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.