Proper site selection is crucial for the success of an oyster farm, as it can significantly impact the farm's costs, efficiency, and overall productivity. A well-chosen site can lead to a high-yield farm that is easily accessible, contributing to the farm's long-term sustainability and success.
Four primary considerations for proper site selection:
- Regulations and permitting - view on the permitting page.
- Logistics - Farmers in Alaska must consider the proximity of their site to the nearest harbor or port to reduce fuel costs and travel time. These are critical for managing expenses and maintaining the quality of the product. Oysters must be kept in a cold environment until they reach their final destination.
- Biology - Considering the biophysical characteristics of their potential site, such as depth, current, salinity, and phytoplankton levels, to ensure their oysters thrive. An ideal location offers protection from harsh elements while maintaining adequate nutrient flow.
- Cultural and social aspects: Considering the site's social and cultural context is necessary to assess impacts on nearby residents and water users. To gain public support and a social license to operate, farmers must demonstrate minimal adverse effects on shared resources. Reducing nuisances, clearly marking boundaries, and building good neighbor relationships are essential. Engaging with the community and addressing concerns early can ease the permitting and farming process.
Suitable ranges for key factors
- Water temperature
- 50-71 °F
- Salinity (ppt)
- 20-35 ppt
- Current speed (ft/s)
- 1.6-3.3 ft/s
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Nutrient/temperature tradeoff: nutrient input and waste export vs lower temperature
- Water depth (ft)
- 40-60 ft. at mean low tide
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Sufficient distance of the gear from the seafloor at all times
- Substrate
- Coarse sediment, mixed sediment
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Anchoring on hard substrate is possible but requires more complex techniques
Geography, environment & logistics
Geomorphology affects physical and biological parameters such as water movement, turbidity, nutrients, light availability, wind direction, exposure to extreme weather, winter icing, and more. It is also important to consider sensitive habitat areas and the needs of existing users.
Supporting infrastructure is a key element, such as access to road systems, dock space, land-based processing facilities, cold storage capacity, nearby airports, waterfront property and equipment for loading and unloading, seed availability, and proximity to markets.
Most sites will not fulfill all optimal criteria and parameters. The site selection process should emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of potential locations with decisions based on the most critical factors relevant to the farmer.
Site examples
Moss Island Oyster Farm utilizes a favorable sea bathymetry profile at the Peterson Bay inlet near Homer. Starting at ~75 feet at the deepest point under the cultivation longlines and ending at ~18 feet, providing upwelling of deeper, richer waters to run through the farm with the tides.
Tommaso Shellfish benefits from a wind-protected area at the Shikat Bay near Naukati in Prince of Wales Island.
Located at Halibut Cove, Alaska Shellfish Farms' site is within an established mariculture community, complete with infrastructure and technical support. It is also a tourist hot spot.
Kaawu Shellfish Company is located at Burnt Point near Hoonah, where it is protected from strong northerly winds and has road access right up to the farm in case of unsettled ocean conditions.
When you select a place for a farm, you want it to be in an upwell. You want it to go from deep to shallow, which pushes the nutrients when the current and tide come up. In my case, it goes from ~75 feet at the far end to about 15 to 18 feet at the other end.
Joint innovation projects
Joint Innovation Projects
Part of the AMC’s Research and Development Grant Component.
Evaluating subsistence shellfish beaches for future enhancement projects
This project evaluates selected subsistence beaches near seven native communities in south-central Alaska to assess changes and determine their suitability for shellfish enhancement. Building on prior surveys and studies conducted in the 1990s, the project aims to re-survey these beaches, document any changes, and establish a baseline for potential enhancement efforts. By incorporating updated technology, enhanced seeding, and predator control methods, the project brings innovation to the industry and aims to identify beaches for future outplanting, emphasizing the importance of understanding intertidal area characteristics for successful projects.