SBIR-STTR Award

Triple N Oyster Farm Private Hatchery Plans: Inland oyster seed production and R&D in recirculating aquaculture systems is being developed in Baton Rouge LA at the LSU Innovation Park. The Gulf Coast oyster industry faces numerous challenges including increased exposure to anthropogenic pollution, climate change, ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, predation disease outbreaks and low salinity events. This has prompted Triple N Oysters to culture oysters in a closed system away from the coast of Louisiana. This move has several potential benefits including the production of oyster seed in a controlled environment where temperature salinity feed and nutrients can be optimized for a reliable production of seed for the oyster industry. These inland operations will also be resilient in the face of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Inland oyster seed production utilizing artificial seawater in a closed recirculating aquaculture systems is being developed in Baton Rouge Louisiana at the Louisiana State University Innovation Park. The Gulf Coast (and East and West Coast) oyster industry faces numerous challenges including increased exposure to anthropogenic pollution climate change ocean acidification harmful algal blooms predation disease outbreaks and low salinity events. This has prompted Triple N Oyster Farm to condition spawn raise and set larvae and raise seed oysters in a closed system away from the coast of Louisiana. This move has several potential benefits including the production of oyster seed in a controlled environment where temperature salinity feed and nutrients can be optimized for a reliable production o seed for the oysterindustry. These inland operations are resilient in the face of tropical storms and hurricanes. The consistent production of quality oyster seed will supply the expanding oyster industry with much needed seed. This proposal is aligned with Strategic Goal 2 (Ensure America's Agricultural System is Equitable Resilient and Prosperous) Strategic Goal 3 (Foster an Equitable and Competitive Marketplace for All Agricultural Producers) and Goal 5 (Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities) of the USDA 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.