![]() This process is called “remote setting.” Remote setting requires the farmer to have one of several possible setting systems to be feasible. These larvae can be shipped without water at a low cost to farmers to set in their remote areas. Hatcheries produce eye-larvae, which are advanced-stage larvae on the verge of being ready to go through metamorphosis and set on a substrate. Even with some morality during the setting process, purchasing eyed-larvae and setting these on the farm is clearly the lowest cost option for farmers. Eyed-larvae currently cost $150/million (2013). The lowest cost option is to buy eyed-larvae and set it themselves. For example, 4 mm oyster spat cost around $10 per thousand ($10,000 per million) and most farms require several millions to stock their farms as some mortality occurs in the nursery process. They can buy “spat” (juvenile animals), which is a high cost-option. ![]() Stock or “seed” is one of the highest costs for shellfish farmers. Shellfish farmers have two options for obtaining stock for their farms. Hence this Western SARE-funded project came at a most fortuitous time and will contribute to the development of a Hawaiian shellfish industry. In June 2012, DOH began full implementation of the Plan and began the water quality sampling required to classify shellfish growing areas. DOH has traditionally only implemented the portions of the Plan that relate to importation of shellfish, not the components related to classification of growing areas. state where bivalve shellfish cannot be farmed due to the Department of Health’s (DOH) partial implementation of the State Shellfish Sanitation Plan. The ability to use a solar powered FLUPSY will enhance farm efficiency and profitability, as electrical costs are high in Hawaii. A functional and useful FLUPSY was designed and tested at two traditional Hawaiian pond sites that are among the first to culture oysters in Hawaii. An improved understanding of the basics of oyster biology and culture methods is also essential to new oyster farmers. The ability to purchase less expensive larvae and set them, then use a floating upweller system (FLUPSY) will greatly enhance the ability of new farmers to reduce costs and control their own production. This project was designed to resolve issues related to the dependence of new bivalve farmers on purchasing large oyster seed rather than buying less expensive, locally available eyed oyster larvae and setting these at their farms.
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