We are engaged in the research on tropical seaweeds cultivation such as Gracilaria spp. (G. edulis, G. salicornia), Kappaphycus alvarezii, Hypnea musciformis etc. The harvesting of these is cumbersome and labour intensive task. Could some one help me in providing literature or share their views on mechanical harvesting methods. We are not looking at mechanical harvesters available for Nori (they are too sophisticated for our use).
Many species of seaweeds, many morphologies, many environmental conditions, many culture methods, many economic and societal conditions... and many types of harvesters and harvesting/processing techniques.
A good book could be "Seaweed Resources of the World" edited by A. Critchley and M. Ohno.
Keys are aspects of separating from sand and other impurities; labour intensive, yes, but what are your economic and societal conditions where you are; and harvesting is not everything, what do you want to do with your biomass and how will you process it after harvesting?
All the best in your endeavours,
Thierry Chopin
Harvesting is key function in commercial farming. Although there is plenty of work carried out in improving methods of cultivation, not much has been available pertaining to harvesting (may be I am not aware of literature). Nevertheless, much mechanisation has been achieved in harvesting of Porphyra and few others. This however, requires specialise skills. We are trying to develop simple, cost effective harvester which can be used without much training at individual farmers level.
The book entitled 'Seaweed Resources of the World' does mention harvesting techniques in some of its chapters but I seek help with specific literature on harvesters. Help in this regards is highly appreciated.
Check this links maybe help you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDTuBitv8jU
http://www.newportri.com/newportdailynews/news/page_one/seaweed-harvester-is-no-more/article_e4513c93-943b-5863-859c-7f6e567dae4a.html
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