Polyculture and Regenerative Ocean Farming
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The Thimble Island Ocean Farm is known for growing Sugar Kelp, but we also grow Oysters and Mussels on the farm as well.
Mussel seed can be purchases from local hatcheries or it can be naturally collected after spawning in the Spring and late Summer. The top image below are mussels that were collected from natural spat in the previous Spring. If you look closely you can see the small oyster spat mixed in with the larger mussels from the previous season.
Growing different crops in the same space has many benefits. Species have evolved along side each other and have a mutualistic relationship. Kelp will absorb carbon around the farm and reduce ocean acidification. This will create a better environment for the mussels and other bivalves that need to grow a calcium shell. Polyculture also creates more security for farmers. If one crop were to fail, there would be other crops to support the farm.
What species do you grow on your farm?
