Blue Star, which is focused on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), has recently announced that its subsidiary, Taste of BC Aquafarms, has applied for an aquaculture license to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for a land-based RAS salmon farm in Canadian British Columbia which will use Taste of BC’s module-based technology.

The construction is expected to start by mid-2023 in Campbell River through an investment of approximately USD 35 million. It will have a production capacity of 1,500 metric tons per year of steelhead salmon.

The proposed site is co-located with a local distillery and barley farm. The 380-acre site features abundant freshwater with the capacity for future expansion. The salmon farm will operate with zero discharge off-site by capturing the water and nutrient discharges from the facility to fertilize the adjacent crops.

“The nutrient created by growing salmon will be used to grow barley which in turn will be distilled into Spirits. In this facility we will grow our salmon with innovative technology that respects the environment and ensures no contact with wild salmon species on our coast,” said Steve Atkinson, managing director at Taste of BC Aquafarms.

“Since the Canadian government has committed to a transition of the ocean-based salmon farming industry to more sustainable and environmentally sensitive technologies, we are excited to be able to lead in the development of land-based salmon farming here in BC. Our approach certainly meets their objectives, and we anticipate strong support from DFO for this project,” said Atkinson. “Salmon farming is a vital part of our economy here on Vancouver Island and we look forward to being a major part of its future. This is the first of several farms we intend to build.”