Salmon farming project in Fukushima advances toward commercialization.
A land-based aquaculture project focused on Benizake, or sockeye salmon, in Fukushima Prefecture is moving from pilot scale toward commercial development after expansion plans were selected for national subsidy support.
The project is being undertaken jointly by Okayama University of Science, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation, and Ichii Inc.. The partners plan to expand operations and construct new facilities in Namie, following their selection under Japan’s Subsidy for Business Location to Support Self-Reliance and Return, and Create Employment.
At present, around 1,500 juvenile Benizake are being reared in a 20-ton land-based tank at Ichii’s headquarters. The eggs were delivered in November 2024 and hatched in mid-December. After reaching an early fry stage, the fish were transferred from hatching tanks into the main rearing system. The salmon have since grown to approximately 13 to 15 centimetres in length. Initial shipments are expected to begin after next summer.
According to Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Fukushima Prefecture, the subsidy programme is targeted at former evacuation zones and other areas heavily affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Its objectives include supporting companies that establish or expand facilities in these regions, creating employment opportunities, promoting economic self-reliance, and encouraging population return through industrial recovery.
The project partners said they will continue to work with Namie Town on detailed planning, with the aim of completing the new aquaculture facility in 2026.
