Although, arithmetically one can assume, 2,000 rafts of 2 x 2 m, in a hectare area, I would like to know, ideally how many seaweed rafts can be actually accommodated. This is essentially because there should be some space needed for maintaining water flow and other farm operations etc.
HI: I suggest you investigate via Google et cetera current and past Japanese research on "Mega-Float", "Uranium Mining of Seawater" etc. Therein you are likely to find some helpful data.
There is certainly issues of water flow and space needed for navigational operations, but, as you scale up, your initial unit of 2 x 2 m will need to be revised for increased production, harvesting and cost efficiencies. Then, your calculations will change again. Arithmetic is one thing; practicality, adapted to your local conditions and the species you want to cultivate, is another thing. So, I am afraid there is no easy answer...
Dear Drs. Cathcart and Chopin, Many thanks responding to my query. I need these input to do some cost calculations for the new method that our group has developed on processing the fresh seaweed biomass for obtaining the stream of products in sequential manner (PCT Patent Publication number, WO2015/102021 A1; dt. July 9, 2015). The aim is to see, how this process improves the prospects of farming in terms of value realized for the produce. The cost calculations are based on certain presumptions and therefore the question of number of rafts in hectare area arises. I would like my calculations to be much "true to type" than mere arithmetic sums.
Dear VM: Here's a short list of articles and a book that could be helpful. (1) Robert Henrikson and M. Edwards,IMAGINE OUR ALGAE FUTURE; VISIONARY ALGAE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN (2012, book) mostly deals with vertical (skyscraper) agriculture etc. (2) Catriona L. Hurd et al. SEAWEED ECOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY (2014, book) and (3) Ole G. Mouritsen SEAWEEDS; EDIBLE, AVAILABLE AND SUSTAINABLE (2013, book); (4) E.A. Titlyanov & T.V. Titlyanova "Seaweed Cultivation: Methods and Problems" RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF MARINE BIOLOGY 36: 227-242 (2010) and last but not least (5) Xiugeng Fei "Solving the coastal eutrophication problem by large scale seaweed cultivation" HYDROBIOLOGIA 512: 145-151 (2004). Good luck!
Richard
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