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Grupo Profand given the go-ahead for experimental octopus hatchery in Galicia

Pontevedra, Spain, 24 January 2025 | The primary aim of the Octolarvae hatchery is to optimise the larval stage of the common octopus in partnership with CSIC

Paralarva pulpo (Octopus vulgaris) - Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo del IEOoctopus|IEO-VIGO

Grupo Profand has officially received the approval to establish an experimental hatchery for the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) in A Borna, located in the Galician municipality of Moaña, in Spain

According to an announcement in the Diario Oficial de Galicia, the Galician Regional Government has granted Octolarvae SL, a subsidiary of Profand, an initial operational licence valid for ten years, with the possibility of renewal for subsequent periods. This approval secures the long-term viability of this pioneering scientific endeavor.

The primary aim of the Octolarvae hatchery is to optimise the larval stage of the common octopus, widely regarded as one of the most significant scientific challenges in the field of marine aquaculture. Unlike other projects in the industry, this initiative is purely research-focused and does not include production or commercialization in its initial stages.

Stage-of-the-art facilities with a sustainable focus

The hatchery will occupy a site approximately 350 square metres and will feature cutting-edge technology and resources dedicated to octopus’ cultivation. Facilities will include areas for cultivating microalgae, Artemia, and phytoplankton-critical food sources for the larvae-as well as tanks specifically designed for broodstock and larval development.

The company has previously emphasized the project’s ecological focus, aiming to reduce dependence on the capture of wild octopus and transition towards a more sustainable production model.

Collaboration with CSIC

A cornerstone of the project is its partnership with Spain’s National Research Council (CSIC), one of the country’s leading scientific institutions. Over the next five years, Octolarvae and CSIC teams will work collaboratively to covercome the biological and technological challenges associated with the larval stage of the common octopus.

This hatchery in A Borna places Galicia at the forefront of aquaculture innovation. The region, celebrated for its rich fishing heritage, is now shifting efforts toward sustainable models that balance economic profitability with the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Grupo Profand joins other similar initiatives, such as Nueva Pescanova’s project in the Canary Islands, showcasting the increasing interest and commitment of Spanish companies to leading the global development of octopus aquaculture.

While commercial production remains a longer-term prospect, Octolarvae is laying the biological and technological groundwork necessary to make the captive breeding of common octopus a reality. The advancements achieved through this initiative could significantly impact the sustainability of the fishing sector to enhance the global supply of octopus.

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