Forever Oceans signs deal with Brazilian Government for offshore concession for sustainable seafood production
Said to be the world’s largest offshore concession, the area is 3.5 times the size of Washington DC
Bill Bien, the CEO of Forever Oceans, a producer of sustainable seafood, signed a concession agreement with Jorge Seif Junior, secretary of aquaculture and fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply that puts Brazil on track to be an emerging producer of sustainable seafood production. The initial 20-year agreement authorizes Forever Oceans to ocean-raise fish within automated enclosures in two zones, located 4.3-9.3 miles off the Brazilian coast of the state of Bahia. Together, they represent the largest known offshore concession given for sustainable marine aquaculture, totaling 64,200 hectares (248 square miles), an area three-and-a half times the size of Washington DC. The operation is expected to create up to 500 jobs over the next eight years.
“With a coastline of more than 8,500 km (5281 miles), Brazil is one of the main frontiers for fish production, generating, in addition to healthy food, employment and income,” says Seif. “This landmark agreement is historic for Brazil and will set the country on the path to the development of sustainable marine aquaculture.”