Thesis:

The “Sea-Wall-Sea-Haul” aims to address the issues of unsustainable fish-farming and coastal erosion by combining the fishing techniques of ancient Hawaiians with the efficiency and durability of modern design. The “Sea-Wall-Sea-Haul” uses system of gates, pipes, and sea walls to maintain the right environment for a fish farm while providing the coast with protection from the wind and waves.

Brief:

As resources and coastal space continue to diminish, the need for multi-purpose and creative solutions to humanity’s problems increase. With this in mind, the ‘SWSH’ was made to combat the erosion of coastlines while also providing the framework for sustainable and community-accessible fish farms. The inspiration for this project traces back to ancient Hawaiian fish ponds known as Loko I’a. These farms operated on the premise that baby fish would first, enter through small-under water holes; second, feed on the algae and coral reef systems within the ponds; and third, be unable to leave due to being too big to swim out of the holes they once entered. Since these farms are part of the ocean ecosystem and rely not on the active pursuit of wild fish but on the passive collection of fish, they are much less ecologically and environmentally damaging relative to commercial fishing. The added benefit of any underwater structure is that it weakens oncoming swell and waves, decreasing forces absorbed by the nearby seawalls.

Although based on an ancient premise, the “Sea-Wall-Sea-Haul” is designed with a modern-degree of accuracy and productivity in mind. Made of reinforced concrete, able to channel specific amounts of freshwater, and able to adjust its gate holes according to the size of fish in the area, “SWSH” is a more durable, precise, and systematic form of the Hawaiian Fish Farm. If implemented on a large scale, and if certain regulations are in place, the public should be allowed to use the farms because every person, not just those with commercial fishing equipment, should have access to a reliable and steady source of fish.