Pine Island Redfish breaks ground on new commercial aquaculture facility in Southwest Florida. Company begins construction of its regenerative redfish production on Pine Island after securing $6 million in Series A funding.
Land-based aquaculture company Pine Island Redfish, locally producing premium redfish with regenerative practices that support coastal resiliency, announced the ground-breaking of its new commercial aquaculture facility on Pine Island in Lee County. The new facility marks an expansive chapter for Pine Island Redfish, which has successfully validated its land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology, established successful commercial production, and demonstrated growing market demand for locally-produced redfish.
With all necessary permits secured, construction is beginning on the company’s Pine Island property, which offers more than 80 acres of development space and significant potential for phased expansion.
“Breaking ground on Pine Island is an exciting milestone for our company and will fulfil a substantial demand for locally produced seafood,” said Megan Sorby, Co-Founder and CEO of Pine Island Redfish. “We’ve proven our production model, built strong relationships with customers, and demonstrated real demand for our redfish. Now, with the support of our investors, we’re ready to take the next step and expand production on our namesake Pine Island.”
The milestone follows the successful completion of a $6 million Series A financing round, positioning the company for its next phase of commercial growth.
“At Bridge Angel Investors, we focus on supporting innovative Florida companies with the potential to transform industries and create lasting economic impact,” said Kim Miele, Executive Director, Bridge Angel Investors. “Pine Island Redfish has demonstrated that its technology works, its product is in demand, and its leadership team has a clear vision for growth. We see tremendous potential in the company’s approach to sustainable seafood production, particularly its commitment to combining commercial success with environmental stewardship. We’re proud to support Pine Island Redfish as it takes this important step toward scaling its operations.”
Pine Island Redfish developed and validated its commercial production model at Mote Aquaculture Research Park in Sarasota. As construction progresses on the new Pine Island facility, the company will continue to produce redfish in Sarasota, supporting the company’s phased expansion plans and demand for locally produced seafood.
“The response from the market has been incredibly encouraging,” said Sorby. “From retail partners like Publix, which has been a strong supporter of Florida aquaculture, to chefs and restaurant groups asking for more product, we’re seeing real enthusiasm for what we’re producing. Redfish has a loyal following in the South and along the East Coast, and we’re excited to bring this exceptional American species to more consumers.”
Beyond increasing seafood production, the new Pine Island facility will support the company’s integrated approach to regenerative aquaculture, in which nutrients generated through redfish production are recovered and repurposed to cultivate plants. A central component of this initiative is the cultivation of mangroves for coastal restoration. Working with community partners, Pine Island Redfish has cultivated and replanted nearly 75,000 mangrove plants to date, supporting restoration efforts across southwest Florida, from Lee County to Sarasota County.
Mangrove cultivation is already underway at the Pine Island expansion site, where the nursery will grow alongside the company’s seafood operations.
“For us, sustainability goes beyond how we raise our fish,” Sorby said. “It’s about finding value in the resources our systems produce and putting them back to work. As we build out Pine Island, we have an opportunity to demonstrate true regenerative aquaculture, demonstrating how commercial seafood production and environmental restoration can grow together.”
With construction underway, Pine Island Redfish will continue refining its production efficiencies and provide updates as development and commercial production progress through planned phases.
About Pine Island Redfish
Pine Island Redfish is a Florida-based sustainable aquaculture company dedicated to producing premium American redfish (red drum) through advanced land-based Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology. Combining regenerative seafood production with innovative nutrient recovery and reuse, the company is advancing a circular model of aquaculture that supports domestic food production, environmental stewardship, and resilient coastal communities. Through its existing commercial operations in Sarasota and new facility on Pine Island, Pine Island Redfish is helping bring a legendary American seafood species back to consumers. www.pineislandredfish.com
Image: Abbi Henigman, Pine Island Redfish
