With parts of the land exhausted and climatic conditions making the growing of vital crops in some areas difficult, some scientists are turning the the oceans to see if growing certain fruits and vegetables underwater is a viable option. If successful, such forays into aquaculture could present a new solution to tackling world hunger.
The new project is taking place 100 meter out from the coast of Noli in northwest Italy. Here balloon-like pods (or biospheres) are pegged to the seabed and inside are growing red cabbage, lettuce, beans, basil and strawberries.
The pods are positioned so that the plants inside receive sufficient sunlight.
The concept has been devised by the Ocean Reef Group and it is named Nemo’s Garden. According to The Guardian, each biosphere is capable of holding 8-10 trays or 22 plant pots.
The reason why underwater studies are being performed is because submersion in seawater can provide a stable temperature and, at the same time, avoid exposure to extreme weather conditions on land. This could mean growing foodstuffs under the sea could provide a solution to feeding populations and in addressing the problems of climate change.
To further the research, “Nemo’s Garden: growing plants underwater” is seeking additional funding via Kickstarter.
In related aquaculture news, Digital Journal reported earlier about a new pan-African project designed to increase the trade in fish. This idea is being proposed to boost the economy and to improve nutrition for the people of the continent.
