Lease Approval Could Signal Arrival of Commercial Cod Farming

Following a public hearing on 20 February, the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) began its review of the permit application.

The aquaculture company seeks a three-year, experimental lease for net pen culture of Atlantic cod in Frenchman Bay just south of Preble Island.

The 1.863-acre permit site sits within West’s existing 35.66-acre lease site for mussel farming in the bay. West plans to work with the aquaculture company in an advisory capacity. The cod farming pens will exist separately from his mussel fishery. If it can garner enough grant money, Great Bay Aquaculture will add mussels to its research.

Commercial cod farming is relatively new to North America. Since 2002, it has taken off in Norway, where private producers collectively yield around 22 million pounds per year of the farmed finfish.

Great Bay is the first commercial hatchery in the United States to produce juvenile Atlantic cod for the aquaculture industry.

Sign up for our
regular news updates

Sign up for our
regular news updates

More Fish Industry News

•   November Agriculture And Fisheries Council Agenda
•   Potential For Fishmeal-Free Salmon
•   Fish Wholesaling Industry Research
•   College To Boost Fish Farming
•   Consultation On Net And Trap Licences
•   Fish farming in Paddy Fields Takes Off
•   Tilapia-Skin Gelatine Next for Aquafinca
•   VIV China Reflects Development of Chinese Industry
•   Protection for Island Cockle Industry
•   Accessing Markets Directly To Improve Payments