the near future on the open ocean farm. Early indicators are that flat oysters will
grow in this system if they are away from direct wave energy.
3.3 Case Study on Submerged Aquaculture
3.3.1 Open Ocean Aquaculture in New Hampshire, USA
The University of New Hampshire (UNH) established the Open Ocean Aquaculture
(OOA) research farm in 1999 (http://ooa.unh.edu/). The overall goal of the project
was to stimulate the further development of commercial offshore aquaculture in
New England. Also important was to work closely with commercial fishermen,
coastal communities, private industry, and fellow marine research scientists to
develop technologies for the aquaculture of native, cold-water finfish and shellfish
species in exposed oceanic environments. The site was located 12 km offshore and
in 52 m water depth, away from traditional fishing activities, recreational vessels
and commercial traffic.
Backbone
Oyster “ladder”
may be 20m
deep
Oyster purse or
bag
Float
Fig. 3.4 Oyster purses being hung in a ladder configuration on the backbone
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