[gurps] Farming without dry land

[Nigel Mccarty-Eigenmann]

> What are humans on a water world going to eat?
> 
> * One option would be to eat fish, kelp and all
>   that. Not exactly exciting, and it comes from
>   the alien biosphere - does it include all
>   necessary nutrients and nothing harmful?

Coral harvesting.
Engineered flora grown in synthetic tubes to provide the necessary carbs &
proteins laid out on floating nets.  The way the Indians are repairing coral
reefs.  Just on an enlarged scale.  Robotic wardens to ensure no poaching by
aboriginal life - or simply mount them 3-4 m above sea floor level.  These
platforms could even be migratory to ensure the best of all conditions.

 
> * The next option is halfway traditional farming
>   on floating platforms. The published rules for
>   farm modules are for space stations, 50,000 cf
>   and 400,000 lbs. per person. Doing it in open
>   air should be easier, but how much?

Pass.  Much easier I'd think - were you thinking that they would have no
external input?  No krill or seabed glop for fertiliser?

> * Finally, total life support provides food as
>   well as air. It is available from TL7 up, at
>   200 cf and 2,000 lbs. per person or less. The
>   rules don't really say if that is algae glop
>   or truly edible food, but I guess the quality
>   depends on the TL.

Back in the day Gibson suggested algae fed on by shrimp fed on by catfish as
a food system in an arcology.

And there is always slab meat :) or fish.  If you have advanced medicine you
probably can clone tissue.  If you can grow cloned flesh, why not meat?

McE