Étude de cas : L'aquarium marin Clearwater utilise Fogponics pour nourrir ses animaux de sauvetage
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has always been at the forefront of marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. With its commitment to sustainability and innovation, CMA is pioneering new ways to grow fresh greens on-site for its rescue and education animals. By using a Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden, the aquarium has begun growing greens for animals like Vlad, a Russian tortoise, and is exploring whether to expand on-site growing for larger marine life such as manatees. Plantaform continues to partner with Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Mission du Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s mission is to preserve the environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life, environmental education, research and conservation. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CMA focuses on meaningful impact for marine wildlife and ecosystems.
Dorree Gurdak, Vice President of Marketing at CMA, says:
"Notre mission est de sauver, réhabiliter et relâcher la vie marine tout en encourageant la gestion de l'environnement. La durabilité est au cœur de tout ce que nous faisons, et cette collaboration avec Plantaform nous permet de faire un pas de plus vers des pratiques de soins aux animaux plus durables."
The Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden at CMA
Plantaform grows plants with soil-free fogponics — a NASA-inspired approach that delivers a fine nutrient mist to the roots and uses water efficiently. CMA has introduced a Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden as a proof of concept, growing fresh greens such as romaine lettuce for its animals.
Alberto Aguilar, Co-Founder and CEO of Plantaform Technology Inc., says:
"Nous sommes ravis de collaborer avec le Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Nos missions s'accordent parfaitement et nous voyons un énorme potentiel dans l'extension de notre technologie fogponique pour soutenir le travail incroyable de l'ACM. Ce n'est que le début".
The egg-shaped garden grows 15 plants at once in three horizontal rows of five. Full-spectrum red and white LEDs auto-adjust by growth stage. It uses a 2 L top tank and a 7 L bottom tank — most gardens need a refill every 2–3 weeks. Recyclable plant pods come in Plant Packs such as Leafy Mix and Herb Essentials (Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Parsley, Oregano and Cilantro). Harvest greens any time of day once they’re ready. For setup help, see the Plant Pack Instruction Sheet, the Growing Guide and our Getting Started guide.
Feeding Rescue and Education Animals
Greens grown in the Plantaform garden are already supporting several of CMA’s animals, including Vlad, a Russian tortoise who has been part of the Education Department since 2014.
Lindsay Roland, Director of Conservation Education at CMA, says:
"Vlad joue un rôle essentiel dans nos programmes éducatifs, en aidant à informer les visiteurs sur les différents types de tortues et sur la possession responsable d'un animal de compagnie. Il se nourrit de légumes verts, de carottes et de patates douces, et nous sommes ravis de pouvoir lui fournir de la laitue romaine de haute qualité, cultivée sur place."
As CMA explores expanding the use of this technology, a next step is on-site growing for larger marine animals such as manatees, which need large amounts of food each day.
La vision de l'avenir
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is no stranger to adapting and rebuilding. After two hurricanes in 2024, the team has been focused on strengthening sustainability initiatives alongside its rescue work.
Dr. James Powell, Chief Zoological Officer & Executive Director of CMA, said:
"La durabilité n'est pas seulement un objectif, c'est une nécessité. En incorporant des solutions agricoles de pointe comme la fogponique, nous pouvons créer un approvisionnement alimentaire autosuffisant pour nos animaux de sauvetage tout en réduisant notre empreinte écologique. Nous sommes très enthousiastes quant à l'avenir et aux possibilités qu'offre ce partenariat.
Plantaform and CMA are aligned in their dedication to conservation and practical innovation. Growing greens on-site can lessen reliance on outside food sources, cut waste and give animals fresher produce. This proof of concept is a first step toward a more sustainable food system for CMA’s animals.
Follow Clearwater Marine Aquarium
To follow CMA’s rescue and rehab work, visit:
Questions fréquemment posées
When was this Clearwater Marine Aquarium case study published?
February 4, 2025.
Is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium partnership still active?
Yes. Plantaform continues to partner with Clearwater Marine Aquarium. For current rescue programs and updates, visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
What is CMA growing in the garden?
CMA introduced a Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden as a proof of concept, growing fresh greens such as romaine lettuce for animals including Vlad the Russian tortoise.
Has CMA expanded growing for manatees?
Expanding on-site growing for larger marine animals such as manatees is one of the next steps being explored. For current programs, visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
How often do I refill a Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden?
Most gardens need a refill every 2–3 weeks. The top tank holds 2 L and the bottom tank holds 7 L.
Where can I get setup help?
Visit the Help Center for the FAQ and Growing Guide, or email support@plantaform.com.
Ready to Grow?
Inspired by this case study, or just getting started? We’d love to help you grow. Explore the Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden, pick your first Plant Packs, visit the Help Center, or reach us anytime at support@plantaform.com.
