Integrated Aquaculture International (IAI) has acquired a majority interest in Kona Bay Marine Resources, which produces specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Pacific white shrimp broodstock and hardshell clam seed in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Founded in 1996, Kona Bay operates a proprietary, bio-secure, land-based system at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority.
“The two companies will mutually benefit through enhanced ability to provide high quality products and services to meet the significant challenges presently facing the shrimp-farming industry,” said George Chamberlain, an IAI principal and now president of Sunrise Capital, Kona Bay’s holding company. He is also president of the Global Aquaculture Alliance in St. Louis.
IAI has used Kona Bay broodstock for two years through its Asian clients.
“We knew their stocks performed well in the field,” said Chamberlain. “But during the transaction, we discovered that they included an unusually rich collection of breeding lines for fast growth and disease resistance.”
Additionally, Kona Bay owns 200 hectares of adjoining land suitable for aquaculture development.
“Access to pristine seawater and year-round growing conditions provide unique capabilities for developing breeding, hatchery and grow-out technologies for a variety of high-value marine species,” said Chamberlain. “We welcome collaboration with groups interested in exploring these exciting opportunities.”
“The talented team at IAI will not only help Kona Bay improve its breeding and production operations in Hawaii, but also provide a critical link to clients in Asia and Latin America,” said James Sweeney, manager of Kona Bay.
IAI offers products and services in aquatic animal health, genetic selection, hatchery and pond management, nutrition, processing and marketing. The Hastings, Kan., company has developed a line of SPF black tiger shrimp broodstock through a contract with the Brunei government.
