Stolt Sea Farm begins work on major expansion of flatfish hatchery

On November 28, 2023 Stolt Sea Farm commenced work to expand its sole hatchery in Galicia, Spain. The facility in Cervo, already the world’s largest flatfish hatchery, will allow the company to fulfil much of its planned production growth for the coming years.  

Stolt Sea Farm (SSF) announced its plans to expand its hatchery operations in August 2023. The work follows the recently completed expansion of its sole broodstock facilities and is a key step in the company’s production growth plan.

In the last three years, SSF has doubled its annual production capacity for sole to 1,700 tonnes and the upgraded hatchery will support its plans to double capacity again in the next three years, ensuring SSF is on track to reach its overall annual production target of 23,000 tonnes of turbot and sole by 2035.  

The construction project and operation of the new facility will also create additional employment opportunities for the local Cervo community. 

President of Stolt Sea Farm, Jordi Trias, said: “This is a date that will forever remain in our memory; it is a truly special moment for us all at Stolt Sea Farm. Expanding broodstock and hatchery capacity for sole is an essential milestone in our quest to continue as a leading producer of this species. It also demonstrates the confidence we have in the strength of our business and our commitment to satisfy our customers’ demand for high-quality, sustainable sole.  

“I am extremely proud of the team that has worked hard to achieve this milestone. I’m convinced that the execution period ahead of us will be delivered with both passion and excellence, as is everything our people do at Stolt Sea Farm to ensure future generations continue to enjoy wonderful seafood.”   

SSF's Cervo facility is already a leader in sustainable turbot and sole production using pioneering techniques – including an innovative recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for sole – which have kept SSF at the forefront of the land-based aquaculture industry for 50 years.