Research project Study on the extractive culture of European lobster in the Belgian part of the North Sea

General introduction

Is it technically possible to farm European lobsters in a mariculture system in the North Sea without feeding them externally? This research question is central to the EXTRAHOMARD project. This exploratory study assumes that there are sufficient food particles in the water column for lobsters in captivity. The animals would live in individual cages and feed on what enters the cage via the current and on biofouling. The aim is to determine whether this passive feeding strategy results in sufficient growth and welfare. The approach is in line with the goal of utilizing marine space multiple times without additional ecological pressure (because of extractive farming). In this case, the combination of offshore wind farms with passive mariculture is being considered.

Research approach

Juvenile lobsters at development stage IV and larger animals are placed separately in baskets, both 3D-printed and commercially available cages. These baskets are assembled into a pyramid-shaped cage that is lowered to the seabed. The animals are monitored monthly for growth and welfare. The cage environment utilizes natural supply via currents and biofouling, without the use of external feeding.

Relevance/Valorization

According to the researchers, there is a chance that this form of marine exploitation could provide a sustainable, local aquaculture activity with added value for coastal communities. The extractive farming method can be integrated into offshore wind farms, in line with European principles to link aquaculture to other economic activities.

Financing

EFMZVA
FIVA
Provincie West-Vlaanderen