New FLUPSY to help feed and produce shellfish at WA Albany’s shellfish aquaculture

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Albany’s Oyster Harbour in Western Australia has been equipped with a new sea-based floating nursery which is set to boost shellfish aquaculture production in the region.

The FLoating UPweller SYstem, built by DPIRD, also known as FLUPSY, is a place where shellfish seed can grow inside mesh pots while feeding on food particles and phytoplankton floating in the water.

It is one of the first large scale FLUPSYs in Australia with a production capacity estimated at 5-10 million 5mm rock oyster seed per year.

The installation of the FLoating UPweller SYstem is supported by the $125,000 through the WA Recovery Plan.

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A second FLUPSY, that will be a saucer scallop nursery, will be installed later this year in the Perth metropolitan area.

“Albany’s new Floating Upweller System, or FLUPSY as it’s known, will help oyster spat to feed and grow in a very efficient and sustainable nursery, ensuring the timely supply of oyster seed to commercial shellfish operators,” said Fisheries Minister Don Punch.

“FLUPSYs will also play an important role in other emerging shellfish operations, such as tropical rock oysters in northern WA.

“The department is also continuing to develop the FLUPSY concept for use in saucer scallop nurseries to provide cost-effective stock enhancement opportunities for wild fisheries to mitigate the impact of marine heat waves on valuable fisheries resources.”

This innovative system eliminates the need for farmers to use supplementary food and provides a sustainable and efficient nursery environment for shellfish.

“The installation of the FLUPSY is a welcome addition to Albany’s aquaculture industry and will increase the production of shellfish in Oyster Harbour,” said Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens.

“Albany has some of the most pristine waters for aquaculture in Australia. Shellfish aquaculture will deliver local jobs, drive more business for local suppliers and contractors, while having the added environmental benefit of increasing the water quality in Oyster Harbour.”

Image credit: https://hoopersisland.com/equipment-item/floating-upweller-system-flupsy/