Aquaculture | A paradisiacal ecosystem in Fuseta | Ria Formosa Natural Park | Between Tavira and Olhão

Moinho dos Ilhéus — Unique property for sale (facilities to be restored)

Location

Ria Formosa Natural Park (between Tavira and Olhão), Algarve.
Area: 20 + 6 hectares with direct access to tidal waters.
Property summary

Former tidal mill and saltworks with historic aquaculture infrastructure.
Existing facilities (tanks, hatchery, laboratories, pumping systems, wastewater treatment, processing areas and buildings) require restoration and modernization before full operational start-up.
Ideal use after rehabilitation: integrated oyster production, macroalgae cultivation and fish farming (gilthead seabream/sea bream).
Projected sales (summary)

Year 1 (post-rehabilitation ramp-up): estimated sales ≈ €700,000
Oysters T4: 15,000 kg × €40/kg = €600,000
Oysters T2: 10,000 kg × €10/kg = €100,000
Year 2: estimated sales ≈ €7,950,000 (includes hatchery/juveniles: 9.5 M units × €0.70 = €6,650,000)
Year 3: estimated sales ≈ €21,250,000 (includes hatchery/juveniles: 28.5 M units × €0.70 = €19,950,000)
Projected growth for Y4/Y5: +12% p.a.
Investment and return (summary)

Required rehabilitation: tank works, facility refurbishment, processing equipment, electrical/solar systems, pumping and laboratory equipment — part of the CAPEX reported in the dossier.
Financial indicators (project model):
Indicative IRR: ~33% (conservative scenario: ~22.9%)
Estimated payback: ~4 years
Discount rate used: 8% p.a.
Projected cash flows: negative during initial rehabilitation, rapid growth from year 2 and operational stabilization in mature phases.
Differentiators after rehabilitation

Unique, protected site with direct sea access.
Potential for premium positioning (oysters) and diversification with algae for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical markets.
Opportunity to implement low‑impact solutions and harness tidal energy plus solar.
Highlight — Value of the hatchery

Scale and direct revenue:
Year 2: hatchery/juveniles = 9,500,000 units × €0.70 = €6,650,000 (≈ 84% of projected Year 2 sales of €7,950,000).
Year 3: hatchery/juveniles = 28,500,000 units × €0.70 = €19,950,000 (≈ 94% of projected Year 3 sales of €21,250,000).
Strategic importance:
Main revenue driver in growth phases — secures rapid cash flow after rehabilitation.
Controls production chain (reduces juvenile purchase costs, improves quality and supply predictability).
Enables exponential scalability of oyster production and B2B juvenile sales.
High margin and diversification potential (direct sales, contracts with top chefs/ premium markets, supply to nurseries and exports).
Value for the investor:
Converts physical assets (tanks and hatchery) into recurring, scalable revenue.
Accelerates ROI — explains much of the project IRR and payback.
Facilitates large‑scale commercial partnerships and supply contracts.