Successful submersible seaweed cultivation system installed
End of November marks an important milestone for the Belgian Pilot with the successful installation of the submersible seaweed cultivation system (developed by Impact9) at the Bantry Marine Research Station (BMRS) in Ireland. The joined effort between the team from University of Ghent (Phycology Research Group and Artemia Reference Center), Impact9 and BMRS resulted in the smooth construction of the submersible cultivation system on site (Figure 1), before the system was installed at the exposed test location at the farm site of BMRS (Figure 2). Along the system, net substrates seeded with two kelp species (Sachharina latissima and Alaria esculenta) with seed material of local strains provided by BMRS, were installed. Additionally, we will compare the performance of the two kelps grown on the net substrates to the longline system of BMRS, helping us to optimise the design of seaweed farms for exposed cultivation locations.
Figure 1 Successful assembly of the submersible seaweed cultivation system at the Bantry Marine Research Station and first tests in the harbour before installation at sea.
Figure 2 Submersible seaweed cultivation system developed by Impact9 installed at the test location at the Bantry Marine Research Station (Ireland).
The submersible cultivation system allows for easy buoyancy adaptation of the cultivation system when necessary, for example during storm events to submerge and protect the cultivation system or with increasing weight of the growing biomass throughout the growth season. The first test was successfully completed – storm Bert hit Ireland with full force a day after the installation, allowing us to test the submerged configuration of the system. To prevent detachment of the freshly seeded seaweeds from the growth substrate during the stormy conditions, we submerged the system to 5-8 m below the surface until the storm had passed. With calmer weather a few days later, the system was brought back to the surface, to allow for better light availability ensuring fast growth of the juvenile seaweeds.
Throughout winter, the system and development of the seaweeds will be closely monitored until the seaweed harvest planned for spring 2025.
🎥 Want to see the submersible seaweed cultivation system in action? Watch the video to explore how innovation is driving sustainable aquaculture at the Belgian Pilot! Full video available here.
