IMARES makes use of recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). This technology allows culturing fish by minimizing the use of natural resources, such as water and energy. Due to implementation of water treatment technologies waste streams are concentrated and treated efficiently. This minimizes and contains the nutrient emissions of these systems.
Constant culture conditions (water temperature, flows, pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide) and good hygienic management make these systems one of our first choices in several experiments and for the Dutch aquaculture sector. At the moment these systems are implemented on a globally for various species. Traditionally African catfish, eel, trout, tarbot, sole, tilapia, barramundi are produced employing RAS. More and more hatcheries for sea bass, bream, salmon and other fish set-up RAS to reduce water, energy consumption and nutrient emission. IMARES is one the world leaders in this technology based on more than 20 years experience.
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Yellowtail kingfish, Seriola lalandi a fish that is thriving in a recirculation aquaculture system
The aquaculture industry is the fastest growing food producing sector in the world. Farming of food fish is increasing and professionalizing rapidly due to the increasing demand for food, whereas, catches from wild populations are decreasing. In addition, the accruing concern about sustainability and welfare in fish, is also driving innovation in aquaculture.
A type of aquaculture system is Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). RAS are land-based systems that involve reuse of culture water after internal purification.
The yellowtail kingfish is designated as a species with great potential for RAS in The Netherlands, due to the closed life cycle and high growth rates and market potential. Seriola species are cultured in countries like Australia, Japan, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa in sea cages on a large scale and are imported to The Netherlands.
The RAS facilities of IMARES in The Netherlands now hold the yellowtail kingfish in the frame of the projects For the Fork to Farm and Aquavlan, and investigate to optimize aquacultural husbandry conditions for this fish, with respect to growth and sustainability.
For further information: Wout.Abbink@wur.nl
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