Multi-trophic Aquaculture

Aquaculture studies at Harbor Branch also look at novel approaches to the type of food being produced, as well as developing technology to improve production capacity and efficiency while minimizing waste. The IMTA system, a sophisticated, land-based recirculating system, is central to this effort, as it provides a stable environment for scientists to conduct their research.

The IMTA system supports cultivation of animal, plant and algae species that exist at different levels of the natural food chain using a complex, highly controlled water flow. Organisms are situated within the system so that waste is engineered into resources, as each species draws its energy from nutrients provided by other occupants. Species that have been grown in the system include pompano, cobia, red drum, shrimp, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, conch, oysters, clams and sponges.