Microalgae Production and Shellfish Feeding Trials at the Roswell Test Facility

It has been demonstrated that several microalgae species, which are thought to be good food for filter feeders, will survive and grow in Roswell Test Facility (RTF) saline ground water at pilot scale (50 m2 raceways). Under specific environmental and cultural conditions, several species of shellfish have demonstrated excellent survival and growth. However, the productivity and cultural stability of algae are greatly diminished during the cold months of the year in Roswell (October to March).

The potential for commercial production of bivalve molluscs in saline ground water in southern New Mexico is great if a site can be found that has a source of geothermal water for heating purposes and a source of saline water that will support the growth of marine species. A concerted effort should be made to locate such sites, and to construct and operate a large pilot-scale facility.

at the site. Simultaneously, algae and shellfish should continue to be grown at pilot scale in Roswell to demonstrate the technical feasibility to the private sector and to optimize methods for growing marine organisms hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean.