Oceano Fresco, a pioneering force in sustainable seafood, has recently secured €17 million in a funding round to propel its innovative approach to bivalve aquaculture. This Portuguese company is making significant strides in the field of environmentally friendly seafood production by specializing in the large-scale cultivation of European clams. These clams are highly valued not only for their economic worth but also for their contribution to sustainable aquaculture practices.
Oceano Fresco’s unique approach to clam farming sets it apart from conventional seafood production methods. The company operates without relying on artificial feeds or antibiotics, avoiding the negative environmental impacts commonly associated with traditional aquaculture practices.
Instead, Oceano Fresco’s methods enhance positive ecological impacts, such as carbon dioxide capture through shell formation and the promotion of marine biodiversity. This is achieved through their innovative farming practices that include the cultivation of two native bivalve species, *Venerupis corrugata* and *Ruditapes decussatus*. These species are initially bred at the company’s state-of-the-art Oceano Fresco Biomarine Center in Nazaré, Portugal. After breeding, the clams are transferred to the world’s first open-sea clam farm located off the coast of Lagos in the Algarve.
In this open-sea environment, the clams benefit from an optimal habitat protected by vertical lanterns suspended along longlines. This setup ensures ideal growing conditions, including mild temperatures, abundant natural food sources like microalgae, and consistent water renewal. These factors contribute to the development of high-quality clams that meet rigorous sustainability standards.
The recent funding round was led by Indico Capital Partners and included participation from BlueCrow, Aqua-Spark, and FdCR, a fund managed by Banco Português de Fomento. This investment will be instrumental in scaling up Oceano Fresco’s production capabilities and enhancing its sales operations. The funds will support the expansion of production facilities and facilitate increased distribution efforts, helping Oceano Fresco to meet growing demand and further its leadership in sustainable bivalve aquaculture.
Bernardo Carvalho, CEO of Oceano Fresco, expressed the company’s excitement about the new partnerships. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with investors who align with Oceano Fresco’s vision and values. Carvalho welcomed the support from Indico Capital Partners and Banco Português de Fomento, as well as the renewed backing from Aqua-Spark and BlueCrow. He underscored the company’s commitment to becoming a global leader in regenerative bivalve aquaculture, driven by a mission to offer sustainable seafood solutions.
Stephan de Moraes, Managing General Partner at Indico Capital Partners, conveyed enthusiasm about the investment, noting that Oceano Fresco’s approach aligns with the growing need for sustainable protein sources. He highlighted the supply-demand imbalance in the clam market and praised Oceano Fresco’s systematic and eco-friendly cultivation methods as a crucial step in addressing this gap.
Ana Carvalho, CEO of Banco Português de Fomento, highlighted the significance of this investment as the fund’s first venture into the blue economy. She expressed optimism that this move could initiate a broader trend of support for the blue economy, which focuses on sustainable use of ocean resources.
Overall, the new funding positions Oceano Fresco to expand its production capabilities, enhance its product offerings, and strengthen its market presence. The company is poised to drive innovation and sustainability in the seafood industry, setting new standards for responsible aquaculture practices.