Breeding and Juveniles
The first step of production is the breeding of juveniles carried out in our land-based hatchery. Ilknak has its own selected brood fish. Fertilised eggs from these broodfish are incubated and hatched under highly controlled conditions. The tiny larvae are initially fed specially grown live feeds then weaned onto dry diets. The feeds are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of the fish in each phase of their development.
Pre-growing
This is the last stage of juvenile growth before transferring to fattening (on-growing) farms. This step is used to give juveniles the best start when the water is cold, as in open-sea farming or for winter placement. When juveniles weight from 0.3 to 1 gram, they are transferred to large inland tanks where they make gain weight and begin a gradual transition into a systematic diet.
On-growing
Finally, the juveniles are transferred to the sea in large tanks on trucks. They are placed in special cages for the on-growing or fattening season and their maturation into adult fish. The cages are moored in the sea and ensure the fish welfare. They allow the fish freedom of movement, but also offer protection from predators. The fish are fed special diets for optimum health and best growth. The on-growing cycle is strictly controlled by biologists and trained personnel.
Harvesting and Packaging
When the fish in the cages have reached market weight (about 400g), they are harvested. The harvest of the fish is carried at night or sunrise with the utmost care so as not to damage or stress the fish. The harvested fish are placed in ice in insulated tanks and transferred to Ilknak’s packaging plant, located just 0,5 sea mile from the farms. In the packaging plant the fish is graded according to size and packed in special insulated shipping with drainage. The boxes guarantee that the fish will arrive at final destination fresh and in perfect condition.
Sales and Distribution
Miramar markets and ships our fish with modern and efficient trucks. Our fish is distributed throughout the Turkish and the European market. We keep daily and constant contact with our clients because we want to meet their demands fast and efficiently with fresh daily harvested fish.