Renowned aquaculture expert Megan Sorby, formerly the Operations Manager at Kingfish Maine, is embarking on a groundbreaking venture to farm red drum, a prized game fish facing shortages in the United States. Red drum, also known as redfish, is native to the US Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico, and its commercial harvest has been restricted since the 1980s due to overfishing.
Sorby’s project aims to cultivate red drum in a yet-to-be-disclosed location, utilizing Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology. The species, in high demand in the US, has been largely supplied by imported farmed fish.
Commenting on the initiative, Sorby emphasized the importance of cultivating this native species domestically. She stated, “There’s deep US investment in the research and development of this species. Pairing red drum with RAS technology optimizes this species to its fullest potential in a domestic location.”
Megan Sorby, along with her partner Tom Sorby, played a pivotal role in establishing The Kingfish Company’s RAS facility in Maine. While she has transitioned to an advisory role with Kingfish, Tom now serves as the Operations Manager. Kingfish Maine recently celebrated its first harvest of Dutch yellowtail in Maine, marking a successful expansion for the Netherlands-based company in the US.
The upcoming red drum farming project aligns with Sorby’s commitment to sustainable and technologically advanced aquaculture practices. Further details about the project’s location and progress are anticipated as it develops.
Source: Fish Farmer
