Recently, the Canadian government decided not to renew licenses for 15 fish farms in a specific area to protect wild salmon. April 1., the Minister of Fisheries visited to learn more about Marine Donut, our closed containment fish farm.
We were fortunate to meet the Canadian Minister of Fisheries, Joyce Murray, during our visit to Ottawa in mid-March. Recently, she visited us in Bamble and requested a tour of Marine Donut. She was impressed with what she saw:
"I was thrilled to be able to come here and see the development of the Bluegreen concept. Salmon is an important industry in British Columbia on the west coast of Canada, and we are in transition away from net-pen farming. I am very pleased to see the development of this alternative solution that has potential," says Murray.
Recently, the Canadian government decided not to renew licenses for 15 fish farms in a specific area to protect wild salmon. Closed containment fish farms like Marine Donut avoid escapees and sea lice, and the sludge is collected. Additionally, feed and medication costs decrease while fish health and quality increase. This makes the facility sustainable for both the environment and the company's economy.
"My impression is that these are business people who also understand how important it is to protect the environment and that it is possible to do this and to engage in salmon farming. I am very pleased to see it," says the Minister of Fisheries, adding, "it definitely seems like an opportunity primarily for British Columbia, but of course, it could also be interesting for the East Coast."
Nils-Johan Tufte, CEO of Bluegreen, confirms that the Canadian Minister's visit is the result of several years of work.
"For several years, we have been working towards the Canadian market. We have contributed to the development of the licensing regime and new regulations over there. They are interested in technology related to closed containment fish farms. Norway has come quite far in this regard, and we have been involved in much of what has happened in Norway," explains Tufte, who is very satisfied with the visit.
"The visit was very successful. The minister was very interested, asked many questions, and had good input. She signaled that this is something they also want in Canada," he says.
