OK, a brief departure from Kaua’i Week for just a split second…

If you’re convinced that our 50th state is all about sitting back and watching the sun set while holding a lava flow cocktail, take note: Hawai’i is a multi-faceted place, where entrepreneurship and advances in commerce and technology thrive. For example, in recent news, Hawaii Oceanic Technology (HiOT), based in Honolulu, has taken the spotlight for developing an ecologically sound answer to fish farming.

Traditionally, fish farming has earned a bad rap for polluting waters and interfering with the natural oxygenation of waters. Addressing the dangers of fish farming is important because fish is the fastest-growing food group, and global demand has doubled since 1975.

HiOT’s technology intends to reduce the environmental impact of fish farming, and is patenting multiple technologies that make use of natural energy sources to sustain aquaculture and oceanic operations.

HiOT plans to concentrate on farming ahi tuna, a Pacific-friendly, carnivorous fish, and one that’s in high demand. HiOT is currently seeking a seed round of funding of $10-12 M to get their product, called the Aquasphere, in the water by 2009.

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler