An eco-responsible aquaculture project in a tropical environment. The meeting with Max Dyckeroff, one of the leading figures in aquaculture on Réunion Island through his closed-system tilapia farms, was decisive. On an exceptional site whose natural character he has carefully preserved, Max built new tanks to diversify his production with sturgeon and jumbo shrimp farming. These tanks are covered with solar canopies, enabling him to decarbonise his electricity consumption while also protecting young fish from avian predators, reducing water consumption and improving water quality control, slowing the rise in water temperature and evaporation caused by sun exposure, and providing better working conditions for employees, who no longer have to work under direct sunlight.
To launch this project, Max placed his trust in Akuo for the solar component and in Agriterra to continue supporting the development of his aquaculture activity. Akuo developed, financed and built the 1.5 hectares of solar canopies as well as the new closed-loop tanks, and now operates the solar power plant. Agriterra partnered with Max to support the launch of these new productions, the creation of an on-site processing laboratory and retail outlet, and to assist with commercial strategy development in synergy with his other partners.
Réunion Island imports a large share of its seafood products, and Max’s operation helps reduce this production deficit by prioritising the regional market, including Mauritius. While still relatively confidential, his high-quality offering—rooted in local identity—has already won over a very local customer base as well as some of the leading chefs in the Austral region. After the seven-year growth period required for sturgeon, during which the scale-up had to be financed, production is expected to reach full capacity by 2028.
Aqua Austral is a recognised Réunion-based aquaculture player at the scale of the Austral region. Its closed-loop farming model under solar canopies in a tropical environment represents a major innovation, bridging ecology, aquaculture and renewable energy. It fully embodies Micellium’s commitments.
Micellium is proud to be a shareholder in Aqua Austral and to help shape its strategy in order to continue supporting meaningful projects that bring purpose to its activities.