March 18, 2024

 

US coalition launches SalmoGen to develop Atlantic salmon broodstock

A coalition comprised of Cuna Del Mar, Builders Vision, Xcelerate Aqua, and the Maine Penobscot Indian Nation has announced the formation of SalmoGen, aimed at establishing a domestic supply of Atlantic salmon broodstock and eggs within the US, SeafoodSource reported.

 

The initiative, unveiled publicly in February 2024, seeks to address biosecurity risks and logistical challenges associated with accessing salmon eggs and broodstock in the U.S., with an emphasis on alleviating constraints in the domestic egg market.

 

Chris Perry, chairman of both Cuna Del Mar and the SalmoGen Board, expressed long-standing interest in an Atlantic salmon broodstock opportunity, citing the alignment of factors that prompted investment and industry collaboration.

 

Cuna Del Mar, supported by investments from the Walton family, has cultivated a portfolio of aquaculture entities, including Earth Ocean Farms, OpenBlue, Innovasea, and others, with SalmoGen representing its latest venture.

 

SalmoGen plans to initially develop a capacity of 25 million eggs annually for both domestic and international markets, positioning itself to fill gaps in the US egg market while mitigating biosecurity concerns associated with imported strains.

 

Partnering with the Penobscot Indian Nation to establish a facility in Maine, SalmoGen aims to leverage local expertise and resources to advance its breeding and production objectives.

 

Kirk Francis, chief of the Penobscot Indian Nation, expressed enthusiasm for the project's alignment with the community's interests in aquaculture development, highlighting its potential to contribute to future industry growth.

 

Erik Heim, managing partner of Xcelerate Aqua, underscored the significance of the initiative in addressing long-term needs within the US aquaculture industry, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders.

 

SalmoGen's breeding programme, supported by the USDA and strategic partners, focuses on sourcing Atlantic salmon strains optimised for land-based systems, with anticipated market entry by 2027.

 

With backing from the Finance Authority of Maine and collaboration from institutions such as the University of Maine, University of Idaho, and University of Maryland, SalmoGen aims to establish a sustainable and resilient domestic supply chain for Atlantic salmon broodstock and eggs.

 

-      SeafoodSource