Scallop Farm Productivity Improvements

Final Report

Coastal Shellfish Corporation

AIMAP 2011-P12

Introduction

Scallop culture is a priority species diversification target under the Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP). In addition to demonstrating novel technologies, this Project addressed the program priority to increase production of scallops in the Pacific Region.

Labour is the single largest cost of operating a scallop farming business, necessitating the use of cost‐effective mechanical equipment to reduce unit costs of production and ensure profitability. Coastal Shellfish purchased specialized mechanical equipment to efficiently handle its scallop farming gear as well as the scallops as part of the farming protocol.

Once the specialized farm equipment has been fully tested at the Coastal Shellfish scallop farm under commercial conditions and a cost‐benefit analysis has been completed, the new equipment systems can be employed at other Coastal First Nations' scallop farms. Implementing this new technology will improve scallop production systems, increase productivity, reduce production costs and increase BC's farmed scallop production.

Methodology

The Japanese scallop farming industry employs some of the most advanced technology with respect to mechanized equipment to improve efficiency and productivity. Coastal Shellfish purchased mechanical equipment from Japan and elsewhere for:

• Hauling out grow-out nets for juvenile and adult scallops
• Sorting and grading scallops
• Cleaning grow‐out nets

1. Hydraulic Crane (marine-grade) was purchased from DMW Marine Group, in Delaware, US, the dealer for Industrias Guerra (based in Spain).
   
   The important specifications are as follows:
   • Marine use
   • Special cylinders with Ni-Cr piston rods for marine environment
   • Stainless steel hydraulic installation
   • Four slewing cylinders of 380° in oil bath
   • 865 kg loading capacity at outreach of 4.5 meters
   • Hydraulic hoisting winch, capacity 825 kg
     
     
2. Scallop Grading Machine for juvenile scallops was purchased from Koshin Trading Co in Japan, the dealer for HAMADE Manufacturer (based in Japan).
   
   The important specifications are as follows:
   • Stainless steel construction
   • Special design for marine conditions
   • Three grading levels for three different scallop sizes
   • Grading screens from 10 mm to 45 mm
   • Interchangeable grading screens
   • Adjustable grading speed
     
     
3. Net Washing Machine was purchased from Koshin Trading Co., in Japan, the dealer for HAMADE Manufacturer (based in Japan).
   
   The important specifications are as follows:
   • Fully stainless steel washer for marine environment
   • Special design for scallops farming nets
   • Eight rolls (4 pair) 850 mm length
   • Four nozzles for pressure washing
     
     
4. Scallop Rearing Units – 1,682 Lantern nets were purchased from Siang May Pte Ltd, in Singapore. These were required for testing the mechanized equipment.
   
   The important specifications are as follows:
   • Galvanized steel wire 4.2 mm diameter
   • Coated frames and cross bars
   • Polyethylene braided mesh
   • Plastic joins in frames
   • 5.5 mm polypropylene rope
     
     
5. Water Pump was purchased from Beckwith & Kuffel, in Seattle, WA, the dealer for Gorman Rupp (based in Ohio, US).
   
   As of January 2013 the mechanical equipment is in the process of being set-up for the first scallop grading operation in March 2013. At this time the juvenile scallops will be approximately 25 to 35 mm in shell height and 10 months of age (from date of settlement).

Going Forward

Coastal Shellfish will be setting up the new mechanical equipment at a land-based site in Prince Rupert Harbour, adjacent to the company's shellfish hatchery. The scallop farming equipment will be operated over the entire production cycle of 20+ months to determine optimum efficiency and productivity. Based on this experience, Coastal Shellfish will develop standard operating procedures for the specialized mechanical equipment.

Coastal Shellfish will do a cost-benefit analysis for the mechanized scallop farming operation, demonstrating the improved productivity and reduced production costs.

Conclusion