Hey, good for your father!  I spent a year in the Sea of Cortez before making the milk run and ended up in the Philippines.  Had a blast, but needed to get back to work.  There were other variables at play, but here I am with my feet back on the ground.  

The system that I set up in the Solomans was basically a backyard flood and drain.  3000 liter tank, (used 1500) liters with approx. 10 kilos (20 lbs) of Blue Nile Tilapia. I kept the fish density low in order to control ammonia/nitrite fluctuations.  The area was so far removed and I knew I wouldn't be there for ever, so I wanted to keep it as manageable as possible for the existing staff. I built the grow beds with 1/2 inch ply and fiberglassed them.  I also used gravel as the media.  I think the next system I build will be a raft system.  The Soloman Island system ran on 12 volt solar and a 240 volt back up system off of the house generator.  I found a cool 12 volt timer on line and was able to get the fill/siphon to run on a 15/45 schedule. (15 min to fill, about 7 minutes to drain and then rest)  The 15/45 seemed to work best with the solar input.  Running the pump(s) too much was a larger power draw and bad for the pumps themselves.  I have some pics around here somewhere.  I'll post them as soon as I find them.  Just rambling now.  Let me know what you find out about the Long Beach thing.  Until then, keep in touch!  James.