Shellfish Aquaculture Projects

Aquaculture

• Shellfish aquaculture projects can include either saltwater or freshwater species, but saltwater seafood farming is called mericulture. Aquaculture was born out of a need for mass-produced shellfish and environmental sustainability. Shellfish aquaculture has also proven to lessen the degree of diseased shellfish, minimize the potential for parasites and bacteria and promote a larger, healthier food product.

  Aquaculture in the United States is usually regulated on a state level. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA,) the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS,) the Department of Agriculture (USDA,) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are the leading federal agencies involved in aquaculture regulation enforcement.

Backyard Aquaculture

• Whether for economic purposes or for fun, aquaculture farming is becoming increasingly popular. Dr. Bob Howerton, Aquaculture Extension Specialist with the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program, helps lower income residents in Maui County grow their own seafood. His program is promoting backyard aquaculture for self-sustainability, but many aquaculturists build systems for fun or environmental reasons.

  There are a variety of systems developed for the do-it-yourself aquaculturist, but for shellfish, home recirculation is recommended. This process duplicates commercial fish farming, but on a smaller scale. George DeVault, a regular contributor to Mother Earth News, "This is the answer for would-be shellfish farmers whose only water source is a garden hose."

Construction

• A home recirculation system starts with a vinyl-lined above ground pool. These pools are the best for containment and the only replacement cost is in changing the vinyl liner every few years. For the ideal home recirculating system, DeVault recommends a pool 12 feet in diameter and three feet high. A pool of this size holds 2,000 gallons of water when filled to eight inches from the top.

  Because shellfish spend their entire lives in the same water, maintaining its quality is essential. Water must be kept clean, must be kept at the correct temperature and must contain enough oxygen. Since shellfish need warm water to thrive and flourish, a solar dome is recommended. For colder climates, a water heater is necessary. To complete your home recirculation system you will also need the following:

  Drum Clarifier. This is a siphon and water pump. Water flows between the pool and two 55-gallon drums that are filled with a filtering medium. Plastic mesh, also known as orchard netting, is kept in the drums to remove undesirable solids.

  Biofilter. This simple water wheel removes toxic substances, like ammonia, from the water.

  Aerator. An air pump that oxygenates the water.

  Many aquaculturists attach their systems to an emergency power source, because shellfish will die without a continuous flow of oxygen in the water.

Cage Culture

• Cage culture is a shellfish aquaculture project that can be used if you have access to a private pond or other shallow water source. The only cost for this type of shellfish farming is cage (or pen) materials, initial shellfish stock and feed. In a cage culture system, a pen is designed from PVC pipe and stiff netting. This pen is submerged and restrained in a suitable body of water such as a pond, lake, stream or saltwater shallows. Cage culture systems do not require any additional filtering or aeration because these are provided from nature. Adding plants to your system adds increased filtration, and cleaner water equates to healthier shellfish.