Monday, March 19, 2018

19/03/2018: Whole Oceans to launch state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture system, Maine

When Whole Oceans’ CEO Rob Piasio was growing up in Yarmouth, Maine, he knew that one day, he would help his state grow and prosper

After more than six years of research and preparation, Rob is leading efforts to launch Whole Oceans, a state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), that will raise Atlantic salmon on the site of the former Verso paper mill in the heart of Bucksport, Maine.

At full production, Whole Oceans will create hundreds of direct jobs and invest more than $250 million in Bucksport.

RAS is an entirely land-based technology that optimises growing conditions that help fish thrive. Water is continuously recycled through ultra purification systems, creating a clean, healthy growing environment that eliminates the use of antibiotics. The result is an earth friendly, superior grade salmon.
 

Image credit: Whole Oceans

“The time for RAS has arrived and Whole Oceans will make Bucksport a global leader in sustainable Atlantic salmon production,” according to Mr Piasio. “But this story is much bigger than just Whole Oceans. This story is also about the resiliency and determination of towns throughout Maine that make projects like this possible. Whole Oceans is entering a long term partnership with the community of Bucksport, a responsibility we accept with the greatest care, and together we will strive to make Whole Oceans a source of pride every single day.”

The arrival of Whole Oceans is welcome news to Maine Governor Paul R. LePage, whose administration and regulatory agencies have been monitoring the progress of Whole Oceans.

“’Maine is open for business’ has been my motto from day one,” the Governor said. “Whole Oceans and its Maine-grown team will be an important addition to our state’s economy and transformative for Bucksport.”

Whole Oceans is confident that land-based Atlantic salmon is a product in high demand. How confident? Whole Oceans already has pre-sold 100% of its total production for the next 10 years.

According to Ben Willauer, Whole Oceans’ Director of Corporate Development, Freeport resident, and current board member of the Nature Conservancy of Maine, “In all my years in investing, I have never seen a more obvious and compelling business model than Whole Oceans. All aspects of this plan have been carefully considered, with an uncompromising dedication to ‘doing the right thing’ toward every decision, at every level. It is with great pride and purpose I am able to help bring this project to Bucksport.”

Whole Oceans is garnering praise for its desire to bring an industry that provides both prosperity and environmental sustainability to Maine. “Whole Oceans’ investment is exciting news for Maine’s coastal economy and communities,” said Senator Susan Collins. “Rob Piasio and his team are bringing innovative, sustainable jobs to Bucksport while providing the world with high-quality, wholesome salmon.”

Whole Oceans is breaking ground in Bucksport in 2018 and is already an important part of Maine’s future.

Read the full news release on the Whole Oceans website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the
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For additional daily news from aquaculture around the world: aquaculture-news

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