aquaculture within the German North Sea, further experiments on a practical basis
were conducted and led to the project development displayed in Fig. 11.1.
At the time when the study was published, we expected that the further development and modification of aquaculture systems would be directly dependent on
the development of wind farms. Therefore, it was necessary that the development of
future wind turbine techniques as well as aquaculture systems should not move
ahead separately.
In summary, there was an ample need for practical research pertaining aquaculture development in the North Sea to overcome the current lack of knowledge in
Germany in this sector.
11.3 Potential Species for Offshore Aquaculture
Suitable species for offshore aquaculture production in the German North Sea were
identified during several scientific research projects. The selection was (1) based on
literature research, (2) expert knowledge on candidate biology, (3) former projects
as well as (4) confirmed by current practical research results. Accordingly, 21
aquaculture candidates of different trophic levels (extractive and fed species: seaweed, molluscs, crustacean and fish) are recommended for offshore cultivation in
the German Bight (North Sea). In the following we present a collection of species
tested starting with extractive species, followed by crustaceans and fish.
11.3.1 Seaweed Species
Seaweed aquaculture research in offshore sites focusses mainly on growth performance and culturing techniques. Various systems were installed in harsh offshore
conditions, both at the wind farm foundation and at its vicinity (see subchapter on
techniques and system design below), respectively. Following biological and ecological requirements, but also a regulatory and economic framework, five species of
macroalgae were identified as potentially successful candidates for offshore cultivation in the German North Sea: Oarweed (Laminaria digitata), Sugar kelp
(Saccharina latissima), Cuvie (Laminaria hyperborea), Dulse (Palmaria palmata),
and Sea beech (Delesseria sanguinea).
11.3.1.1 Candidate: Laminarian Species
The genus Laminaria is one of the most important macroalgal genera in temperate
coastal ecosystems, especially in the northern hemisphere. This is amongst other
things reflected by its high species numbers, its considerable overall biomass, its
260
B.H. Buck et al.
were conducted and led to the project development displayed in Fig. 11.1.
At the time when the study was published, we expected that the further development and modification of aquaculture systems would be directly dependent on
the development of wind farms. Therefore, it was necessary that the development of
future wind turbine techniques as well as aquaculture systems should not move
ahead separately.
In summary, there was an ample need for practical research pertaining aquaculture development in the North Sea to overcome the current lack of knowledge in
Germany in this sector.
11.3 Potential Species for Offshore Aquaculture
Suitable species for offshore aquaculture production in the German North Sea were
identified during several scientific research projects. The selection was (1) based on
literature research, (2) expert knowledge on candidate biology, (3) former projects
as well as (4) confirmed by current practical research results. Accordingly, 21
aquaculture candidates of different trophic levels (extractive and fed species: seaweed, molluscs, crustacean and fish) are recommended for offshore cultivation in
the German Bight (North Sea). In the following we present a collection of species
tested starting with extractive species, followed by crustaceans and fish.
11.3.1 Seaweed Species
Seaweed aquaculture research in offshore sites focusses mainly on growth performance and culturing techniques. Various systems were installed in harsh offshore
conditions, both at the wind farm foundation and at its vicinity (see subchapter on
techniques and system design below), respectively. Following biological and ecological requirements, but also a regulatory and economic framework, five species of
macroalgae were identified as potentially successful candidates for offshore cultivation in the German North Sea: Oarweed (Laminaria digitata), Sugar kelp
(Saccharina latissima), Cuvie (Laminaria hyperborea), Dulse (Palmaria palmata),
and Sea beech (Delesseria sanguinea).
11.3.1.1 Candidate: Laminarian Species
The genus Laminaria is one of the most important macroalgal genera in temperate
coastal ecosystems, especially in the northern hemisphere. This is amongst other
things reflected by its high species numbers, its considerable overall biomass, its
260
B.H. Buck et al.