Kelly Cove Salmon intends to produce large smolts for stocking its existing ocean salmon farming sites in Atlantic Canada
Kelly Cove Salmon (KCS), the Atlantic Canadian salmon farming division of Cooke Aquaculture, recently announced the acquisition of the defunct operations of Aqua Bounty Canada on Prince Edward Island (PEI). With this new asset, KCS intends to produce large smolts for stocking its existing ocean salmon farming sites in Atlantic Canada. The strategic acquisition, reported Cooke, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in Atlantic Canada to expand operations, create local jobs and advance the sustainability of the aquaculture industry through innovation and technology.
Aqua Bounty was focused on land-based biotech farming and was best known for the development of its Genetically Engineered (GE) salmon. Even so, Cooke highlighted that they not farm or sell any GE seafood products and has no plans to do so with this action. According to the company, Cooke supports transparency for consumers and has ‘egg to plate’ traceability capability to demonstrate the origin of its product.
Cooke has operated its True North Salmon smoked salmon processing plant in Charlottetown since 1997.
Revitalizing the Community’s Economy
The operations will be run by KCS and the company has already rehired seven of Aqua Bounty’s former employees following the wind down of the Aqua Bounty hatchery announced in December 2024. In addition to growing large smolts for its existing salmon farming sites in Atlantic Canada, KCS also plans to begin use of a new shipping route via well boat at the Port of Souris. The Port is home to a vibrant 40 vessel commercial fishery and offers offload and safe berthage for 15+ transient fleets along with an icehouse, water and power services.
Andy Daggett, General Manager of Souris Harbour Authority, said: “We are thrilled to have KCS establish new vessel operations at the Port of Souris. This will further strengthen our working waterfront and enhance our community’s economic vitality.”
For his part, Peter Warris, Executive Director of the Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance which represents local farmers of the sea commented: “The addition of KCS’s operations not only brings new opportunities for local businesses but also reinforces our commitment to supporting the maritime industry. We look forward to a prosperous partnership that will benefit the entire island.”
Several New Assets
The Aqua Bounty assets include a series of four buildings on PEI including a hatchery facility with modern egg incubation and a high-tech laboratory in Bay Fortune. Rollo Bay hosts another modern hatchery facility, a new large modern recirculating aquaculture (RAS) facility and a second unfinished building intended to house another large RAS unit, which KCS aims to complete.
“Our freshwater science and fish health team will take the necessary time to thoroughly assess the capabilities of these newly acquired R&D and fish rearing facilities,” says Glenn Cooke, CEO of Cooke Aquaculture. “This evaluation will include a detailed analysis of the infrastructure, resources, and expertise. Hybrid systems involving a mix of efficient land-based hatcheries and ocean farming are the responsible and sustainable way to grow local salmon for food.”
Expanding the Presence on Prince Edward Island
Aquaculture farming of salmon is considered one of the healthiest and most efficient ways to feed the population with minimal environmental impact, the lowest freshwater use and the lowest carbon footprint of any animal protein. The purpose of Cooke is “to cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for families and build stronger communities.”
“Our community is delighted to see a family seafood company known for its investments in rural coastal areas and its provision of stable, year-round employment acquire these assets,” says Robin Croucher, Minister of Minister of Education and Early Years. “It’s fantastic to see Cooke expanding its presence on PEI, taking over these operations, and preserving jobs.”
“Our government recognizes that the sustainable development of both the aquaculture and shell fishing industries is essential to the prosperity of PEI, especially our rural communities. We are pleased to see a strong organization doing business in PEI and helping grow our island’s world-class reputation in the seafood sector,” says for his part Zack Bell, Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture.
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