Improve Production Efficiency of Scallop Aquaculture by Integrating HDPE Salmon Cage Technology With Existing Lantern Net Culture Methods and the Addition of Communal Species

Summary:
Magellan Aqua Farms is looking for innovative ways to improve efficiencies by adapting salmon cage technology with traditional lantern methods in combination with the addition of beneficial communal species. This project utilized modified Salmon Cage bird net stands constructed from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe to create larger more cost efficient rearing units.

This AIMAP project had three objectives: 1) Design and build a prototype cage; 2) Access and develop the operational needs associated with their use; and 3) To assess the biologic advantages of using the larger volume system in conjunction with the addition of communal species. The first objective was highly successful. The bird stand design currently used by salmon farms required only slight modification with the addition of a hub and spoke reinforcement to the top and bottom. This resulted in a structure which was strong and resilient, manageable in size and an excellent platform for the scallop containment. The second objective was successful in the sense that a number of unanticipated buoyancy control and stability issues were identified during this phase of the project. Through trial and error, slight modifications to the cages were made. In addition significant changes to the mooring design were necessary. The changes to the mooring system resulted in a simpler, less costly, and more user friendly design. The third objective was also successful. The design performed well with lower mortality relative to the lantern nets and the introduction of urchins significantly reduced fouling. This cage system once deployed demonstrated reduced fouling relative to the cohort lantern nets and therefore less required maintenance. Subjective assessment of net material suggested the Aquagrid tm was easier to clean, less affected by fouling and provided a more stable substrate for the scallops.

This project is an important step in Magellan Aqua Farms goal to develop shellfish culture in the Bay of Fundy through the adoption of Integrated Multitropic Aquaculture principles in conjunction with larger more cost efficient rearing units. This will help Magellan Aqua Farms to continue to grow as the premium high quality sustainable shellfish producer in Southern New Brunswick.

Project Lead: Magellan Aqua Farms Inc.

Total Project Cost: $46,820
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $20,000

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Magellan Aquafarms Inc.
• Mr. Chris Saulnier
• St Andrews Biological Station

For more information please contact the regional coordinator.

Maritimes Region: Cindy.Webster@dfo-mpo.gc.ca