Kingfish Maine project gets local go-ahead

The Kingfish Company has cleared the final local hurdle in its route to building a yellowtail fish farm in Maine on the US east coast.

In a significant move, the community of Jonesport, close to where the RAS (recirculating acquaculture systems) facility will be built has approved Kingfish Maine’s construction application.

Kingfish said today: “With the Kingfish Maine project fully permitted by state and federal regulatory agencies, this local building permit is the final step required for Kingfish to begin pre-construction design and engineering on its new facility in the US.

“The town of Jonesport is now drafting its findings of fact and the Planning Board is expected to formally adopt and sign the building permit in early November. “

Kingfish Maine is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kingfish Company  of the Netherlands and will deploy the same advanced technology and operational approach as in its home country.

The new site is intended to produce at least 8,000 tonnes of yellowtail kingfish a year when it reaches full capacity.

The company said once the Jonesport facility is fully operational, Kingfish Maine will be the largest producer of yellowtail in the US and will provide local sustainable seafood for North American retailers and food service providers.

Kingfish CEO and founder Ohad Maiman said: “With the final approval of our Jonesport building permit, we look forward to replicating our EU success in the US with local production of high value yellowtail.

“The Jonesport community has supported our project from day one and our commitment to the town has never wavered. We value our continuing partnership with the town as we build out our sustainable land-based technology in the US.”

Ohad Maiman