Aquaculture in Dorset
Invest in UK aquaculture
Our advisors are here to help you. We can also send you an executive summary with key details about this investment.
Be part of a sustainable future
As the global population increases, growing demand is putting pressure on traditional sources of food.
New food production technology is supporting conventional methods, ensuring a more sustainable future.
Aquaculture is a profitable way to meet increasing demand and Dorset is the ideal place to invest in this growing market.
The investment opportunity
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A growing industry
Globally, the aquaculture industry is currently valued at 139 billion GBP. This is set to increase to 173 billion GBP by 2022. It is expected to be the main source of seafood by 2030.
In the UK, aquaculture currently supplies only 17% of seafood demand. This is changing rapidly. Growth is outpacing the wider economy and is providing exciting investment opportunities.
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Valuable skills and support
There is a national network of over 10 industry bodies who can support you. There are also 4 universities in the area, who produce high-calibre graduates with the right skills for aquaculture.
Dorset - ideal for aquaculture
Dorset’s unique natural assets, sustainable environment and local infrastructure make it a prime location for the growth of your business.
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An unrivalled ecosystem
- Shallow, sheltered harbours and numerous onshore development opportunities.
- Excellent water quality, warmer sea water and less aggressive tidal flows than some other sites.
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Local and national support
- An established local supply chain including marine service companies.
- Local business and industry organisations such as the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Dorset Coast Forum.
- A network of industry bodies that includes the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), a world leader in marine science research and technology.
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Access and logistics
- Easy access to 30 international destinations from Bournemouth, Exeter and Southampton airports.
- Close to the ports of Poole, Weymouth, Portland and Southampton.
- 2.5 hours to London by rail.
This opportunity is:
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Cost competitive
Costs of labour, industrial property and utilities are highly competitive in the UK.
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Supported by government
The UK’s visa system is investor friendly and the Department for International trade offers advice on skills, finance and more.
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Supported locally
Business networks and access to funding and academic institutions can help you get established and growing.
Dorset is perfectly located for easy access to world class science, a unified supply chain and a dynamic business environment. Companies based here benefit from a clear pipeline of opportunities to meet the increasing global demand for fish, shellfish and aquatic plants.
Who’s already here
Success snapshots
Houghton Springs Fish Farms
Houghton Springs Fish Farms
Houghton has been pivotal in the restocking of rainbow and brown trout in the UK. It has now diversified into other varieties and is the only producer of Arctic char in England. The farm now holds in excess of 22 tonnes, producing up to 1,000 fish per week.
Jurassic Sea Farms Limited
Jurassic Sea Farms Limited
Jurassic Sea Farms was recently formed to exploit increased demand for the culture of seaweeds. Heralded as a super food, seaweed also offers potential applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and fertiliser. Cefas is working closely with Jurassic Sea Farms to establish regulation for this new industry and set a baseline for further research.
Offshore Shellfish Ltd
Offshore Shellfish Ltd
Offshore shellfish operates the UK’s first large scale offshore rope-cultured mussel farm. It is now expanding rapidly following successful pilot trials which used new technology to cultivate the native blue mussel in Dorset’s high quality waters. It will ultimately become the largest farm of its type in European waters producing up to 10,000 tonnes of mussels per year.
Othniel Oysters
Othniel Oysters
Othniel uses its innovative conveyor harvesting barge technology to farm Pacific oysters in the waters off the Dorset coast. Producing 400 tonnes per year, its oysters are enjoyed locally and as far afield as Hong Kong and China.
