Nordic Aquafarms US News

US Newsdesk

Maine

How has Nordic tried to reach out/educate the community about the project?

The Nordic team has gone to great lengths to be transparent, inclusive, and comprehensive in their research and sharing results throughout the public process.  Nordic has a Public Relations and Outreach Manager (a local community liaison), Jacki Cassida, who is available to help communicate with and educate the public about the project. Jacki can be reached at jacki.cassida@nordicaquafarms.com.

Nordic has conducted multiple public information meetings, been meeting with all interested stakeholder groups and residents, and held numerous presentations for local groups. In addition, Nordic is available for in-person/digital office hours to answer questions from residents.

Will Nordic bring in out-of-the area contractors for construction?

Nordic is using Gilbane for construction management and general contractor. However, Nordic will prioritize and optimize opportunities for local contractors by creating smaller bid-packages and sub-contracts. The Nordic project is expected to create approximately 250-300 jobs annually during the multi-year construction period.

Business Development

The project will create many ancillary business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Increased local spending

Wages, ancillary spending will result in millions of additional dollars infused into the local economy and local spending on supplies and services will increase during Nordic’s multi-year construction phase.

Nordic plans to hire as many qualified workforce as possible from the local area.

Nordic expects to offer about 150 full-time jobs with benefits when the facility is fully built out. In addition, there will be many indirect jobs generated in support of the facility (truck drivers, food service, etc.)

Educational Development

We’ve had opportunities to work with all grade levels with in-classroom and virtual interactive presentations. Nordic is excited to work with the newly launched Marine Institute at Belfast Area High School to introduce information to students about careers in aquaculture, support in-classroom educational programs and more. Nordic staff have been instrumental in connecting with Maine’s colleges and university programs in assisting with the development of RAS-oriented curriculum and career paths. Additionally, to facilitate movement within the company, NAF will be creating on-site career development opportunities for employees.

Why should Nordic Aquafarms care about the environment?

Consumers, businesses, and responsible policy makers increasingly care about the environment. The businesses of the future must incorporate both social responsibility and financial objectives to be truly successful in the long-term. Our brand and future certifications are highly sensitive to our environmental stewardship practices.

Our investment in environmental technologies demonstrates our dedication to protecting the environment, and why Nordic Aquafarms is supported by serious environmental organizations. Belfast was chosen for its clean water resources. Our production requires clean water to produce high quality fish. We have every incentive to be an environmental steward in Belfast to ensure clean water in the future.