TIMELINE (1995-1997) - R&D, INITIAL MARKETS

Meridian Aquatic Technology, LLC was formed in 1995 to develop and market patented technologies for shoreline and scour erosion abatement and control. The principal application was beachfront protection through the use of submerged breakwaters constructed from dense concentrations or clusters of highly durable, buoyant polymer strips (patents issued).

While completing development work on a beach protection project, Meridian discovered that its product designs and configurations tended to attract and sustain large populations of aquatic species, both marine and fresh water. As the very significant profit potential for a wide range of commercial applications became evident, the company redirected its focus to the design, testing and marketing of its AquaMats^® product line for these specific market segments.

TIMELINE (1997-2001) - DIVERSIFICATION

By mid-1997, Meridian began initial trials of AquaMats^® on a variety of finfish, shellfish, and crustacean/shrimp species to confirm the effectiveness of the product and begin defining commercial markets. In early 1998, the Company’s manufacturing plant began producing AquaMats^® for the aquacultural industry.  Meridian had conducted extensive trials of AquaMats^® products to test their effectiveness in a wide variety of applications and define commercial markets for their use. Trials have been conducted at noted public and private institutions and facilities under the direction of respected marine biologists and technical experts, including Waddell Mariculture Center, and The Oceanic Institute, both of which are among the most prestigious research centers for aquaculture in the United States . Sales, largely to shrimp farm aquaculture rose significantly during this time period while simultaneously giving rise to still more AquaMats^® products specifically tailored to other types of aquatic environments such as lakes and ponds. In addition to its aquaculture line, these additional products, introduced in mid-1999 and 2000, served to carry the Company’s marketing efforts forward for the next several years.

TIMELINE (2001-TODAY) - REFINEMENT & FOCUS

Today, Meridian’s years of research, development and commercial success has lead to (1) a series of US patents that are all concentrated in aquatic biotechnology and (2) clear identification and quantification of the value of its high surface area polymer products in biological conversion of organic and inorganic compounds. These applications include basic wastewater treatment processes as well as more specialized wastewater treatment to remove certain metals such as copper, zinc and soluble uranium.

Independent field results from these efforts have demonstrated that AquaMats^® technology substantially improves the removal of key measured direct sources of pollution in wastewater including ammonia, suspended solids and phosphorus and also increases removal rates for less direct measures of pollutant load such as biological oxygen demand (“BOD”) and chemical oxygen demand.

In addition to its long history as a manufacturer, Meridian personnel also provide expert technical support to end user customers and distributors of AquaMats^® products. Services include, as appropriate, economic analyses and projections; installation, performance and maintenance instruction; recommendations for optimal layout and use; troubleshooting; and marketing and sales technical assistance and follow up. Assistance is also given to research scientists involved in a number of ongoing biologic and applications studies and testing.

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Timeline (1995-1997)

Timeline (1997-2001)

Timeline (2001-Today)