Exploring innovative containment methods for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) of the giant red sea cucumber (Apostichopus californicus) and shellfish

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Aquaculture can provide significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. However, there are still numerous challenges facing the industry that require investigation and creative solutions. One challenge facing the sea cucumber aquaculture industry in British Columbia is the lack of readily available and inexpensive containment methods for growth of sea cucumbers on the ocean floor. The proposed project aims to tackle this challenge by developing and testing benthic containment methods for sea cucumbers grown alone or in co-culture with other farmed species. Two containment systems have been proposed, including modified geoduck 'bags on the bottom,' and tubular plastic netting stabilized by PVC piping. These systems will be designed and tested in a lab space to determine the optimal mesh size for netting (to prevent escapes), anchoring mechanisms, installation protocols, and to test various stocking densities. Experimental containment systems will then be tested in the field on a larger scale to assess their practicality and functionality for sea cucumber aquaculture. Increasing access to practical and inexpensive containment will help expand the industry and promote sustainable aquaculture practices. The research team for this project is multidisciplinary and includes academic, industry, and government collaborators.