FISH FARMING

TECHNOLOGY
SUPPLEMENT

Recirculation
aquaculture
systems

All go for
Aquaculture
Europe 2014!

Technical aquaculture
conference
- focus on the Mediterranean

SUPPLEMENT
 FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY
RAS
Recirculation aquaculture systems
R
ecirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) represent an
exciting, eco-friendly and unique way to farm fish. Instead
of the traditional method of growing fish outdoors in
open ponds, net cages or tanks, this system rears fish at
high densities within an operator controllable rearing environment
inside a building. Recirculation systems filter and clean the water for
recycling back through the fish culture tanks. New water is added
to the tanks only to make up for water loss due to splash out and
evaporation and to replace that used to flush out fish waste materials
to storage tanks.
RAS designs have several system process technologies, all of which
work together to ensure minimum loss of water, heat and of course
fish stocks, while constantly cleaning and re-using the fish tank water.
RAS farms can be designed to various levels of complexity, however
all true water recirculation designs involve the use of equipment to
remove and safely store wastes, clean and re-use water and maintain
rearing conditions at or near optimum for the species of fish being
raised.
In contrast, many older style tank farming systems that have been
used to grow fish are termed open or flow through systems pounds of fish per year.
002 | INTERNATIONAL AQUAFEED | Fish farming Technology
because the water makes only one pass through the tank and then
is discarded. Although several improvements can be added to older
designs to reduce water usage and create hybrid types of operations,
these are not exactly true water recirculation farms.
Benefits of Water Recirculation
Aquaculture System Designs
Fish farmed in any facility must be supplied with the correct
conditions necessary to remain healthy and grow with a good Feed
Conversion Rate (FCR). Fish need a continuous supply of clean water
at an appropriate temperature and dissolved oxygen content that is
optimum for good growth.
Water recirculation farms accomplish these tasks. A mechanical
and biological system is necessary to purify the water and remove
or detoxify harmful waste products and uneaten feed. The fish must
be fed a nutritionally complete feed on a daily basis to encourage
fast growth and high survival. With that in mind, it is now possible
to review the potential benefits of using a Recirculation Aquaculture
Systems.
Low water Requirements
Because RAS farms recycle most of their water, they consume
considerably less than other types of culture systems and are especially
well suited to areas with limited water supplies. The required quantity
of water needed to successfully grow fish varies with the species of
fish selected, size of the farm system, and the unit process equipment
design. As a general rule, a minimum water volume of one-five gallons
is needed for every pound of fish reared and minimum new water
flows of five-20 gallons per minute are needed to grow 50,000 - 75,000
A properly designed and operated recirculation system requires
a minimum daily input of water, just enough to clean the waste
from the filters and to replace water lost to evaporation. This
allows construction of fish farms in areas where ground water
is limited and even opens the possibility of an operation being
located in an urban area to use de-chlorinated municipal water.
Such a production facility could be located close to the market.
By comparison, a recirculation system which produces the same
number of pounds of fish as 1000 acres of ponds (about 4.8
million pounds of fish) would require only about 4000 gallons of
fresh water each day or 1.5 million gallons per year. However, to
fill 1000 acres of ponds averaging just 5 feet in depth, once only,
would require 1.6 billion gallons of water. That is just to fill the
ponds and does not include any water added to maintain levels or
freshen the ponds after the initial filling.
Less Land Requirements
Since fish in a recirculation system are reared in tanks, with oxygen
being supplied and their metabolic wastes removed by constant recir-
culation of water, fish can be safely stocked and grown in high densities.
Currently the goal, which designers are striving to attain, is 1 pound of
fish per gallon of water. However, many people consider 0.5 to 0.75
pounds of fish per gallon of tank water as being acceptable. In pond
aquaculture, the common maximum density is about 0.003 pounds
of fish per gallon of water. Therefore, a recirculation system can be
located in areas where large amounts of level land (to build ponds) are
not available. The low land requirement also permits the facility to be
located in areas where the soil cannot hold water or, again, in urban
areas, or housed in vacant farm or warehouse buildings converted to
fish farming.
Control of Water Temperature
The low water requirement of recirculation systems opens up
 FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY

the possibility of economically controlling temperature which, next
to the lower water amounts need, controlling water temperature
(and the resulting stock growth rates) is one the greatest benefits of
these systems. Control of water temperature allows the aquaculturist
to produce a fish species, which could not normally be raised in a
given geographic area. It also permits the water temperature to be
maintained at the optimum level to maximize food conversion and
provide optimum growth. Growth can also occur throughout the year,
maximising production and allowing rapid turnover of the product. In
theory, marketing of the product is also enhanced, since fish can be
supplied each week.
environment. By maintaining dissolved oxygen at optimum levels,
the fish have better food conversion and are less stressed, which
translates into greater disease resistance, less wasted feed and
faster stock growth.
In addition, the fish are isolated from potential environmental
contaminants such as off-flavor caused by algal blooms that can affect
cages and from any potential pollution resulting from soil run-off or
residual pesticides into the water that the fish are held in. This results in
a high quality product. In many cases where the fresh water is supplied
by wells, the likelihood of disease outbreaks are greatly reduced and
medications are not required.

Protection From The Elements Summary

and Potential Predators There are various designs for recirculation systems and most will
By rearing the fish indoors, the farmer is no longer limited by work effectively if they accomplish oxygen and aeration, removal of par-
weather conditions where a sudden cold spell can wipe out a years ticulate matter, biological filtration to remove waste ammonia and nitrite
production by killing the larval fish or disrupting the normal spawning of and buffering of water pH levels. These processes can be achieved by
the brood fish. In addition, pond and cage culturists can lose their crop using the simple units, that use combination filters which are often used
to low oxygen during the summer or winter and have greater difficulty in small farm systems. In the case of larger farms filtration will often be
controlling predators. Having the fish indoors also permits harvest at carried out using several interconnected components and unit processes.
times when heavy rain, snow or ice would stop the harvest of pond Land based fish farms that use RAS technologies are indeed an
fish or cage, creating a definite market advantage to the indoor farmer. alternative to pond and cage culture systems. As with any technology
Indoor RAS farms are designed to prevent stock escapement, meaning or any other business the operators must have the knowledge and
less potential for loss and mitigation of potential conflicts with regula- the inclination to manage the business and undertake the daily tasks
tions governing
Reed Mariculture, water
Inc. bodiesHatchery
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Shellfish Dietthe staff must A
| Design: care| for and manage
Version: 1 both the fish D
stocks and the systems. So having the best systems and no knowledge
International
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Quality| Size: Half Page | Dimensions: 190mm X 132mm
of good husbandry will not work. Knowledge is king and one should
With recirculation systems, the aquaculturist has the opportu- not attempt operating a farm without having the training and experi-
nity to control water quality, to the benefit of the live fish stock ence required. Water recirculation farms are also generally more costly
and to the final product sold in the supermarkets and to the to build and more complex to manage.

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Fish farming Technology | INTERNATIONAL AQUAFEED | 003

 FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY
RAS
technology overview
Pentair
DSF Series Drum Screen Filters: Rotary Micro Filters
In demanding aquaculture applications, drum screen filters have
proven to be highly efficient and reliable in removing solids from
volumes of water large and small. Pentair Aquatic Eco-Sytems is
product to offer our DSF Series line of drum screen filters, with a
wide range of models, sizes and micron ratings to meet the specific
needs of nearly any field application. Featuring a field-proven design
and the highest quality materials available, the DSF Series follow
the simple, robust and time-tested principles of drum screen screen
filter operation.
Water containing solids enters the rotary drum in the front of
the system. Water passes through the micro-mesh filter, which
filters out solids (for increased durability, stainless steel wedge-wire
filtration material is also available). As the filter mesh or wedge-wire
material becomes increasingly loaded with solids, the water level
within the drum increases to the point that it triggers the cleaning
process. As the drum starts to rotate, the spraybar nozzles scour
the filter mesh or wedge wire with high-pressure water, returning
the screen to its original permeability. This allows the internal water
level to drop and stop the cleaning process. Solids that are cleaned
from the water are collected in a trough and transported away from
the drum screen filter.
www.pentair.com/en/solutions/advanced-filtration-and-desalination
WATER proved
WATERproved develops, delivers and installs aquaculture systems
for all kinds of application.
Careful planning, precise calculation and simulation of the set up
make you safe money when it comes to energy efficiency and ease
of maintenance.
Selling state of the art technology, we develop all projects com-
pletely in house - from basic calculation to 3D model farm design.
We know what we are doing-all our staff have practical farming
background in recirculation and flow through systems.
We worked with Trouts, Chars, Salmons, Sturgeons, European
Perch, Pike Perch and Cyprinids.
WATER proved is working together with notable suppliers such
as Hydrotech, Lykkegaard and Ultra Aqua. All individually manu-
factured devices in plastic or steel are made in Germany and from
highest quality.
WATER proved will join Aquaculture Europe in San Sebastian
on booth No. 25. We consider the show an excellent place for
exchanging with international scientists, farmers and business part-
ners. There are already lots of meetings arranged with customers
during the exhibition. From the venue San Sebastian we hope to
get into contact with new customers from Europe and especially
France and Spain. Our French representative, Mr. Sylvain Delord
from Smart Aqua, will also join us during this show.
004 | INTERNATIONAL AQUAFEED | Fish farming Technology
Primzone Ozone
Research shows that water treatment with ozone increases produc-
tivity at RAS aquaculture systems.
Three reasons why ozone in aquaculture improves water quality
and increases aquaculture productivity.
As recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) operate by reusing
the fish tank water it is essential to control the water quality. Many
studies show that treating RAS systems with ozone increases pro-
ductivity as fish health and survival is increased.
At RAS the organic load tend to be high and the homogene-
ous fish stock leads to a high risk of infections and problems with
bacteria, fungi and viruses. Although ozone is not primarily used for
disinfection at RAS the reduction of solids and DOC often creates
an environment that is less favourable for bacterial growth and thus
creates a reduced need for disinfection.
1. Removal of colloidal solids with ozone micro flocculation
The organic load is a constant concern for RAS systems,
especially when the fish density is high and the water exchange
rate low. Ozone has the ability to cause clumping or micro
flocculation of fine and colloidal solids, which in turn facilitates
removal by filtration and sedimentation.
2. Removal of dissolved organic compounds
Ozone changes the characteristics of the dissolved organic
compounds (DOC) by oxidation and precipitation that makes
it easier to remove the DOC by bio filtration and sedimenta-
tion.
3. Turn lethal nitrite into harmless nitrate with ozone treatment
A high organic load is a favorable environment for nitrite
growth. When reducing the organic load with ozone treat-
ment the risk of nitrite growth is also reduced. Ozone also has
the ability to oxidize nitrite to nitrate.
Suffer with any of the above problems with water quality at your
RAS plant? Contact our Aquaculture Specialist Dan Johansson.
How Primozone can help you increase productivity with ozone
water treatment
Primozone offers unique solutions for water treatment of recir-
culating aquaculture. We offer ozone generators and ozone water
treatment systems that are especially designed for the aquaculture
market. The Primozone OM-series ozone generators have several
advantages that applies to aquaculture fish farming such as:
compact in size
built in redundancy
easy to operate
low life cycle cost
ozone levels automatically controlled by redox/orp values in
each tank
ozone distribution module that can distribute ozone to several
different tanks with individual ozone dosage
AquaBioTech - Filtration Systems
As a result of our own research and development work we have
developed some of the most advanced and cost effective filtration
solutions available on the market today. Filtration modules that can
process two 2000m3 / hour of water are available, as well as
custom-designed solutions that are specific for each client's require-
ments and budget.
www.aquabt.com/filtration-systems
 FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY

HydroTech
The highest levels of filtration efficiency
Water is filtered through the periphery of the drum and parti-
cles are carefully separated from the liquid through the special cell
structure of the filter panels. As solids build up on the filter cloth,
the automatic system starts rotating the drum and initiates the back-
wash. Solids are gently rinsed off the filter cloth and collected in the
waste trough and discharged. The filtration continues on clean filter
cloth during the backwash, thus allowing a continuous filtration pro-
cess. The unique design of our filter panels prevents fragmentation
through careful handling of the solids. This high filtration efficiency is
essential in optimizing water quality parameters.

Flexible, modular design

The modular design incorporates 5 different drum diameters ranging
from 0.5 m to 2.0 m with filter areas from 0.35 m2 for the HDF 501
to 22.5m2 for the HDF 2010. In total there are 20 different standard
drum filter sizes depending upon your requirements. We also work
with our knowledgeable clients by providing unique configurations
to meet specific needs.

Variable drive systems

The Hydrotech Drumfilter is available in two drive system versions:
direct drive and chain transmission. Direct drive: The direct drive
is used on the two smallest drum sizes with 0.5 and 0.8 m drum
diameter. Chain transmission: For larger units, a chain drive provides
optimum performance.
www.hydrotech.se/aquaculture

Faivre Drum Filters

The operating system is simple. The water to be filtered is directed
into a rotating drum. The outer surface of the drum is manufactured
with a number of stainless steel plates covered with stainless steel
(or Nylon) mesh plates. Suspended solids larger than the perfora-
tions are unable to pass through the mesh and thus, are retained
in the drum.
The slowly rotating drum separates the solids from the water
and discharges the solids through a discharge channel located at
the top of the drum as indicated on sketch.
FAIVRE filters are designed to resist to all corrosion, due to their
construction entirely of stainless steel type AISI 304L for fresh
water, and type AISI 316L for salt water.
All parts of the filter have been engineered and calibrated for
their specific duty.
FAIVRE drum filters are manufactured with less moving parts as
possible. The drum is driven by belts so as maintenance is reduced
to a minimum.
The efficiency of the design is contained within the construction
of the stainless filter plates that are integrated into a strong stain-
less steel framework. Replacement of filter plates is operated in a
few minutes due to the exclusive design. The filter plates are easily
cleaned and replaced on the drum.
FAIVRE offers a complete range of efficient filters, strongly made
and economic to operate.

Fish farming Technology | INTERNATIONAL AQUAFEED | 005

 FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY
Technical
aquaculture
conference
- Focus on the
Mediterranean
by Ruby Bircher
Tom Blacker from
International Aquafeed
Magazine attended the
recent conference entitled
Tendencies in Aquaculture
Value Chain. The full-day
conference took place at the
FutureFish Eurasia exhibition
in Izmir, Turkey, on Friday
6th June 2014. EuroFish
organised seven separate
talks with questions and
answers.
006 | INTERNATIONAL AQUAFEED | Fish farming Technology
E
uroFish, in association with Turkish
Food, Agriculture and Livestock
Ministry delivered an interesting
programme. International Aquafeed,
following the attendance of Tom Blacker
report from three talks given by presenters
at the conference.
At the welcome address it was highlighted
that aquaculture in Turkey has grown to world-
wide propor tions with Izmir at its centre.
Izmir acts as an important hub for the Turkish
aquaculture sector said Mr Carak from
the Turkish Food, Agriculture and Livestock
Ministry. Turkish aquaculture is growing rapidly,
partly because of consumer dietary demands
for animal protein and omega 3 as well as
Turkeys noticeably increasing population. It
is encouraging to see how dynamic aquacul-
ture is in this country, with huge trade flows
between Europe and Turkey. Equally, compet-
itors from emerging markets are growing as
well and internal factors relative to Turkey
are also creating new challenges. All industry
organisations, companies and par ticipants
must partake in aquaculture actively, share
experiences and ask questions.
Best Aquaculture practices:
BIOSAFETY- The new objective
of modern farming
by Dr Pierpaolo Patarnello
Veterinary Fish Pathologist
Dr Pierpaolo Patarnello, an early pioneer from
Mediterranean marine aquaculture who has
been in the industry for twenty years spoke.
He gave an informative presentation on how to
modernise fish farming, stating that, Aquaculture
cannot be reinvented as [in] the past. In order
to achieve this, a new approach must be found.
Following a holistic approach, the welfare of the
workers, the welfare of the animals, the protec-
tion of the environment and food safety are all
vital factors to be considered in reaching this
goal. By improving and regenerating the trade,
Dr Patarnello says that Turkey will be the leader
of aquaculture in the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean is a diverse ocean for
fish farming from west to east, with dedicated
industry sites spread throughout. However,
Turkey has to take more care than they are
currently doing with regards to environmental
impact. Currently, minority species fish are
being developed at the same level and in the
same way that bass and sea bream were in the
early 2000s. Choice of feed, water control and
sanitation must be bettered to see the industry,
as a whole, improve. Sanitary control, in par-
ticular, is critically importantpathology is just
the tip of the iceberg. Diseases easily develop
in water and, in the aquaculture industry it

is pivotal that they are stopped before mor-
tality rates in fish increase. The speed at which
technology is now allowing industries to work
at is saving both time and, resultantly, money.
Because of this, any technology used needs to
be ensured that it is clean and safe. systems such as the Ocean Spar sea station
Finishing remarks focused on the impor-
tance of the control at the production stage.
Using a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
is a good way to achieve this. In the 1990s,
skeletal deformities in fish were a problem
at the production stage. Practices around
improvements at this stage are so vital for
good quality products. Standards in produc-
tion can lead to standards in the end product,
such as certifying and tracing the route to
the consumer. Throughout the stages, Dr
Pierpaolo Patarnello said, feed choice is abso-
lutely essential for success.
On the whole, International Aquafeed
Magazine found the talk very topical and inter-
esting. It raised other wider ranging issues such
as how much longer is it expected to take
in order for Turkish aquaculture to develop?
There are currently 4 standards internation-
ally for fish and Turkey must follow one.
Technological Developments in
the Open Seas in Fish Farming
- by Darko Lisac of Refa Med Italy
Darko Lisac of Refa Med Italy has been
in aquaculture for thirty-five years. In 1977,
the first trials of marine cage farming in the
Mediterranean began, creating an early-stage
cage. This later developed into steel cages,
however, it was found that the strength of
the waves caused the metal to crack. Cages
with flexible structures fit for absorbing the
force of the waves and environmental condi-
tions were soon produced however, a new
challenge arose where, in the open seas, the
waves are even greater. Circular cages were
later manufactured to solve this problem as it
was found that it could withstand the severe
exposure.
New nets are also now being tested,
using high tenacity polyolefin (plastic) to
produce knotless nets. As Tom Blacker from
International Aquafeed saw at an earlier show
this year-Aquaculture UK, W&J Knox are just
one of the companies who manufacturer
these products. However in Turkey, these nets
are excellent in local conditions because of
the following reasons:
No water absorption
UV protection
The waxy surface reduces the amount
of fouling
Easy to clean in situ in which it is resist-
ant to abrasion
High tensile strength- the fibres are
woven together tightly
Mr. Lisac then moved on to talk about other
equipment such as grid mooring farms and
the challenges facing them: big storms, the
Fish farming Technology | INTERNATIONAL AQUAFEED | 007
domino effect (if one goes wrong so do the
others when the cages are adjoined)as well
as the existence submersible PE cage models,
Bonnar Engineering and Dunlop cages made of
submersible rubber material. Open Sea cage
(USA) and the Subflex system were discussed
also. The Refa Tension Leg Cage (TLC) was
mentioned. The TLC is another Open Sea
cage system that, during the build-up of waves,
can sink by itself, catching fish easily with very
little maintenance required.
Darko Lisac concluded that, Refa Med works
with farmers to overcome the environmental
and operational constraints in the open seas
and deliver functional technical solutions.
Health Management in Marine
Finfish Production
by Dr Pierpaolo Patarnello
Veterinary Fish Pathologist
This was the second presentation Dr
Patarnello gave at the conference in which
the concern for sanitation in fish farming was
addressed. To an extent there is always some
biological risk in intensive farming where infec-
tious, as well as environmental diseases can
manifest. Stress in cultured fish is also a major
problem that exposes them to disease due
to the metabolic stress condition to which
they are subjected. This refers to the uncom-
fortable habitat in which they live, including:
high density, intense feeding and a small envi-
ronment.
It is impor tant that disease in aquacul-
ture is controlled not only to save the fish
product itself but also the wild species. A
recurring problem of marine farmed fish
is that the cages often attract those from
the wild. The promise of food and shelter
encourages the wild fish to get into the
cages by slipping through available holes
and gaps. Any possible diseases carried by
these fish then infiltrate the water infecting
the surrounding farmed fish. Dr Patarnello
describes pathology as the alteration of one
or more physiological aspects in a living
organism which appreciably compromises its
biological functions until the extreme conse-
quences of death. Pathogens are exchanged
between the fish, spreading disease, and,
potentially, inciting an epidemic. However,
the risk is not only limited to fish- in some
cases, diseases are zoonotic, allowing them
to be passed to humans, putting the farmers
in danger of infection as well.
Several diseases that can develop were
mentioned, including:
Vibriosis-results in skin and visceral
haemorrhages. In some cases, strains
of the bacteria have appeared that are
resistant to drugs/chemicals used to
treat the disease.
Lymphocystis-it is found that this viral
disease commonly manifests when fish
FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY
are under stress. Small, white growths,
occasionally mistaken for Ich, appear
on the fishs skin, growing until the
fish eventually dies. While there is no
known cure, some recommend surgery
in serious situations.
Pseudotuberculosis- this is an example
of a zoonotic bacteria that is common
in South America. In fish, the disease
causes the spleen, liver and lymph nodes
to inflame as well as cells in tissues to
die.
Streptococcus-this disease, also zoonot-
ic, is prone to appearing in fish that
live in stressful conditions, resulting in
inflammation of the brain. Side effects
can include lethargy, dorsal rigidity, and
erratic swimming behaviour; death fol-
lows in a matter of days. One way
to control the infection is to decrease
the quantity of feed given to the fish;
some antibiotics have also been proven
successful.
As has been mentioned, there are some
ways to cure these diseases. But is there
a way to manage the risk so that the
fish dont become infected in the fir st
place?
Dr Patarnello reveals that control is the key.
It is important, he says, to always keep sanitary
conditions under control, to be vigilant and
willing to increase and adapt the conditions
as and when problems arise. Other advice,
regarding technical and strategic control,
was relayed to the audience. The applica-
tion of health monitoring programmes by
fish farm managers can help to assess which
best practices should be enacted. Prevention
was described as a proactive type of treat-
ment:
Increase the control over the manage-
ment level of farms
More attention to sanitary requirements
of new seeds
More attention to prophylactic stand-
ards for infectious diseases
More attention to the feeding and to the
growth of cultured species
The presentation concluded that the con-
tinuous environmental monitoring of fish
farms is vital in controlling the spread of
diseases. To do so requires specialized vet-
erinarians to carry out the surveillance as
well as making a routine of investigating the
fish, water and feed. Dr Patarnello finished
saying, According to 2006/88, all European
aquaculture companies must implement
Sanitary Surveillance programs, aimed not
only to control the epidemiological risk of
disease spread, but also to minimize the
use of disinfectants and chemotherapies
for a future production that is increasingly
healthy and safe for our fish, for our envi-
ronment, and for our children as future
consumers.