The Ortac Oyster System, which has been developed by Jersey based shellfish farmer Tony Legg, claims to dramatically reduce labour costs in comparison with conventional oyster bags and trestles, and has a sophisticated through-flow system that improves growth rates without compromising shell quality.
Recent commercial trials with native oysters (Ostrea edulis) have been extremely successful and have led to the establishment of intertidal farms in a number of locations, said the company.
Now, Scottish oyster farmers also stand to benefit from the advantages of Ortac following the appointment of West coast based Fusion Marine as a supplier and support company.
Rhuaraidh Edwards, Development Engineer for Fusion Marine, said: “Our centralised location in the main Scottish oyster growing areas combined with our extensive experience in plastic products makes us ideally suited to supply and support this innovative shellfish growing system.
“We can now service the oyster farming community with cultivation equipment and provide technical and other support to help the industry grow and develop.”
In particular, Ortac will aid Fusion Marine in combining different parts of the aquaculture industry with integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems to achieve a greater natural balance in the management of water areas.
As well as having a positive effect on water quality, IMTA has the potential to create new business opportunities through the development of polyculture operations. Further trials and development of the Ortac Oyster System are ongoing and Fusion Marine is looking to develop a complete farming solution for oysters and associated aquaculture operations.
Tony Legg of Jersey Sea Farms said: “I am delighted that Fusion Marine has been appointed to supply and help support the Ortac system on the Scottish west coast. Their immense knowledge in plastics technology and their ability to innovate will prove a real boost to Scotland’s oyster farmers.”
