The Habitats we are basing the Indian Waterways Pilot project on, are approximately 12 cubic feet and have 5 levels of flat plates covered in shells. The center of the system is open from the top to bottom to permit better water circulation. Figures 1 through 3 show some of the habitats we are currently testing.

By using the flat plate design, the waste products of one species will stay in place longer and as other plants and animals in the food chain consume the waste product of oysters, clams, sea squirts, etc., the cycle of life eventually comes around again to the stone crab, lobster and other juvenile fisheries species that eat those creatures.

There are other techniques that will help make these habitats grow faster and work better year round. Some will address bottom sediment and oxygen level, but please refer to the presentation provided in this link to learn more about the proposed Indian Waterways Pilot Program.