Cantabria Supports Norcantabric's RAS Salmon Expansion

Presidenta Cantabria con Consejeros Norcantabric

María José de Buruaga, the President of Cantabria, has confirmed the regional government’s backing for the expansion of Norcantabric, Spain’s first Atlantic salmon production facility indoor. Located in the Alto Ansón Business Park in Ramales de la Victoria, Spain, the Mexican-majority-owned company plans to invest nearly €20 million in extending its operations, securing an additional 20,000 square metres of land for the project.

Buruaga, currently on an official visit to Mexico to strengthen business ties and attract investment, met on Tuesday with Norcantabric’s board of shareholders, led by CEO Emilio Cano. During the meeting, she assured the company of the government’s full support, describing the initiative as strategically significant for Cantabria.

“Our goal is to attract new businesses to Cantabria while helping those already established to grow. We are fully committed to supporting Norcantabric so it can continue to expand, create jobs, and boost economy activity in the eastern region of Cantabria,” Buruaga stated.

Overcoming Challenges

Norcantabric’s journey has been far from smooth. After its inauguration in 2021, the facility faced significant technical and bureaucratic hurdles, delaying production schedules. The setbacks stemmed from challenges in implementing the cutting-edge Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) and ensuring the infrastructure met stringent sustainability and biosecurity standards.

These initial difficulties tested the company’s financial stability, prompting shareholders to revise their business strategy. However, by 2024, the plant began rearing salmon, marking a turning point for the project.

Sustainable Innovation and Ambition

The Norcantabric facility, which occupies an initial plot of 25,000 square metres, uses advanced RAS technology. This system allows fish to be raised with natural nutrients, free from antibiotics, hormones, or other additives, while maintaining minimal environmental impact. This commitment to innovation and sustainability positions the company as a pioneer in Spain’s aquaculture industry.

Looking ahead, Norcantabric plans to launch its first commercial salmon products in May 2025, aiming for an annual output of 3,000 tonnes-equivalent to nearly half of Spain’s domestic salmon consumption. The expansion will further bolster the company’s competitiveness in international markets.

Strategic Government Support

The regional government’s support for Norcantabric is part of a broader strategy to attract high-value investments and develop key industries in Cantabria. The 2025 regional budget includes over €32 million allocated to incentives for businesses, streamlined administrative processes, and affordable industrial land and logistics solutions.

During the visit to Mexico, Buruaga was accompanied by Eduardo Arasti, Cantabria’s Regional Councillor for Industry, and Roberto Media, Regional Councillor for Development. Both official underscored the importance of projects like Norcantabric in creating jobs and fostering economic resilience in the eastern part of the region.

The Norcantabric expansion offers a unique opportunity to revitalize the local economy, establishing eastern Cantabria as a hub for sustainable aquaculture. Beyond direct employment, the project is expected to generate significant economy activity in related sectors, such as logistics, transport, and services.

The initiative reinforces Cantabria’s commitment to sustainable growth, proving that economic development can coexist with environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for the future of aquaculture in Europe.