In the Dutch province of Zeeland, The Kingfish Company specialises in the sustainable farming of antibiotic-free yellowtail kingfish. This species was strategically chosen for onshore aquaculture.
“Not only is yellowtail kingfish very tasty, but by offering this fish to consumers, we want to take the pressure off of other fish species that are currently under pressure, such as tuna and swordfish,” says Sander Ruizeveld de Winter, Head of Hatchery.
Extensive research and development (R&D), largely supported by EU funding, have been pivotal in growing this species sustainably away from its native habitat.
Creating a stress-free habitat
The Kingfish Company prioritises the well-being of its fish by cultivating a stress-free environment. In the wild, yellowtail kingfish live in shoals and swim in circles, a behaviour they can replicate in the farm's basins. Sander explains, "We optimise their environmental conditions, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviours."
Antibiotic-free environment
Located next to the Oosterschelde estuary, The Kingfish Company operates a sophisticated wastewater management system to filter seawater. Within the basins, this water is continuously recirculated and filtered and is extensively purified before eventually being returned to the Oosterschelde. This system enables the company to raise yellowtail kingfish without antibiotics, eliminating the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Given the fish’s preference for somewhat higher water temperatures (17-24°C), warmer than the temperature from Oosterschelde. As sander explains, “The water in our basins is heated by our thermal energy system. During the summer, we store excessive heat below-ground, which we use to warm up the basin water during winter.”
Contributing to a more sustainable aquacultural industry
The Kingfish Company, while successful, benefits on EU support to further its R&D goals. "Even though things are going well, we’re still a young company," Sander notes, “which means that we can benefit from support in our R&D funding. We are pioneering, gathering new knowledge that benefits the entire aquaculture industry.”
With EU backing, the company can continue expanding, sharing its insights, and increasing the quality of its yellowtail kingfish, contributing to a more sustainable, healthy, and stress-free aquaculture industry.