Open ocean aquaculture in New Zealand

"An innovative new open ocean aquaculture structure is a promising solution for marine farming of shellfish and other species in exposed waters . . . a full-scale prototype of the Shellfish Tower has been trialled . . . and shown great potential as a farming system for mussel spat and oysters, and other species like scallops, lobsters, sponges and tunicates . . . With limited space in sheltered coastal areas for farming, environmental pressures like climate change and the desire to diversify aquaculture species, research leader Kevin Heasman of Cawthron Institute said structures that enable offshore farming in challenging high-energy environments are an essential part of aquaculture’s future . . . the Shellfish Tower is an example of innovative and transformative technology that will help marine farmers take advantage of the opportunities the open ocean represents. 'The Shellfish Tower’s success demonstrates that offshore farming is now developing into an increasingly practical opportunity that will enable the growth of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry, for shellfish and other species, producing high-quality, sustainable food and creating employment opportunities in coastal regions . . ."