Pure Blue Fish building yellowtail, croaker RAS in South Carolina

Yeruham, Israel-based Pure Blue Fish plans to establish its first U.S.-based aquaculture facility this fall, where it plans to set up a zero-discharge recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to raise yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) and croaker.

Located in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, the facility will be a model for the company as it plans out additional facilities across the U.S. Construction will begin in late 2023 and will take about 12 months to complete. The farm will have an annual capacity of 4,600 tons of fish.

“PBF chose South Carolina for its favorable business climate and strong state support for the project,” the company said in a statement. “The company aims to address the growing demand for sustainable seafood production as overfishing and pollution threaten wild fisheries. Indoor RAS technology can alleviate these pressures on oceans while providing a local source of healthy, contaminant-free fish.”

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture first announced the company’s intention to build a facility in the state in 2020, claiming the USD 28 million (EUR 26 million) investment would create 82 new jobs.

“It’s always great news when a company like Pure Blue Fish chooses to do business in South Carolina. This decision speaks to the reputation we have built as a state that is dedicated to helping our businesses succeed, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome this company to the Palmetto State,” South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said at the time of the announcement.

According to the original announcement, the facility was expected to be completed by 2022.

Founded in 2016, the Israeli company claims to use unique RAS technology developed over 25 years and currently in use at its fully operational production facility in Israel.

“This zero-discharge system utilizes specialized biological water treatment solutions to enable complete self-containment - the system can operate far from natural water sources without connecting to sewage systems or discharging fish waste back into nature,” Pure Blue Fish said in a statement. “This represents a new phase in RAS technology within the aquaculture industry.”

Photo courtesy of Pure Blue Fish