Features Recirc
Researchers focus on fish feed and water treatment to optimize RAS

The multi-partner, international project focuses on water quality and on improving the effectiveness of water-cleaning or purification processes, specifically in RAS.

          Project organizers state this can be achieved by developing feed that is better adapted to the special conditions in these systems.

         The project titled “Feed and Treat” was made possible through a research program for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) funded by the European Union.

         “One of the aims of the project is to ensure optimal treatability of the fish excreta, by giving the fish special feed designed for the conditions specific to RAS,” says the project statement.

         “In addition, the existing mechanical and biological methods for treating the water will be adapted to the modified fish excreta from the new feed.”

         It’s hoped the project will lead to techniques and technologies that will reduce water and energy consumption.

         Additionally, the aquaculture unit of the Dutch research organization IMARES has been developing an experimental system in Yerseke, and the first salmon eggs there have already hatched.

         The project was budgeted and funded at close to 1.5 million Euros ($1,940,000 USD) and includes three aquaculture-related businesses: Danish system builder Inter Aqua Advance, the French ACUI-T company and the Norwegian aquaculture company Somna Settefisk.

         Other participants in addition to IMARES include: Wageningen University, collaborating as Wageningen Aquaculture; the Norwegian research institute Nofima; the Scottish salmon producer Lakeland Group; and the Danish feed producer Biomar.