Algix Jamaica Limited

environment. Due to the higher water quality, Algix is able to stock more fish at higher densities in each pond. A state-of-the-art processing facility located on the farm property allows maximum efficiency and productivity. The plant meets all international standards required for exporting to the U.S. and Europe. Fish can be processed within minutes of being harvested from the ponds and ready to enjoy within hours, ensuring that quality and consistency will exceed expectations. The average size of the tilapia fish is 250 to 350 grams, noted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as the “ideal dinner plate size.” As Operations Manager of Algix Jamaica, Noel Thompson knows full well the intricacies of running a large aquaculture operation on an island country. He reports, “Aquaculture involves growing and harvesting fish in a controlled water environment.When our US-based parent company, Algix, bought the Jamaica property in 2015, it was strictly a tilapia farm. Then they ALGIX JAMAICA LIMITED introduced pangasius (a fish from S.E. Asia that we call basa), and, recently, we’ve added freshwater shrimp to the operation. In 2017, we received a veterinary license from the Ministry to export fish.We can export anywhere in the world, including Europe, however there are some issues with exporting basa to the U.S. at this time. Our veterinary division and the USDA are working on that.” Currently, Algix Jamaica is just producing fish for regional hotel markets and local consumption. Rather than retailing the product themselves, Algix uses distributors, and some of those sell into the Caribbean under different brands. Caribbean Producers Jamaica, the main distributor, has its own labelling–Nation’s Choice and Rainforest Seafoods – so, Algix packages under their labels. All three species, red tilapia hybrid, pangasius (basa), and freshwater shrimp are produced at the farm site, including the breeding, nursery production, processing, and marketing. The hatchery is usually indoors, and other facilities are outdoors. The vast property encompasses roads, reservoirs, and about 120 acres of productive space. From that acreage, 75 to 80 metric tons of fish are produced on a monthly basis. The operation employs 100 regular workers –making Algix a valued employer in an area where not many other jobs are available. Competition is always on the radar, Garnished Basa Fillet Processing Plant, loading inspected by Plant Manager AT A GLANCE ALGIX JAMAICA LIMITED WHAT: Freshwater fish producer WHERE: Barton Isle, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica WEBSITE: www.myprideofjamaica.com