Mobjack Bay Seafood, a longstanding Gloucester business, has been sold to Atlantic Aqua Farms USA of Eliot, Maine. The company is a division of Atlantic Aquafarms of Prince Edward, Canada.

John Vigliotta, who established Mobjack Bay Seafood in 1995, six years after obtaining full ownership of the former Ward Oyster Company of Gloucester, said his children have no interest in the business, and since he’s getting older, he decided to sell in order to ensure its continuity. He said he’ll stay on for at least three years and “continue doing what we’ve done before.”

“This will provide a future for my employees,” said Vig-liotta. “We have really good people, some of which have worked for us a long time.”

The new company will provide an opportunity for advancement for employees, said Vigliotta, adding that Atlantic Aqua Farms USA “is trying to advance oyster aquaculture.”

Vigliotta said he feels that he and his company have built something that’s special to Gloucester, and to emp...