This project will involve the design, testing and construction of a new oyster pouch flipper prototype.
Project Dates: June 1, 2021 - May 31, 2022
Funding Amount: $25,000
Students Hired: 2
Project Summary
In this project, NSERC funds are supporting North Island College and Ritchie Holdings Ltd. (RHL) to develop an automated oyster pouch flipper that can be affixed to the side of a boat, which will increase oyster farming efficiency and safety. The Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea gigas, is the most widely farmed shellfish species in British Columbia (BC). A novel oyster grow-out system in BC involves placing oysters in floating rectangular pouches made of semi-rigid plastic mesh that are linked together, forming long strings. These pouch systems make the oysters and infrastructure convenient to access for maintenance and harvesting, while keeping the oysters in prime growing conditions. However, pouches must be flipped 2-6 times per month to prevent the build-up of marine biofouling, which is labour intensive and hazardous. NIC researchers and students will design, construct, and test a new prototype at RHL's commercial shellfish tenures off the coast of Vancouver Island. Results of this project will help RHL overcome an important labour challenge and increase their capacity for oyster production.
Research Team
Scott McGregor
Researcher
Zachary Toews
Student Research Assistant
Delwyn Marcoux
Student Research Assistant
Partners
Ritchie Holdings Ltd. 