Facility and equipment
The seaweed production is carried out in earthen-ponds with variable
sizes, starting at approximately 3000sqm. All ponds have a
natural seawater-renovation system based on the tidal cycle and
gates that allow control of the amount of water renewed and the
water level inside each pond. The seaweed is cultivated in ponds
receiving the water directly from the lagoon and in ponds located
after the fish ponds. ALGAPLUS also conducts seaweed cultivation in
land-based tanks (polyethylene circular tanks and concrete
rectangular tanks), ranging from 80l up to 7000l.
The following seaweed species are under cultivation:
Actually in production:
- Gracilaria sp.
- Chondrus crispus
- Ulva spp.
In development for production:
- Porphyra spp.
- Codium tomentosum
Treatment of seaweed
The seaweed is dried in the sun and/or in a built low-temperature dryer. After dehydration the product is stored in well-sealed bags and kept away from the light. The biomass can be grinded to several grain sizes (at request). The company has also a laboratory, where the controlled culture work (strain isolations, culture maintenance) is performed. They monitor water temperature, salinity and PAR (irradiance) on a regular basis.
Occasionally, nutrient concentrations (ammonia, nitrate and phosphate) are measured at the inlet of the fish farm, at the outlet of the fish ponds and at the outlet of the seaweed cultivation areas. They perform (outsource) microbiological and toxicological analysis to the seaweed biomass and water where seaweed is being cultivated.