Final report for FNC21-1273
Project Information
The operation is one of a controlled Recirculating Biofloc Aquaculture System. This system is operated in a 4000 sqft, climate-controlled, force-ventilated warehouse. This was done to manage and measure all variables, such as:
1. light duration and intensity
2. water salinity
3. water oxygen level
4. water carbon dioxide level
5. ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels
6. Agal growth rate and species composition
7. Agal Consumption Rates by Oysters
8. Water Flow rate
9. Respiration rate of the Algae
10. Respiration rate of the Oysters
11. Biofloculant rate of the oysters
12. Growth Rate of the Oysters
The American Eastern Oyster's (Crassostrea virginica) wild population numbers are sharply declining due to water quality and disease. This spells disaster for the American Oyster farmer and consumer as Crassostrea virginica is the most consumed oyster in the United States. The American Oyster's presence along American coastal waters is the basis of essential reef systems and water filtration. The goal is to test the feasibility of rearing American Eastern Oysters in a Recirculating Biofloc Aquaculture System. This system should reduce/eliminate losses or reduced quality of oyster stock affected by environmental factors, predators, natural disasters, and disease. As a result, oysters reared in this system should provide a higher quality end product and, as a corollary, allow the farmer to demand a higher price point.
- Evaluate the American Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) respiration, feeding, and metabolism rates in a closed-loop Recirculating Biofloc Aquaculture System.
- Evaluate and compare the Growth rates of American Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) reared in a Recirculating Biofloc Aquaculture System to the documented growth rates of wild American Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) to form a viable harvest projection.
- Identified Algal mix best suited for Oyster growth by life stage (I have been corresponding with Julie Trommatter, a Faculty research assistant at the UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE/Horn Point Laboratory/ Oyster Hatchery, who helped me formulate the correct mixture based on the local top quality oyster farm they've researched)
- Evaluate Algal nitrate consumption in a Recirculating Biofloc Aquaculture System.
- Evaluate Consumer response to Oyster quality
- Evaluate Commercial response to Oyster quality
- Evaluate new and existing local farmers' interests in adopting this system
Cooperators
- - Producer
Research
The project has three different growing systems: quarantine, algae cultivation, and oyster rearing. The oyster rearing tanks will require three weeks of curing to ensure salinity and oxygen levels are correct to ensure oyster survivability.
Quarantine Tank
Oyster spat bags will first be placed into a 100-gallon saltwater quarantine tank for 21 days to treat for any pathogens, monitor survivability, and acclimate the oysters to the saltwater.
Algae Cultivation Tanks
The algae cultures used to feed the oysters will be purchased from the University of Maryland. From this concentrated culture, we will dilute and then add to flasks and place the flasks under appropriate lighting to sustain algae growth. The algae cultures will grow for two weeks before adding them to the oyster tanks. A large quantity of algae will then be added to the oyster tanks to allow them to grow. This will create the biofloc system. The oysters will feed on this algae. Aliquots of algae solution will be added weekly to maintain biofloc levels in the tanks.
Oyster Grow-Out Tanks
Once the spat has gone through quarantine, the young oysters will be counted and distributed to each grow-out tank. Each tank will contain 5000 oysters in mesh bags. Each tank will be referred to as a colony. We intend to have ten colonies. Each day salinity, oxygen, and temperature levels will check oyster health. Oysters will be reared in these tanks until they reach a market size of 3 - 4 inches(roughly nine months).
My project is slated to use 10 IBC totes for rearing oysters. However, due to COVID restrictions on logistics essential items were on backorder which shifted my timeline. I started with two 275 IBC totes which allowed me to start rearing the oysters as well as optimize the water's salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, etc. We've also had to restart the project as our office has relocated into a larger more accommodating facility. As a corollary, our initial project completion time of January 2023 needs to be adjusted 1 year to January 2024. This will allow full project maturation.
2024 Update
We successfully grew the algae needed to feed the oysters. Our findings indicate that algae thrive better in a greenhouse setting with natural sunlight compared to indoors under artificial light. This approach also reduces costs, as we previously used a 1000-watt high-pressure sodium light for algae cultivation. Temperature and lighting are crucial for optimal algae development.
The use of nanobubbles significantly increased the survivability rate of spat by enhancing water oxygenation. However, some of the algae were killed by the nanobubbles. The additional oxygenation helps prevent algae blooms, but this is counterproductive for our needs, as the algae must remain alive for the oysters to consume. Further research is necessary to identify algae species that are more resistant to the effects of nanobubbles.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Currently have developed an aquaculture project with local middle (Horizon Science Academy) and high school (Dohn High) students. Awaiting remaining funding to compliment the training series with provide practical applications.
2024 Update
The aquaculture project will be conducted during the 2024-2025 school year at Horizon Science Academy-Cincinnati for 7th and 8th grade students. Participants will earn CTE credit for their enrollment in the course. They will learn the techniques for growing oysters, tilapia, and shrimp. Currently, the high school does not have the necessary space to implement the project.
Learning Outcomes
I have been corresponding with Julie Trommatter, a Faculty research assistant at the UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE/Horn Point Laboratory/ Oyster Hatchery, who helped me formulate the correct mixture based on the local top-quality oyster farm they've researched. This gives the highest probability that the oysters will have a premium taste.
So far, my project has been stalled by COVID. Companies that supply essential parts like bubblers and ozone generators no longer exist, and the cheaper alternatives are not designed for commercial use. International equivalents are 40% more expensive and have extended shipping times. For instance, the Absolute Ozone® NANO Generator was $2,875 when budgeted. Now the price of the generator is $3,999. The essential filter AST Endurance filter now costs $4,499, which represents a 51% increase in price. I have paid out of pocket for some parts, but I need the second part of the funding because the original six thousand dollar portion only covers 21% of the necessary funding.
Lesson Learned 2024
What did you and/or others learn from this grant?
From this grant, we learned several key lessons:
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Oyster Cultivation Techniques: We gained comprehensive knowledge on the best practices for raising oysters in an indoor system, including water quality management, feeding, and disease prevention.
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System Design and Optimization: We learned how to design and optimize indoor systems for oyster farming to maximize yield and ensure the health of the oysters.
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Economic Viability: We understood the economic aspects of indoor oyster farming, including cost management and potential profitability.
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Sustainability: We discovered sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact, such as recycling water and reducing waste.
How has this affected your farm or ranch operation?
The grant positively impacted our farm operation in several ways:
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Year-Round Production: Unlike traditional methods, indoor farming enabled year-round oyster production, providing a consistent supply to the market.
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Enhanced Quality Control: We could monitor and maintain optimal conditions, ensuring high-quality oysters and reducing mortality rates.
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Market Expansion: The ability to produce oysters consistently will allow us to expand our market reach and establish a reliable customer base.
Did you overcome your identified barrier, and if so, how?
No, most of our issues were costs. The project was started during COVID-19 and has seen a number of supply chain issues and inflation of equipment and supply prices.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing a project such as yours?
Advantages:
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Consistent Production: Year-round production ensures a steady supply of oysters to meet market demand.
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Quality Control: Indoor systems allow for precise control over growth conditions, which could potentially result in higher-quality oysters.
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Environmental Protection: Reduces the impact on natural oyster beds and helps preserve wild populations.
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Market Opportunities: Opens new markets and opportunities due to the ability to produce consistently and at scale.
Disadvantages:
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High Initial Costs: Setting up an indoor oyster farming system requires significant initial investment in infrastructure and technology.
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Complex Management: Managing an indoor system can be complex and requires specialized knowledge and skills.
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Energy Consumption: Indoor systems can be energy-intensive, impacting operational costs and sustainability.
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Scalability Challenges: Scaling up the operation may present logistical and financial challenges.
If asked for more information or a recommendation concerning what you examined in this project, what would you tell other farmers or ranchers?
I would recommend the following to other farmers or ranchers considering indoor oyster farming:
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Invest in Technology: Ensure you have the necessary technology to monitor and control environmental conditions effectively.
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Start Small: Begin with a pilot project to understand the challenges and refine your processes before scaling up.
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Focus on Water Quality: Prioritize water quality management, as it is crucial for oyster health and growth.
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Plan for Costs: Be prepared for the initial costs and have a clear plan for managing ongoing operational expenses.
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Seek Expertise: Consult with experts and seek training to understand the intricacies of indoor oyster farming.