FlipFarm’s semi-automated oyster-farming system wins the Global Aquaculture Innovation Award
New Zealand company’s labor-saving grow-out and harvesting system is already selling internationally
FlipFarm Systems, a New Zealand company that has developed a semi-automated method for turning oyster-growing cages over with little human effort, has won the Global Seafood Alliance’s annual Global Aquaculture Innovation Award.
Presenting his company’s technology at GSA’s GOAL virtual event last week, FlipFarm Managing Director Aaron Pannell won over attendees by illustrating how much this system – in which Hexcyl Pro baskets are connected to a backbone that rolls up on the side of a harvesting vessel – saves on the backbreaking labor associated with oyster aquaculture.
“FlipFarm Systems is honored to be awarded the Global Seafood Alliance Innovation award for 2021!” said Pannell. “Considering the extremely high caliber of the finalists, we feel very privileged to win this award on behalf of our hard-working team. Debbie and I would like to recognize the many people who have been involved in developing and implementing the FlipFarm system. We look forward to continuing our mission to deliver world-class aquaculture solutions to the most sustainable and exciting industry in the world!”
The innovative process helps provide an ideal environment for oyster growth and conditioning, as well as the ability to efficiently control fouling levels, pests and predators. The system is adaptable to diverse growing environments and is now used by more than 70 farmers in 12 countries worldwide.
FlipFarm bested two other finalists: Ace Aquatec, with its seal-deterrent technology that causes no harm to the marine mammals; and Nucleic Sensing Systems, with its “Tracker” that can detect pathogens and other biological issues in aquaculture environments.
The finalists were selected from a pool of 39 applicants from 24 countries. The winner was selected by attendee vote.
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Author
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Editorial Manager
Global Seafood Alliance
Portsmouth, NH, USA
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