A group of investors in Russia are getting on
the RAS bandwagon with the planned construction of a land-based Atlantic salmon
production facility in the Vologda Oblast. The project, estimated to cost €25 million (US$28.7 million), will include a
hatchery, nursery and full grow-out systems, as well as management and
operational zones, according to a news release. The facility is projected to
produce 2,500 tons of market-size Atlantic salmon.
"We are excited to embark on this unique project and confident in its
success," said Alexander Churkin, one of the investors on the project. "We have
recognized the immense need for locally-produced, high-quality fish, free of
antibiotics and other substances."
The project will use RAS technology from Israel-based AquaMaof Aquaculture
Technologies Ltd. and is expected to be completed by end of this year. Churkin
said the decision to choose AquaMaof came after a "meticulous due-diligence
process" examining several companies that provide a turn-key RAS solution for
salmon grow-out.
"We are extremely honoured to be selected by a group of esteemed local
investors, after a thorough evaluation process, that carefully assessed several
available RAS technologies," David Hazut, CEO of AquaMaof, said. "We
take great pride in supporting our customers in their mission to offer fresh,
healthy, locally-produced salmon to the local population, that today consumes
mostly frozen imported fish."
The contract between the Russian investors and AquaMaof was signed last
October. Under the agreement, AquaMaof will take on the design and construction
of the RAS facility.
"AquaMaof's advanced Minimal Liquid Discharge
(MLD) technology utilizes proprietary water recycling techniques. At the core
of the company's RAS technology is efficient power consumption, dramatically
reducing costs of energy. No antibiotics and no chemicals in the process allow
for the production of healthy, natural product," the company said in a
statement.
It added, "Biosecurity is paramount, and complete environmental control ensures
that fish are grown in an environment which promotes their highest health and
welfare status. With a robust design and construction, the facility requires
minimal maintenance, while optimized feeding modes and advanced feeding
management system enables reduction of the feed conversion ratio and
operational costs."
AquaMaof will also provide advice on fish nutrition, stocking, production
parameters and system maintenance. Staff training to ensure they are able to
operate the facility independently on an on-going basis will also be
undertaken, AquaMaof said.
Project proponents expect the facility to be ready for its first batch of eggs
by the fourth quarter of 2019.
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