Aqua-Spark, the first investment fund focused exclusively on sustainable aquaculture, today announced its first investments of 2016.
Launched in December 2013, Aqua-Spark’s mission is to make fish farming sustainable by investing in companies, technologies and practices that have the potential to transform this growing sector and, through a systematic approach, make sustainable farming as profitable as traditional industry. Aqua-Spark’s latest investment sets the standard for how a fish farm can and should operate.
Matorka, Aqua-Spark’s newest investee, is an Icelandic Arctic char fish farm charted to be the most sustainable, cost-efficient, land-based salmonid farming operation in the world. (Salmonidae species are some of the world´s most-consumed: salmon, trout, chars, freshwater whitefishes, and graylings.)
Aqua-Spark has invested US$2.5 million in Matorka. It was the lead investor of a recent US$5.5 million equity raise.
Matorka’s aim is simple: to produce the healthiest fish possible. They feed their fish a uniquely sustainable diet that’s absent of antibiotics, chemicals and growth hormones. The farm is carbon neutral, and uses clean, sustainable geothermal energy to power its operations.
“We’ve been interested in an Arctic Char investment since we launched, as we want to offer a sustainable alternative to salmon,” said Amy Novogratz, Aqua-Spark co-founder.
“Matorka stood out as the right partner for absolutely every reason: their access to and respect for Iceland’s natural resources, as well as their overall vision for healthy, ecological fish farming.”
Mike Velings, Aqua-Spark co-founder, continued, “The Matorka farm uses no antibiotics or chemicals, is powered by renewable energy, and makes a deliberate effort to protect the surrounding environment – all while producing a coveted fish. They should undoubtedly be seen as a standard-bearer for how to get fish farming right.”
With this investment, Matorka will be able to begin the first phase of construction of a new site in Grindavik, while updating their two current facilities, and bringing production volume to 1500 MT, with an eventual goal of 3200 MT.
Arctic char is a member of the salmon family, a fish that is rising in popularity. Not only a red-fleshed delicacy, it is also an extremely sustainable species with growing demand in an undersupplied market. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch recently named it a 'Best Choice' species for consumption.
“Our mission has been to build a state of the art farm and raise Arctic Char without harm to the surrounding environment,” said Árni Páll Einarsson, Matorka CEO.
“Aqua-Spark goes to great lengths to improve and transform the aquaculture industry, and an investment from them is also a sustainability stamp of approval. We couldn’t be more honoured or excited to grow with them – and set a new standard for fish farming.”
Learn more about Aqua-Spark HERE.
Launched in December 2013, Aqua-Spark’s mission is to make fish farming sustainable by investing in companies, technologies and practices that have the potential to transform this growing sector and, through a systematic approach, make sustainable farming as profitable as traditional industry. Aqua-Spark’s latest investment sets the standard for how a fish farm can and should operate.
Matorka, Aqua-Spark’s newest investee, is an Icelandic Arctic char fish farm charted to be the most sustainable, cost-efficient, land-based salmonid farming operation in the world. (Salmonidae species are some of the world´s most-consumed: salmon, trout, chars, freshwater whitefishes, and graylings.)
Aqua-Spark has invested US$2.5 million in Matorka. It was the lead investor of a recent US$5.5 million equity raise.
Matorka’s aim is simple: to produce the healthiest fish possible. They feed their fish a uniquely sustainable diet that’s absent of antibiotics, chemicals and growth hormones. The farm is carbon neutral, and uses clean, sustainable geothermal energy to power its operations.
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| A salmonid, Arctic char has beautiful red flesh (Image: Maggie) |
“Matorka stood out as the right partner for absolutely every reason: their access to and respect for Iceland’s natural resources, as well as their overall vision for healthy, ecological fish farming.”
Mike Velings, Aqua-Spark co-founder, continued, “The Matorka farm uses no antibiotics or chemicals, is powered by renewable energy, and makes a deliberate effort to protect the surrounding environment – all while producing a coveted fish. They should undoubtedly be seen as a standard-bearer for how to get fish farming right.”
With this investment, Matorka will be able to begin the first phase of construction of a new site in Grindavik, while updating their two current facilities, and bringing production volume to 1500 MT, with an eventual goal of 3200 MT.
Arctic char is a member of the salmon family, a fish that is rising in popularity. Not only a red-fleshed delicacy, it is also an extremely sustainable species with growing demand in an undersupplied market. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch recently named it a 'Best Choice' species for consumption.
“Our mission has been to build a state of the art farm and raise Arctic Char without harm to the surrounding environment,” said Árni Páll Einarsson, Matorka CEO.
“Aqua-Spark goes to great lengths to improve and transform the aquaculture industry, and an investment from them is also a sustainability stamp of approval. We couldn’t be more honoured or excited to grow with them – and set a new standard for fish farming.”
Learn more about Aqua-Spark HERE.
Learn more about Matorka HERE.
The Aquaculturists
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