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Fish will be raised in submersible SeaStations eight kilometers off Namibian coast.
Innovasea, a global leader in technologically advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking, announced today that it has helped Benguela Blue Aqua Farming secure permits to raise Atlantic salmon in net pens off the coast of Namibia.
The farm will be located eight kilometers offshore from the town of Lüderitz and will use Innovasea’s submersible SeaStation pens, submerged grid infrastructure and proven open ocean technology to raise its fish.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Benguela Blue Aqua Farming on this important project to bring open ocean aquaculture to southern Africa,” said Langley Gace, Innovasea’s senior vice president of business development. “The company has a strong business vision and has worked closely with authorities in Namibia to develop a smart, realistic plan to safely raise healthy fish and create good-paying jobs for the local economy.”
Innovasea’s consulting services helped Benguela Blue obtain the permits required to run a trial operation consisting of up to four SeaStations as well as a permit to raise up to 35,000 tons of fish annually.
“We are proud to be the first company to bring sustainable aquafarming to Namibia,” said Johannes Aldrian, co-founder and executive director of Benguela Blue Aqua Farming. “The area has excellent water conditions and enormous potential, and we’re optimistic that Namibia’s stable governance will encourage other companies to follow our lead to help create a thriving fish farming industry.”
“The farm is targeting the second quarter of 2024 to begin operations. Its first harvest is expected to be around 100 tons.”
Water conditions at the site are ideal for raising salmon, but strong surface currents and wave heights often in excess of two meters require the use of submersible pens that can be submerged to avoid most of the wave energy.
The SeaStation is the world’s toughest fish pen and has a proven track record surviving hurricanes, typhoons and other significant storms unscathed over the last 28 years.
“The open ocean is the future of fish farming and provides a healthier, more natural environment for fish by reducing their exposure to pathogens,” said Gace. “But it requires robust equipment like the SeaStation and our submerged grids to withstand the day-to-day punishment of the sea.”
Benguela Blue Aqua is currently looking for additional investors to help fund the project in Namibia.
About Innovasea
Fueled by leading-edge technology and a passion for research and development, Innovasea is revolutionizing aquaculture and advancing the science of fish tracking to make our oceans and freshwater ecosystems sustainable for future generations.
With more than 275 employees worldwide, we provide full end-to-end solutions for fish farming and aquatic species research – including quality equipment that’s efficient and built to last, expert consulting services, and innovative platforms and products that deliver unrivaled data, information and insights.