Report: Indiana fish farm’s future in question as lawsuits mount

Bell Aquaculture, a yellow perch, trout and coho salmon farmer based in Redkey, Ind., USA, is facing lawsuits from vendors over unpaid invoices and facing questions about its financial health, according to a local newspaper report.

The indoor aquaculture company is facing more than USD 200,000 in court judgments stemming from lawsuits, some of which it never responded to.

“No one wants a faltering business, especially an Indiana business,” Indianapolis attorney Mike McCrory told The Star Press. “If they’re facing challenges, we hope they turn it around.”

According to the article, Louisiana-based fishmeal and fish oil producer Daybrook Fisheries — which was recently acquired by South African fishing company Oceana Group — won more than USD 211,000 (EUR 191,440) from Bell in a lawsuit over unpaid bills earlier this year. Bell reportedly never responded to the lawsuit, nor has the company retuned calls or emails from the Delaware County economic development officials for five months.

A call to company President Norman McCowan seeking comment was not immediately returned.

Bell Aquaculture’s fish have been designated a “best choice” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.