A SEMI-AUTOMATED OYSTER GROWING SYSTEM; ONE-MILLION LANDED OYSTERS PER WORKER YEAR PER AT A LOWER COST

1. Equipment Loss and Damage
   1. Gear permanently attaches to the 24mm polypropylene rope, in use for 4 years
   2. Low maintenance on gear
2. Fouling Control
   1. Oyster and gear hygiene is fast
   2. The ease of controlling biofoul permitted scaling landings per worker
3. High Staff Cost and Turnover
   1. Reduced by 75%.
   2. Now attracting staff with a wider range of capability
4. Predator Abatement
   1. Flatworm and mud worm impact was essentially eliminated by the ability to keep gear much cleaner.
   2. Bird/Animal predation was reduced.
5. Maximized Space
   1. Grading at the farm site with a small barge reduced land needs.
6. Variable Growth
   1. Oyster shape was more uniform due to shape of baskets and movement of basket.

Food source improved by increased waterflow from perpetually clean gear.