Steve — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase II: 8.7

Description

7. SummaryInland oyster seed production utilizing artificial seawater in a closed recirculating aquaculturesystems is being developed in Baton Rouge Louisiana at the Louisiana State UniversityInnovation Park. The Gulf Coast (and East and West Coast) oyster industry faces numerouschallenges including increased exposure to anthropogenic pollution climate change oceanacidification harmful algal blooms predation disease outbreaks and low salinity events. Thishas prompted Triple N Oyster Farm to condition spawn raise and set larvae and raise seedoysters in a closed system away from the coast of Louisiana. This move has several potentialbenefits including the production of oyster seed in a controlled environment where temperaturesalinity feed and nutrients can be optimized for a reliable production of seed for the oysterindustry. These inland operations are resilient in the face of tropical storms and hurricanes. Theconsistent production of quality oyster seed will supply the expanding oyster industry with muchneeded seed.This proposal is aligned with Strategic Goal 2 (Ensure America's AgriculturalSystem is Equitable Resilient and Prosperous) Strategic Goal 3 (Foster an Equitable andCompetitive Marketplace for All Agricultural Producers) and Goal 5 (Expand Opportunities forEconomic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities) of theUSDA 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.