Nordic Aquafarms drops Maine project

The Norwegian based company signalled at the weekend that, following prolonged legal challenges, it was no longer progressing  the project.

This is the latest aquaculture venture to fall foul of opposition in the United States following the Washington state decision two weeks ago to outlaw open pen farming in its territory.

In the case of Nordic Aquafarms, however, the plan was for a land-based RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) salmon farm, near Belfast, Maine, which would have had a production capacity of up to 33,000 tonnes.

The project was stymied last year when the city of Belfast gave in to pressure from environmentalists and reversed a decision which would have given the farm access to intertidal mud flats needed for the facility’s supply of seawater. 

The company’s statement said: “Today Nordic Aquafarms Inc announced they will no longer pursue their Belfast, Maine aquaculture project. This decision comes after long-fought legal challenges waged by opposition. The company exits after tens of millions of investment dollars and many years of planning and permitting in the State of Maine.

“The company received all local, state, and federal permits necessary to build an on-land salmon farm on the 57-acre site in late 2020 and has been defending them and other legal challenges since. The overwhelming consensus among experts and decision-makers was that the Nordic Aquafarms project aligns with both environmental and community goals.”

Brenda Chandler, US CEO for Nordic said: “Nordic Aquafarms added: "It is essential to recognize that meaningful environmental progress requires practical solutions. Land-based aquaculture is one such solution, offering a scalable, sustainable way to meet the growing demand for seafood without depleting and damaging our oceans. “This is a sad day for Maine’s economy and outlook for aquaculture or any significant investment in the State.”

“While a few may view this as a victory, we argue that this is a significant loss overall, not just for Nordic Aquafarms but for the community. The expanded tax base for the City of Belfast was significant; new jobs for the area was significant; and Maine’s leadership in aquaculture-born solutions also significant.”

She added: “Activism has its place, but with oceans under increasing pressure, solutions like land-based aquaculture are not just innovative-they are essential.”

“By cultivating finfish in a controlled, environmentally responsible manner, land-based aquaculture addresses several critical challenges: a reduction of the overall CO₂ footprint; minimizing water usage; reducing reliance on imported seafood; and protecting wild fish populations.

Nordic Aquafarms still hopes to build a yellowtail kingfish farming facility in Eureka, California. The company also produces kingfish in Denmark. It runs a hatchery with its own broodstock in Bedsted-Thy, and growth facilities in Hanstholm and Fredrikstad.