The United Kingdom seeks to produce 50,000 tonnes of salmon in the Malvina Islands.

According to information published by Escenario Mundial, the project is being promoted by Unity Marine and includes eight farms located between 3 and 7 km off the coast of Soledad Island. They anticipate an investment of US$6.6 million.

22 de April de 2025 11:08

The project includes eight farms, located between 3 and 7 km from the coast, on both sides of Soledad Island.

The illegal British government of the Malvina Islands has unilaterally issued a new proposal to boost salmon farming, for which foreign licenses could be granted. The goal is to produce 50,000 tons of salmon on the islands with an initial investment of £5 million.

While the public consultation process is open, the sponsoring company seeking licenses for this project is Unity Marine, a joint venture between Fortuna and the Danish aquaculture consultancy F-Land ApS. Unity has already measured the currents and waves of the Malvinas to identify the most suitable locations for the project.

Why Malvinas?

First of all, it's important to note that the Malvina Islands have significant geographical similarities with other salmon-producing regions, such as the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, and Orkney Islands. These areas, with their protected bays and suitable seawater temperatures, are optimal for producing high-quality salmon.

James Wallace, CEO of Unity Marine, stated that if its proposal is approved, the company will use “the most advanced technology and sustainable production methods” to achieve its goals. “We urge [the illegitimate government] to enact an enabling law, as it has done with the hydrocarbon industry, and then we, or other interested parties, could apply for licenses, judged on their individual merits and subject to environmental impact assessments,” he emphasized.

 

For this main reason, Unity Marine is seeking to establish a new headquarters in the Malvinas capital, Stanley. “The Malvinas are ideal for salmon farming, and a thriving sector would diversify the economy, contribute to the public purse through taxes and license fees, and help create future security and prosperity for the community. The Islands have a history rooted in agriculture, sealing, and now fishing, but the government has recently announced that it will take on significant debt for the first time to build the necessary infrastructure, and finding an alternative source of income to squid fishing has become even more critical,” Wallace stated.

Objectives and scope of foreign licenses in the Malvinas

If the illegal British government of the islands approves the proposal submitted by Unity Marine, licenses could be granted to begin the exploratory phase of the project. According to the company, £5 million will be invested in this initial phase alone, with 50% of the investment coming locally.

The results of the public consultation will likely be published later this year. The project should then continue with the environmental and economic benefits assessment, as well as stakeholder input.

From what could be learned, Unity Marine's plans These projects include eight farms, located between 3 and 7 km offshore on both sides of Soledad Island. Two fingerling rearing facilities using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) would also be built, one in Puerto Yegua, near Mount Agladable/Mount Pleasant, and another in Puerto Nuevo, on the west coast.

The licensing would involve a conventional facility with a remote feeding barge and pens with predator-predator nets to keep the sea lions out. Eggs and feed will be imported, and the company will install two wind turbines to generate renewable energy.

Salmon farming and the supply chain that supports it would not only boost GDP but also provide career incentives for young islanders to return home after international studies, just as young Faroese return from studying in Denmark to work in its thriving fish farming industry. Our recent conversations with stakeholders reflected a cross-section of local sentiment, with vocal opposition countered by a more traditional view of the Malvinas, which sees natural resources, when used responsibly, as the lifeblood of our remote nation,” Wallace concluded.

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