Ocean Fishing has Peaked
Wild capture from the ocean has been the historical method of providing the seafood we eat. As the world population has increased, many natural fisheries have been overfished, resulting in poor production and the depletion of many fish species. For example, in March 2003, Nature Magazine reported that over 90% of the large fish in the ocean have been harvested, and may never be regained. In June 2003, US News and World Report wrote that many depleted species, like the North Atlantic cod, may never recover because their habitat has been destroyed or too few survivors remain to find mates. As a result, the amount of fish harvested from the ocean has peaked at approximately 200 billion pounds per year.

Governments have attempted numerous efforts to better manage our natural fisheries. However, attempts to manage wild capture through an individual fishing quota (“IFQ”) approach have often only worsened the race for fish. It is not surprising to see rising tensions between countries with different views of how best to utilize the world’s ocean resources.

Wild capture is a poor methodology for mass production of fish because ocean-caught fish cannot be guaranteed to be fresh or of high quality. A typical fish catch is stored on ice in the boat until the boat returns to shore, meaning the harvest date is uncertain. Furthermore, the oceans have become increasingly polluted, and many fish concentrate pollutants in their flesh. Recent reports regarding high mercury concentrations in numerous fish including swordfish, shark and mackerel have caused concern to consumers, and the FDA recommends that pregnant women avoid eating these species. Other fish, such as shellfish and catfish, have historically been avoided by many consumers because the fish are scavengers which feed off the ocean floor. Because of this lack of quality assurance, ocean-caught fish have historically never been branded.

Fingerlakes’ Indoor Technology is an Eco-Friendly Solution
Fingerlakes is pioneering the solution to ocean over-fishing by economically raising fish indoors under controlled conditions. Our technology allows us to produce large volumes of delicious fish with almost no impact on the outside environment. Our indoor technology is eco-friendly.

Environmentally clean: Fingerlakes’ production has a very low impact on the outside environment. Fingerlakes provides for environmentally safe waste management by filtering the water, and discharging fish waste into sewage treatment systems. The low environmental impact of our system means that it can be located close to the consumer, near urban centers.

Efficient feed conversion: Fingerlakes closely monitors our fish to maximize feed conversion and limit feed waste. Fish are fed at regular intervals and feedings are controlled so that a maximum amount of feed is converted to fish meat.

Geographically flexible: Our production facility does not need to be located near a large body of water and we are therefore not highly dependent on natural resources. Our tilapia production is within driving distance of our customers.

Small footprint: Because our production water is filtered and recirculated, high volumes of fish can be raised in a small area using relatively little water.

Genetically safe: Fingerlakes does not use genetically modified species, and there are no issues relating to fish escapement into the wild.