December 5, 2024

 

ADQ and Finnforel to explore UAE fish farming facility

ADQ, a global sovereign investor, has partnered with Finnish aquaculture technology firm Finnforel to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a land-based fish farming facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 

The proposed facility, with a capacity of 3,000 tonnes per year, would be in Kezad's dedicated aquaculture zone, offering infrastructure, utilities, and connectivity designed for the sector.

 

The collaboration aims to introduce rainbow trout, a popular cold-water fish species and alternative to salmon, to the UAE. The project will leverage recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which use advanced biofiltration technologies to maintain controlled indoor conditions. These systems allow efficient water recycling within a closed-loop, ensuring zero biowaste and wastewater while supporting year-round fish production regardless of external environmental factors.

 

If the feasibility study concludes successfully, the facility would mark the UAE's first large-scale implementation of RAS technology. The facility would be modelled on Finnforel's indoor aquaculture concept, which has been operational in Finland since 2015. Finnforel's current facilities produce 3,000 tonnes annually, supported by a vertically integrated model that spans from hatchery to packaging. The company aims to expand its global capacity significantly by 2032.

 

Mansour AlMulla, deputy group chief executive officer at ADQ, stated that the partnership underscores ADQ's focus on advancing local food production in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted the UAE's reliance on imports for most of its protein demand and emphasised the need to close supply gaps by cultivating high-quality seafood domestically.

 

Pekka A Viljakainen, co-founder and chief executive officer of Finnforel Group, highlighted the increasing importance of food security, particularly in the context of global challenges. Viljakainen noted that nations must prioritise local production of key food items, including fresh fish, and affirmed Finnforel's commitment to developing sustainable, environmentally responsible facilities worldwide.

 

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that aquatic foods currently account for 15% of the world's animal protein intake. Global per capita consumption of aquatic foods reached 20.6 kilograms in 2021, more than double the rate of 60 years ago. Consumption is projected to increase by an additional 12% by 2032.

 

Aquaculture, which surpassed capture fisheries in 2022 as the leading producer of aquatic animals, is a rapidly growing sector in global food production. By 2050, aquaculture production will need to increase by nearly 60% above 2018 levels to meet global seafood demand. As of 2020, the global aquaculture market was valued at US$204 billion, with projections indicating growth to US$262 billion by 2026.

 

Currently, approximately 70% of the seafood consumed in the UAE is imported, including 10,000 tonnes of salmon annually. ADQ and Finnforel's collaboration aims to reduce this reliance by fostering sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices in the region.

 

-      Zawya