Plans for a £75 million 50-tank salmon farm are to be put to the public as Grimsby’s seafood industry looks towards a highly sustainable sourcing solution.
An onshore aquaculture farm has been proposed for New Clee, on former rail sidings site on the edge of the Grimsby port estate. It has been put forward by Aquacultured Seafood Ltd subsidiary, ASL New Clee Ltd, with 100 jobs set to be created.
The 40,000 sq m development is seen as presenting the town with the opportunity to process local fish at scale for the first time in decades, creating scores of jobs. Strong backing from the industry has been received.
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Mike Berthet, a founding member of ASL and former director of Grimsby-based M&J Seafoods, said: “The proposed onshore aquaculture farm presents a major opportunity for developing Great Grimsby’s ambitions to safeguard its position at the heart of the UK’s seafood industry.
“It would see Grimsby and Lincolnshire lead the change towards sustainable fish farming, while positively addressing the responsible farming of nutritious, healthy protein.”
It aims to produce 5,000 tonnes of salmon a year for processing, capitalising on the town’s status as the gateway to the UK retail market, with the likes of Young’s, Hilton, New England and Morrisons’ vertically integrated operations all in the largest cluster to be found across northern Europe.
Mr Berthet, an expert panellist at former Humber Seafood Summits, told how the plant will feature cutting edge technology and be one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to produce protein.
Initial preliminary submissions to North East Lincolnshire Council ahead of formal applications for the plant were met with some opposition, with animal rights campaigners and some neighbouring unease.
However, the consultation aims to alleviate fears, and takes place on Tuesday, May 23 from 3pm to 7pm at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre.
Mr Berthet said: “This event is an important opportunity for the local community to understand how they can contribute to this positive change.”
He said it will be “providing clear, factual answers to questions the team has already seen raised by the local community”.
A website has also been established for residents to learn or give feedback should they not be able to attend. Information shared will also be available at www.aquacultured.co.uk following the consultation.
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