Invention:
This invention provides a method of underwater vertical (U-Vertical) farming using vertically oriented grow boards for seaweed production, as well as other aquatic organisms such as scallops, mussels, oysters, clams, etc. Positioning and anchoring can be done through mechanical fixing, seabed anchors and floating buoys, with the ability to adjust via remote operation. This method allows for a zero-input agricultural approach as it doesn’t require any input, such as freshwater, fertilizer, feeds or need the constant manual labor typically required for farm maintenance and harvesting.
Background:
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that global food production must increase by 70% to meet global demand by 2050. Food production already uses almost half of all habitable land and is responsible for 70% of all freshwater withdrawals. The ability to grow food in the vast marine space through zero-input agriculture presents itself as an imperative and lucrative opportunity. The global seaweed market size was valued at US $7.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to increase to US $14.3 billion by 2028. Seaweeds are used for human food and in a wide array of other products, including cosmetics, fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. Seaweed-sourced food hydrocolloids, such as carrageenan, are used as ingredients relating to viscosity and texture, as well as enabling a longer shelf life.
Typical methods of underwater agriculture growth and harvesting require tedious, rudimentary approaches. These methods make for a time- consuming process, further contributing to the failure to meet the steep increase in food demand due to rising populations. This new method, utilizing underwater green boxes, promises improvement to the design of sea vertical (S-vertical) farming that will lead to a decrease in required labor for underwater agriculture cultivation.
Applications:
- Underwater vertical farming for seaweed and other aquatic organisms
- Aquaculture
- Seaweed-based ingredients in foods, cosmetics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals
Advantages:
- Sustainable agricultural process
- Minimal/decreased human labor required for production
- Increase in efficiency of harvesting product
- Allows for remote operation of undersea modules
- Easy access to product by boat for installation, maintenance and harvest
