Aqua-Spark seeks salmon ‘alternative’ in Iceland

DUTCH group Aqua-Spark, the first investment fund focused exclusively on sustainable aquaculture, is to fund an Icelandic Arctic char farm in its latest project.

Matorka is described as the most sustainable, cost-efficient, land-based salmonid farming operation in the world.

Aqua-Spark, established in 2013, has invested $2.5 million in Matorka, which aims to

Standing out produce the healthiest fish possible. They feed their fish a 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 inter- ested 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.’

With this investment, Matorka will be able to begin the first phase of construction of a new site in Grindavik, while updating its two current facilities and bringing production volume to 1,500 tonnes, with an eventual goal of 3,200 tonnes.

Aqua-Spark has made five investments in four companies to date.

Its investment fund has $19.25 million under management, dedicated to investments in elements of the aquaculture industry that will make fish farming sustainable. The goal of the fund is to grow to $400 million by 2025.