A new commercial-scale closed containment salmonid (trout) fish farm was launched this summer in northeast China using technology developed by Canadian company, AgriMarine Holdings Inc. Each 24-foot diameter tank will grow 50,000 juvenile steelhead trout to market size within 12 months, and the operation expects to have a total of ten tanks functioning to full capacity by mid-2010. AgriMarine is also working with the People’s Government of Siping City and Tiedong District on the development of closed containment facilities to raise farmed salmon.
BC-based AgriMarine Industries’ closed containment system in China
As the world increases its reliance on aquaculture for seafood, while at the same time salmon farming regions worldwide suffer the negative environmental impacts of open net-cages, the implementation of closed containment technology is not only a sustainable solution, but a significant opportunity in green technology development.
The transition to a sustainable aquaculture industry in Canada would not only provide long-term aquaculture employment in coastal communities and allow Canada to be at the forefront of green technology development in this sector – it would also provide the potential for a new trade sector and the export of green closed containment technology. As AgriMarine CEO Richard Buchanan said recently in the media, their operations in China exemplify Canada’s opportunity to increase business relations with the country – something Prime Minister Harper is aiming for as expressed during his recent visit to China.
However, wide-scale development of closed containment in Canada is not happening quickly enough to capitalize on these opportunities. Increased investment and support on the part of government is an essential requirement, as is the case with most emerging green technologies, to fully establish the industry.
Citizens, conservationists, regional governments and industry alike are looking to the federal government to take the next critical step in helping to establish this new technology so that Canada may position itself as a world leader in sustainable aquaculture.
Tags: closed containment, farmed salmon, green technology, sustainably farmed salmon
