Low Salinity Aquaculture

This technology application is based on MariCal's detailed knowledge of the multiple roles that CaSR function as nutrient salinity sensors in marine fish that are normally restricted to seawater. MariCal has successfully developed this application of the CaSR technology to the commercial scale testing phase. Rearing Marine Food Fish in Freshwater consists of a combined water treatment and specialty feed process that permits the rearing of marine food fish, such as cobia, in very low salinity or near-freshwater conditions.

This proprietary technology is enabling since it permits the aquaculture production of high value marine species in sites far inland from coastal land and provide a new high value fish for producers who are currently using recirculation facilities to grow other freshwater species such as tilapia. Such large scale inland production facilities are already permitted as compared to the present challenges of establishing ocean rearing facilities in either near or offshore sites within the United States, Europe and other countries.

MariCal has applied its CaSR technology through a licensing business model in a joint-venture partnership established with Blue Ridge Aquaculture of Martinsville, Virginia to form Low Salinity, Inc. (LSI). This venture, dedicated to the development and commercial production of marine food fish, crustaceans and mollusks, utilizes MariCal's CaSR technology in low water salinity conditions with Blue Ridge Aquaculture's recirculating aquaculture systems proprietary know-how, for the purposes of food production on a worldwide basis. Virginia Cobia Farms, a preceding joint-venture between MariCal and Blue Ridge Aquaculture formed in September 2006 is now a wholly owned subsidiary of LSI.