Amar Seafood, a company operating land-based aquaculture facilities raising halibut and spotted wolffish, has received a development permit for a new facility in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
The company said the facility will expand its existing production and make it the largest land-based aquaculture operation in Eastern Canada, with an annual production capacity of over 600 metric tons (MT). The company said it will focus on its two main species, Atlantic halibut and spotted wolffish, with the groundbreaking set to take place in spring 2025.
“This development represents a significant step forward, not only for Amar Seafood but also for the local community and the aquaculture industry,” Amar Seafood said.
The company said its new facility will feature new technology designed to minimize its environmental impact, and advance its research and development in sustainable aquaculture practices.
“An ongoing environmental impact assessment ensures our operations align with Amar Seafood’s core values of responsibility and innovation,” the company said.
The municipality said it received an application from Amar Seafood to rezone a property it owns across the road from its existing facility in April 2024, and Amar Seafood has met the requirements of its rezoning and the necessary development permit in the interim.
“The development agreement outlines the expectations for the applicant to meet for the next phases of the development process and will be available for the public once it is registered,” Victoria Mayor Martin Ruben wrote in a press release. “This aquaculture facility will help meet increasing consumer demand for sustainable seafood, create local job opportunities, and contribute to the province’s economic growth.”
Amar Seafood currently operates five facilities with fully licensed operations in both land-based and sea-based aquaculture; they are located in Canada, Scotland, and Norway. The company recently purchased Scotland-based Otter Ferry Seafish, one of the United Kingdom’s longest-running aquaculture businesses, in November.
