Judgment lands in high-stakes UK aquaculture case.
AquaCultured Seafood Limited has cleared a major legal hurdle for its planned land-based aquaculture facility in Grimsby, following the dismissal of a judicial review brought by North East Lincolnshire Council.
The decision means that the development—originally approved in November 2023—can now proceed, paving the way for construction of what the company describes as a “world-class” Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facility in New Clee.
The site is expected to create more than 300 jobs during development and around 100 permanent roles once operational. The company said the facility would bolster food security by supplying locally raised, sustainable seafood to retailers and foodservice outlets facing rising costs and overseas tariffs.
Mike Berthet, Director at AquaCultured Seafood Limited, said:
“Grimsby is a leader in the UK and European seafood industry and is helping to meet the growing demand for food security. Grimsby will now be at the very forefront of the UK’s land-based aquaculture industry.”
Nature of the judicial review proceedings has not been disclosed, but the outcome allows AquaCultured Seafood Limited to move ahead with its plans to bring the UK’s first commercial-scale RAS facility online.
The company said it remains committed to high environmental and welfare standards and will work closely with local contractors, aiming to support the regional fish processing cluster and provide long-term skills and employment opportunities.