LOCAL OCEAN has initiated a range of R&D projects. We anticipate the results of our R&D will improve operational efficiency, provide our customers with a greater variety of species to choose from and reduce our carbon footprint.

Improving Operational Efficiency
Our collaborative research is focused on the development of more robust 100% recirculating systems with zero discharge. Our research includes developing several different types of biofilters which are applicable to operating in a wide range of environments and are capable of culturing multiple species.

We have recently entered into partnership with BioCastle whose patented SBP technology (Small Bioreactor Platform) integrates engineering and microbiology into an innovative water filtration and purification solution. The SBP technology uses a carrier platform in the form of small bioreactor capsules containing specific microorganism cultures that facilitate the denitrification process in conjunction with our existing microbial and plant biofilters.

In addition, LOCAL OCEAN has partnered with Aquaera in deploying Watermaze 7 (WM-7) - a patented Air Core Water Vortex Antiguide, Multi-Functional photochemical reactor module for water purification. It is the most advanced water purification technology on the market.

New Species Development
Together with our partner hatchery, GreatBay Aquaculture, we are committed to bringing into production a number of new species. This expanded product offering will provide our customers with an exciting expanded selection of premium fish. The new species under development that are being added to our existing line up include:

Warm Water: Spotted Sea Trout (Cynoscion nebulosus) Sea Trout (Cynoscion regalis) Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) Florida Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) Temperate Water: Striped Bass (Morone saxitilis) Atlantic Turbot (Psetta maxima) Cold Water: Black Cod (Anoplopoma fimbria) Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Atlantic Wolfish (Anarhichas lupus)

LOCAL OCEAN's new product development is not just limited to fish. Our new species development also includes the production of edible plants such as Salicornia, also known as saltwater asparagus, prized by French and Asian chefs alike. In addition, we are culturing other wetland plant species that might be utilized in reclamation projects such as mangrove plants. Recently, we partnered with Aquagreen – a company developing species of seaweed as an integral part of the denitrification process and a source of valuable ingredients for the food and pharmaceutical markets.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
We are working with our system design engineers and the electric utilities to use more efficient motors, pumps and water handling equipment to reduce our energy demand. We are also collaborating with researchers on several novel recirculating technologies that we expect will soon revolutionize land-based aquaculture.