Grow-Out Methods

Growers involved in the Virginia Seafood Council trial will primarily use the four grow-out methods described below.

Bags in clam cages/ bottom cages (5 growers): This deployment method uses rigid polyethylene bags of \ varying mesh and bag sizes as the primary method of containment. The bags are then secured inside a 4' x 4' cage, with or without feet, constructed of metal. Click on the image for a larger version.
Taylor Floats (3 growers): This deployment method uses a rectangular PVC ring attached to a coated wire basket using cable ties. Rigid polyethylene bags are secured inside the wire-coated basket. Each Taylor float is secured to a mainline using two gangion snaps and crab pot line. Sixteen-foot wooden poles at either end of the mainline identify the string of Taylor floats. Click on the image for a larger version.
Longlined bags (1 grower): This deployment method uses rigid polyethylene bags that are strung together using crab pot line at both the top and bottom of the bags. In some instances gangion snaps are used to secure individual bags to the mainline. Typically one longline string contains ten bags of oysters and two inch PVC poles delineate each longline string. Sandy, hard bottom sites are the primary location for deployment. Click on the image for a larger version.
Experimental Raft (1 grower): This deployment method used rigid polyethylene bags that are stacked inside hard wire mesh trays, much like a chest of drawers. The raft is primarily made of wood with large pontoon floats on either side. A manual winch system allows the grower to hoist each stack in order to examine oysters. Click on the image for a larger version.