At their facility in the Netherlands, Kingfish cultivates the Dutch Yellowtail (also known as Kingfish), a healthy, antibiotic-free delicacy. Using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) powered entirely by *renewable energy, Kingfish is not only providing an alternative to ocean-caught fish but setting new standards for sustainability and quality. Their operation is the world's first Yellowtail farm using RAS, and the only land-grown Yellowtail certified by both the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP).
"In our closed ecosystem, we control the lighting and other environmental factors to produce a superb quality fish that is a safe and sustainable alternative to ocean-caught fish," says Kees Kloet, COO of Kingfish Zeeland.
The Challenge: Lighting for Growth and Sustainability
Raising Yellowtail successfully on land requires careful attention to every detail—including lighting. As Kloet explains:
"During the on-growing stage, the fish need enough light to see each other and their food, and a long day to optimize their growth and feed conversion ratio. And the lighting system needs to withstand our harsh saltwater environment."
To meet these needs, The Kingfish Company partnered with Signify, the global leader in aquaculture lighting, to design a custom Philips LED lighting system tailored to their unique environment.
The Solution: Proven LED Technology for Aquaculture
Kingfish’s setup includes three Philips LED lights above each tank, using a proven light recipe designed specifically for promoting steady fish growth. The system recreates natural cycles, simulating dusk and dawn seamlessly while creating an “endless summer” effect that keeps the fish active, growing consistently throughout the year.
The lighting system offers several advantages:
- Energy-efficient design for lower operational costs
- Optimized light intensity to promote healthy growth rates
- Slow ramp-up and deep dimming capabilities, reducing fish stress
- Software-controlled simulations of natural lighting conditions
Sustainable Success: Lighting the Path to a Brighter Future"Our concept has been developed based on sustainability and respect for our fish and the environment," says Kloet.
Kingfish’s eco-friendly practices extend far beyond lighting. Their facility:
- Uses no antibiotics or vaccines
- Runs entirely on green energy
- Employs heat exchangers and advanced water treatment systems to clean and recycle water before discharging it back into the sea
Signify’s lighting solutions fit perfectly into this philosophy, helping Kingfish harvest eggs year-round, eliminate seasonal influences, and ensure uniform growing conditions.
"To achieve success, you have to get all aspects right in the RAS, and light is one of them," Kloet emphasizes. "With our concept, we’ve achieved 30–40% higher production than we had designed for. These results give us confidence as we scale up our production."
Today, Kingfish is scaling beyond their initial 1,200 metric tons of capacity, with plans for further expansion across Europe and into the U.S. market.
As the world’s oceans struggle under the weight of demand, The Kingfish Company is offering a safe, sustainable, and delicious alternative. Thanks to their innovations in RAS technology—and their strategic use of Philips LED lighting from Signify—they are lighting the way to a brighter future for seafood lovers everywhere.
"As our world’s supply of ocean-caught fish is at its limit, The Kingfish Company is putting more safe and sustainable choices on the menu that satisfy everyone’s taste," says Kloet.
Contact our team to learn how tailored lighting solutions can help your aqua operation thrive.
