This strategic initiative will enable the integration of new aquaculture-based production models, as part of the Basque Government's commitment to modernize and diversify the food sector. Aquaculture will be integrated as a sector capable of offering stable, innovative, and high value-added activity, in a global context where the demand for animal proteins is increasing and the need to transition towards more sustainable production models is growing.
“"This is a project that aims to be an international benchmark, combining R&D&I, talent, and the most advanced technology. Economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. It is a project for the coming decades, which will have a public-private investment of more than 170 million over the next 10 years."
Euskadi is once again aligning itself with the most advanced countries that are reusing large disused industrial or energy infrastructures, such as oil platforms, taking advantage of their access to the sea for aquaculture activities. This is being done hand in hand with the Pact for Europe and the Ocean, which establishes the blue economy as a key sector for food sovereignty, decarbonization, and biodiversity protection.
The project's development is the result of a prolonged planning process, which has included technical analyses, feasibility studies, and a consultation process with the private sector. This work has identified Lemoiz as an ideal location for aquaculture activity, both due to existing infrastructure and its access to seawater and available space for developing industrial-scale projects, such as the one to be developed by the awarded company, Aquacría Basordas.
From an economic perspective, the launch of this initiative will have a significant impact on the creation of qualified employment and the activation of associated industrial and technological activity, considering R&D, technical areas, management, and complementary services profiles, with a forecast of around 200 jobs. The new aquaculture hub will contribute to strengthening the value chain of Euskadi's food sector, increasing production capacities and facilitating the incorporation of advanced technologies.
The first projects to be developed in the Basordas area aim to become an international benchmark in advanced aquaculture, combining the integration of a space with an industrial past and a future model based on innovation and sustainability. The location has suitable technical and environmental conditions for the cultivation of high value-added species, such as sole, with a production capacity of around 3,000 tons per year.
