Development of Integrated Seaweed and Green Sea Urchin Aquaculture for Diversification of Sea Farms in the Northeast

Project Overview

ONE20-356
Project Type: Partnership
Funds awarded in 2020: $29,985.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2022
Grant Recipient: Maine Seaweed Exchange
Region: Northeast
State: Maine
Project Leader:
Andrea Angera, Jr.
Email
Maine Seaweed Exchange

Information Products

Commodities

  • Animals: other

Practices

  • Animal Production: aquaculture

    Proposal abstract:

    Seaweed and shellfish aquaculture is a fast-growing industry in Maine, but most farms rely on only one crop and lack diversification options. Green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) represent an opportunity for multi-cropping on aquaculture farms, especially if seaweed can be cultivated on the farm for feed. This project proposes to develop integrated grow out strategies for green sea urchins and sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) for existing oyster and kelp farms in Maine. Hatchery raised juvenile green sea urchins will be cultured alongside sugar kelp on two sea farms to determine growth rate, the feasibility of year-round production of algal feed, and to develop farm integration strategies for oyster and seaweed farms. Results will be shared with the industry through online media and through a one day workshop to be hosted by the Maine Seaweed Exchange.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    Goal: To develop year-round integrated grow-out strategies for green sea urchins and sugar kelp that can be incorporated into existing sea farms in Maine. 

    Objectives: This project seeks to:

    Objective 1: Determine year-round growth rates of green sea urchins reared on farmed sugar kelp and wild set algae in sea cages at two different sea farm sites in Maine

    Outcomes: Data will inform cultivation strategies and determine growth rates for urchin grow-out utilizing locally grown feed on sea farms in Maine 

     

    Objective 2: Develop year-round cultivation strategies for sugar kelp and wild set algae to be utilized as feed for sea urchins

    Outcomes: Strategies for successful year-round production of sugar kelp and wild set algae to be utilized as environmentally sustainable urchin feed

     

    Objective 3: Characterize unique farm seasonality to determine integration needs and opportunities 

    Outcomes: Farm management plans for oyster and seaweed farms in Maine to allow for successful urchin and kelp feed integration 

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.