farm facilities and a processing plant in coastal Maine.