Is the Aquapod meant to be submerged all the time or can it be operated as a surface pen?
A better description of the Aquapod is submersible. Site conditions, including permit restrictions, currents and wave conditions will determine the appropriate operating position. All the normal functions of the containment system including feeding, mortality collection, and harvesting are able to be performed while the Aquapod is submerged, so this can be treated as the normal operating position. Some functions, such as net cleaning, can be done subsurface, but are easier done above water. The Aquapod can be easily raised when surface conditions are suitable. In cases where wave energy is not extreme, the most efficient way to operate the Aquapod is partially surfaced. Feeding, cleaning, and maintenance is facilitated by being surfaced, and when bad weather is expected, it is easy to submerge the pen to get it below the surface energy.
A better description of the Aquapod is submersible. The species being raised, site conditions, including permit restrictions, currents and wave characteristics will determine the appropriate operating position. All the normal functions of the containment system including feeding, mortality collection, and harvesting are able to be performed while the Aquapod is submerged, so this can be treated as the normal operating position. Some functions, such as net cleaning, can be done subsurface, but are easier done above water. The Aquapod can be easily raised when surface conditions are suitable. In cases where wave energy is not extreme, the most efficient way to operate the Aquapod is partially surfaced. Feeding, cleaning, and maintenance is facilitated by being surfaced, and when bad weather is expected, it is easy to submerge the pen to get it below the surface energy.
