Land-based Aquaculture

 

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems and Flow Through

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are land-based aquaculture facilities that conserves water by circulating it though a filtration system so it can be used again. RAS facilities are deemed highly sustainable as they reduce the amount of water required (99% of water can be recycled) and space needed for the facility. RAS farming can be fully controlled and monitored, which presents several advantages as the facility is designed to meet the exact needs of species to be raised and the operating plan of the facility. Because the operator can control nearly every element within a RAS facility, they can be very efficient, with fish growing more quickly than in more traditional technologies. These facilities can be geared for freshwater or marine species and constructed to handle nearly any aquatic species. The water treatment systems provide flexibility so that water sourced from wells, municipal systems, ground water, rivers, streams or lakes can be used.

Flow through systems are also located on land and operate similar to RAS facilities, except they do not recycle the water as described above. Depending on the water source, the water would be treated entering the facility, used by the fish, and then treated again before re-entering the original water source. There are some differences in external and internal environmental compliances and technologies compared to RAS; however it is a reasonable option for consideration.