Intelligent fish farm—the future of aquaculture

Aquaculture International - With the continuous expansion of aquaculture scale and density, contemporary aquaculture methods have been forced to overproduce resulting in the accelerated imbalance...     

A discussion of the use of the sustainability index: ‘ecological footprint’ for aquaculture production

This paper critically reviews the theoretical and practical implications of adopting the original ‘ecological footprint’ concept as an index of the sustainability of aquaculture production systems. It is argued that the concept may provide a reasonable visioning tool to demonstrate natural resource dependence of human activities to politicians and the public at large. However, due to its inherent weaknesses, the ‘ecological footprint’ fails to provide a cohesive analytical tool for management. From an ecological perspective, its two-dimensional interpretation of complex ecologically and economically interacting systems is one major weakness. From an economic perspective, the ‘footprint’ fails to recognise factors such as consumer preferences and property rights which have a major influence on the allocation and sustainable use of resources. The interactions among social, ecological and economic factors are discussed in an attempt to foster a broader inter-disciplinary view of criteria required for a sustainable use of aquatic resources.     

The financial feasibility of small‐scale grouper aquaculture in the Philippines

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an economic analysis of the aquaculture of two species of grouper E. coloides (orange‐spotted grouper, green grouper, red‐spotted grouper) and E. malabaricus (malabar grouper, black‐spotted grouper) for small producers in the Philippines. The findings of the analysis indicate that, based on the assumptions, grouper culture is financially feasible. However, the capital requirements for the broodstock, hatchery/nursery, and integrated system may be beyond the financial means of many small producers. These stages of grouper culture may need to be developed as a larger project by private investors or government. The capital investment requirement for grow‐out (not including purchase of transport boxes) is within the financial means of small producers. Loans or other incentives will need to be made available for the small producer, but the cash flow indicates that these loans can be repaid in the first year of production.     

Effect of oxidation–reduction potential on performance of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in recirculating aquaculture systems

The direct impact of oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) on fish welfare and water quality in marine recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) is poorly documented. In this study, the effects of the fish size (S₁, S₂, S₃) and ORP level (normal, four successive levels) on the performance of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were investigated. Three size fish were distributed into two RAS (RAS and RAS O₃). Ozone was injected into RAS O₃ to increase the ORP level. The ORP was stabilized to four successive levels: 260–300, 300–320, 320–350, and 300–320 mV in fish tanks during four periods (P_1–4). At the last day of each period, the hematological parameters, plasma protein and mortality of sea bass were analyzed. Two-way ANOVA revealed that several hematological parameters, including pH, hematocrit, concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose (Glu), ionized calcium, kalium, and hemoglobin, were significantly influenced by the increased ORP levels over the experimental period. The alteration in blood Glu and plasma protein concentration showed that ORP around 300–320 mV started to stress sea bass. Once the ORP exceeded 320 mV in the tanks during the P₃ period, mortality occurred even when total residual oxidants/ozone-produced oxidants was only 0.03–0.05 mg L^?1 in the fish tanks. At the same time, plasma protein decreased notably due to appetite depression. After the decrease in ORP during the P₄ period, mortality continued. In conclusion, the results strongly suggest that for European sea bass in RAS, the ORP should not exceed 320 mV in the tanks. Once ozonation damaged fish, the effect seemed to be irreversible. However, how ORP affected related hematological parameters still need the further investigations.     

A long‐term approach to aquaculture development: Bahrain

Abstract

Bahrain, located in the Arabian Gulf, is composed of low‐lying islands made up primarily of sand covering limestone bedrock. The climate is extreme with seawater temperatures ranging between 8 and 38 °C. Seawater salinity ranges from about 40–60 p.p.t. Freshwater resources are limited with about half the freshwater consumed coming from desalinization plants. Total fish landings have increased over time with some fluctuations. Per caput consumption has dropped from a high of 27.2 kg/caput (1985) to 12.6 kg/caput (1997). Landings for certain preferred species have declined dramatically over the last 10 years. For example, total grouper landings have declined about 70% in 10 years. This has resulted in increased prices at the local market. Bahrain has no history or tradition of aquaculture. In 19 79, FAO conducted an initial assessment of aquaculture in Bahrain. This led to construction of basic laboratory facilities and some baseline aquaculture experiments. A second phase was started in the early 1990s that included establishing the National Mariculture Center (NaMaC). Initial work at NaMaC concentrated on small‐scale culture trials of orange‐spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides, pearl‐spotted rabbitfish, Siganus canaliculatus and yellow‐finned black seabream, Acanthopagrus latus. Recently, NaMaC has been successful in mass culture of the sobaity bream, Sparidentex hasta. The initial 1979 FAO study recommended an economic assessment of aquaculture in Bahrain. An initial financial assessment was finally completed in 1994. At that time, hatchery and grow‐out production was not financially feasible. A subsequent grouper grow‐out production study indicated that if seed supplies could be assured, grow‐out operations might be financially feasible. Additional economic studies have been completed on feed and cage suppliers. In addition, local market surveys indicated good consumer acceptance of aquaculture products. Aquaculture management in Bahrain is under the Directorate of Fisheries. The goal of mariculture development in Bahrain is the establishment of a commercially viable private sector industry. This has yet to be achieved. Regulations for such an industry have been drafted, but have not yet been formalized. Bahrain has taken a long‐term perspective to aquaculture development. It has set up infrastructure and is developing technology to support commercial aquaculture. However, financial constraints have limited, but not stopped progress towards development of a commercially viable industry. As the economic conditions and the fisheries change, feasibility of such an industry should continue to improve.     

Water delivery capacity of a vacuum airlift – Application to water recycling in aquaculture systems

A study was undertaken to measure the water flow (Q_w) delivered by a vacuum airlift designed for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in fresh (<1‰ of salinity) and sea water (35‰ of salinity). The vacuum airlift consists of two concentric tubes connected at their top to a depression chamber. The water rises in the inner tube as a result of air being injected in its lower section and flows back through the external downcomer tube. The vacuum airlift was adjusted at three different lengths: 2, 4 or 6 m and water discharge could be lifted from 0 to 30 cm. Air flow rate (Q_g) varied from 0 to 80 L min⁻¹. Different types of air injectors were tested, delivering different bubble sizes (0.1–5 mm) depending on porosity and functioning at low or high injection pressure. Results show an increase in water flow when pipe length and air flow were increased and lift height reduced. Water flow also depended on the type of water and ranged from 0 to 35 m³ h⁻¹ (0–580 L min⁻¹) for fresh water and only from 0 to 20 m³ h⁻¹ (0–330 L min⁻¹) for sea water (for a 6 m high vacuum airlift). This difference was attributed to the smaller bubble diameter and higher gas holdup (ɛ_g) observed in sea water (0–20%) compared to fresh water (0–10%). When bubbles were present in the downcomer tube, they created a resistance to flow (counter-current airlift) that slowed down liquid velocity and thus water flow. Increasing the vacuum made it possible to use low air injection pressures and high injection depths. Vacuum also increased bubble size and airflow (20 L min⁻¹ at atmospheric pressure to 60 L min⁻¹ at 0.3 barA) and thus water flow rates. With RAS, the presence of fish feed in water rapidly increased water flow delivered by the airlift because of changes of water quality and gas holdup. When working with low head RAS (under 0.3 m), vacuum airlift could save up to 50% of the energy required for centrifugal pumps. An empirical predictive model was developed and calibrated. Simulation shows a good correlation between predicted values and measurements (R² = 0.96).     

An assessment of alternative strategies for the integration of pond aquaculture into the small‐scale farming system of North‐east Thailand

Abstract

This paper uses a linear programming model to examine the economic viability of four fish production strategies in the context of rainfed farming systems in the north‐eastern region of Thailand. The four systems are rice bran feeding system, pond fertilization using buffalo manure, fish production recommendations developed by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Recommendations and an integrated duck/fish production system. These systems have been introduced into North‐eastern Thailand where the main obstacles to fish production are the lack of indigenous knowledge offish culture and a shortage of water. While technical feasibility studies are needed to evaluate the practical viability of aquaculture technologies, economic assessment is required to assess their commercial viability. The objective of this paper is to examine whether or not these fish production systems can contribute to, and integrate with, the prevailing farm system in the North‐east of Thailand. The linear programming model is used to determine the optimum on farm product mix that maximizes net returns under each of the four production systems. Among different resources, labour requirement in the fish‐stocking month appeared to be the first binding resource, while capital requirement was not a constraint for an average farming household of the region. A sensitivity analysis is presented to show how each of the fish production systems operates with different levels of pond size, labour and capital availability. The results of the study show that these aquaculture systems are economically attractive and can contribute significantly to the livelihood of the small‐scale farmers of North‐east Thailand.     

Economic feasibility of introducing pulsed‐flow aquaculture into the irrigation system of cotton farms in Arizona

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the economic feasibility of introducing fish culture into irrigated cotton production on farms in central Arizona. Water as a production variable was calculated only for the additional quantity required to keep water in the ditches during the growing season for fish. Raising tilapia in pulsed‐flow culture systems on Arizona cotton farms is economically feasible. Production function estimates indicate that profits can be increased through additional use of feed. At any ditch capacity, a density of six fish/m³ provided the optimal economic results, as the value of marginal product (VMP) equalled the price of fingerlings stocked/m³. This optimum fish production scenario would increase the net income for a typical irrigated cotton farm by 7 per cent. Increasing the initial size of the fingerlings improved the percentage of fish reaching marketable size and perhaps will increase economic returns, a question to be studied by future research.     

The effects of bioturbation by the Venus clam Cyclina sinensis on the fluxes of nutrients across the sediment–water interface in aquaculture ponds

A mesocosm experiment was conducted to study the effects of bioturbation by the marine bivalve Cyclina sinensis in an aquatic system and to examine how the bioactivities of this clam alter the rate at which nutrients are exchanged across the sediment–water interface. A dark incubation experiment was performed to determine the fluxes of inorganic nutrients (NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^? + NO₂ ^? and PO₄ ^3?), benthic chlorophyll a (Chl a), organic matter and sediment oxygen consumption (SOC) on days 1, 10, 20 and 30. C. sinensis destroyed the initial sediment surface and partially enhanced oxygen penetration into the sediment. The clam also increased the water content and volume of the oxic sediment. The analysis showed that increases in the clam density and time period produced higher fluxes of all the nutrients (NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^? + NO₂ ^? and PO₄ ^3?) in the bioturbated chambers compared with the control (non-bioturbated chambers). The concentration of Chl a in the sediment increased significantly at the end of the experiment (day 30) (p < 0.05). The SOC rate increased significantly with the increase in density and with the time period from day 10 to day 30 (p < 0.05). As a result, the fluxes of nutrients increased with increased SOC, producing oxygen-induced sediment mineralization. Our findings suggest that the activities of the clams could positively influence SOC and cause an increase in the fluxes of inorganic nutrients. These effects may substantially improve the primary productivity and water quality of earthen pond ecosystems.     

The solution to pollution? The value and limitations of environmental economics in guiding aquaculture development

Abstract

The notable increase of aquaculture production in recent decades has in many instances been matched by growing concern for its impacts. Environmentalists, consumers and members of the general public are increasingly demanding to account for its resource use and to balance its proposed benefits with its environmental sustainability. Although conventional financial and economic analyses have demonstrated a broadly positive impact for many forms of aquaculture, including the more intensive resource‐demanding systems, the use of economic tools embracing wider measurements of social and environmental costs and benefits might provide different and possibly more critical perspectives. However, although these techniques hold promise for such analyses, their development and application in sectors such as aquaculture are as yet limited. This paper reviews the relevant issues, considers the tools and applications of environmental economics and proposes ways in which these may be more effectively be applied in strategic and local decision‐making for aquaculture development.     

Modelling and simulation of rotary feed spreaders with application to sea cage aquaculture – A study of common and alternative designs

Rotary feed spreaders are extensively used in large scale fish aquaculture and are tasked with distributing pelletized feed in a spatially uniform manner over the water surface. Questions have been raised with respect to the performance of classical spreader designs regarding the size and uniformity of the covered area as well as their inability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This study presents a robotic model of rotary spreaders with experimental validations. Classic rotary spreaders are simulated as well as two alternative designs in the form of a spreader releasing pellets at an optimal initial ballistic angle and a motorized version to increase throw length and provide a more spatially homogeneous surface feed distribution. The alternative designs both yielded improved surface coverage without the need of higher conveying airspeed which may lead to increased pellet attrition. In addition, the motorized design may be used to position pellets at a given location within the sea cage, such as into the wind and current so that pellets can reside inside the sea cage for a prolonged period of time. The presented model may be of interest to researchers and equipment manufacturers who desire to explore performance of a given spreader design.     

Identification of métiers of the Spanish set-longline fleet operating in non-Spanish European waters

The Spanish set-longline fleet operating in ICES Subareas VI, VII and Divisions VIIIabd is composed of two fleet segments distinguished according to tonnage: vessels larger and shorter than 100 grt. Spanish regulations allow Spanish-registered longliners fishing in European waters to prosecute three different types of fisheries, namely targeting hake, targeting non-TAC species and targeting deepwater species. Due to the fact that the type of license is not registered in logbooks, together with the recent changes in the regulation of fishing on some non-TAC and deepwater species, conducting multivariate analyses of landing profiles at species level becomes the most appropriate way to identify fisheries and métiers. A 3-step approach was used, consisting of clustering of landings profiles (2004–2006), interviews with skippers by group, and an exploration of the spatial–temporal patterns in both sources of information. The results obtained allowed us to identify eight fisheries. Of these, four fisheries were common to both fleet segment giving eight métiers: directed at hake, forkbeards, lings, and conger. Of the remaining four métiers, the mixed métier developed by vessels shorter than 100 grt occurred throughout the period studied, while the remaining three métiers showed discontinuous patterns and were directed at bluemouth, Atlantic pomfret, and deepwater sharks, respectively. The two first métiers appeared in 2006, while the last one was found to occur during 2004–2005 but disappeared in 2006. The obtained results allow us to match the Spanish fishing license system with the métiers classification used by the Common DCF (data collection framework) taking into account the current categorization of species in regulations.     

When aquaculture restores and replaces an overfished stock:Is the conservation of the Species assured? The case of the scallop Argopecten purpuratus in Northern Chile

The fishery for Argopecten purpuratus in northern Chile, whichcollapsed because of overfishing, has been replaced by aquaculture of thespecies. In 1998, cultures produced 16,474 t, while the highest landings recorded inthe entire history of the fishery was in 1984 (one year after the 1983 ElNiño) with 5275 t. The figures for stock size of the species in the pastand at present, show that the wild stock of scallops today represents notmore than 10–15% of the total stock of the species within Chile, with mostof the individuals being kept in sea farms. Thus it is concluded that thescallop already represents a domestic species and, considering theoccurrence and development of selection practices in sea farms,biodiversity within the species appears to be at risk. With the developmentof culture practices over its entire range, there is little use in trying torecover a wild fishery for this scallop. It is urgent, however, that selectednatural beds be protected in order to preserve genetic diversity.     

Fisheries or aquaculture? Unravelling key determinants of livelihoods in the Brazilian semi‐arid region

In impoverished semi‐arid regions in the world, reservoirs serve multiple purposes, including food provision through fisheries and aquaculture. Yet, the socio‐economic benefits of promoting both activities remain unclear. We independently assessed the socio‐economic benefits generated from fisheries and aquaculture, in two reservoirs in the Brazilian semi‐arid region (June 2013 to June 2014). These reservoirs produced 27.75 ton of farmed tilapia over a year (USD Purchasing Power Parities [PPP] 88,778.73) and provided at least 16.5 ton of fish through fisheries (USD PPP 37,557.81), based on data from four farmer associations. Our input–output model revealed that the local economy depends on both activities, which, therefore, contribute similarly to providing goods and services to different branches. Aquaculture generated much higher revenues (seven times) than fisheries, but also much higher losses (the most successful farm yielded an average income of USD PPP 592.41 monthly). Still, there were no statistical differences in income among the compared associations. Fisheries provided very but guaranteed income (USD PPP 311.02 ± 82.94) and employed over three times as many people and contributed much more (>3 times) to food security than aquaculture. Encouraging aquaculture through specific policies while overlooking fisheries is not advisable because poor fishers would not be able to deal with unpredictable outcomes and it would put their food security at risk. However, if initial external support is provided to fishers in order to buffer large losses, aquaculture could represent a way out of poverty by generating an opportunity for larger gains, as long as potential negative ecological impacts of aquaculture are accounted for.     

Is Pseudanodonta complanata the most vulnerable of widespread European species of unionids? An intense stress test leading to a massive die‐off

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Enteroendocrine profile of α-transducin immunoreactive cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

In vertebrates, chemosensitivity of nutrients occurs through the activation of taste receptors coupled with G-protein subunits, including α-transducin (G_αtran) and α-gustducin (G_αgust). This study was aimed at characterising the cells expressing G_αtran immunoreactivity throughout the mucosa of the sea bass gastrointestinal tract. G_αtran immunoreactive cells were mainly found in the stomach, and a lower number of immunopositive cells were detected in the intestine. Some G_αtran immunoreactive cells in the stomach contained G_αgust immunoreactivity. Gastric G_αtran immunoreactive cells co-expressed ghrelin, obestatin and 5-hydroxytryptamine immunoreactivity. In contrast, G_αtran immunopositive cells did not contain somatostatin, gastrin/cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide-1, substance P or calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity in any investigated segments of the sea bass gastrointestinal tract. Specificity of G_αtran and G_αgust antisera was determined by Western blot analysis, which identified two bands at the theoretical molecular weight of ~45 and ~40 kDa, respectively, in sea bass gut tissue as well as in positive tissue, and by immunoblocking with the respective peptide, which prevented immunostaining. The results of the present study provide a molecular and morphological basis for a role of taste-related molecules in chemosensing in the sea bass gastrointestinal tract.     

DNA‐analysis to monitor fisheries and aquaculture: Too costly?

Evidence from DNA‐analysis is commonplace in human criminal investigations, and while it is increasingly being used in wildlife crime, to date, its application to control and enforcement activities in fisheries and aquaculture has only been sporadic. Contemporary DNA‐analysis tools are capable of addressing a broad range of compliance issues, species identification, mislabelling of fish products, determining the origin of catches and the farm of origin of aquaculture escapees. Such applications have the potential to ensure traceability along the fish product supply chain and to combat consumer fraud and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing. Nevertheless, DNA‐analysis is not yet used routinely in investigations into compliance with fisheries and aquaculture legislation. One potential reason for this is that DNA‐analysis techniques may have been regarded as too expensive. However, costs have plummeted over the past decade prompting us to objectively assess whether the costs associated with routine use of DNA‐analysis techniques for fisheries and aquaculture control and enforcement activities do constitute an impediment. Based on a number of recent fisheries and aquaculture compliance investigations that incorporated DNA‐analysis, our results indicate that the use of genetic analysis was justified and worthwhile in all cases examined. We therefore conclude that the costs associated with DNA‐analysis do not represent a barrier to the routine adoption of DNA‐analysis techniques in fisheries and aquaculture compliance investigations. Thus, control and enforcement agencies should be encouraged to use such techniques routinely.     

Are restricted periods of over-stocking of recirculating aquaculture systems advisable? A simulation study

Fish stocking is an important element of aquaculture management. A constant stocking rate is a convenient strategy in intensive aquaculture, being also the best under steady physical and economic conditions. If, however, these conditions vary with time, the best stocking rate may also vary. This problem has been addressed in a previous paper, where water temperature, fish price and/or market demand were allowed to vary sinusoidally over the annual cycle, while a constant upper limit on the water-treatment capacity constrained the process. Considering only situations where feeding is always to satiation, sinusoidal stocking rates were shown to perform often significantly better than the best constant stocking-rate strategy.In this paper a further step is taken in that over-stocking (more than hitherto) for certain periods of time is allowed. This leads to restricted feeding at a later time (to avoid overload of the water-treatment system) and to some loss of feeding efficiency. Often, however, the loss in feeding efficiency is more than compensated for by better utilization of the rearing space.Optimal constant and sinusoidal over-stocking strategies were applied to eight sample combinations of sinusoidal temperature and market conditions. Restricted over-stocking often resulted in a considerable improvement of economic performance over the previous results. The potential for increase of yield and profit by over-stocking depends on the amount of under-utilization of the rearing space by the previous solution, namely when only feeding to satiation is allowed. On average (for the system under consideration) out of 10% of under-utilized space when feeding to satiation, 4.4% (almost half) can be recovered by properly applied over-stocking. Expressed in terms of feed processing capability, this 4.4% recovery is equivalent to about 16 kg[feed]/(m³[tank]y), and to an additional production of about 6.6 kg[fish]/(m³[tank]y). The gain in profit is of the order of 25 $/(m³[tank]y) per 10% of previously unutilized capacity.     

Can patch size and patch distance improve the recolonization of mussel‐seed beds exploited for aquaculture?

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Biofloc technology: an eco-friendly “green approach” to boost up aquaculture production

The rapid intensification of the aquaculture system has led to several environmental impacts involving water quality deterioration, pollution, and disease outbreaks. Consequently, an eco-friendly technique is inevitable that could ensure better production with less impact on the environment by minimizing the effluent discharge from aquaculture practice. Biofloc technology is such a kind breakthrough that would be easy to perform; operation and establishment procedure is quite simple at a relatively low cost that would be convenient to fish farmers. It can serve as a perfect solution for aquaculture species through improving its all characteristics such as substantial biomass density, survival, and disease resistance ability to the pathogen by an immunostimulatory effect of microbial floc on the immune system that would assure the biosecurity and sustainability of this extraordinary technique.