Saving Seafood

MAINE: The future is now: Salmon aquaculture embraces precision farming

August 21, 2025 — From afar, the series of 100-meter rings that constitute an Atlantic salmon farm site in the Gulf of Maine appear unchanged since the transition from steel cages to high-density polyethylene pens in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Atlantic salmon aquaculture has been practiced in Maine since the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the first commercial lease being issued by the Maine Department of Marine Resources for a farm site in Cobscook Bay near Eastport in 1982. The industry has evolved and modernized tremendously since then, with the adoption of precision farming defining the last 20 years or so.

So what is precision farming? Also known as precision agriculture, precision farming refers to the use of advanced technologies and data analysis to optimize farming practices. Farmers who embrace precision farming, in theory, increase efficiency and productivity and minimize environmental impact.

For aquatic farmers, that translates to more precise and scalable ways to feed fish and to monitor fish health and growth, ocean conditions and water quality.

Cooke USA has been farming Atlantic salmon in Maine since 2004, celebrating 20 years of aquaculture operations in the state last year. Today, Cooke USA’s operations consist of marine farm sites in Downeast Maine, a processing plant in Machiasport, and three land-based freshwater hatcheries in both the eastern and western parts of Maine. Its fresh farmed Atlantic salmon is sold at supermarkets and restaurants throughout New England and the United States.

It was around the early 2000s that the company, and the industry by and large, began embracing precision farming. It’s what a passerby on a boat or an onlooker from the shore can’t see that’s revolutionizing Atlantic salmon aquaculture in Maine and globally — hardware such as underwater cameras and sensors, which have been used for years, and the AI-enable software behind the hardware.

Read the full article at Bangor Daily News

Cooke subsidiary acquires Aqua Bounty Canada’s operations for USD 2 million

March 4, 2025 — Cooke subsidiary Kelly Cove Salmon (KCS) has acquired the defunct operations of Aqua Bounty Canada on Prince Edward Island.

Cooke said the acquisition will allow KCS – the Atlantic Canadian salmon-farming division of Cooke Aquaculture – to produce large smolts for stocking its existing ocean salmon-farming sites. According to a Form 8-K filed by AquaBounty Technologies, the parent company of Aqua Bounty Canada, the purchase price was just over CAD 3 million (USD 2 million, EUR 1.9 million) minus the aggregate amount of liabilities for Aqua Bounty Canada under an outstanding loan with KCS and accrued and unpaid license fees.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Omega Protein lawsuit claiming foreign profits from Chesapeake Bay dismissed

January 13, 2025 — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Omega Protein and its fishing operation in the Chesapeake Bay Ocean Harvesters that claimed they were controlled by a foreign company.

The lawsuit was filed three years ago in the Southern District of New York, where a judge dismissed the claim earlier this month. It was filed under the False Claims Act, which permits people to sue on behalf of the federal government if they allege that the government is being defrauded. However the government opted not to participate in the lawsuit.

Cooke Seafood of New Brunswick, Canada purchased Omega in 2017. The lawsuit claimed that the owners of Omega and Ocean Harvesters were Canadian citizens and controlled the Bay operation.

Company spokesman Ben Landry said that was shown to be false in the more than 100 pages of documents filed as required during Cooke’s purchase transaction.

“The owners are U.S.-born. They’re Americans citizens, and it’s a U.S. company headquartered in Virginia, and so hopefully this puts that argument to bed,” Landry said. “They were born in southeast Georgia, and they have full citizenship to own U.S. companies and property.”

Read the full article at WAVY

Judge tosses suit claiming menhaden fish processor off NJ coast defrauded US

January 8, 2025 — A U.S. District Court judge in Manhattan dismissed a case against Cooke Seafood Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates that alleged it defrauded the U.S. in the operation of its East Coast menhaden processing facility in Virginia.

Menhaden, known colloquially as pogies and bunker, are a critically important filter-feeding baitfish in the ocean and estuaries along the East Coast, including here in New Jersey, where they are fed on by whales, birds and economically valuable finfish. While the menhaden are not overfished, the stock has contracted, leading to dust-ups between environmental groups and harvesters over the quota.

In a prepared statement, Cooke Inc. said it’s “pleased that the court has dismissed this baseless lawsuit, which we have always maintained was without merit. For over a decade, the individuals behind this lawsuit have repeatedly targeted menhaden harvesters and processors to undermine a sustainable and essential sector of the fishing industry.”

Read the full article at app.

Cooke Acquires Copeinca

November 29, 2024 — The following was released by Cooke Aquaculture Inc:

November 26, 2024 -Cooke Inc. (“Cooke”) of New Brunswick, Canada, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Corporación Pesquera Inca S.A.C. (“Copeinca”) of Peru.

This follows the Cooke announcement of November 7 disclosing that Copeinca Canada Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cooke, and PF Cayman New Holdco Limited, as seller, had executed a binding share purchase agreement pursuant to which Cooke agreed to indirectly acquire all the outstanding shares of Copeinca.
 
Copeinca was established in 1994 and has grown to become Peru’s largest fishing company, one of Peru’s largest anchoveta processors and one of the world’s largest anchoveta fishmeal and fish oil producers and exporters.
 
With its corporate global headquarters in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, the Cooke family of companies now operates global aquaculture and wild fishery divisions in 15 countries with more than 15,000 employees providing a sustainable seafood source reaching tables all over the world. 
 
Cooke’s core purpose is to ‘cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities’.
 
“We’re excited to welcome Copeinca’s dedicated employees to the Cooke family of companies,” said Glenn Cooke, CEO of Cooke. “Copeinca will be a major contributor in furthering Cooke’s growth as a leader in strengthening global food security.”
 
With the completed acquisition, Cooke further strengthens its growing marine ingredients business and diversifies its geographic and species portfolio.
 
Cooke entered the marine ingredients sector in 2017 with its acquisition of US-based Omega Protein Corporation, a nutritional product company and a leading integrated provider of specialty oils and specialty protein products.
 
The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Environmental NGO plans lawsuit against Cooke over alleged water pollution at Maine-based salmon farms

November 18, 2024 — The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has sent a letter to Cooke Inc. CEO Glenn Cooke announcing its intent to sue the company over alleged Clean Water Act violations at its salmon farms in the U.S. state of Maine.

“Cooke is in full compliance with the laws set forth by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Maine Department of Marine Resources and its operating permits,” the company said. “Cooke’s Maine Atlantic salmon farms are routinely inspected by state regulators and subject to regular monitoring reports. These laws are designed to protect Maine waters as well as Maine’s heritage fisheries.”

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Op-ed: In suing Cooke, Conservation Law Foundation has a short memory

November 18, 2024 — Sebastian Belle is the executive director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, and the president of the board of directors of the National Aquaculture Association.

Prior to joining the Maine Aquaculture Association, Belle was the U.S. state of Maine’s state aquaculture coordinator, working for the Maine Department of Marine Resources. He has also served on NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee and on the board of directors of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, The Island Institute, and the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center. 

The recent announcement by Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) that they intend to sue Cooke Aquaculture is a surprise given the fact that they worked closely with the salmon farmers to develop the very standards they indicate they are going to sue over.

Perhaps this is a case of staff turnover and lack of institutional memory? Or is it yet another example of big city, opportunist law firms trying to cash in on citizen lawsuits?

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Cooke Aquaculture Responds to Conservation Law Foundation’s Threat to Sue

November 14, 2024 — The following was released by Cooke Aquaculture Inc:

Cooke Aquaculture USA, Inc. (“Cooke”) vehemently denies the generalized allegations brought forth by the Conservation Law Foundation in its November 14 notice of intent to file suit. Allegations that Cooke is violating the Clean Water Act and Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit for Net Pen Aquaculture are false, misleading and lack any substantiating evidence.

Cooke’s core purpose is ‘To cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities’.

Cooke is proud of its contributions to Maine’s iconic seafood industry by providing a local, nutritious, affordable source of protein to consumers throughout Maine, New England and the United States. Providing food security and being a responsible player in Maine’s food-farming system are at the core of Cooke’s values.

Cooke is in full compliance with the laws set forth by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Maine Department of Marine Resources and its operating permits.  Cooke’s Maine Atlantic salmon farms are routinely inspected by state regulators and subject to regular monitoring reports. These laws are designed to protect Maine waters as well as Maine’s heritage fisheries.

Cooke’s Maine Atlantic salmon farms are also routinely audited and certified by third-party sustainability organizations. Cooke was one of the early adopters of the Global Seafood Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices third-party certification program. As part of this independent, voluntary program, all of Cooke’s Maine salmon aquaculture farms, hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills are audited against standards for environmental responsibility, social accountability, animal health and welfare, and food safety. To attain certification, facilities must be fully compliant with all clauses in the standards. Additionally, Atlantic salmon farmed in Maine is rated as a “good alternative” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.

Finfish aquaculture has coexisted with heritage fisheries, such as lobstering, in Maine waters for more than 40 years. Lobster landings are not negatively affected by Atlantic salmon farms. In fact, lobster gear is set alongside and within aquaculture lease boundaries.

Aquaculture farming is an economic engine for Maine’s working waterfronts with Atlantic salmon aquaculture being a major source of employment for residents of Downeast Maine. Cooke employs 230 people throughout the state and celebrated its 20th anniversary of aquaculture operations in Maine this year.

Contact:

Steven Hedlund
Director of Public Affairs
Cooke Aquaculture USA, Inc. (Cooke USA)
+1 207-952-4864
steven.hedlund@cookeaqua.com
www.cookeseafood.com

NORTH CAROLINA: Cooke Seafood’s Family of Companies Provides Crucial Ice Shipment to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Western North Carolina

October 10, 2024 — The following was released by Cooke Aquaculture Inc:

Wanchese Fish Company and Shoreland Trucking, proud members of the Cooke Seafood USA family, have taken swift action to help those in need in Western North Carolina following damage from Hurricane Helene. The company delivered a full 18-wheeler semi-trailer truckload of ice to support relief efforts in Marion, North Carolina, a key hub for disaster assistance in the metropolitan Asheville area.

The North Carolina Fisheries Association (NCFA) had reached out to companies in the seafood industry, including Wanchese Fish Company and Cooke Seafood, requesting help with hurricane relief. Following widespread power outages in the region, access to ice became critical for preserving food, baby formula, and other perishable items. Wanchese Fish Company responded immediately, not only offering a full truckload of ice but also delivering it directly to the affected area.

“We knew that ice was needed urgently in Western North Carolina, and our team was ready to help,” said Jon Steeves, Director of Operations at Wanchese Fish Company. “North Carolina’s inland residents have always supported us when coastal communities have been hit by storms, so it’s our turn to return the favor. We’re glad we could contribute and help those in need.”

The Shoreland Trucking 18-wheeler semi-trailer was packed at Wanchese Fish Company’s facility in Suffolk, Virginia. The delivery included pallet totes filled with bulk ice, as well as a pallet of plastic bags and shovels. This equipment ensured that anyone without coolers could still transport and store the ice. The truck was dispatched to the Asheville area and arrived at Marion’s disaster relief center early in the morning last Friday, allowing for the immediate distribution of the much-needed supplies.

Historically, North Carolina’s seafood industry has mobilized to provide ice in times of crisis. This time, Wanchese Fish Company took it a step further by coordinating directly with NCFA to streamline logistics and avoid delays.

“Usually, coastal regions are hit hardest by storms, and we’re used to helping in those areas,” said Jerry Schill, NCFA’s Director of Government Relations. “This disaster affected the western part of the state, where seafood companies aren’t as common. But our commitment to help in times of need extends to every community across North Carolina.”

In coordination with NCFA and other organizations, additional truckloads of ice from several companies were also provided as part of the larger disaster relief operation.

About Wanchese Fish Company
Wanchese Fish Company was founded in 1936 and has grown to become a leading supplier of seafood products in North America and Europe. As a vertically integrated seafood operation, Wanchese Fish Company is capable of supplying over 4,000 tons of wild scallops, shrimp, oysters, southern king crab, and other seafood products each year. Our fishing partners process and freeze on board to lock in the freshest of flavors. The Wanchese headquarters and state-of-the-art processing plant is located in Suffolk, Virginia.

About Cooke Inc.
Cooke’s core purpose is ‘To cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities’. The Cooke Inc. family of companies includes global aquaculture and wild fishery divisions, with operations in 14 countries and nearly 13,000 employees. Cooke ships fresh True North Seafood branded products worldwide. www.cookeseafood.com

GSSI Welcomes Cooke Inc.

September 3, 2024 — The following was released by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative:

The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative is pleased to announce that Cooke Inc. has joined GSSI as a Funding Partner. 

Cooke’s core purpose is to cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for families, and build stronger communities – this aligns closely with the vision of GSSI. Sustainable development has been a driving force for Cooke, with investment in science-based marine practices and innovation, allowing them to bring a healthy and sustainable protein source to tables around the world.

As a GSSI Partner, Cooke aims to play a larger role in empowering our sustainability leaders to collaborate and share knowledge to ensure confidence in the supply of certified seafood.

“We recognize that it is important to our customers that our values and company mission are reflected in the daily work of our employees across our divisions, our supply chain and in our communities. As a family company, we know that providing a sustainable food source to the world is a top priority and that sustainable aquaculture and fishing are crucial elements in feeding generations to come. Working with GSSI and their members, we will continue to ensure our seafood is certified to the highest standards,” says Michael Szemerda, Chief Sustainability Officer, Cooke Inc.