Recognizing the challenges to develop full cycle commercial aquaculture of mahi-mahi from egg to market size comma Aqquua LLC, an emerging aquaculture company, recently collaborated with the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Aquaculture Program to implement novel approaches to bring a new form of the iconic mahi-mahi to the American table. The company is commercially producing grouper in Thailand and continues to spearhead development and implementation of novel technologies that are ecologically and economic viable.
The past several years have seen significant progress in the technology driving the cultivation of mahi-mahi at the University of Miami’s Experimental Hatchery (UMEH), notably in the critical larval and nursery stages. Mah have traditionally posed intractable challenges for aquaculturists.
Aqquua has been pursuing the option of developing a plate-sized product as a solution. In the meantime, the fish have been harvested before the growout stage.
“When we tested them in the kitchen,” said Aqquua CEO Charlie Siebenberg, “we discovered that these fish were delicious, with much of the character of a full grown mahi at a tin-able size!” Mahi, as it turns out, are highly suitable for canning.
The product is being tested with the first 4,000 juveniles recently produced offered in olive oil and sea salt in two different can sizes and jars. To gauge buyers interest the company will be launching the product with the first jars shown at the North America Seafood Expo in Boston in March 11-13, 2018. The product is targeted at selected buyers and distributors as well as chefs and restaurateurs who believe in quality product that are raised sustainably. Notably, these fish reach market size for their new application in 45 days – about ten times faster than any commercially produced high quality marine fish or mollusk and half the time that it takes a shrimp to reach market size. As a benefit of this, very little food goes into the production cycle, which makes this a truly sustainable and eco-friendly product. This is in line with the company’s main focus on developing and implementing innovative technologies for new aquaculture species aimed at the high-end market. It is a well known and proven concept that the smaller the fish size, the higher their biological efficiency and the lower the ecological footprint - since very little food goes into the shortened production cycle.
You’ll soon be able to find this new delicacy on the shelves of high-end food stores across the country. You can also get a preview at this year’s Seafood Expo North America (Mar.11-13th) at Aqquua’s booth #148
Aqquua™ is an aquaculture company invested in the future of sustainable fish farming as well as the perfection of the technologies necessary to bring the freshest, highest quality seafood to the table. With a brand new, state-of-the art land-based aquaculture system in Thailand, as well as a strategic partnership with the University of Miami they are able to commercialize research and bring the latest findings directly into their operation, minimizing their carbon footprint and maximizing overall efficiency towards becoming 100% sustainable. They are currently shipping their Hybrid Grouper to customers world-wide.
