Forever Oceans signed a 20-year agreement with the Brazilian government to ocean-raise fish within automated enclosures in two zones, located 7-15 km off the Brazilian coast of the state of Bahia. Together, they represent the largest offshore concession ever given for sustainable marine aquaculture, totaling 64,200 hectares, an area three-and-a-half times the size of Washington DC. The operation is expected to create up to 500 jobs over the next eight years.

In addition to the new site in Brazil, Forever Oceans has a research and technology facility in Hawaii, and offshore operations in Panama and plans an offshore operation in Indonesia. In Brazil, the company will ocean-raise Forever Oceans amberjack, known locally as “olho de boi” or remeiro. An onshore hatchery in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil, will raise fingerlings from eggs for placement in large deep-ocean enclosures, enabling them to swim and grow in a protected and more natural environment. Initially, 24 automated enclosures are planned inside the two ocean zones, which comprise responsible eco-friendly aquaculture zones. 

“With a coastline of more than 8,500 km, Brazil is one of the main frontiers for fish production, generating, in addition to healthy food, employment and income,” said Jorge Seif Junior, Secretary of Aquaculture and Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. “This landmark agreement is historic for Brazil and will set the country on the path to the development of sustainable marine aquaculture.” 

“This agreement will help us serve the growing demand for delicious, nutritious seafood and gives us the space to scale and grow rapidly, and the opportunity to develop the largest offshore sustainable seafood capability in the world,” said Bill Bien, CEO of Forever Oceans. “We will bring our different approach to the waters of Brazil, applying our expertise in aquaculture, conservation and innovation to raise delicious and protein-rich fish in deep-ocean waters in a highly environmentally-friendly and sustainable way that’s good for people and the planet.”