The primary limiting factor in initiating the BBI is demonstrating a prototypical (mechanical) marine cultivation/refinement infrastructure. All other aspects of cultivation and refinement are well understood through long-term on-shore related operations.

 

The marine engineering criteria would use off-the-shelf components and standard marine engineering practices. The design criteria is found in the IMBECS Protocol Draft (see 'Section 7:  IMBECS Tank Farm/Biorefinery Design  Considerations').

 

As the BBI is fundamentally a 'mariculture' operation, there are no regulatory burdens at the mid-oceanic (oceanic commons) treaty levels. Working within the exclusive economic zone of a host nation will carry significant regulatory burdens until the overall environmental benefits of the operations are established. 

 

As this project cuts across a large number of key issues, such as water/food/feed/energy security, multiple avenues for start-up support is plausible. It is hoped that the award funds from this competition will provide for the construction and launch of a small prototypical littoral cultivation/processing tank farm. Other RD&D support means are being explored. 

 

Further, the BBI elects to use a new form of corporation structure known as a 'Benefit' Corporation. This form of organization allows for equity investment in what is fundamentally a social benefit operation.