Stolt Sea Farm (SSF) has received official approval to expand the flatfish hatchery at its facility in Cervo, Spain, which will significantly increase its production of turbot and sole.
The regional government of Galicia has given SSF the green light to extend its state-of-the-art hatchery, after previously approving SSF's Favourable Environmental Impact report and a construction license for the project.
The upgraded facility – already the world’s largest – will have an annual capacity of approximately six million turbot juveniles and 10 million sole juveniles. This will significantly increase SSF's overall annual production capacity of sustainably farmed seafood to 8,500 tonnes of turbot and more than 3,000 tonnes of sole.
In addition, the construction project and operation of the new facility will create additional jobs for the local Cervo community.
President of Stolt Sea Farm, Jordi Trias, said: “This is a very important landmark for us. This exciting project demonstrates the confidence we have in the strength of our business and is crucial to our strategic growth plan, which includes reaching our annual production target of 23,000 tonnes of turbot and sole by 2035.
“Our Cervo expansion also underlines our commitment to creating opportunities for our employees and people in the local community. Ultimately, the new hatchery will support increased sales and the continued growth and success of our business, so that future generations continue to enjoy wonderful seafood.”
Construction is expected to start in October 2023 with the new facility operational by mid-2025.
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.