Closed containment farming of large numbers of certain intertidal shellfish at non-coastal sites appears to be economically feasible given suitable tankage flawless water quality a high level of automation and - crucially - an inexpensive bulk source of microalgae as a key feed component. It is noteworthy that the biofuel and omega-3 food industries culture microalgae in bulk both in ponds and with fermenter-bioreactors - common industrial methods not yet co-opted by aqua culturists. It is serendipitous that this should be the case at a time when near-shore oyster farming is struggling to survive let alone expand burdened by regulatory and environmental constraints. It presents an opportunity for a breakaway to land- based farming of oysters although not without fresh technical challenges. The newcomer will require a complex supply chain demanding attention to transport storage and delivery to densely loaded stock on a reliable schedule. Project Objectives: We call it a "farm" although really it is a "feedlot" a type of animal feeding operation used for intensive animal grow-out. Feedlots are faulted for behavioral reasons but oysters are literally brainless in effect compact eating machines. Accepting the feedlot analogy challenges the land-based shellfish industry to reach its full potential eventually harvesting in the billions like greenhouse tomatoes. The overarching objective is to determine if it's possible to transport and store industrial-cultured algae without significant degradation of nutritional values develop feeding protocols to optimize nutritional uptake and confirm the cost effectiveness of using an outside source of feed production vs. growing on site. Description of the Effort: Maine Shellfish Developers (MSD) will be transporting algae from a single supplier long enough to identify types of equipment needed and any biological constrains. Not all modes of algae that are offered can be trialed but even one - pressed algal residuals -will allow ample data collection from two-tank experimental comparisons of growth and survival of different densities. Intermediate to these investigations will be obtaining nutritional profiles energy demands and the manpower versus automation cost factors. Conclusions from these data will inform the Phase II objectives as well as MSD's overall business plan.
Anticipated Results: By the end of Phase I we will have demonstrated feasible sourcing and delivering of a low cost and effective feed for land-based shellfish culture. We propose emulating the cattle feedlot model i.e. purchasing not developing our own feed. By doing so we will expand faster sooner and with lower costs per unit thanks to economies of scale and more to the point focusing on that which we know best - growing shellfish.
Potential Commercial Applications: MSD has identified several potential bulk algae sources confirmed that at least pressed algal residual is inexpensively available and needs now to test several for cost effectiveness. It seems therefore that intertidal shellfish are on the path to genuine domestication. Capable of remaining out of water in good health at room temperature they are already semi-terrestrial and can be routinely washed sorted weighed counted and even laser branded. This is more agribusiness than aquaculture. It portends a mini revolution in seafood security. Some of our favorite and most health-giving foodstuff becomes available to all in effect everyman's cheap luxury. The land-based concept portends offering excellent oysters at half the cost. Moreover they will be sustainable traceable and harvested weekly year around.
