Aoife. O Sullivan1, Lorraine. Gallagher2, Stefan. Kraan3
1The Seaweed Company Blue Turtle Ltd., Carnmore, Galway, Ireland.
2The Seaweed Company Green Turtle Ltd., Upper Carrick, Donegal, Ireland.
3The Seaweed Company BV, Schiedam, The Netherlands.
Integrated Multi Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems are based on multiple aquatic species from different trophic levels, farmed in an integrated way to improve efficiency and reduce waste. The utilisation of nutrients through the trophic system are one of the main advantages of IMTA. Further to nutrient sharing, there are the many operational benefits an established industry, such as shellfish aquaculture, could bring to start-up seaweed aquaculture. Traditional Hand harvesting seaweed has been around for centuries in Ireland, however, seaweed farming is still in its infancy. Currently, the seaweed farming techniques used are based on small scale studies and/or academia. Translating this knowledge to a marine site, on a commercial scale, comes with its challenges. Working with operators such as long-established aquaculture farmers (e.g shellfish) in the local area can be of huge benefit. Where academia can support with R&D, working with experienced farmers can bring in practical marine knowledge, logistical solutions and local know-how. They are also likely to have key local connections and strong stakeholder engagement. In Ireland, the grow-out phase of the kelp to harvesting lasts from October to April. From our experience, shellfish farmers’s busy periods are in the summer months. Sharing of staff, resources and expertise would create all year-round work and integrate different sectors of the aquaculture industry providing highly skilled and motivated staff. Along with generating social benefits, implementing an IMTA system will bring environmental benefits and improve perceptions of aquaculture in the area.