Nortuna Brings Value-Based Summer Joy to Cape Verde – A Day the Children Won’t Soon Forget

Earlier this July, Nortuna opened its doors to a very special group of guests: 80 children and teenagers from Myrtle Summer Camp, a local charitable initiative in Cape Verde. The camp provides a safe and enriching environment for young people while schools are closed and parents are at work. Led by our Country Manager Thomas Rodrigues and the rest of the local team, Nortuna hosted a fun-filled, educational day packed with curiosity, mastery, and summer joy – a reflection of the values we aim to represent in the São Vicente community.

Learning Through Experience

The children were taken on a journey through our entire value chain – from egg to harvest-ready fish. They learned how Nortuna works with sustainable farming of Seriola/Esmoregal (longfin yellowtail), looked through microscopes to see how life begins in the hatchery, and explored biology through hands-on fish dissections. Along the way, they were encouraged to ask questions, get involved, and engage directly with our skilled professionals.

Play, Swimming, and Treasure Hunts

But the day wasn’t all about learning – there was plenty of time for fun and games too. On the beach, the children enjoyed a treasure hunt, volleyball, and a refreshing dip in our improvised Viking-style plunge pools. The laughter and energy were contagious as they cooled off in the summer heat.

A Local Meal – Featuring Nortuna Fish

One of our team members prepared pasta salad and a hearty stew using our very own farmed fish – a first taste of esmoregal for many of the kids. The meal was served under the trees with a view of the ocean, turning lunch into a memorable social moment for both the children and the team.

Thank You for the Visit – and See You Again

From the Myrtle Summer Camp organizers, we received this warm message of appreciation:

"Every part of the day was a hit with the kids. From the fascinating fish dissection to the exciting treasure hunt and informative hatchery tour. Thank you again for your generosity and hospitality. We truly appreciate the time and effort your team put into making the visit so special."

A Glimpse of What Nortuna Aims to Be

This day was a clear example of Nortuna’s ambition to be more than just a fish farming company. We aim to be a trusted contributor to our local communities – offering knowledge, inspiration, and opportunities. Building relationships and trust beyond our facilities is essential to us. The future is shaped by the next generation – and perhaps among our visitors that day was a future biologist, technician, or seafood ambassador.

Nortuna’s CEO, Jan Magne Gilje, emphasizes the importance of local engagement in making initiatives like this possible:

“It’s inspiring to see how Thomas and our team in Cape Verde create space for such meaningful experiences. It’s not just about opening our gates – it’s about supporting a wonderful local volunteer initiative. Efforts like this foster both internal pride and external trust in our commitment to contributing locally. I’m genuinely proud of our team and how they use their time and knowledge to give something back.”

Thank you to all employees who helped make the day possible – and to Myrtle Summer Camp for choosing to visit us. It’s a day we won’t soon forget.