Market Opportunity
The Open Blue Revolution
Open Blue Sea Farms has a better way. Open Blue wants to satisfy our appetites for gourmet quality fish without poisoning or destroying our environment by using free-range deep water open ocean aquaculture methodology. The method of open ocean aquaculture innovated by Open Blue Sea Farms raises fish in conditions that are as pure and pristine as possible, without negative impact to the environment and without exploiting precious coastal resources. The fish Open Blue will produce are second to none in taste and nutritional value.
Open Blue has selected a premium white fish, Cobia, as it initial species. Cobia represents a highly promising species for open ocean aquaculture production, as the fish grow to approximately 10 pounds within 16 months. Our concept is proven with over 50 tons of Cobia cultivated and sold to upscale, gourmet U.S. seafood restaurants, distributors and brokers in 2007.
Open Blue’s Cobia’s has several attributes that are ideally suited for a large scale operation to meet premium marine white fish market demand in a growing marketplace:
Limited Competition - At present, there are very few reliable, sustainable, environment-friendly supplies of a marine white fish species. Wild catch has been severely depleted and is unable to generate a consistent supply. Generally, the farmed fish are being raised with methods that limit the quality potential and generate adverse affects on the environment. Open Blue Sea Farms open ocean Free-Range fish farming can produce a dependable source of premium Cobia in the open ocean, that has minimal impact on the environment.
Desirable appearance, texture, and flavor -The flesh of the Cobia is white with hints of pink and, when cooked, it has the mild flavor and firm texture preferred by most American consumers. It is similar in color and texture to Mahi Mahi, and is often compared to Halibut and Grouper.
Versatility - Due to its high oil content and large flakes, Cobia can be prepared in a variety of ways. It is suitable to be grilled, broiled, baked, pan-seared, barbequed, smoked, and served raw as sushi, sashimi and ceviche.
Health Benefits - Now more than ever before, consumers are concerned about the nutritional value and health benefits of the food they eat. Open Blue Cobia boasts one of the highest levels of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids of any seafood. It is all natural — free of hormones, pigments, pesticides and genetic modification. Open Blue Cobia has no detectable levels of PCB's, methyl mercury, or other harmful contaminants.
Rapid Rate of Growth - Cobia is an ideal species for Open Blue's open ocean aquaculture production. The fish grow to more than 10 pounds in less than 16 months. In contrast, farmed salmon require 24 to 36 months to reach 6 to 12 pounds. Feed conversion ratios for cobia are very good for early stage commercial production of a new species. These benefits lower risk and cost of products produced.
Proven Market Appeal - The recent expansion of Cobia production in China, Vietnam, Belize and other countries is indication to Cobia's market appeal. Again, Open Blue's management team produced over 100,000 pounds of Cobia all of which was sold to target customers, at upscale pricing, with limited marketing or sales support.
