NEWS

ARK Inc. (hereinafter referred to as ARK) is  pleased to announce the launch of a new product,  designed for micro aquaculture operators1, following the land-based, Closed Recirculating  Aquaculture System (CRAS) "ARK-V1"2. The new  product is called "REF-V1"3. Additionally, we are  launching grouper aquaculture packages4 using  products from the ARK lineup.

Against the backdrop of global population growth,  there are concerns that by 2050, the demand for  food proteins will exceed supply, leading to a  "Global Protein Crisis." Additionally, since the  2020s, heightened concerns about food security  have emerged due to environmental issues, the  spread of infectious diseases, and disruptions in  the global supply chain caused by conflicts in  various regions.  

ARK has taken on the mission of "Decentralization  of Aquaculture" to address these societal  challenges sustainably. We are dedicated to  researching, developing, and promoting small scale, decentralised land-based aquaculture  systems.

We are pleased to announce that general sales of  the "REF-V1" rifugium-type aquaculture device  capable of cultivating algae will commence on  February 19, 2024 (Monday). Based on  collaborative research with Ryukyu University,  ARK has established a method known as  Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)5 using  both ARK-V1 and REF-V1 to cultivate grouper  species (such as malabar grouper and longtooth  grouper) and seaweed species (such as sea  grapes) together. REF-V1 can be directly  integrated and operated with ARK-V1. The  implementation of IMTA using ARK products  addresses profitability challenges in land-based  aquaculture businesses and enhances filtration  capacity to effectively increase cultivation density.

In addition, the grouper species suitable for  aquaculture through IMTA at ARK, designated as a  new strategic aquaculture species under the  "Comprehensive Strategy for Aquaculture Industry  Growth" established by the Japanese Fisheries  Agency, is expected to contribute to the expansion  of aquaculture scale in the future. Due to their  rapid growth, relatively easy rearing process, and  high anticipated market prices, these species are  well-suited for entry into land-based aquaculture.

Malabar grouper from Okinawa that can be  cultivated at ARK

Examples of sushi shipments of Grouper (Malabar  grouper): Azabu Juban Hadano Yoshiki

Implementation of IMTA using ARK-V1 + REF-V1

ARK-V1 (2 units from the right) and REF-V1 (1st  unit from the left), installed and operated at the  University of the Ryukyus.

To coincide with the release of REF-V1, starting  from February 19, 2024 (Monday), we will  introduce a service tailored for micro aquaculture  operators. This service will include materials and  cultivation expertise necessary for raising grouper  fry and other aquaculture needs. It allows  businesses without aquaculture experience to  quickly enter land-based aquaculture.

Additionally, in celebration of the launch of REF-V1  and the grouper aquaculture package, we are  launching a campaign6 offering a 20% discount on  initial setup costs for the first three units.  

We will be showcasing these packages and  hosting discussions at the "Seafood Show Osaka"  on February 21-22, 2024. Please feel free to visit  our booth for more information during the event.

Who are Micro Aquaculture Operators1?  

They are small-scale land-based aquaculture  businesses that utilise ARK's compact and  decentralised land-based aquaculture system.  Inspired by the concept of "microbreweries" that  originated in the UK in the 1970s, these operators  focus on producing high-quality, diverse products  akin to "craft beers." This approach has driven  demand and expanded market opportunities,  leading to the development of various related  industries. The widespread adoption of small-scale  brewing equipment has further fueled industrial  growth. For instance, integrating locally sourced  crops and products into the aquaculture process  allows operators to produce unique local fish and  establish proprietary brands. Processing,  distributing, and preparing these products can  pave the way for new businesses centred around  innovative local specialties.

About ARK-V12,  

It is a high-performance flagship model that meets  diverse needs.

ARK-V1 Specifications

About REF-V13,  

Refugium model that promotes composite  cultivation with algae and improves water quality.

About the Grouper Aquaculture Package4:  1. Aquaculture equipment  

2. Supply of materials and information essential for  operation, such as fry  

3. Provision of cultivation expertise  

The package includes the above three elements.

About IMTA5:  

IMTA stands for Integrated Multi-Trophic  Aquaculture, a method that allows multiple outputs  (products) to be obtained from a single input (feed)  and shared energy sources (heat and light). This  integrated farming approach not only increases  yield (i.e., revenue) but also facilitates various  water quality improvements.

Regarding the Campaign6:  

This campaign applies exclusively to simultaneous  purchases of ARK-V1 and REF-V1. Eligibility  extends to businesses that, following this  announcement, make purchases by the end of  May 2024.

ARK Inc.  

ARK focuses on the mission of "decentralising  aquaculture" by offering a system where  aquaculture can be conducted anywhere by  anyone. We develop and sell small-scale,  decentralised Closed Recirculating Aquaculture  System (CRAS) known as the "ARK," which is a  land-based, closed-loop aquaculture system.  Unlike existing large-scale aquaculture systems,  this system allows starting decentralised  aquaculture with minimum investment and  operation costs. “ARK” is capable of operating off grid by utilising renewable energy, significantly  reducing energy costs and environmental impact.  In addition to these hardware solutions, ARK Inc.  also provides the remote management application  "STARBOARD BY ARK" essential for aquaculture  operations, along with supplies, fry, and  aquaculture expertise.

Representative: CEO Koyo Takeshita  

Established: December 23, 2020  

Headquarters Location: 1-7-20, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku,  Tokyo  

Shonan Plant: 4-15-13-1, Higashiyawata,  Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa, Japan  

Hiratsuka Aquaculture Lab: 57-7, Sengokukashi,  Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa, Japan  

Okinawa Sales Office: 1861 Uza, Yomitan Village,  Okinawa, Japan  

Overseas base (ARK WORLDWIDE LTD):  London, UK  

Company Website: https://ark.inc  

Contact: hello@ark.inc