Japan’s NTT enters aquaculture market

The company said that it hopes to start work on the project, which it is carrying out in collaboration with the Malta-based AquaBioTech group (ABTG), early next year. ABTG is, NTT said, a global leader in aquaculture technologies and services headquartered in Malta, but operating internationally.

It is not unusual for a large Japanese industrial corporation to become involved in activities that are a long way from their core business. Last year the Shikoku Railway Company said it planned to expand into salmon farming with a modest trial for a land based project.

The NTT Green and Food announcement said its project will introduce state-of-the-art RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) technology in collaboration with ABTG.

It went on: “The new facility is part of NTT G&F’s initiatives to realise sustainable local communities, aiming to revitalise regional industries, create employment, and address local challenges through the use of digital technologies, with land-based aquaculture as a core pillar.

“Upon completion in 2026 the facility is expected to produce approximately 310 tons of market-size trout salmon annually, as well as about 260 tons of intermediate-size Coho Salmon for offshore aquaculture within the prefecture.”

NT Green President and CEO, Yoshikazu Kusumi said that by focusing on seafood production through land based aquaculture, the group aimed to contribute to regional revitalisation by creating jobs and stimulation local industries.

AquaBioTech CEO Shane Hunter added that it was an honour to have been elected to work on an exciting project that was not only exciting for the group but also for the structure of modern, intensive and sustainable aquaculture in Japan.

NTT Green & Food, Inc was created as a joint venture between NTT and Regional Fish in 2023.

The joint venture company has said that it will first focus on producing and selling fish and shellfish by combining the technologies and knowledge of both sides. This includes the NTT Group’s telecommunications technology spanning IoT (internet of things) and AI, and its production technology for algae that absorbs more CO2 and can be used as fish feed, and Regional Fish’s advanced selective breeding and aquaculture technologies.