Development of a Net Washing Machine for the Scallop Aquaculture Industry

Summary:
The scallop aquaculture industry in British Columbia is in an expansion phase. The standard material employed in the ocean grow-out stage of farming is the cylindrical “lantern” net, which becomes quite fouled by the time the scallops are harvested. Fouled lantern nets must be washed before re-use, but no equipment is available that is specifically designed for cleaning these nets. The alternative is to manually clean the nets or to purchase new nets for each crop cycle. Neither of these options is economically viable or environmentally sound as the industry expands and the number of nets increases. Cleaning nets benefits the environment by allowing longer life-span of these. Also, it prevents more nets from ending up in land-fills, because companies can clean them efficiently and cost-effectively, instead of buying new ones.

The objective of the project was to develop the technology for cleaning lantern nets in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The technical approach was based on the results of prototype testing and consultation with the Japanese manufacturer of major components of the machine. Development focused on increasing operational efficiency and reducing production costs in order to increase sustainable production.

With the support of AIMAP funding, an innovative lantern net washer was successfully developed and tested at Island Scallops’ hatchery and processing facility in Qualicum Beach, BC. The final cost of the machine and accessory components was less than budgeted, the operational efficiency of the machine was greater than expected, and the projected cost savings exceeded expectations. Consequently, the new technology had a significant economic impact.

Successful development of the new technology also had a significant environmental impact. The machine effectively cleaned nets that were brought directly from the farm, eliminating the need to store fouled nets on land to allow fouling organisms to decay prior to cleaning. This mitigated odour and other environmental issues associated with increasing quantities of fouled nets. Although further refinements are underway, the new lantern net washer has been incorporated into commercial production at Island Scallops. The machine has already benefited the company and accessibility to the technology will benefit the entire scallop farming industry. The capital cost of the machine may be prohibitive for small farming operations, but the Island Scallops’ net washer is currently under-utilized, and available for cleaning other growers’ nets.

Overall, the project goals were exceeded. Development of the machine addressed the gap in technology for cleaning lantern nets. It also provided an efficient and economical means of dealing with the increasing number of nets associated with the expanding industry. In addition, development of the technology improved environmental performance of the scallop aquaculture industry.

Project Lead: Island Scallops Ltd.

Total Project Cost: $189,266
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $128,102

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Island Scallops Ltd.

For more information please contact the regional coordinator.

Pacific Region: Sean.Irvine@dfo-mpo.gc.ca