Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Abstract

The relatively new agribusiness of aquaculture is receiving considerable attention in both the public and private sectors as an enhancement to the diversification of agricultural and fishery economies in the United States. To date, most land-based production of species of major commercial importance, like catfish, hybrid striped bass, trout, tilapia, etc., has been in ponds, raceways, or estuarine impoundments. Traditional production practices of these and other species require large amounts of good quality water, a limited resource in many areas. In our modern world the condition of many water sources in some areas no longer favors these production practices. The decline of clean water has shifted focus to high-density aquaculture in water reuse and recirculating systems. While the technology for such systems is costly, high profit potential has captured the attention of new entrepreneurs and has made high density culture more attractive. Economic analyses of recirculating systems indicate that key operating parameters are: (1) System operation with minimal energy input; and (2) proper water purification (Kugelman and Van Gorder 1991). Aquaculture engineers are challenged to develop system designs that optimize these criteria.