Innovative oyster, fish and algae aqua-farming

Original project description

Since 2006, the tropical multi-species aqua-farm has contributed to food security by providing sustainable supplies of organic oysters, milkfish and tilapia. Now they are also cultivating and harvesting micro-algae as livestock feed for the fish. Fish are co-farmed with shellfish and micro-algae in inland ponds, drawing on the tropical climate, natural nutrient cycles and new harvesting technologies.
By providing locally-made, algae-based feed, the project is tapping into an under-served market of 8,000 seafood-loving residents and 90,000 visitors in the Cook Islands.
Aqua-farming contributes to food security by offering inexpensive and toxin-free seafood, a traditional part of the local diet, while providing a local source of employment. Additionally, producing inexpensive fish and livestock feed contributes towards regional independence from expensive food importation. The high demand for the first products illustrates the excellent local market. Revenues generated by Ecoculture will benefit the staff and scale up will create more employment and income opportunities for the whole community.
In addition, farming fish reduces pressure on natural fish stocks while farming micro-algae extracts CO2 from the atmosphere and converts it into a useful, carbon-based product.
The project abides by all applicable international health, environmental and organic standards.

Current project updates

No update available.

Growth plans description

• Run trials to separate algae from water in the most efficient way.
• Test the harvested algae cakes as feedstock for local pigs, chickens, goats and, of course, a variety of fish.
• Make organic fish and livestock pellets from the micro-algae and terrestrial plants: moringa, maniota, portulaca.
• Utilise the herbivorous fish as yet another organic livestock feed ingredient.
• Expand the aquafarm to new sites, such as the neighbouring island Mauke where the impoverished community needs livestock industry, and continue oyster farming.
• Continue paid aquaculture consultation to Maori tribes

Current Needs

• Financial assistance to add a small algae laboratory.
• Financial assistance to employ a European micro-biologist to oversee the rapidly developing technology.
• Professional planning consultancy to assist with regional expansion and submissions to international aid sources.

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