Final Report for FNE04-535

Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE04-535.

During the 2004 season, we were able to record some growth data on the oyster seed before losing the equipment due to severe wave action on the gear. We would have liked to have recorded some extensive growth data and raised the seed to the original proposed size of 25mm. We were also hoping to deploy these units again in 2005, but recognized that our shellfish growing area was far too dynamic to gain meaningful results. Therefore, we did not deploy any upweller units or seed for the 2005 season.

The results thus far from our project have demonstrated the need to either (A) find a drastically different method of securing the intertidal upweller units at a dynamic site and/or (B) deploy these upweller units in more protected and calmer locations to observe these functioning in the field and gather meaningful growth data on shellfish seed. This would be a good next step to assess the feasibility of these upwellers for use by shellfish farmers in different parts of the state. Modifications and improvements to these units can also be made after holding a round table discussion with growers throughout the state. There have already been requests by other growers in other parts of the state for plans for these upweller units so that they may try them out on their own farms.

• FNE04-535 Final Report