Following a year of trailing two 3D ocean farms in Ramsey Sound, Câr-Y-Môr is set to tick yet another first by becoming Wales’ first commercial ocean farm. The new three-hectare site is predicted to produce an estimated 15 tonnes of seaweed and shellfish a year. Due to the 3D growing structure, where the seaweed is grown on vertical lines in the ocean, one hectare on the ocean farm can produce the same tonnage of produce as 50 hectares of wheat. Yet, to be precise, growing in one site is actually three species of seaweed, 90,000 juvenile native oysters, as well as scallops and mussels – a process which requires no land, feed, fertiliser, pesticides, or freshwater.
“This polyculture vertical farming system grows a mix of seaweeds and shellfish that require zero inputs – making it the most sustainable form of food production on the planet,” said Owen Haines, Founder of Câr-Y-Môr.
Câr-Y-Môr is intrinsically tied to a vision of improving the well-being of the local community by stimulating jobs and providing young people with a route into the Welsh seafood sector – an industry of growing national importance. Anyone can invest in the venture, become a member for just £1 or volunteer twice a month.