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Press release from Nordic Aquafarms:

In a special public hearing on September 28, 2022, the Humboldt County’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to uphold the Humboldt County Planning Commission’s decision.

The Board of Supervisors met to consider an appeal filed by three local organizations regarding certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the Coastal Development Permit, and Special Permit for the Nordic Aquafarms project.

The EIR, a culmination of over a thousand pages, required many months of collaborative work done by Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District and the County of Humboldt. The document is a deep, comprehensive analysis of impact studies done by experts in the relevant fields and a monumental step forward on the journey towards a sustainable, forward-looking agricultural project.

“Nordic’s project, as shown in the EIR and further reinforced by today’s overwhelming vote of support by the Board of Supervisors is meeting, if not exceeding, the CEQA guidelines,” states Brenda Chandler, Nordic Aquafarms’ Interim CEO. “For example, we are committed to 100% renewable and/or carbon free energy and will always strive to be progressive in meeting our goals as a sustainable and traceable source of fresh fish, in the US market.”

One proposal accepted by the Board was an annual Sustainability Summit that Nordic will sponsor, bringing together local NGOs, Humboldt County’s community leaders, academia, tribal government leadership and members of the public. In addition to reviewing Nordic’s Annual Sustainability Report, this forum will be a place where environmental issues and solutions can be proposed by all attendees.

“The universal goal would be to create a cycle of sustainability improvements; and agreed upon elements will be incorporated into our sustainability goals.” states Chandler. “These collaborative solutions are not exclusive to Nordic, leaving opportunity for development of community wide initiatives.”

“Nordic Aquafarms has been clear from the very beginning, that we will always look to balance what is possible and practical in all areas.” Chandler states. “We have listened to the voices of the community, both in support for this project, and those with concerns. One very clear consensus is that this project is needed here. We will continue to listen to the Humboldt community — it is that feedback that inspires evolution.”

Nordic Aquafarms would like to thank all those that submitted support in person, in writing, and virtually at the hearing. We would also like to express our thanks to the Board of Supervisors for the thoughtfulness of inquiries on behalf of their constituents. Community support is integral to the success of this project and addressing concerns and working together to provide solutions is paramount.

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PREVIOUSLY: 

• Nordic Aquafarms Lays out Next Steps After Planning Commission Gives the Thumbs-Up to Their Samoa Fish Farm Plans
• Fishermen and Conservation Groups Appeal Nordic Aquafarms’ Environmental Report Certification to Humboldt County Supervisors
• Supes Scheduled to Hear Appeal of Nordic Aquafarms Project at Special Meeting Wednesday
• Supervisors Deny Appeal of Nordic Aquafarms Project