Virginia operation raises marine fish in fresh water

A Virginia company is using patented technology to produce a fast-growing, high-yielding marine fish some 300 miles from the nearest ocean. The company, Virginia Cobia Farms, made its debut at the International Boston Seafood Show this week.

"We believe that freshwater-raised cobia is the next chicken of the sea - one that will fill growing consumer demand for marine fish high in Omega 3 fatty acids without burdening the ocean's already depleted fish stocks," says Bill Martin, chairman of the company which, incidentally, is based in Saltville, Va.

There's one other plus: Virginia cobia are raised in tanks and its feed components are carefully monitored, so there's no risk of mercury content - a growing concern in some marine species.

For more info, click here to read a company press release.