Aqua-Spark, the first investment fund focused exclusively on sustainable aquaculture, has announced its first investment of 2016.
Its newest investee is Matorka, an Icelandic Arctic Char fish farm, which is looking to become a global leader when it comes to sustainable, cost-efficient, land-based Salmonid farming 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.”
Árni Páll Einarsson, Matorka CEO, added: “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 honored or excited to grow with them – and set a new standard for fish farming.”
Aqua-Spark has invested US$2.5 million in Matorka.
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 1500 MT, with an eventual goal of 3200 MT.
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 make sustainable farming as profitable as traditional industry.
So far, Aqua-Spark has dedicated US$19.25 million to investments in sustainable fish farming. The goal of the fund is to grow to US$400 million by 2025.
