ISSN:
1573-5176
Keywords:
integrated culture
;
kelp
;
salmon
;
growth
;
economics
;
nutrient uptake
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The technical and economical feasibility of farmingLaminaria saccharina for a food base product near a salmon sea cage farm was evaluated. Suitability of kelp for nutrient removal was also analyzed. A computer model of a conceptualized system was developed in order to make the assessments. Kelp growth was modelled as a linear function of temperature and background dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration, and it was partially experimentally validated. Based on model simulations, aLaminaria farm containing 10,60 m ropes on each end of a salmon sea cage farm is fertilized by the salmon farm and yields annually 1600 kg of dried kelp. The payback period for the initial investment of $61 × 103 is 6 years after which an annual net profit of 20 × 103 Canadian dollars ($16.68 × 103 US) can be achieved. The net present worth of the kelp farm was positive for a rate of return up to 25%. Kelp production on multiple salmon farms or at a higher kelp density could increase the overall revenue. The kelp farm does not appreciably affect background nutrient or oxygen levels. With a few modifications in the model,Nereocystis andMacrocystis farming can be substituted and evaluated for feasibility and nutrient removal efficiency.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02182416
