The Canadian province of Manitoba has signaled its support of Sapphire Springs’ plan to build a land-based Arctic char farm by granting it a loan of up to CAD 10.75 million (USD 7.9 million, EUR 7.2 million).
Sapphire Springs plans to build a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, capable of producing 5,000 metric tons (MT) of Arctic char per year. The company said the facility will cost CAD 145 million (USD 107 million, EUR 97 million) to develop, and would increase the current global supply of Arctic char by 50 percent.
“We’re taking action to bring more good jobs to Manitoba and grow our economy,” Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses said in a presess release. “We are proud that this world leading facility will expand economic opportunities for Manitoba and create new jobs in the rural municipality of Rockwood, all while producing high-quality sustainable food.”
Sapphire Springs said it is on track to open the facility in 2026. The planned facility is on the site of the Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Rockwood Experimental Fish Hatchery. Sapphire Springs President and CEO Ken Blair said his company plans to work closely with the hatchery.
‘With our Rockwood facility, Sapphire Springs aims to become a leader in sustainable aquaculture, contributing to the long-term viability of Canada’s seafood industry and enhancing our province's reputation as a hub for innovation,” he said.
The Manitoba government said the project could provide more than 100 full-time jobs to the region, and an additional 120 indirect jobs in Manitoba.
“Our government is investing in innovative, sustainable projects that grow our economy and create more good jobs for people across Manitoba,” Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said. “We’re excited to support this project, which will enhance rural economic development and position us as a leader in Arctic char production.”
Separately, Sapphire Springs acquired Icy Waters Ltd., a vertically-integrated Arctic char farm and facility in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, on 27 September 2023. Along with Icy Waters' physical plant, Sapphire Springs also acquired its broodstock.
“[Icy Waters] has done amazing things over the years; carefully creating and curating one of the best seedstock aquaculture assets in the world in Whitehorse,” Blair said at the time. “We are excited to have acquired their renowned brood stock, aquaculture expertise, and brand and are committed to building on this fantastic foundation of quality. Sapphire Springs is well-poised to fulfill our vision faster because of this acquisition.”
