Grieg and Ocean Choice finalize partnership for salmon aquaculture project in Canada

Atlantic Canadian company Ocean Choice International (OCI) and Norway’s Grieg Group have finalized ownership agreement details surrounding the development and execution of the Placentia Bay Aquaculture Project, the companies announced on 16 January. 

The Placentia Bay Aquaculture Project calls for the construction of a land-based recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) hatchery for Atlantic salmon in the marine national park located in Marystown, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as well as 11 large-scale growing cages to be built and situated in the deep waters of nearby Placentia Bay. As part of the established agreement, OCI will manage the processing of products harvested at one of the 11 Grieg NL Seafarms in Placentia Bay. 

“The agreement marries the Grieg Group’s extensive experience in the salmon industry with OCI’s leading expertise in seafood processing and marketing, and marks the continued long-term commitment and cooperation of the two family owned companies to develop the Placentia Bay Aquaculture Project,” Greig NL said in a news release.

The project represents an investment of CAD 25 million (USD 20 million, EUR 16 million) into the economy of rural Newfoundland and Labrador, Grieg said. The company looks forward to working with the area’s community, and establishing an integral presence there.

“The owners, the management and the staff of Grieg NL look forward to growing and become an integral part of the Placentia Bay community, and to contribute to exciting new business opportunities and numerous long-term all-year job offerings in the region,” Grieg said. 

Currently, the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment's environmental assessment committee is requesting the public’s feedback regarding the proposed guidelines for the company on what will be required in its environmental impact statement (EIS) submission, the Southern Gazette reported. The initial draft of EIS guidelines are available for viewing and commentary on the provincial government’s website.  The project ran into a spped bump in July 2017 when a ruling by the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador required the company to produce a new and updated EIS. 

According to Grieg NL (Grieg Newfoundland Salmon Ltd), Placentia Bay is the “ideal location” for its nursery, as the area offers a “superior freshwater source” as well as an industrialized site and highly qualified people. Moreover, the sheer size of the bay allows for sites and bay management areas to be separated by great distances, reducing biological risk, the company explained on its website. The area is also without any other Atlantic salmon farmers, which shrinks the risks for contamination and coordination, Grieg NL said.