AquaBoreal and its main partner, the Altamar Group, are aiming to set up a major land-based aquaculture project in Baie-Trinité, Quebec, in order to produce 100% natural Atlantic salmon, without chemicals or antibiotics and using the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). Creator of many jobs and generator of wealth for the North Shore and the MRC of Manicouagan, AquaBoreal hopes to eventually produce 100,000 tons of salmon per year through responsible land-based aquaculture. The first phase of 10,000 tonnes for the local market is scheduled for 2025.

Salmon aquaculture in the region will actively contribute to the economy of the North Shore and the fishing industry, while offering concrete solutions to current climate change issues, such as limiting GHG emissions, thanks in particular to the creation of synergy with distribution networks. AquaBoreal is committed to a salmon culture that respects nature by using green energy as well as water of the highest quality.

Phase 1 of the AquaBoreal project will generate many jobs, both in production and administration. These will be quality jobs, sources of wealth for Baie-Trinité and the MRC de Manicouagan. AquaBoreal’s initiative has all the potential to quickly revitalize the village of Baie-Trinité and its population, while mobilizing all the communities in the region.

In total, 80% of Quebec’s seafood products are exported outside the province when, ironically, nearly 85% of Quebecers’ consumption comes from foreign markets. AquaBoreal, with this large-scale project, aims to meet the food autonomy objectives set by the Government of Quebec in its bio-food policy.

By developing a robust RAS aquaculture industry, the North Shore will have the opportunity to diversify its economy and revitalize its communities. An innovative aquaculture project offers the region the opportunity to export high-quality products to national and international markets, boosting trade and generating additional income for local communities.

The entire production cycle, from egg to salmon of production size, takes place in tanks, with controlled parameters such as;

1- Water quality, oxygen content, temperature, fish density (beyond government regulations).

2- Feeding and growth are continuously monitored throughout the two-year rearing cycle.

This type of gentle nurturing atmosphere helps each fish reach its full biological growth potential and limits disease challenges by eliminating parasites, predators and environmental stresses (storms, temperature changes), usually present in many salmon farming sites at sea.

AquaBoreal’s expertise in RAS has a clear advantage and puts this project at the forefront of the industry. By offering a responsible land-based aquaculture system, AquaBoreal aims to produce 10,000 tonnes of local salmon for the local market during the first phase of the project.

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are known for their very low impact on the environment, thanks to the control of water quality, thus reducing the risks of pollution and contamination of the surrounding aquatic ecosystems. In addition, agricultural products from the farm, such as fish biowaste or sludge, can be collected daily and used as natural fertilizers or to produce compost for agricultural purposes. This circular practice minimizes waste and promotes a sustainable approach to aquaculture, where resources are used efficiently and responsibly, thus contributing to the preservation of the environment.