WO2004093525A2

WO2004093525A2 - Aquatic surface barriers and methods for culturing seaweed

Info

Publication number: WO2004093525A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/012335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin Moll
Original assignee: Sinaloa Seafields International, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-04-23
Filing date: 2004-04-22
Publication date: 2004-11-04
Also published as: ZA200508490B; MXPA05011355A; ECSP056170A; AU2011201617A1; WO2004093525A3; AU2004232332A1; AU2011201617B2

Abstract

A system for culturing seaweed, including Enteromorpha clathrata, is provided comprising a shallow container (12), an aqueous solution (14) capable of supporting growth of said seaweed within said shallow container, a barrier array (16) in contact with said aqueous solution, and a seaweed growing in contact with said barrier array. Methods of harvesting seaweed and remediating a waste stream using seaweed are also disclosed.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION Aquatic Surface Barriers and Methods for Culturing Seaweed

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/464,884 filed on April 23, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to aquatic surface barriers and methods for culturing seaweeds, including Enteromorpha clathrata, in contact with such barriers, and in particular to an enhanced system for obtaining higher yields of Enteromorpha clathrata from shallow ponds.

2. Description of the Related Art

Existing methods for culturing seaweed use ponds of varying depth to provide the proper balance of light, temperature and nutrients for optimal growth. However, wind or wave action redistribution of the seaweed occurs very readily resulting in the loss of productivity and product quality if it occurs. While the use of shallower ponds lessens the effect of wind or wave redistribution, it also has several disadvantages. When one attempts to cover a surface by only a few centimeters over a large area, the levelness tolerances over the area must be very tightly controlled. In addition, when a seaweed crop comes in contact with the bottom of a very shallow pond, the crop must be cleaned before it can be harvested for further use. Consequently, a very shallow pond needs to be very flat which requires increased up front construction costs.

Thus, very shallow pond structures require that the bottom be stabilized to prevent the seaweed crop from contacting the bottom. A pond bottom may be stabilized by any of several methods, but all of them result in significant costs. Temperature and nutrient distribution in very shallow ponds is also more variable than in deeper ponds. In many parts of the world where shallow pond technology is expected to be most valuable, summer temperatures are high. A deeper pond will have a peak temperature that is several degrees lower than a shallow pond making it easier to grow seaweed in the summer.

U.S. Patent No. 5,843,762, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a previous method of growing a seaweed, Enteromorpha clathrata, in a shallow pond. However, this method results in substantial wind and wave action redistribution of the seaweed across the surface of the shallow pond. The redistribution causes variations in nutrient concentration across the pond, differences in light penetration through thicker and thinner mats of growing seaweed, and differences in temperatures across the pond. Overall, optimal growth of Enteromorpha clathrata cannot be achieved with such redistribution. Other literature describes seaweed culture in the open ocean using cords attached to weights on one end and floats on the other end. The seeded cords are suspended vertically in an ocean or bay, but such apparatus require vast open space in the ocean or bay and often result in the cultured seaweed being exposed to toxins, sewage and other elements that are not controllable in an open environment. Another problem with weighted cords is that most of the length of each cord has little exposure to the surface where the best light and carbon dioxide conditions necessary for optimal seaweed growth are present. The length of each cord below the uppermost portion is not optimal for growing certain seaweeds.

Other Examples of structures intended to impede wind redistribution of duckweed are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,536,988 and 5,050,341. The problem with wind and wave action redistribution of duckweed is more severe than with seaweeds such as Enteromorpha clathrata requiring the structure meant to impede redistribution to be very strong and have individual members attached to each intersecting point. Duckweed is also free floating and does not attach to the structures. However, structures comprising an attached network of barriers across the pond surface greatly impede assembly of the network and easy removal of individual barriers for harvesting a seaweed in contact with the barriers.

In addition, the duckweed barriers are engineered to achieve different hydrodynamic conditions affecting duckweed. Unlike duckweed, most seaweeds attach to the barriers, easily entangle with the barriers and are not extremely susceptible to wave action. Thus, barriers designed for seaweed are not required to achieve the level of wave suppression required for duckweed barriers. Accordingly, duckweed barriers are more expensive to engineer and manufacture often requiring elaborate harvesting and duckweed distribution equipment.

The design of barriers for seaweed also require a different strategy than used for duckweed barrier design. Most seaweeds will grow optimally when a wind and wave action redistribution barrier is at or below the surface of the pond, but duckweed requires the barrier be on top of the water. Accordingly, a system having barriers at or below the surface of a pond will not achieve optimal growing conditions for duckweed. In addition, the elaborate harvesting mechanisms required by the current duckweed barrier designs would likely depress seaweeds into contact with the bottom of a shallow pond defeating the purpose of such barriers. Finally, the barriers themselves cannot be used to seed a pond with duckweed.

Therefore, a need exists for a system for growing seaweeds, including Enteromorpha clathrata, in a shallow pond which substantially avoids wind and wave action redistribution across the shallow pond and which substantially prevents the seaweed from touching the bottom of the shallow pond. In addition, what is needed is a cost-effective system for seeding, harvesting seaweeds and rapidly expanding seaweed development which is easily assembled and disassembled. Finally, what is needed is a system for reducing temperature, nutrient, and light fluctuations across a shallow pond for optimal seaweed growth across the pond.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to overcome these and other problems associated with the related art. These and other objects, features and technical advantages are achieved by growing seaweed in a shallow container in contact with a barrier array having unattached individual barriers. This invention provides a system for culturing seaweed comprising a shallow container, an aqueous solution capable of supporting growth of the seaweed within the shallow container, a barrier array in contact with the aqueous solution, and a seaweed growing in contact with the barrier array. In one aspect, the shallow container comprises a substantially level bottom and a continuous perimeter raised above the bottom defining the sides of the shallow container. Preferably, the sides of the shallow container are a continuous earthen perimeter raised above the substantially level bottom. Substantially all of the earthen perimeter surface may be covered by a polymer sheet as well as the substantially level bottom. Additionally, the substantially level bottom may be stabilized. In another aspect, the shallow container is a polymer membrane having a bottom and top surface and four sides. The bottom surface is in contact with a substantially level surface and the four sides are bent toward the top surface so they are substantially perpendicular to the top surface.

Preferably, the barrier array extends across the shallow container. More preferably, the barrier array comprises at least one barrier selected from the group of barriers consisting of a net, cord, rope, pipe, rod, float and any combination thereof. In one aspect, the barrier array extends across the shallow container within about 0 cm to about 5 cm beneath the top surface of the aqueous solution. Preferably, the barrier array is attached by at least one point to the perimeter of the shallow container such that the barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within the shallow container. Alternatively, the barrier array may be attached to at least one point outside the shallow container such that the barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within the shallow container. In yet another alternative, the barrier array is attached to at least one point on the substantially level bottom of the shallow container such that the barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within the shallow container. Additional alternatives include the barrier array in contact with at least one point on the shallow container such that the barrier array is held in position within the container and the barrier array extends substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the aqueous solution from the bottom of the shallow container to within about 0 cm to about 5 cm beneath the top surface of the aqueous solution.

Preferably, the seaweed is Enteromorpha clathrata. The Enteromorpha clathrata may be a spore of Enteromorpha clathrata or whole or partial vegetative filaments at any stage of development. In another aspect, the seaweed is applied to substantially all of the surface of the barrier array prior to contacting the barrier array with the aqueous solution. Preferably, the barrier array comprises a rope. The rope may be contacted with the seaweed by passing the rope through a funnel having a diameter at a narrow end of the funnel substantially equal to the diameter of the rope. Further, the funnel may contain an aqueous solution comprising a plurality of seaweed cells. If the rope is a braided rope, it is subject to lengthwise compression when the seaweed is applied to the braided rope. If the rope is a twisted rope, the rope is preferably in contact with a jig configured to untwist the twisted rope when the seaweed is applied to the twisted rope. Alternatively, the application of the seaweed to the rope occurs during a rope fabrication step, by spraying a solution comprising the seaweed on the rope and using an adhesive.

In yet another aspect, the seaweed is contacted with substantially all of the surface of the barrier array after contacting the barrier array with the aqueous solution. Preferably, the seaweed is applied to the barrier array surface by applying a plurality of seaweed cells to the aqueous solution. The barrier array may comprise unconnected intersecting members. In one alternative, the members float on the aqueous solution. In another alternative, the barrier array is arranged in a rectangular pattern of unconnected floating barriers.

The invention also provides a method for culturing Enteromorpha clathrata comprising contacting Enteromorpha clathrata with a substrate capable of directly supporting Enteromorpha clathrata growth, and applying the Enteromorpha clathrata in contact with the substrate to an aqueous solution capable of supporting Enteromorpha clathrata growth. Preferably, the substrate is a barrier array. In one aspect, the Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to substantially all of the surface of the barrier array prior to contacting the barrier array with the aqueous solution. Preferably, the barrier array is a rope.

The rope may be contacted with the Enteromorpha clathrata by passing the rope through a funnel having a diameter at a narrow end of the funnel substantially equal to the diameter of the rope. Further, the funnel may contain an aqueous solution comprising a plurality of Enteromorpha clathrata cells. If the rope is a braided rope, it is subject to lengthwise compression when the Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to the braided rope. If the rope is a twisted rope, it is preferably in contact with a jig configured to untwist the twisted rope when the Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to the twisted rope. Alternatively, the application of the Enteromorpha clathrata to the rope occurs during a rope fabrication step, by spraying a solution comprising the seaweed on the rope and using an adhesive. In another aspect, the Enteromorpha clathrata is contacted with substantially all of the surface of the barrier array after contacting the barrier array with the aqueous solution. Preferably, the Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to the barrier array surface by applying a plurality of seaweed cells to the aqueous solution.

The Enteromorpha clathrata may be a spore of Enteromorpha clathrata or whole or partial vegetative filaments at any stage of development. Preferably, the culturing method uses the system described above.

The invention also provides a method for harvesting Enteromorpha clathrata comprising removing from a substrate in contact with Enteromorpha clathrata a substantial portion of Enteromorpha clathrata vegetative filaments. This method may further comprise removing the substrate in contact with the Enteromorpha clathrata to a shallow container containing an aqueous solution capable of supporting Enteromorpha clathrata growth. Afterward, the constituent materials comprising Enteromorpha clathrata may be isolated from the vegetative filaments removed from the substrate. Such constituent materials comprising Enteromorpha clathrata are preferably selected from the group consisting of a protein fraction, polysaccharide fraction and a lipid carotenoid fraction. Alternatively, the vegetative filaments may be prepared for use in food products. Preferably, harvesting is accomplished by removing a substantial portion of Enteromorpha clathrata vegetative filaments from a system comprising a shallow container, an aqueous solution capable of supporting growth of the seaweed within the shallow container, a barrier array in contact with the aqueous solution, and a seaweed growing in contact with the barrier array.

This invention provides an apparatus for culturing seaweed comprising a barrier array for extending across a shallow container, the shallow container having a substantially level bottom and a continuous perimeter raised above the substantially level bottom defining the sides of the shallow container, and the barrier array capable of supporting seaweed growth. The apparatus may further comprise an aqueous solution capable of supporting growth of the seaweed within the shallow container. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a seaweed at any stage of development in contact with the barrier array. More preferably, the seaweed is Enteromorpha clathrata.

Preferably, the barrier array comprises unconnected intersecting members. In one aspect, the members float on the aqueous solution. In another aspect, the barrier array is arranged in a rectangular pattern of unconnected floating barriers. Preferably, the barrier array is capable of supporting Enteromorpha clathrata growth and is suspended between floats.

More preferably, the barrier array comprises at least one barrier. The barrier may be selected from the group of barriers consisting of a net, cord, rope, pipe, rod, float and any combination thereof. In one aspect, the barrier array extends across the shallow container within about 0 cm to about 5 cm beneath the top surface of the aqueous solution. Alternatively, the barrier array is attached to at least one point on the perimeter of the shallow container such that the barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within the shallow container. In another alternative, the barrier array is attached to at least one point outside the shallow container such that the barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within the shallow container. In yet another alternative, the barrier array is attached to at least one point to the substantially level bottom of the shallow container such that the barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within the shallow container. Additional alternatives include the barrier array in contact with at least one point on the shallow container such that the barrier array is held in position within the container or the barrier array extends substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the aqueous solution from the bottom of the shallow container to within about 0 cm to about 5 cm beneath the top surface of the aqueous solution. In another aspect, the barrier array capable of supporting seaweed growth is suspended in tension between at least two points. The barrier array capable of directly supporting seaweed growth may be supported by a rigid structure in contact with a bottom surface of a pool containing an aqueous solution capable of supporting seaweed growth. In one alternative, the barrier array is flexible. In another alternative, the barrier array is rigid. Preferably the seaweed is Enteromorpha clathrata. Alternatively, the Enteromorpha clathrata is a spore of Enteromorpha clathrata.

In another aspect, the seaweed is applied to substantially all of the surface of the barrier array prior to contacting the barrier array with the aqueous solution. Preferably, the barrier array comprises a rope. In one alternative, the rope is contacted with the seaweed by passing the rope through a funnel having a diameter at a narrow end of the funnel substantially equal to the diameter of the rope. Further, the funnel may contain an aqueous solution comprising a plurality of seaweed cells. If the rope is a braided rope, it is preferably subject to lengthwise compression when the seaweed is applied to the braided rope. If the rope is a twisted rope, it is preferably in contact with a jig configured to untwist the twisted rope when the seaweed is applied to the twisted rope. In another alternative, the seaweed is applied to the rope during a rope fabrication step. In yet another alternative, the seaweed is applied to the rope surface by spraying a solution comprising the seaweed on the rope or is attached to the barrier array surface with an adhesive.

In another aspect, the seaweed is contacted with substantially all of the surface of the barrier array after contacting the barrier array with the aqueous solution. Preferably, the seaweed is applied to the barrier array surface by introducing a plurality of seaweed cells to the aqueous solution.

The invention also provides a kit comprising the apparatus described above and instructions describing how to culture or harvest a seaweed using the kit. In yet another aspect, a kit comprising a pre-mix of nutrients required for seaweed growth and instructions describing how to mix the nutrients for seaweed culture is provided. > In addition, a system for remediating an aqueous solution is provided comprising a container; a reservoir in fluid communication with the container; an aqueous solution received within the container capable of supporting growth of an aqueous organism, wherein said aqueous organism forms a waste product during the organism life cycle and wherein said waste product is capable of supporting growth of a seaweed; a release means for emptying the aqueous solution from the container to the reservoir; and a seaweed growing in said reservoir such that the seaweed metabolizes the waste product in the aqueous solution after the aqueous solution is emptied into the reservoir from the container by activating the release means. Preferably, the aqueous organism is a crustacean and the seaweed is Enteromorpha clathrata. A method for remediating a waste stream is also provided comprising growing a seaweed in the waste stream, said waste stream comprising at least one waste product produced by an aqueous organism.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, examples and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a vertical cross section of a system. Figure 2 is a top plan of the system of Fig. 1. Figure 3 is a schematic vertical cross section for a twisted cord. Figure 4(a) is a detail of the cord loader assembly illustrated in Fig. 3.

Figure 4(b) is a detail of a twisted cord after processing using the cord loader assembly illustrated in Fig. 3. Figure 5 is a top plan of a cord loader for a braided cord.

Figure 6 is a schematic vertical cross section of the cord loader shown in Fig. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Abbreviations and Definitions

To facilitate understanding of the invention, a number of terms and abbreviations as used herein are defined below have the following meanings:

"Barriers Capable of Supporting Seaweed Growth": As used herein, the term "barriers capable of directly supporting seaweed growth" refers to the ability of certain materials to act as a beneficial substrate for seaweed such that seaweed growth is enhanced. Such enhancement typically occurs where the seaweed rhizoid is able to fasten to the substrate by the seaweed's natural adhesion means. However, the seaweed may be attached by mechanical adhesion means such as glue or other synthetic adhesives. Examples of preferred substrates capable of directly supporting seaweed growth include synthetic polymers such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, nylon and the like. Additional non-synthetic polymers include naturally occurring polymers such as cellulose. Non-polymeric substrates may also be used.

"Aqueous Solution Capable of Supporting Seaweed Growth": As used herein, the term "aqueous solution capable of supporting seaweed growth" is broadly defined to include an aqueous solution having the properties described in U.S. Patent No. 5,843,762. Naturally occurring sea water and brackish water are included in the definition.

"Substantially level bottom": As used herein, the term "substantially level bottom" means level within about plus or minus ten degrees from level. The bottom may comprise peaks and valleys so long as the bottom viewed as a whole is level plus or minus about ten degrees.

"Plurality of Seaweed Cells": As used herein, the term "plurality of seaweed cells" means a vegetative fragment of a seaweed which is isolated by mechanically cleaving portions of a larger grouping of seaweed cells such as in a mature seaweed. The mechanical cleaving may be accomplished by means such as cutting, chopping and grinding. Those skilled in the art will recognize several other ways of mechanically cleaving vegetative fragments from a larger group of seaweed cells. A plurality of seaweed cells can also encompass groups of seaweed spores. A plurality of seaweed cells may also arise from the development of a seaweed spore into a larger group of differentiated seaweed cells. Such differentiated seaweed cells include the cells of a rhizoid and vegetative filament. The plurality of seaweed cells may also encompass any combination of any of the above. "Food Product": As used herein, the term "food product" shall mean products produced for consumption by animals including chickens, pigs, goats, cows and horses or aquatic animals such as fish, mollusks and shrimp. Also included in the definition of food product is animal feed, food for human consumption, additives or supplements to food products and isolated or purified products derived from seaweed processing.

Container/Barrier Systems and Methods for Culturing Seaweed

Referring to Fig. 1, a system for cultivating seaweed is designated in its entirety by the reference number 10. The system 10 generally comprises a shallow container generally designated by 12 (e.g., a man-made or natural pond), an aqueous solution 14 received within the container capable of supporting growth of the seaweed within the shallow container, a barrier array generally designated by 16 in contact with the aqueous solution, and a seaweed 18 growing in contact with the barrier array.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the term "shallow" includes container heights which substantially prevent seaweed growing in the container from touching the bottom. The height of the container also depends upon the species of seaweed grown in the shallow container. For example, species preferentially growing vertically require deeper containers to prevent the seaweed from touching the bottom of the container. Thus, if it is determined that a seaweed species typically grows within about the top 5 to 10 cm of a solution, a shallow container may have a height of about 15 cm or more, the solution being filled near the top of the container. The height of the container also depends upon whether a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal barrier array is used. Thus, the height of the container holding a vertical barrier array will be greater than in a container holding a horizontal barrier array. Accordingly, those of skill in the art will readily be able to determine the height of the shallow container which substantially prevents the seaweed from touching the bottom of the shallow pond.

As further illustrated in Fig. 1 , the container 12 has a substantially level bottom 20 and a continuous perimeter wall 22 raised above the bottom defining the sides of the shallow container. Preferably, the perimeter wall 22 raised above the substantially level bottom 20 is continuous and uninterrupted. The perimeter wall 22 may be made of any material having sufficient strength to withstand the pressure of aqueous solution 14 filling the shallow container 12. Such a material which is typically readily available is earth. The perimeter wall 22 may be covered in whole or in part by a water-proof polymer sheet 30. If the shallow container bottom 20 leaks an aqueous solution too quickly, a water-proof polymer sheet (not shown) could be used to cover the substantially level bottom in whole or in part. The container bottom 20 may also be stabilized by methods well known in the art including laying down gravel, applying enzymes which provide polymerization of materials found naturally in earthen material, and synthetic spray applications.

In another aspect, the shallow container 12 may be a polymer membrane (not shown) having a bottom and top surface and four sides. The bottom surface may be in contact with a substantially level surface and the four sides may be bent toward the top surface and substantially perpendicular to the top surface.

This system 10 for culturing seaweed may comprise an individual or a series of shallow containers with seaweed growing at different stages of development. For example, a first pond may contain seaweed spores in contact with a substrate, a second pond may contain a substrate in contact with a seaweed having mature rhizoids and vegetative filaments, and a third pond may contain substrates having been harvested of a portion of the vegetative filaments developed by the growing seaweed.

The barrier array 16 may extend over any portion near an upper (or top) surface 30 of the aqueous solution 14 which would keep seaweeds 18, including Enteromorpha clathrata, in a substantially fixed position within a shallow container. Figures 1 and 2 show the barrier array 16 extending across much of the upper surface 30 of the aqueous solution 14. For example, most or all of the aqueous solution surface 30 may be covered by the array 16. In another example, the barrier array 16 may extend beneath the entire aqueous solution surface 30 within at least about 5 cm of the aqueous solution surface. Preferably, the barrier array 16 extends across the shallow container 12. The barrier array 16 preferably comprises at least one partition which may be selected from a group consisting of a net, a cord, a rope, a pipe, a rod, and a float. Any other material may be used as a barrier which can support the growth of seaweed. Such material may be a synthetic polymer, a natural fiber or polymer or any solid which provides a surface capable of supporting seaweed within an aqueous solution.

The barrier array 16 may be a series of individual sections 40 as shown in Fig. 2. Each section 40 comprises a plurality of individual partitions 42. In one embodiment, the barrier array 16 extends across the shallow container 12 no more than about 5 cm beneath the upper surface 30 of the aqueous solution 14. Preferably, the barrier array 16 is attached to at least one point on the perimeter wall 22 of the shallow container such that the barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within the shallow container 12. Alternatively, the barrier array 16 may be attached to at least one point outside or to the substantially level bottom 20 of the shallow container 12 such that the barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within the shallow container. In the illustrated embodiment, the array 16 is attached to points outside the shallow container 12 using anchor ropes 44 attached to stakes 46. Additional alternatives include the barrier array 16 in contact with at least one point on the shallow container 12, such as with an anchor or weight, such that the barrier array is held in position within the container.

The barrier array 16 may also extend substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 30 of the aqueous solution 14 from the bottom 20 of the shallow container 12 to within at least about 5 cm beneath the upper surface of the aqueous solution. For example, a partition 44 may comprise a substrate (not shown) capable of supporting seaweed growth and a base (not shown) holding the substrate perpendicular to the surface of the aqueous solution 14.

Preferably, the seaweed used in the invention comprises Enteromorpha clathrata, but those of skill in the art will recognize that other seaweeds may be cultured using techniques similar to those used for culturing Enteromorpha clathrata. U.S. Patent No. 5,843,762, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, characterizes Enteromorpha clathrata and its requirements for growth in aqueous solutions. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the solutions described in this reference may be adapted to use in the shallow containers of the present invention. For example, one could determine over what time period nutrient uptake occurs. Typically, nutrient uptake will occur in one day to over one week. Over a longer nutrient uptake period, increased precipitation of calcium phosphate and iron oxides will occur. The rate of precipitation will also depend on individual pond conditions such as the pH of the local water, the stage of development of the seaweed and the light conditions, among other factors. Therefore, measurements of the levels of phosphate and iron concentrations should be obtained to determine how fast they are depleted and then increased until a stable level is reached. This process can be repeated with all the micronutrients required for seaweed growth, for individual ponds and pond locations, and adjusted for particular seaweeds. The optimal protocol for making such a solution will also depend on evaporation conditions and seaweed growth rates. In general, however, weekly water exchange of about 1/2 pond volume is more than sufficient to maintain salinity in the optimal range; micro- and macro-nutrient levels may be specified that result in maximal productivity but are not toxic to the seaweed.

The Enteromorpha clathrata, or other seaweed, may comprise a spore of Enteromorpha clathrata or whole or partial vegetative filaments at any stage of development. Both partial vegetative filaments, or vegetative fragments, and spores of, e.g., Enteromorpha clathrata, are capable of developing into mature seaweeds. Such seaweeds comprise a rhizoid which attaches the seaweed to a substrate or barrier. The attachment by the rhizoid may be loose attachment or tight attachment depending on the type of substrate used. The invention also provides a method for culturing seaweed comprising contacting seaweed with a substrate capable of directly supporting seaweed growth, and applying the seaweed in contact with the substrate to an aqueous solution capable of supporting seaweed growth. For example, a method of culturing Enteromorpha clathrata may comprise contacting Enteromorpha clathrata with a substrate capable of directly supporting Enteromorpha clathrata growth, and applying the Enteromorpha clathrata in contact with the substrate to an aqueous solution capable of supporting Enteromorpha clathrata growth. The seaweed 18 may be applied to substantially all surfaces of the barrier array prior to contacting the barrier array 16 with the aqueous solution 14. In this way, partitions 42 are pre-seeded with seaweed 18 having the advantage of spreading the seaweed evenly across the aqueous solution 14 capable of supporting growth of such seaweed. In addition, partitions 42 may be pre-seeded with a seaweed 18 in a rapidly growing phase of its development. This allows for quicker growth of a seaweed across the aqueous solution 14. With even placement and even growth rates across the aqueous solution 14, there is less chance that the salinity or fertilizer concentration will be uneven across the aqueous solution 14. Heat and light fluctuations are also less likely across the aqueous solution 14 when the barrier array 16 is pre-seeded. Other advantages of pre-seeding will be known to those skilled in the art.

Preferably, the barrier array comprises a rope. Figures 3 through 6 illustrate different rope applications. There are several ways to pre-seed a rope. The rope may be contacted with the seaweed 18 by passing the rope through a funnel having a diameter at a narrow end of the funnel is substantially equal to the diameter of the rope, and wherein the funnel contains an aqueous solution comprising a plurality of seaweed cells. When the rope is a braided rope, it is subject to lengthwise compression during the application of the seaweed to the braided rope. In this way, the interior of the rope is exposed to a solution containing seaweed cells. When the rope returns to its original conformation, such seaweed cells are entangled in the individual members of the rope. This manner of pre-seeding a rope allows controlled application of seaweed cells to the rope. Figures 5 and 6 depict apparatus to subject the braided cord to lengthwise compression while in contact with a solution comprising a plurality of seaweed cells. The population of seaweed cells may be constant over the course of an entire rope surface, or the population of seaweed cells may vary over the course of an entire rope surface according to what is preferable under local seaweed growing conditions. Other ways of pre-seeding a rope will be recognized by those of skill in the art.

In particular, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a braided cord loader generally designated by 400 and braided cord 402. The loader 400 applies compression to the cord 402. The loader 400 includes drive rollers 404 which force the braided cord 402 through drag rollers 406. The drive rollers 404 push the braided cord 402 in one direction (to the left as shown) toward the drag rollers 406 which provide pressure on braided cord 402 in the opposing direction (to the right as shown) to compress the cord and expose its fibers. A reservoir 410 filled with an aqueous solution 412 capable of supporting seaweed growth surrounds the cord 402 between the drive rollers 404 and drag rollers 406. The drive rollers 404 and drag rollers 406 may be fixed in position by attachment to reservoir 410 or may be independent of the reservoir. The lengthwise pressure forces the individual members of braided cord 402 to open exposing the interior of the cord within reservoir 410. When braided cord 402 exits the drag rollers 406 and reverts back to its original configuration, the seaweed cells are entrapped and entangled between the individual fibers of the cord (not shown, but see Figure 4(b) for a similar example using a twisted rope). Guide rollers 411 may be used to guide braided rope 402 through the drive rollers 404 and drag rollers 406. Other agents added to the reservoir 410 may also be entrapped or entangled in the cord depending on whether such agents take solid or liquid form. For example, pelletized micronutrient particles may become entangled in braided cord 402 and salt solutions may also be absorbed by braided cord 402 with or without the solvent being evaporated to leave a salt entrapped within the cord. The aqueous solution used to pre-seed a substrate or barrier may also contain fertilizers, binders and other agents beneficial to seaweed growth. Such agents may be solid such that they are mechanically entangled in the substrate with the seaweed cells or may be dissolved such that they are absorbed or adsorbed by the substrate.

Similar to a braided rope is a twisted rope which is preferably in contact with a jig configured to untwist the twisted rope during the application of the seaweed to the twisted rope. Figures 3, 4(a) and 4(b) provide depictions of such an apparatus. The jig exposes the interior surface of the rope so that seaweed cells may become entangled within the rope once the rope returns to its original configuration. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are several types of jigs which may be used to open the individual members of a twisted rope.

In particular, Figures 3, 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate one embodiment of a cord loader generally designated 300 for twisted cord 302. The cord loader 300 comprises a jig assembly 304 having a jig 306 mounted in a bearing 312 which is in turn mounted in a support 314. The entire jig assembly 304 may be mounted in a reservoir 320 or may be independent from the reservoir. The cord 302 is driven in one direction through the jig assembly 304 by any number of means known in the art. For example, rollers 340 - 343 may be motorized to pull twisted cord 302 through the jig assembly 304. Alternatively, the bearing 306 may be motorized to turn the jig 304 and thereby drive the twisted cord 302 through the assembly 310. As twisted cord 302 passes through the jig assembly 310, it is within reservoir 320. Reservoir 320 may contain an aqueous solution capable of supporting seaweed growth (not shown) and a plurality of seaweed cells at any stage of development (not shown). Figure 4(a) shows a detail view of jig 304 working on twisted cord 302. As the twisted cord 302 moves to the left as shown in Fig. 4(a), the individual cord members are separated such that an aqueous solution comprising seaweed cells (not shown) may easily penetrate the interior of the twisted cord 302. Figure 4(b) depicts twisted cord 302 after passing through jig 304 in an aqueous solution comprising seaweed cells (in this view, Enteromorpha, but other seaweeds may be used).

After the twisted cord resumes its original configuration, the seaweed cells remain in contact with the twisted cord by entanglement with the individual cord members. Such seaweed cells may be Enteromorpha fragments 350 entangled within the interior twisted portion of twisted cord 302, all together comprising a seeded rope generally designated 352. It should be noted that the braided cord of Figures 5 and 6 may be depicted in a similar way having Enteromorpha fragments entangled within the interior portion of the braided cord. Similarly, the aqueous solution used to pre-seed a braided or twisted cord may also contain fertilizers, binders and other agents beneficial to seaweed growth. Such agents may be solid such that they are mechanically entangled in the cords with the seaweed cells or may be dissolved such that they are absorbed or adsorbed by the substrate.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that substrate or barrier seeding may be accomplished by many different apparatus and assemblies of parts. Many different methods and apparatus too numerous to set forth in this detailed description for exposing a solution or mixture comprising a plurality of seaweed cells may be used to contact seaweed cells to the substrate or barrier are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

For example, the application of the seaweed to a substrate may occur during a fabrication step such as when the individual members of a rope are originally braided of twisted, when a polymer pipe is extruded, when a float is assembled, and the like. In another embodiment, the seaweed may be applied to a substrate by spraying a solution comprising the seaweed on the substrate. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many different pumps, hoses, nozzles and related parts of a spraying apparatus may be assembled to accommodate different aqueous solutions, different seaweeds, different seaweed vegetative fragment sizes, and the like. Similarly, seaweed cells at any stage of development or seaweed fragments may be attached to a substrate using an adhesive or other agent which will attach such seaweed cells or fragments to a substrate. Such adhesives include glues, epoxies, and binding agents such as starches, gelatins and cellulose.

In yet another aspect, the seaweed may be contacted with substantially all of the surface of the barrier array after contacting the barrier array with the aqueous solution. The seaweed is applied to the barrier array surface by applying a plurality of seaweed cells to the aqueous solution. Preferably, the seaweed is applied to the solution as spores. Without being bound to a particular theory, it is believed that the seaweed cells are attracted to the substrate or barrier by hydrophobic, static interactions or by the motion on the surface of the aqueous solution bringing such cells into contact with a substrate of barrier.

The barrier array may comprise any arrangement of individual barriers which is capable of keeping seaweed in a substantially fixed position within a shallow container. Such arrangements may be overlapping, intersecting, net-like or web-like formations. Where individual barrier members intersect, they may remain unconnected for ease of assembly and transport for harvesting. In one alternative, the members float on the aqueous solution. In another alternative, the barrier array is arranged in a rectangular array of unconnected floating barriers. The partitions may themselves float, they may be suspended between floats, they may be suspended in tension, they may be supported on the pond bottom, or they may be some combination of the foregoing. The materials used for the fabrication of these impediments to movement may be any solid matter, flexible or rigid, which can be arranged in a suitable way. The partitions may take on a multitude of different characteristics depending on the local seaweed growing conditions. The partitions may float entirely on the surface of the water or extend in a substantially parallel array across the pond in any direction. The elements may be of any length and may be attached to each other forming a network over the surface of the pond. The partitions may be mainly horizontal, for example floating on the water surface, they may be partly horizontal, for example cords attached to the pond bottom and rising to float on the surface, or vertical, for example stakes set into the pond bottom at intervals throughout the pond.

Materials and construction methods should be chosen with consideration given to specific gravity, tensile strength, rigidity, compressive strength, tolerance to seawater, tolerance to light exposure, resistance to chemical and biological degradation, local wind strength and the likelihood of severe storms with winds outside of the design strength. In particular, if flotation is used to locate the material, then the material must be lighter than water, or it must be provided with floats so that the net density of the resulting structure is lighter than water. If tension is used to locate the material, then the magnitude of displacing forces must be used to calculate the required tension. The maximum tension to which the material is subjected must be less than the tensile strength of the material. If the rigidity of the material is used to locate the material, then the magnitude of displacing forces must be used to calculate the required elastic response and break strength characteristics, and material composition and dimensions chosen such that requirements for resistance to displacement and durability are met. If compressive force is used to locate the material then calculation of required compression and compressive strength will determine the choice of material and construction. In all cases, the material is subjected to seawater, light, and living organisms, and must be sufficiently resistant to degradation that the use of the chosen material is economical.

Appropriate engineering solutions will depend on local factors, such as typical wind strength and the likelihood of damaging storms. If winds are very strong, it will be necessary to provide greater impediment to the movement of the seaweed. Elements of the impeding structure may be placed closer together, or may have cross members instead of only parallel members to prevent movement in strong winds. In storms of exceptional strength, such as hurricanes, it is probably not economical to provide a structure that will prevent wind redistribution of seaweed. It may even not be economical to provide a structure that will survive such a storm. Instead, the structure may be built so that it is easy to repair after a catastrophic storm, or it may be most economical to simply replace the structure if such storms are rare.

Other ways that a structure could be built include an array of floating ropes attached at both ends and held in place by tension; a floating net-like arrangement having unattached intersection points attached at points on its perimeter; floating PVC pipes attached at both ends; floating PVC pipes tethered to the pond bottom, floating ropes tethered at one end to the pond bottom, floating ropes tethered to floating PVC pipes, floating ropes tethered at both ends to floating PVC pipes and held under tension, stakes driven into the pond bottom such that their top ends extend above or below the surface of the water; floating ropes tethered at one end to stakes driven into the pond bottom. Many other configurations and choice of materials are possible.

The invention also provides a method for harvesting seaweed comprising removing from a substrate in contact with seaweed a substantial portion of the seaweed vegetative filaments. Preferably, the method is for harvesting Enteromorpha clathrata comprising removing from a substrate in contact with Enteromorpha clathrata a substantial portion of Enteromorpha clathrata vegetative filaments. Such harvesting may be accomplished by removing the seaweed from a substrate while within the aqueous solution, by first shearing a substantial portion of the vegetative filaments from the substrate by vibrating the substrate or mechanically cutting the vegetative filaments or by removing the substrates followed by mechanically cutting the vegetative filaments from the substrate.

This method may further comprise removing the substrate in contact with the seaweed to a shallow container containing an aqueous solution capable of supporting seaweed growth. In this way, a rapidly growing seaweed can enter a fresh pond to rapidly develop into additional harvestable vegetative filaments. Afterward, the constituent materials comprising seaweed may be isolated from the vegetative filaments removed from the substrate. Such constituent materials comprising seaweed are preferably selected from the group consisting of a protein fraction, polysaccharide fraction and a lipid carotenoid fraction. The protein fraction may be used, for example, as a food supplement or binding agent which can be mixed with other products to thicken or solidify the products. The polysaccharide fraction which is water soluble can be used in manner similar to agar and other binding agents. The lipid carotenoid fraction can be used as a dietary supplement or coloring agent. Alternatively, the vegetative filaments may be prepared for use as a food product, for example in animal feed, including feed for farm animals such as chickens, pigs, goats, cows and horses or aquatic animals such as fish, mollusks and shrimp. Although less preferable, such seaweeds may also be used for human consumption. Such preparation as animal feed or a food product may consist of grinding the seaweed vegetative filaments into particles of a size which can be used in food processing equipment. The seaweed may be used as an additive to food products to enhance their nutritional value or the seaweed may be processed alone or with the addition of taste and texture enhancers to be added to food products as desired.

A kit may also be provided comprising the necessary elements of the system above and instruction on how to assemble such elements and how to grow and harvest seaweed using shallow containers with a barrier array. A separate kit may also include pre-mixes of nutrient mixtures to fortify, buffer or salinate the aqueous solution. A kit comprising micronutrients could include an appropriate mixture of said micronutrients such that one packet could be added to a standard measure of water to come to a final concentration optimized for a particular species of seaweed growth, including Enteromorpha growth. Such a mixture may be modified depending on factors such as the shallow container location, seaweed type and local water characteristics. A list of micronutrients required for seaweed growth using shallow containers, including Enteromorpha clathrata growth, may be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,843,762. In addition, the apparatus and systems above may be adapted for use in remediating an aqueous solution. Such a remediation system may comprise a shallow container as described above and a reservoir in fluid communication with the container. In this case, the shallow container may have a seaweed, e.g., Enteromorpha clathrata growing together with an organism or an organism growing without seaweed present. An aqueous solution within the container should be capable of supporting growth of an aqueous organism. All living aquatic organisms create a waste product during the organism life cycle such as urea, ammonia and other nitrogen-containing and non-nitrogen-containing molecules which can be metabolized by seaweed. Such waste products which can be metabolized by seaweed may also be mixed with other waste products which are not easily metabolized by seaweed, provided that such unmetabolizable waste products are not immediately toxic to the particular seaweed. Thus, the waste stream is capable of supporting growth of a seaweed so long at it is not immediately killed by the waste stream The container/reservoir system also comprises a release means for emptying the aqueous solution from the container to the reservoir. Those of skill in the art will recognize many plumbing solutions which operate to regulate the flow of liquid between containers. For example, valves, plugs, gears and dams may be used to regulate the flow of the waste stream from the container to the reservoir. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that the container/reservoir system may comprise an array of several containers and several reservoirs. In addition, the remediated waste stream may be recycled within the system or diverted to a separate volume for holding the remediated waste stream, e.g., a sewer or holding pit. The container/reservoir system remediates the waste stream by the seaweed metabolizing the waste product in the aqueous solution after the aqueous solution is emptied into the reservoir from the container by activating the release means. When the metabolizable waste product(s) are metabolized by the seaweed, the waste stream is considered remediated. In one example, the aqueous organism is a crustacean, such as a shrimp, but other aquatic organisms which are capable of growing in shallow containers may be grown in the system. Such organisms may produce waste having different chemical properties and the remediating seaweed may be chosen to optimize the amount of waste removed from the waste stream. In another example, the waste stream is remediated by Enteromorpha clathrata, but those of skill in the art will recognize that other seaweeds grown in the reservoir are capable of metabolizing waste products produced by aquatic organisms.

EXAMPLES Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following specific examples are offered by way of illustration and not by way of limiting the remaining disclosure.

Example 1 - Shallow Container culture of Enteromorpha clathrata

1. Container systems Ponds having lengths and widths of about 1 x 2, 5 x 50 and 25 x 50 meters were created by digging pits having generally level bottoms and building continuous earthen mounds to form the sides of the ponds. The soil was relatively water-proof and clay-like so that a polymer membrane stretched across the bottom was not required. However, polymer membranes were required to sufficiently water proof the sides of the pond. Seawater was added to the pond. Pre-seeded cords spaced 1/2 meter apart and attached with stakes to the earth outside the shallow pond were added to the ponds. Growth was observed to be about that of Enteromorpha clathrata growing under optimal conditions without wind disturbance. These conditions were also sufficient to inoculate the entire ponds and sufficient to prevent wind redistribution of the Enteromorpha clathrata, including Enteromorpha clathrata which has broken free of the cords.

2. Container and barrier system

Polypropylene rope ends were secured to concrete blocks across a pond. Floats were attached a few feet from the ends, so the rope angles up from the bottom to the surface. The polypropylene rope floats at or near the surface. Low cost non-synthetic cord, ixtle, was also used in the system, but such ixtle use requires floats every few meters and it is subject to biological deterioration, so its use is not preferred to polypropylene. In this example, the pond bottom and borders were not stabilized and the pond is about 1 meter deep. Using this system, seaweed was harvested by pulling the ropes from the pond and stripping off most of the seaweed. Also in this example, only a part of the pond was harvested. Thus, the individual pond had ropes ready to harvest, ropes close to harvest, ropes not close to harvest, and ropes just harvested and returned for regrowth.

3. Layered container and barrier system

Durable non-floating cords or other material may be placed below the surface. The cords can be located anywhere within the pond, including at or near the bottom. Seaweed may be seeded onto the array on the bottom. An array similar in construction to those already described may be at or near the surface of the water. When the seaweed is below the surface, the wind doesn't displace it. When the seaweed grows to the surface, wind displacement may be prevented by the upper surface barrier. Preferably, the seaweed may be harvested from the surface, leaving enough biomass below the surface for rapid regrowth.

4. Rapid Expansion of Enteromorpha clathrata

Working in a pond measuring about 1 x 2 meters, it was observed that harvesting and regrowth from cords grew faster than controls of Enteromorpha clathrata not in contact with cords. It is believed that better distribution of the seaweed over the surface results in faster regrowth.

Other Embodiments

The detailed description set-forth above is provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present invention. However, the invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed because these embodiments are intended as illustration of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present inventive discovery. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for culturing seaweed comprising: a shallow container; an aqueous solution received within the shallow container capable of supporting growth of seaweed; a barrier array positioned in said container in contact with said aqueous solution; and a seaweed in said aqueous solution and in contact with said barrier array.

2. A system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the shallow container has a substantially level bottom and a continuous perimeter wall raised above the bottom defining sides of said shallow container.

3. A system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the sides of said shallow container comprise a continuous earthen perimeter wall raised above the substantially level bottom.

4. A system as set forth in claim 3, wherein substantially all of the earthen perimeter wall is covered by a polymer sheet.

5. A system as set forth in claim 4, wherein the substantially level bottom surface is covered by a polymer sheet.

6. A system as set forth in claim 4, wherein the substantially level bottom is stabilized.

7. A system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said shallow container comprises a polymer membrane having a bottom surface, top surface and four sides in contact with a substantially level surface extending upward from said bottom surface toward said top surface and substantially perpendicular to said top surface.

8. A system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said barrier array extends across said shallow container.

9. A system as set forth in claim 8, wherein said barrier array comprises at least one barrier selected from the group consisting of a net, a cord, a rope, a pipe, a rod, and a float.

10. A system as set forth in claim 8, wherein said barrier array extends across the shallow container beneath a top surface of said aqueous solution.

11. A system as set forth in claim 10, wherein said barrier array extends within about 5 cm of the top surface of said aqueous solution.

12. A system as set forth in claim 11 , wherein said barrier array is attached to at least one point on the perimeter of said shallow container such that said barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within said shallow container.

13. A system as set forth in claim 11 , wherein said barrier array is attached to at least one point outside said shallow container such that said barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within said shallow container.

14. A system as set forth in claim 11 , wherein said barrier array is attached to at least one point on the substantially level bottom of said shallow container such that said barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within said shallow container.

15. A system as set forth in claim 11 , wherein said barrier array is in contact with at least one point on said shallow container such that the barrier array is held in position within said container.

16. A system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said barrier array extends substantially perpendicular to a top surface of said aqueous solution from the bottom of said shallow container to within less than about 5 cm beneath the top surface of said aqueous solution.

17. A system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said seaweed is Enteromorpha clathrata.

18. A system as set forth in claim 17, wherein Enteromorpha clathrata comprises a spore of Enteromorpha clathrata.

19. A system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said seaweed is applied to substantially all of the surface of said barrier array prior to contacting said barrier array with said aqueous solution.

20. A system as set forth in claim 19, wherein said barrier array comprises a rope.

21. A system as set forth in claim 20, wherein the rope is a braided rope.

22. A system as set forth in claim 20, wherein the rope is a twisted rope.

23. A system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said barrier array comprises unconnected intersecting members.

24. A system as set forth in claim 23, wherein said members float on said aqueous solution.

25. A system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said barrier array is arranged in a rectangular pattern of unconnected floating barriers.

26. A method for culturing Enteromorpha clathrata comprising: contacting Enteromorpha clathrata with a substrate capable of directly supporting Enteromorpha clathrata growth; and applying said Enteromorpha clathrata contacting the substrate to an aqueous solution capable of supporting Enteromorpha clathrata growth.

27. A method as set forth in claim 26, wherein the substrate is a barrier array and said Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to substantially all surfaces of said barrier array prior to contacting said barrier array to said aqueous solution.

28. A method as set forth in claim 27, wherein said barrier array comprises a rope and the Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to said rope by passing the rope through a funnel having a diameter at a narrow end of the funnel substantially equal to a diameter of the rope, and the funnel contains an aqueous solution comprising a plurality of Enteromorpha clathrata cells.

29. A method as set forth in claim 27, wherein said barrier array comprises a twisted rope and the rope is twisted when said Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to the rope.

30. A method as set forth in claim 27, wherein said barrier array comprises a rope and said Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to the rope during rope fabrication.

31. A method as set forth in claim 27, wherein said barrier array comprises a rope and said Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to the rope by spraying a solution comprising said Enteromorpha clathrata on said rope.

32. A method as set forth in claim 27, wherein said Enteromorpha clathrata is applied to said barrier array surface by attachment with an adhesive.

33. A method as set forth in claim 26, wherein said Enteromorpha clathrata is contacted to substantially all surfaces of said barrier array after said barrier array is contacted with the aqueous solution.

34. A method as set forth in claim 33, wherein said Enteromorpha clathrata is adhesively attached to said barrier array surface.

35. A method for harvesting Enteromorpha clathrata comprising removing a substantial portion of Enteromorpha clathrata vegetative filaments from a substrate in contact with Enteromorpha clathrata.

36. A method as set forth in claim 35, further comprising moving the substrate in contact with the Enteromorpha clathrata to a shallow container containing an aqueous solution capable of supporting Enteromorpha clathrata growth.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising isolating constituent materials comprising Enteromorpha clathrata from the vegetative filaments removed from the substrate.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the constituent materials comprising Enteromorpha clathrata are selected from the group consisting of a protein fraction, polysaccharide fraction and a lipid carotenoid fraction.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising preparing the vegetative filaments for use in food products.

40. Apparatus for culturing seaweed comprising a shallow container having a substantially level bottom and a continuous perimeter wall raised above the substantially level bottom defining sides of said shallow container, and a barrier array extending across said container capable of supporting seaweed growth.

41. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, further comprising an aqueous solution within said shallow container capable of supporting growth of said seaweed.

42. Apparatus as set forth in claim 41 , further comprising a seaweed at any stage of development in contact with said barrier array.

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43. Apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the seaweed is Enteromorpha clathrata.

44. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the barrier array comprises unconnected intersecting members.

45. Apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said members float on said aqueous solution.

46. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein said barrier array is arranged in a rectangular pattern of unconnected floating barriers.

47. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the barrier array is suspended between floats.

48. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein said barrier array comprises at least one barrier selected from the group consisting of a net, a cord, a rope, a pipe, a rod, and a float.

49. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein said barrier array extends across the shallow container beneath the top surface of said aqueous solution.

50. Apparatus as set forth in claim 49, wherein said array extends within about 5 cm of the top surface of said aqueous solution.

51. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein said barrier array is attached to at least one point on the perimeter wall of said shallow container such that said barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within said shallow container.

52. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein said barrier array is attached to at least one point outside said shallow container such that said barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within said shallow container.

53. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein said barrier array is attached to at least one point on the substantially level bottom of said shallow container such that said barrier array is held in a substantially fixed position within said shallow container.

54. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein said barrier array is in contact with at least one point on said shallow container such that the barrier array is held in position within said container.

55. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein said barrier array extends substantially perpendicular to the top surface of said aqueous solution from the bottom of said shallow container to within less than about 5 cm beneath the top surface of said aqueous solution.

56. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the barrier array is suspended in tension between at least two points.

57. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the barrier array is supported by a rigid structure in contact with the bottom of the container.

58. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the barrier array is flexible.

59. Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the barrier array is rigid.

60. Apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein the seaweed comprises Enteromorpha clathrata.

61. Apparatus as set forth in claim 60, wherein Enteromorpha clathrata comprises a spore of Enteromorpha clathrata.

62. Apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein said seaweed is applied to substantially all surfaces of said barrier array prior to contacting said barrier array with said aqueous solution.

63. Apparatus as set forth in claim 62, wherein said barrier array comprises a rope.

64. A kit comprising the apparatus of claim 40 and instructions describing how to culture or harvest a seaweed using the kit.

65. A kit comprising a pre-mix of micronutrients required for seaweed growth and instructions describing how to mix the nutrients for seaweed culture.

66. A system for remediating an aqueous solution comprising: a shallow container; a reservoir in fluid communication with the container; an aqueous solution received within the container capable of supporting growth of an aqueous organism, wherein said aqueous organism forms a waste product during the organism life cycle and wherein said waste product is capable of supporting growth of a seaweed; a release means for emptying the aqueous solution from the container to the reservoir; and a seaweed growing in said reservoir such that the seaweed metabolizes the waste product in the aqueous solution after the aqueous solution is emptied into the reservoir from the container by activating the release means.

67. A system as set forth in claim 66, wherein the aqueous organism is a crustacean.

68. A system as set forth in claim 66, wherein the seaweed is Enteromorpha clathrata.

69. A method for remediating a waste stream comprising growing a seaweed in the waste stream, said waste stream comprising at least one waste product produced by an aqueous organism.