Increasing the global presence of oyster nurseries through adoption of large field-based bottle upwellers

Commodities

• Animals: shellfish

Practices

• Animal Production: aquaculture
• Crop Production: nurseries
• Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research

Large shellfish farms own the supply chain of seed, globally. Hatcheries have surplus of small seed but a limited supply of large seed. This dynamic has historically led to shortages of crop production, and increased competition for supply. Although mid-sized farms have the capital and purchasing power to own and operate independent nursery systems (helping them cut costs on seed, and own timing of crop plant out), small farmers have little advantage in a competitive market for farm-ready seed. 

Bottle upwelling systems (BUPSYs) are low cost, modular systems for growing seed in shellfish hatcheries to boost post-metamorphosis oysters (>500 micron) to larger size seed of 1-3mm, before transferring livestock from indoor hatcheries to outdoor nurseries. The adoption of BUPSYs has reduced costs in hatcheries by shrinking footprints and abating the purchase of classic upwelling tanks, while culturing an increased amount of animals. Adopting BUPSYs as outdoor nurseries has not happened on the same scale as in hatcheries, due to lack of innovation. 

The proposed study will build on a pilot study conducted in summer 2024 (Table 3) to define the design, application, and best practices of an industrial-sized BUPSY for growing 2mm seed, at three diverse farm sites in Washington State. The benefits, if successful, will increase industry production by overcoming space limitations and reducing barriers for entry of nurseries, on farms of all sizes. Industry adoption will be most effective through grant-funded conference presentations, open-house workshops hosted by collaborating farms, and the refinement of information available to industry. 

Prove the application of a large volume BUPSY as a suitable oyster nursery for commercial adoption