A deceptively simple solution is to move the cages out into the open ocean so that flushing is guaranteed and space is nearly unlimited. However, standard cages don't work well in the often violent environment of open water. So companies such as Ocean Spar Technologies of Bainbridge Island, Washington, have been working on new ideas. One solution, dubbed the SeaStation Sea Cage, dispenses with the standard design of a floating frame with suspended, weighted nets. Instead, the cage is built around a tough central spire with a large hoop around the center.
Netting is strung taut from the top and bottom of the spire out to the hoop.
Because the cage does not depend on surface floats or gravity for support, operators can simply release air from its ballast tank to sink the cage below the turbulence of wave action. The cage also can be easily towed to other locations, the company claims. Gary Loverich, an Ocean Spar senior engineer, says the company is developing automatic fish-feeders that can submerge with the cages. Currently the task is done by hand or with floating automatic feeders that are endangered by hazardous surface conditions. The basic SeaStation is available commercially and in use in Hawaii, the Philippines and other areas.