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Aquaculture - Grant Reports
Wellflet Aquaculturists Shellfish Study
Project Overview
In May of 2001 the Department of Food and Agriculture
sponsored a study by four aquaculturists from Wellfleet, Massachusetts.
The three-phase study was to compare three oyster grow-out methods from
May 2001 through January 2002 with the intent of finding a more econimical
and less labor intensive means of raising market oysters. The Grow-Out Methods
selected were Envelope and Rack, Aqua Trays, and the Longline Farming System
using Seapa Oyster Baskets. The major categories of comparison were to be
unit cost, cost of labor, growth comparison, and performance evaluation
of each method. The oyster seed used in the comparison study would be from
two sources; natural sets from Wellfleet waters (July 2000) and hatchery
sets from ARC of Dennisport (June 2000). Both sets would be raised separately
using the three selected methods to compare their individual rates of growth.
Phase 1
required the purchase, assembly, and installation of gear and the splitting
out of oyster seed. By the end of June 2001 the three selected grow-out
methods and the two sets of seed were installed on four separate shellfish
grants in Wellfleet, Massachusetts and Phase 1 was completed.
Phase 2
required the collection of growth data and performing
the routine farming tasks associated with the selected grow-out method.
From July 2001 through October 2001 growth data was collected and logged
on a growth data sheet provided to all participants.
From July 2001 through December 2001 routine farming tasks were performed
and logged by all participants.
Phase 3
required the participants to break
down each system for the "wintering" of the oysters. This phase began in
December of 2001 and was completed in January of 2002. The labor and tasks
required to break down and winter the oysters were logged.
Tables:
The following comparison tables were
designed to assist in reviewing the performance of each growout method;
Life Expectancy In The Field, Single Unit Cost Comparison, Single Unit Field
Installation Cost Comparison, Cost Per Oyster Table, and Overall Performance
Rating.
Performance:
An overall performance review of
each of the growout methods taking into account growth performance, overall
costs, ease of use and durability.
Project
Photos
Participants and Contacts
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