Oceano Fresco, a Portuguese pioneer in bivalve aquaculture, closed a €6.1 million Series B round, co-led by Aqua-Spark and Semapa NEXT. 

Oceano Fresco uses cutting-edge tools and a science-based approach to breed premium species of bivalves, bringing both technical and business innovation to the fast-growing Blue Economy sector. Following previous rounds of investment led by BlueCrow Capital, Oceano Fresco built a state-of-the-art Biomarine Center (including hatchery) and set up the world’s first open-sea clam farm off the coast of the Algarve, Portugal. 

The company is now poised to ramp up its commercial efforts, starting with varieties of premium clam species native to Europe. With this investment, the company will grow its operations and build its first storage and packaging facilities. Initially, company expansion will focus on Spain and Portugal while laying the foundation for a global business.  

Bernardo Ferreira de Carvalho, founder and CEO of Oceano Fresco, said, “it’s very exciting to have such renowned, seasoned investors as Aqua-Spark and Semapa NEXT on board with Oceano Fresco. They share our vision for sustainable food and the importance of innovation to deliver it. We got this far thanks to our exceptional team. The future looks very bright indeed.” 

Aqua-Spark’s mission is to transform the global aquaculture industry into one that is healthier, more sustainable and more accessible. As one of the most efficiently and sustainably produced animal proteins from a resource use perspective, requiring minimal energy and feed inputs to produce,  bivalves align well with Aqua-Spark’s portfolio. In addition, by cultivating Venerupis corrugata and Ruditapes decussatus, two species threatened by illegal overfishing in the wild, Oceano Fresco helps to protect natural ecosystems.