Japan trials aquaponics-raised trout at Saga retail centre.
A retail trial of land-based, low-impact aquaculture trout began on 29 May at a commercial complex in Saga City, southwestern Japan, marking a rare example of aquaponics-grown salmonids reaching consumers through traditional retail channels.
The trout, harvested the previous day, was raised in a closed-loop system that combines aquaculture with hydroponic vegetable farming—an approach known as aquaponics. Fillets were made available for sale and sampling on-site, according to a report from NHK.
The initiative is part of Saga City’s broader push to attract environmentally focused businesses. In Takakise-chō, a local firm supported by construction company Kumagai Gumi is cultivating trout and pesticide-free mint in a shared water system designed to reduce environmental impact.
In the aquaponics model, fish waste is converted by microbes into nutrients that feed the plants. The water, enriched by this process, is then recirculated back to the fish tanks. According to the operator, water usage for mint cultivation is reduced to approximately one-tenth of conventional requirements.
Kumagai Gumi’s Deputy General Manager Ryō Fujii noted that the commercial sale of aquaponics-raised fish remains uncommon in Japan and expressed interest in expanding the model nationally.
While the product was marketed as “salmon” (サーモン) in signage and promotional material, no species identification was provided. Given the inland, freshwater setting and aquaponics method used, the fish is presumed to be rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which is commonly referred to as “salmon” in Japanese retail contexts.
No pricing or volume figures were disclosed.