Joint venture will see Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe partnering with Cooke Aquaculture Pacific to initially work to rear sablefish (black cod) and sterile triploid, all-female rainbow trout.
The venture will require reinstatement of the farm lease at Port Angeles, State of Washington, USA, in exchange for significant investment by the venture in new infrastructure and local jobs in the area.
The two partners will work together to rear Northwest native species in Port Angeles Harbor.
It makes a return to the site after Cooke Aquaculture Pacific lost the lease for its salmon net-pen farm in Port Angeles, in 2017 after state commissioner of public lands Hilary Franz terminated the salmon farmer’s lease.
“Our Council is committed to pursuing our self-reliance goal through diversified economic development and education, and we believe this partnership with Cooke Aquaculture Pacific will contribute to meeting that goal,” said Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Chairman/CEO W. Ron Allen.
“We, along with our sister tribes, are strong stewards of our environment. And we firmly believe we can implement net pen aquaculture consistent with our tribal heritage and cultural values. By working together, combining our history and experience fishing on the Olympic Peninsula with Cooke’s experience and expertise in aquaculture, we are confident that we can raise a sustainable supply of trout and sablefish and contribute to our local economy,” added Allen.
“The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is known for being progressive and forward-thinking in its approach to resource management and economic development,” added Cooke Aquaculture Pacific CEO Glenn Cooke. “We look forward to working together to produce top-quality seafood for consumers in Washington and across the US”.
