The use of floating upwelling systems (FLUPSYs) as nurseries to produce large, high-performance seeds has now become standard practice in Alaska. Farmers are constantly improving protocols and designs for a labor-efficient operation, aiming to produce larger, more resilient seeds to increase survival rates and growth rates out on the farms.
There are six ADF&G permitted nurseries in the state that hold seeds in FLUPSYs for further growth. These nurseries source their seed from local hatcheries or out-of-state (primarily Hawaiian). Four of them are permitted to sell seed to farmers.
The FLUPSY is an efficient way of developing small seed oysters into robust juveniles (7–13 mm) more quickly and at higher density than is possible in fine mesh bags or lanterns that would otherwise be used during this growth phase.
Oyster spat
Top of the line, self designed 53-foot aluminum floating FLUPSY platform
Case study Blue Starr Oyster CoSpecies: Pacific oysters
Capacity: 5 - 6 million seed per year
In collaboration with Crew Enterprises, Blue Starr Oysters' owner, Eric Wyatt, designed this state-of-the-art FLUPSY based on years of experience and specifically tailored to the site characteristics for efficient, steady production.
Innovations & approach
The FLUPSY is stationed next to the handling platform and the floating suspended trays raft for convenient operation and handling.
This innovative design incorporates unique features that maximize the system efficiency, reduce ongoing labor effort, and use a minimum of operating energy, enabling them to supply most of the state-grown oyster seeds.
Stainless steel 1.5 millimeter mesh bottoms with matching outflow screens allow for an upwelling stream through the seeds and flush waste matter.
A novel 6-foot-long, 5-foot-wide paddle wheel powered by a five-horsepower gasoline motor to move the seawater into the 16 oyster troughs.
Notable features
- Self-designed and custom-made FLUPSY, precisely built and equipped according to site location and maximum labor efficient process.
- Adjustable lifting system for effortless handling of high seed volumes and easy access to all areas of the FLUPSY.
- The nearshore location and the installed special equipment allow easy grading sorting and the ability to handle the FLUPSY's total capacity in one week.
- Multiple boxes and a spacious design enable the production of larger seeds (12-15mm and bigger) to move out to the farm, resulting in more resilient seeds and an increased survival rate.
- Off-grid FLUPSY design - paddle operated with an engine with relatively low fuel consumption.
Years ago, there was a crisis on the West Coast for oyster seed. I decided that if I'm going to continue in this line of business, I have to have as much control over my seed source as possible. Then, I found that there is also a business opportunity here.
With new funding opportunities from the Alaska Mariculture Cluster, several entities are upgrading their current FLUPSYs or buying newly designed platforms to significantly increase capacity and supply themselves and nearby farms with quality larger seeds.