The California Coastal Commission already granted permission to improve infrastructure on harbour lands.
Nordic Aquafarms
Nordic Aquafarms has achieved the three Coastal Development Permits needed to move forward with its aquaculture project in California. The fish farming company proposed an alternative land-based project 3,400 miles to the west, resulting in a smaller facility to farm yellowtail kingfish in Humboldt County.
On May 8, the California Coastal Commission granted permission to improve infrastructure on harbour lands, enabling a seawater intake capacity of 11.8 million gallons of water per day.
As CEO Brenda Chandler explained this is a major achievement to move on: "I am proud of this team and appreciate the confidence and support we’ve gained over the last few years from Humboldt County. We hope to have approvals for the remaining permits this summer. Working with the Harbor District to continue this momentum and bring a thriving waterfront to the Samoa Peninsula is coming closer to fruition, and we look forward to contributing to California’s agricultural front."
The permitting process is complex because California has some of the most rigorous environmental laws in the United States. According to Nordic Aquafarms, three projects did not receive their approvals to proceed, despite 20 years of research, studies, and environmental efforts.
These permits "give us a unique first-mover advantage in the California RAS market for the next 10 to 20 years," a statement reads.
The US seafood trade recorded a deficit that surpassed $20 billion as imports outpaced exports. The company expects to replace imports with fresh, local seafood thanks to its new facility.
