Cooke Aquaculture Inc Archives

Cooke Acquires Copeinca

November 29, 2024 — The following was released by Cooke Aquaculture Inc:

November 26, 2024 -Cooke Inc. (“Cooke”) of New Brunswick, Canada, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Corporación Pesquera Inca S.A.C. (“Copeinca”) of Peru.

This follows the Cooke announcement of November 7 disclosing that Copeinca Canada Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cooke, and PF Cayman New Holdco Limited, as seller, had executed a binding share purchase agreement pursuant to which Cooke agreed to indirectly acquire all the outstanding shares of Copeinca.

Copeinca was established in 1994 and has grown to become Peru’s largest fishing company, one of Peru’s largest anchoveta processors and one of the world’s largest anchoveta fishmeal and fish oil producers and exporters.

With its corporate global headquarters in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, the Cooke family of companies now operates global aquaculture and wild fishery divisions in 15 countries with more than 15,000 employees providing a sustainable seafood source reaching tables all over the world.

Cooke’s core purpose is to ‘cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities’.

“We’re excited to welcome Copeinca’s dedicated employees to the Cooke family of companies,” said Glenn Cooke, CEO of Cooke. “Copeinca will be a major contributor in furthering Cooke’s growth as a leader in strengthening global food security.”

With the completed acquisition, Cooke further strengthens its growing marine ingredients business and diversifies its geographic and species portfolio.

Cooke entered the marine ingredients sector in 2017 with its acquisition of US-based Omega Protein Corporation, a nutritional product company and a leading integrated provider of specialty oils and specialty protein products.

The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Environmental NGO plans lawsuit against Cooke over alleged water pollution at Maine-based salmon farms

November 18, 2024 — The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has sent a letter to Cooke Inc. CEO Glenn Cooke announcing its intent to sue the company over alleged Clean Water Act violations at its salmon farms in the U.S. state of Maine.

“Cooke is in full compliance with the laws set forth by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Maine Department of Marine Resources and its operating permits,” the company said. “Cooke’s Maine Atlantic salmon farms are routinely inspected by state regulators and subject to regular monitoring reports. These laws are designed to protect Maine waters as well as Maine’s heritage fisheries.”

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Op-ed: In suing Cooke, Conservation Law Foundation has a short memory

November 18, 2024 — Sebastian Belle is the executive director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, and the president of the board of directors of the National Aquaculture Association.

Prior to joining the Maine Aquaculture Association, Belle was the U.S. state of Maine’s state aquaculture coordinator, working for the Maine Department of Marine Resources. He has also served on NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee and on the board of directors of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, The Island Institute, and the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center.

The recent announcement by Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) that they intend to sue Cooke Aquaculture is a surprise given the fact that they worked closely with the salmon farmers to develop the very standards they indicate they are going to sue over.

Perhaps this is a case of staff turnover and lack of institutional memory? Or is it yet another example of big city, opportunist law firms trying to cash in on citizen lawsuits?

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Cooke Aquaculture Responds to Conservation Law Foundation’s Threat to Sue

November 14, 2024 — The following was released by Cooke Aquaculture Inc:

Cooke Aquaculture USA, Inc. (“Cooke”) vehemently denies the generalized allegations brought forth by the Conservation Law Foundation in its November 14 notice of intent to file suit. Allegations that Cooke is violating the Clean Water Act and Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit for Net Pen Aquaculture are false, misleading and lack any substantiating evidence.

Cooke’s core purpose is ‘To cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities’.

Cooke is proud of its contributions to Maine’s iconic seafood industry by providing a local, nutritious, affordable source of protein to consumers throughout Maine, New England and the United States. Providing food security and being a responsible player in Maine’s food-farming system are at the core of Cooke’s values.

Cooke is in full compliance with the laws set forth by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Maine Department of Marine Resources and its operating permits. Cooke’s Maine Atlantic salmon farms are routinely inspected by state regulators and subject to regular monitoring reports. These laws are designed to protect Maine waters as well as Maine’s heritage fisheries.

Cooke’s Maine Atlantic salmon farms are also routinely audited and certified by third-party sustainability organizations. Cooke was one of the early adopters of the Global Seafood Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices third-party certification program. As part of this independent, voluntary program, all of Cooke’s Maine salmon aquaculture farms, hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills are audited against standards for environmental responsibility, social accountability, animal health and welfare, and food safety. To attain certification, facilities must be fully compliant with all clauses in the standards. Additionally, Atlantic salmon farmed in Maine is rated as a “good alternative” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.

Finfish aquaculture has coexisted with heritage fisheries, such as lobstering, in Maine waters for more than 40 years. Lobster landings are not negatively affected by Atlantic salmon farms. In fact, lobster gear is set alongside and within aquaculture lease boundaries.

Aquaculture farming is an economic engine for Maine’s working waterfronts with Atlantic salmon aquaculture being a major source of employment for residents of Downeast Maine. Cooke employs 230 people throughout the state and celebrated its 20th anniversary of aquaculture operations in Maine this year.

Contact:

Steven Hedlund
Director of Public Affairs
Cooke Aquaculture USA, Inc. (Cooke USA)
+1 207-952-4864
steven.hedlund@cookeaqua.com
www.cookeseafood.com

NORTH CAROLINA: Cooke Seafood’s Family of Companies Provides Crucial Ice Shipment to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Western North Carolina

October 10, 2024 — The following was released by Cooke Aquaculture Inc:

Wanchese Fish Company and Shoreland Trucking, proud members of the Cooke Seafood USA family, have taken swift action to help those in need in Western North Carolina following damage from Hurricane Helene. The company delivered a full 18-wheeler semi-trailer truckload of ice to support relief efforts in Marion, North Carolina, a key hub for disaster assistance in the metropolitan Asheville area.

The North Carolina Fisheries Association (NCFA) had reached out to companies in the seafood industry, including Wanchese Fish Company and Cooke Seafood, requesting help with hurricane relief. Following widespread power outages in the region, access to ice became critical for preserving food, baby formula, and other perishable items. Wanchese Fish Company responded immediately, not only offering a full truckload of ice but also delivering it directly to the affected area.

“We knew that ice was needed urgently in Western North Carolina, and our team was ready to help,” said Jon Steeves, Director of Operations at Wanchese Fish Company. “North Carolina’s inland residents have always supported us when coastal communities have been hit by storms, so it’s our turn to return the favor. We’re glad we could contribute and help those in need.”

The Shoreland Trucking 18-wheeler semi-trailer was packed at Wanchese Fish Company’s facility in Suffolk, Virginia. The delivery included pallet totes filled with bulk ice, as well as a pallet of plastic bags and shovels. This equipment ensured that anyone without coolers could still transport and store the ice. The truck was dispatched to the Asheville area and arrived at Marion’s disaster relief center early in the morning last Friday, allowing for the immediate distribution of the much-needed supplies.

Historically, North Carolina’s seafood industry has mobilized to provide ice in times of crisis. This time, Wanchese Fish Company took it a step further by coordinating directly with NCFA to streamline logistics and avoid delays.

“Usually, coastal regions are hit hardest by storms, and we’re used to helping in those areas,” said Jerry Schill, NCFA’s Director of Government Relations. “This disaster affected the western part of the state, where seafood companies aren’t as common. But our commitment to help in times of need extends to every community across North Carolina.”

In coordination with NCFA and other organizations, additional truckloads of ice from several companies were also provided as part of the larger disaster relief operation.

About Wanchese Fish Company
Wanchese Fish Company was founded in 1936 and has grown to become a leading supplier of seafood products in North America and Europe. As a vertically integrated seafood operation, Wanchese Fish Company is capable of supplying over 4,000 tons of wild scallops, shrimp, oysters, southern king crab, and other seafood products each year. Our fishing partners process and freeze on board to lock in the freshest of flavors. The Wanchese headquarters and state-of-the-art processing plant is located in Suffolk, Virginia.

About Cooke Inc.
Cooke’s core purpose is ‘To cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities’. The Cooke Inc. family of companies includes global aquaculture and wild fishery divisions, with operations in 14 countries and nearly 13,000 employees. Cooke ships fresh True North Seafood branded products worldwide. www.cookeseafood.com

GSSI Welcomes Cooke Inc.

September 3, 2024 — The following was released by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative:

The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative is pleased to announce that Cooke Inc. has joined GSSI as a Funding Partner.

Cooke’s core purpose is to cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for families, and build stronger communities – this aligns closely with the vision of GSSI. Sustainable development has been a driving force for Cooke, with investment in science-based marine practices and innovation, allowing them to bring a healthy and sustainable protein source to tables around the world.

As a GSSI Partner, Cooke aims to play a larger role in empowering our sustainability leaders to collaborate and share knowledge to ensure confidence in the supply of certified seafood.

“We recognize that it is important to our customers that our values and company mission are reflected in the daily work of our employees across our divisions, our supply chain and in our communities. As a family company, we know that providing a sustainable food source to the world is a top priority and that sustainable aquaculture and fishing are crucial elements in feeding generations to come. Working with GSSI and their members, we will continue to ensure our seafood is certified to the highest standards,” says Michael Szemerda, Chief Sustainability Officer, Cooke Inc.

STATEMENT REGARDING MOTION TO DISMISS APPEAL TO REINSTATE TWO STEELHEAD FISH FARMING LEASES IN PUGET SOUND

March 14, 2024 — The following was released by Cooke Aquaculture Inc:

Cooke Aquaculture Pacific, LLC (“Cooke”) has filed a motion with the Superior Court of the State of Washington to dismiss its appeal against the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) seeking reinstatement of Cooke’s leases at the Rich Passage and Hope Island steelhead trout fish farms in Puget Sound. This action was initially commenced by Cooke in response to DNR’s refusal to allow enough time to safely harvest its fish and remove farming equipment from the water following DNR’s arbitrary and punitive lease renewal denials in 2022. Cooke is grateful that in January 2023 Judge Indu Thomas of the Superior Court of the State of Washington swiftly enjoined DNR from enforcing unrealistic deadlines without endangering its employees.

As a result of DNR Commissioner Hilary Franz’s arbitrary decision, over 100 Washington fish farming professionals including farm managers, veterinarians, hatchery technicians, truck drivers, processing plant workers and vessel crew have since been forced out of their jobs by Franz following the baseless closure of locally established fish farms.

The Rich Passage and Hope Island fish farms were present at the same locations for more than 40 years, with scientific studies and monitoring data consistently showing that the farms did not have an adverse impact on the environment. In 2019, The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife approved Cooke’s five-year trout farming permit after conducting an extensive review under the Environmental Policy Act.

Since the injunction was issued against DNR in January 2023, Cooke has endeavored to obtain public records from DNR that it believes are needed to allow for a fair appeal hearing before the Court on the issue of whether DNR properly denied Cooke’s lease applications.

Despite the request being pending for almost a year, DNR refused to work with Cooke on the timeline to provide records and has never provided any substantive responses that would allow Cooke to explain to the Court the arbitrary basis for the lease denials. Based on the number of records that DNR claims are responsive to Cooke’s request, at the rate DNR has produced records to date, it would take another six to seven years for all responsive records to be produced by DNR which is an untenable and inconceivable situation.

A further hearing on this matter is futile without Cooke having an opportunity to review DNR’s internal records and ensure the record before the Court is complete. Such a hearing would be a waste of judicial resources and everyone’s time, therefore, Cooke has filed a motion to dismiss its appeal.

Marine aquaculture farming is one of the healthiest and most efficient ways to feed the population with minimal environmental impact, the lowest freshwater use and the lowest carbon footprint of any animal protein.

Aquaculture farming and the associated supply chain are a vital part of job creation and domestic food production needed to curb a massive seafood deficit where 90% of seafood consumed in the United States is imported. Wild fish catches cannot meet the projected demand for seafood, and aquaculture is essential to preserving wild fisheries. As such, Cooke continues to work with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and pursuing projects that allow the Tribe to provide for its people and that foster sustainable seafood production on the Olympic Peninsula.

Cooke’s core purpose is to “cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities.”

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Joel Richardson
Vice President Public Relations
Cooke Aquaculture Inc. / for Cooke Aquaculture Pacific LLC
40 Wellington Row, Saint John, NB, Canada E2L 3H3
+1-506-694-4939 office / +1-506-721-1093 mobile
Joel.Richardson@cookeaqua.com
www.cookeseafood.com

Company Announcement: Death of Gifford Cooke

March 4, 2024 — The following was released by Cooke Aquaculture Inc:

St. George, New Brunswick, Canada – The Cooke family is deeply saddened to announce the death on March 3, 2024, of Gifford Cooke, co-founder with his sons Glenn and Michael Cooke in 1985 of Cooke Aquaculture Inc.

“On behalf of the Cooke family and our employees, I would like to express our gratitude for the immense contributions Gifford has made to rural coastal communities in Eastern Charlotte, New Brunswick, and throughout Atlantic Canada and the globe,” commented Joel Richardson, Vice President of Public Relations. “Over the decades, Gifford and his children, Glenn, Michael and Debbie built a local family company into a global seafood leader with fully integrated facilities, product lines and distribution networks. Cooke provides careers to nearly 13,000 employees in 15 countries and is passionate about supporting community and conservation projects.”

Gifford was a marine mechanic for much of his career in Blacks Harbour. At Cooke Aquaculture, he worked alongside the employees to modernize the company’s freshwater salmon hatcheries, vessel fleet, and led countless construction projects.

Gifford’s outgoing personality, robust work ethic, friendly sense of humour and steadfast faith will leave a void not easily filled. The global Cooke family will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marjorie, family, and his many friends.

New Brunswick’s first land-based Atlantic salmon post-smolt aquaculture facility achieves environmental approval

April 3, 2023 — The following was released by Cooke Aquaculture Inc:

Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. (KCS), of the Cooke family of companies, has received a Certification of Determination to Proceed from the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government for the construction of its proposed $72 million land-based Atlantic salmon post-smolt aquaculture facility in Bayside, N.B. This approval is an important step achieved upon successful completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Located in the Champlain Industrial Park alongside the Passamaquoddy Bay, the new facility will be a world-class recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). KCS began planning the high-tech project in 2017 and received EIA approval earlier this year for ground source wells to supply the facility with water. Associated with this facility are two water pipeline corridors and a marine loading facility.

Cooke acquires Slade Gorton, expanding its position in US seafood importing, distribution sector

March 15, 2023 — Cooke Inc. has acquired Slade Gorton, one of the largest distributors, importers, and manufacturers of fresh and frozen seafood in the United States.

The binding purchase agreement was announced on the sidelines of the 2023 Seafood Expo North America on Tuesday, 14 March, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., near Slade Gorton’s headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Cooke said it is expected to close within weeks.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource