Senator Angus King visited the Kingfish Maine facility at the UMaine Cooperative Aquaculture Research Center in Franklin yesterday. During the visit, the U.S. politician had the opportunity to personally observe the operations of the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). This visit comes as the company progresses through the design phase for its upcoming installation in Jonesport, also in Maine.
The Senator had first-hand knowledge of the company's aquaculture business and also appreciated their presence in Maine. Further, Kingfish's Jonesport facility has already received all the federal, state, and local permits required to build its facility. This new facility is expected to produce 8,500 metric tons of yellowtail when fully operational.
"For generations, Maine's ocean economy has supported our communities. Today, with investments in the aquaculture industry, we have exciting new opportunities to continue this long-standing tradition of producing high-quality ocean products," said Senator King. "I was so excited to tour the state-of-the-art Dutch Yellowtail operations in Franklin, which is the first step in establishing the Kingfish facility in Jonesport. I want to thank the Kingfish team for choosing Maine as its American hub and investing in our great state."
During the spring of this year, a limited release of Dutch Yellowtail from Maine was held, with a total of 8,000 pounds distributed and served in restaurants in Maine, Boston, Washington DC, and California. This special launch generated a phenomenal public response, extensive social media coverage, and captured top headlines.
"We had great collaborative partners in Maine-based Bristol Seafood for processing and Wheeler Seafood in sales. We hope this is indicative of the economic benefit we can provide in our direct employment as well as indirect impact for other great Maine companies," said Tom Sorby, Kingfish Maine Operations Manager.
By doing so, Kingfish is not only carving out a niche for itself in the Maine market but also supporting the state's economy. The company is collaborating with Washington County Community College, the Department of Labor, and the Sunrise County Economic Council to establish apprenticeship and training programs to develop the workforce in the Downeast Region. At maximum capacity, Kingfish Maine will generate over 70 jobs, and the construction phase will create even more employment.
The Kingfish Company, a pioneer and leader in sustainable land-based aquaculture, wholly owns Kingfish Maine. In Maine it will deploy the same advanced technology and operational excellence proven at the company's facility in the Netherlands. In early April 2023, the company achieved its first harvest. Kingfish Maine will be the largest U.S. producer of yellowtail kingfish, supplying sustainable seafood to North American retailers and food service providers daily.
