The prospect of large-scale offshore aquaculture has come a long way toward fruition, and systems, including large aquaculture pens capable of withstanding the open ocean environment, have been developed and proven. Actual economic feasibility is very close, but has been limited by the necessary size of the enclosures and the equipment necessary to handle the enclosure components. The proposed research is designed to determine the necessary engineering characteristics of and feasibility of candidate attachment systems for a Rapid Change Replaceable Panel (RCRP) configuration concept. Application of this concept would allow management of the aquaculture enclosure components with readily accessible equipment and economic feasibility. The research will entail laboratory tests of attachment materials and systems and field tests of manipulation feasibility and environmental survivability.
Anticipated Results:The results of this proposed research are an assessment of the feasibility and engineering characteristics of candidate Rapid Change Replaceable Panel (RCRP) aquaculture enclosure panel systems. The engineering characteristics involved are strength, fatigue, and abrasion resistance. Manipulation feasibility data will be the subjective evaluation of divers installing, removing, and maintaining panel segments. Survivability feasibility data will be yielded through a period of time in the open ocean environment. Positive results of feasibility analysis will yield selected components to be employed in an anticipated future prototype test of an entire pen system.
