What Makes Our Genetics Program Different
What Makes Our Genetics Program Different August 14, 2024 Sapphire Springs will have a cutting-edge facility with the capacity to significantly increase the global supply of Arctic Charr, but none of that means anything if we don’t have a great broodstock program that produces a high-quality fish for restaurants, grocery stores, and home kitchens. The Sapphire Springs broodstock program is built upon two distinct strains of charr, the Nayak Lake and Tree River. Both of these strains were originally domesticated by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in the early 70s. Some of the stock was maintained at the DFO facility for research, while the balance of both strains was commercially reared by Icy Waters Ltd. Sapphire Springs has strategically acquired both original stocks to create a peerless proprietary strain of Arctic Charr already in development for over 30 years. This resulting strain of fish is one that you can only find at Sapphire Springs. It’s completely unique to us, and it’s sought after globally. With our world-renowned genetics program once our new facility is completed, we believe we’ll have the single best Arctic Charr ova program in the world. We’ll produce quality you’ll be able to see and taste. Sapphire Springs’ ova is backed by years of research. Our team of dedicated aquaculture experts work with industry experts to create the perfect genomic selection program. Our hatchery environment is tightly controlled, so Sapphire Springs possesses industry leading hatch out rates, low maturation, and high disease tolerance, making our broodstock the world standard. Part of that also comes from our stringent independent lab verification tests. Operating within a registered compartment of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), all Sapphire Springs ova are certified disease free. Each spawning season is closely monitored by Sapphire Springs Hatchery Technicians under CFIA oversite to ensure the fish stay healthy. Over the next two years as Sapphire Springs completes the build-out and staffing of its new Rockwood production facility, the team will be working to the highest standard to make sure every fish has the right texture, taste and colour. Our fish, already grown internationally and locally in Whitehorse, will be available throughout North America, fresh 52 weeks a year. Our team has dedicated their careers to aquaculture, making advancements in the industry and thoroughly developing their knowledge. We are excited to bring this amazing fish in volume to the marketplace for all to enjoy. Interested in having Sapphire Springs’ Arctic Charr in your store or restaurant? Get in touch today.
Why Choose Charr?
Why Choose Charr? July 22, 2024 As the northernmost freshwater fish in the world, Arctic Charr has been a common favourite in countries like Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Norway for centuries because of its wonderful flavour and nutritional value. Yet for years, cooks in other parts of the world have been largely unfamiliar with the fish because of its limited availability. However, Sapphire Springs is changing that with its new 5,000 metric-tonne facility and a plan to double the global supply of Arctic Charr. Recognized as a sustainable option with a delicate flavour, Arctic Charr has hooked a spot on the shelves of high-end retailers in North America and is steadily appearing on the ‘good menus’ of experienced chefs in culinary circles around the world (Food Network’s Alton Brown even cites it as one of his favourite fish to eat). So, what do the in-the-know eaters love about Arctic Charr? Once operational, the new Sapphire Springs facility will provide high quality, nutritious and sustainably raised Arctic Charr. The initial focus is on supplying the North American market and the company has a vision to build additional facilities on the east and west coasts of Canada. After purchasing the former Department of Fisheries and Oceans research facility and all its assets in Rockwood, Manitoba, Sapphire Springs began assembling a management team of experts experienced in building and operating aquaculture operations. We believe this is an incredible opportunity to really build a specific market niche with a premium product. Arctic Charr is difficult to access in North America due to the existing fisheries being very small. We intend to expand the category that already has fantastic pent-up demand. Arctic Charr is a member of the salmonid family. It has a similar colour and texture to popular species such as salmon and steelhead trout but has a more subtle flavour. It is coveted by chefs for a wide range of uses, from sushi to grilling. Arctic Charr is a species particularly well-suited to being raised indoors. The species is one of the few in the world that can live in either salt or freshwater. It also is a species that schools in mass numbers, so the fish are accustomed to being in close quarters, making the tanks at Sapphire Springs a safe and ideal home for them to flourish in. The new facility is situated above a pristine glacial aquifer that runs beneath the Canadian Shield. Sapphire Springs draws its water from this aquifer, recycling 99 per cent of it through each growing cycle. Sapphire is committed to ensuring this facility will be as sustainable as possible. The product will be sold through distributors to restaurants and stores, while the co-products will be upscaled as animal feed or fertilizer. Delicate Flavour, Serious Nutrition The first thing is flavour. Arctic Charr is a subtle, elegant fish distinctly different to other choices on the market. Its fat content gives it a rich flavour that is sophisticated and memorable. It has a thin skin which is easy to crisp, making it a perfect fish to pan-sear. With a bright orange hue, it’s flaky and buttery. This makes for a beautiful, mild fish that pairs well with other fresh ingredients and impresses with its simplicity. It also means Arctic Charr is a great choice for sushi; many chefs are using it in their rolls because of its high fat content, beautiful orange colour, and flavour. The second reason Arctic Charr stands out is because of its nutritional punch. Arctic Charr is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and delivers over 20 grams of protein in a single serving size (100 grams). Its skin is rich in calcium and its fat content helps the fish stay moist when cooked – this means its more forgiving and it won’t dry out or toughen up as easily when you cook it at home. Because of this, Arctic Charr is incredibly versatile and works well for many modes of preparation: summer barbequing, baking, smoking, and poaching are all great options when working with Arctic Charr. A simple cooking method such as grilling or pan-searing will let the fish’s delicate flavour shine. Aquaculture Protects our Oceans Then, there’s the sustainability aspect. Arctic Charr can be raised comfortably and efficiently in aquaculture facilities, which protects the species from overfishing. Because the fish school in mass numbers, Arctic Charr are instinctively comfortable with being close to other fish, making them extremely well-suited to being raised indoors in tanks. They also thrive in cold, freshwater conditions, which are easy to achieve in our modern facility. Sustainable and ethical fisheries are a great way to source seafood. According to the Marine Stewardship Council, overfishing has been steadily increasing in recent years, and over 37 per cent of fish stocks monitored by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations are overfished. Overfishing has a wide range of interconnected consequences, including job loss, food insecurity, a loss of biodiversity, and ocean pollution. However, by making smart swaps to incorporate fish raised in sustainable aquaculture facilities, consumers can protect ocean biodiversity and support what the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is labelling the world’s fastest growing food sector. In the world of cooking, there will always be versatile heroes – trusted ingredients that can be prepared in endless iterations and always end up hitting the mark. For seafood lovers, a mild, flaky, and sustainably raised fish like Arctic Charr is the ideal clean-slate protein that can be grilled, baked, seared, and smoked to consistent perfection.
The Delicious Fish Fit for Aquaculture … and Gourmets
The Delicious Fish Fit for Aquaculture … and Gourmets July 22, 2024 Arctic Charr has been a somewhat rare catch for food lovers in North America. A member of the salmonid family, Arctic Charr have been more difficult to access in stores and restaurants in part due to the limited capacity of Canadian fisheries. This has meant they are less well known than their ‘cousins’, but informed chefs and high-end retailers covet Arctic Charr for its delicious flavour and versatility in the kitchen. Arctic Charr are the northernmost freshwater fish in the world. They love cold climates and water, and are commonly found in places like Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, and Norway. For many northern cultures, Arctic Charr are a staple delicacy; Canada’s Inuit have been eating the fish for hundreds of years and records show Europeans have been fishing them since the early 1200s. Fit for Aquaculture Arctic Charr have a beautiful orange hue and can live in freshwater and saltwater. But Arctic Charr aren’t necessarily known for their migratory behaviour – they are more commonly associated with freshwater lakes and rivers and are happy to stay in freshwater all year long. This makes them a great choice for a sustainable aquaculture facility like the one Sapphire Springs is building in western Canada. Our aquaculture system draws its water from an ancient glacial aquifer, which gives Arctic charr the cold freshwater they love. Because Arctic Charr are native to cold environments, they are used to adapting to harsh weather patterns. In winter, Arctic Charr must find a way to carry on amidst the ice. To do this, the fish seek out small pockets of unfrozen water and gather in packed schools. The effects of this yearly pattern are clear: Arctic Charr are instinctively conditioned to tolerate close quarters, making them great candidates for indoor aquaculture facilities. Unlike many other fish, Arctic Charr do not mind living in smaller spaces and thrive in busy environments. Arctic Charr in the Kitchen Arctic Charr are also a delicious, nutrient-dense fish. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, and have over 20 grams of protein per 100 grams of fish. Because of their fat content, mild flavour, and bright colour, Arctic Charr is sought after by sushi chefs worldwide as a base staple for nigiri and sashimi. Cooking the fish is simple as well; its fat content means its forgiving in the kitchen. In fact, Arctic Charr is an extremely versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its delicate skin crisps up easily in a pan, and its fat content and meatiness make it a perfect fish for the grill. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, and according to Inuk Chef Sheila Flaherty (who appeared on MasterChef Canada), pairs greatly with pistachio. Because of Arctic Charr’s more elegant, subtle flavour, it is a perfect choice for a mild-fish lover. The Sustainable Choice Beyond flavour, choosing Arctic Charr has greater implications for the environment. Because the fish is well-suited to indoor aquaculture facilities, it can be produced and sold in an ethical, sustainable fashion without affecting ocean biodiversity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, aquaculture will need to supply two-thirds of the world’s seafood by 2030 to meet rising demands for fish from a growing population. Our new facility is projected to increase the global supply of Arctic charr by 50 per cent when it’s completed, making Canada a global leader in this sector while leaving the oceans untouched. By choosing Arctic Charr, you can help protect the oceans from overfishing while supplying customers, friends or family with a nutritious, delicious fish that has been sought after for centuries.
We Aim To Make Big Splash In Aquaculture
We Aim To Make Big Splash In Aquaculture April 24, 2024 Building The World’s Largest Arctic Charr Aquaculture Facility One of the most innovative and sustainable fisheries in the world is being built right now in the middle of Canada. Located a short drive north of Winnipeg, Sapphire Springs is building the largest indoor Arctic Charr aquaculture facility in the world. Once operational, the new Sapphire Springs facility will provide high quality, nutritious and sustainably raised Arctic Charr. The initial focus is on supplying the North American market and the company has a vision to build additional facilities on the east and west coasts of Canada. After purchasing the former Department of Fisheries and Oceans research facility and all its assets in Rockwood, Manitoba, Sapphire Springs began assembling a management team of experts experienced in building and operating aquaculture operations. We believe this is an incredible opportunity to really build a specific market niche with a premium product. Arctic Charr is difficult to access in North America due to the existing fisheries being very small. We intend to expand the category that already has fantastic pent-up demand. Arctic Charr is a member of the salmonid family. It has a similar colour and texture to popular species such as salmon and steelhead trout but has a more subtle flavour. It is coveted by chefs for a wide range of uses, from sushi to grilling. Arctic Charr is a species particularly well-suited to being raised indoors. The species is one of the few in the world that can live in either salt or freshwater. It also is a species that schools in mass numbers, so the fish are accustomed to being in close quarters, making the tanks at Sapphire Springs a safe and ideal home for them to flourish in. The new facility is situated above a pristine glacial aquifer that runs beneath the Canadian Shield. Sapphire Springs draws its water from this aquifer, recycling 99 per cent of it through each growing cycle. Sapphire is committed to ensuring this facility will be as sustainable as possible. The product will be sold through distributors to restaurants and stores, while the co-products will be upscaled as animal feed or fertilizer. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations says that aquaculture will need to supply two-thirds of the world’s seafood by 2030 to meet the demand for fish protein as the population climbs. The large new facility can increase the global supply of Arctic Charr by 50%, which means Manitoba (and Canada) is set to become a global leader in this sector. Construction began on the facility in 2023 with plans to incorporate world-leading technology and processes driven by science and sustainability. With a unique genetics program, a solid team of scientists and business experts, and a state-of-the-art facility, Sapphire Springs is on track to increase access to fresh, delicious Arctic Charr that is made ethically, sustainably and with consumers in mind. The facility is expected to be operational in 2025 with its first shipments of Arctic Charr going to customers in 2026.