Collection: Trout
Located at the headwaters of the Susan River, high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, lies McFarland Springs Trout Farm. An abundance of cold, clear water bursts from volcanic outcroppings, creating the perfect, yet rare, environment to raise native California Rainbow Trout. The namesake of these fish, David McFarland, developed the farm from what was once a PGE hydroelectric facility in the early 20th century.
A biologist from Humboldt State, David moved to the high Sierra to pursue the production of trout, raise a family and enjoy the outdoors. Initially, the purpose was to raise and restore the native Eagle Lake trout, which had been over-fished. As a biologist, his curiosity led him to look at the issues that make aquaculture problematic: the use of fish meal and oil, as well as mercury, antibiotics
and habitat destruction.
"I had heard of a group wanting to solve this issues, and I was instantly interested.", said David. "It makes perfect sense that there was a better way to feed fish, a way that protects natural resources and raises the
safety and nutrition of the fish we eat. It was a risk to transition these fish from the standard diet that is sold to fish farmers, but given what is at stake, the result was worth it."
The diet David refers to is made of non-GMO plant proteins, as well as heart-healthy DHA produced from algae, not ocean fish. "By tuning the amounts of these ingredients, we were able to increase the amount of Omega 3 to that of wild King Salmon." added Kenny Belov, co-owner of TwoXSea. "An added and unforeseen benefit was the complete removal of all toxins found in fish oil, such as mercury, PCB's and plastics. Plant proteins also meant the removal of growth hormones and antibiotics found in conventional feed. This truly is the World's most perfect protein."
A biologist from Humboldt State, David moved to the high Sierra to pursue the production of trout, raise a family and enjoy the outdoors. Initially, the purpose was to raise and restore the native Eagle Lake trout, which had been over-fished. As a biologist, his curiosity led him to look at the issues that make aquaculture problematic: the use of fish meal and oil, as well as mercury, antibiotics
and habitat destruction.
"I had heard of a group wanting to solve this issues, and I was instantly interested.", said David. "It makes perfect sense that there was a better way to feed fish, a way that protects natural resources and raises the
safety and nutrition of the fish we eat. It was a risk to transition these fish from the standard diet that is sold to fish farmers, but given what is at stake, the result was worth it."
The diet David refers to is made of non-GMO plant proteins, as well as heart-healthy DHA produced from algae, not ocean fish. "By tuning the amounts of these ingredients, we were able to increase the amount of Omega 3 to that of wild King Salmon." added Kenny Belov, co-owner of TwoXSea. "An added and unforeseen benefit was the complete removal of all toxins found in fish oil, such as mercury, PCB's and plastics. Plant proteins also meant the removal of growth hormones and antibiotics found in conventional feed. This truly is the World's most perfect protein."