They will grow rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) along with baby spinach in Colorado site and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with a baby mesclun mix in Georgia
The global leader in technologically advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking Innovasea announced their ongoing collaboration with Forever Young Aquaponics. An initiative of the Andrew J. Young Foundation -founded by civil rights leader and close ally of Martin Luther King Jr, Andrew Young- Forever Young Aquaponics is launching two fully recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) integrated aquaponic facilities in the United States (US). The two sites are in Colorado and Georgia, and both were equipped by Innovasea with design support offered throughout the process.
“We are proud to support this regenerative initiative and bring advanced, sustainable solutions to different types of land-based aquaculture,” said Marc Turano, Innovasea Vice-President. “It’s another way we’re using state-of-the-art technology to deliver operations that are responsible, scalable and profitable.”
Aquaponics is a sustainable farming practice that pairs aquaculture with hydroponics to create a fully symbiotic, mutually beneficial system.
Rainbow Trout and Tilapia with Baby Spinach and Baby Mesclun Mix
Innovasea reported that the Colorado site has eight fish tanks and will grow rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) along with baby spinach. Fish have already been introduced into the system, and Forever Young Aquaponics expects to produce 20-30 tons per year on what was previously unusable land located in the heartland of the deserts of southern Colorado, where freshwater is a premium resource.
Georgia, roughly double the size of its Colorado counterpart, will pair tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with a baby mesclun mix. Construction is ongoing and is expected to be completed in 2026. Once live, the site will produce 70 tons of tilapia a year, and over 10,000 pounds of fresh vegetables a week.
For both projects, Innovasea’s RAS design team needed to effectively account for and build solutions that considered the complex flow and needs of a large aquaponics facility. This meant developing systems that supported sustained fish and plant growth in a balanced and cooperative environment — all under one roof.
“Innovasea’s expertise was crucial in helping us design farms that could succeed in each unique location and meet the area’s specific operational demands,” added Arvind Vankat, Managing Partner of Forever Young Farms and Founder of Waterfarmers. “These projects are centered around a holistic approach to aquaculture, supporting both environmental responsibility and the production of sustainable protein.”
Programs for Eligible Farmers
The Andrew J. Young Foundation was founded in 2003 and aims to create a healthier, more peaceful and sustainable world, by uplifting underserved communities and driving long-term solutions. Through Forever Young Farms -the parent organization of Forever Young Aquaponics and an initiative of the Andrew J. Young Foundation- the foundation is addressing food insecurity by equipping farmers with the systems, technology, and expertise needed to successfully operate aquaponics farms.
The programs will allow eligible farmers to open a new site on their land without making an initial CapEx investment. Forever Young Aquaponics will then help run and operate the farm, with owners making a monthly payment to the foundation to eventually own the setup. This agreement removes what historically has been a major barrier to entry: the upfront cost of construction and equipment.
“Forever Young Aquaponics’ mission is to be more than just a farm, it’s a living example of how we can grow fresh food year-round while protecting the natural resources that sustain us. When done right, it holds the potential to be the true trifecta of food, water and community,” said Ambassador Andrew J. Young, founder of the foundation, civil rights icon, political figure, and diplomat.
For the company, this collaboration is another example of Innovasea’s commitment to advancing and promoting (re)generative aquaculture opportunities both on land and in the ocean. Learn more at Innovasea.com.
