Innovative Aquaculture Technologies
January 7th, 2008 by andrewThe purpose of this page is to provide a collection point for innovative aquaculture technologies capable of making a significant contribution towards achieving sustainable large scale aquaculture production. Please take the opportunity to make people aware of technologies that you are keen to see taken up by leaving a reply in the box at the base of this page.
Nutrition
Project focused on developing novel fish feeds, replacing fish oils with vegetable oils. The Project’s objectives included examining the effects of this change on fish metabolism, behaviour and marketability. Also investigated was the impact that the change in diet on the taste of the fish. Results showed that vegetable-oil-based feeds had minor effects on the organoleptic properties of fish in comparison to fish-oil-based feeds. The new feeds also appeared not to impact product quality and storage facilities were considered more important than dietary treatment. Further information about the project can be accessed here.
Finishing Diet
Project involved the development of finishing feeds and evaluation of their impact on growth performance and final product, initially at laboratory scale. The feed quality and the feeding strategies applied were assessed employing quality parameters such as visual appearance, slaughter quality, shelf life, cooking quality, sensorial and nutritional qualities. Verification trials were performed for sea bream and sole in earthen ponds, land-based cultured systems and cages. Two groups of different nutritional history and growth rates were treated with high energy (HE) and low energy (LE) diets. The crude fat was 7% lower in the finishing diet while the protein content was maintained in both diets. Laboratory and farm trials demonstrated that the sea bream growth performance was improved when fed with finishing feed compared to farm feed. More about this project is available here and here.
Nutrition
Project aims to identify the importance of calcium in the diet and other sources and to elucidate the link between this and another physiologically important mineral, phosphorus. Trials were conducted using the sea bream, a very common livestock and commercially important product in the fish farming industry. With low salinity and a calcium-deficient diet the sea bream have automatically limited access to calcium. Under these circumstances, the fish showed marked restriction in growth. More information about the project can be found here.
Consistent Quality Criteria
Project considered the color, shape, texture and odor of various parts of the fish (eyes, skin, gills, etc.) to a simple scale that varies from 0 to 2 (where 0 is the freshest). The various scores are added up and the total (the quality index) determines whether the fish is classified as excellent, good, acceptable or unacceptable quality. Using this Quality Index Method (QIM), the lower the score, the better. With respect to fish muscle analyses, the K1 value is a more appropriate indicator of freshness than the TVB-N value. Since the nutritional value of the fish is an important consideration, the amounts of the beneficial fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were also determined. Finally, since subjectivity plays an important role in the assessment of fish quality, a small (3-5 person) panel of experts should be created. Using these criteria, the fish farmers can quickly check the quality of their fish in a consistent fashion. More about the project is available here.
Plant Protein in Feed
Project focused on the introduction of plant protein sources in fish farm feeds, in an effort to minimise the use of fish meal. A key concern of was the effect of replacing fish meal with plant protein sources on the fish immune system. The rainbow trout and the gilthead sea bream, were chosen as the focus of the study. The analysis included partial and total replacement studies in both species. It was shown that plant proteins enhanced antioxidant defences in both fish species. Total replacement by plant proteins, however, resulted in unfavourable consequences. These effects included reduction in complement activity (affecting immune responses) and liver steatosis (build-up of fat in liver cells). Further studies showed growth impairment in rainbow trout fed solely on plant protein sources. More about the project is available here.
More?
If you are interested in identifying additional innovative aquaculture technologies please use the resources available here.
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January 8th, 2008 at 7:20 am
McRobert Aquaculture uses innovative aquaculture systems and solutions capable of producing high quality finfish in an environmentally sustainable manner. The cornerstone of everything that we do is in the fish handling, fish grading and waste removal. Minimising stress in fish stocks is the key to a long term, successful aquaculture business, producing a high quality product. Our core business objective is to be fish farmers, using our aquaculture systems and solutions. We are committed to a long term involvement in the industry through the construction of our own facilities and in joint venture with regional partners. Please visit our site http://www.mcrobert.com.au and review our approach to Recirculating Aquaculture Systems and Semi Intensive Floating Tank Systems (SIFTS). Our approach gives us an sustainable advantage in stocking densities and productivity that will see McRobert Aquaculture become the aquaculture partner of choice.
Ian McRobert
Managing Director
February 26th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Hi
I have looked at your website and the sifts system Looks very similar to a system design I have been working on for several years but never took beyond a basic design as the Salmon farming industry has relied on open cage systems which are cheap but have many problems. But now with enviromental, disease and parasite problems becoming a major concern throughout the industry. Your system may be able to solve some of the issues the industry has. There is also a canadian company working on a similar system. We have a huge customer list in Scotland and Norway some may be interesred in the system. Your Hatchery system may also be off interest over here as the Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (RSPCA) is becoming heavily involved in the Aquaculture industry here, so fish welfare is becoming increasing in importance.
Although we are a fish vaccination company, I have a much wider view of Aquaculture and am all for systems that are going to increase welfare.
I have worked in a huge number of Hatcheries so can see good and bad points in many systems.
Could you keep me informed on latest developments with the systems.
If you ever need some one to market the system in the Northern hemisphere I would also be interested.
February 26th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Philip, thanks for your comment. I will ensure that Ian McRobert is made aware of the points that you have raised. Would you be able to elaborate a little further on the many problems that you have observed in salmon industry cage systems. Anyone else that can elaborate on this issue would be most welcome to respond also.
Andrew
May 12th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Andrew, The main problems of the cage industry is waste removal, currently ending up on the sea/loch bed and transfer of disease, parasites. Probably the biggest problem faced by the salmon farming industry in Scotland and Norway is sea lice if the Mcrobert system could be scaled up to handle the sort of mass of fish grown in the salmon industry there would be no sea lice problem.
The other problem in open cage systems in fresh water is fungus, agin the system should improve the situation.
Phil
May 15th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Phillip, to assist us all to consider all the most pressing challenges to growing our aquaculture producton I have been assembling information on this page: Problems to Catalyze Aquaculture Innovation
I certainly agree that water cleanliness and aquaculture waste handling are amongst the most important initial issues that are roadblocks to upscaling production. There is a post about the broad scope of environmental challenges here
I agree that Ian McRobert’s SIFTS approach is a highly innovative solution. People can read more about SIFTS here. It is well worth the effort to visit Ian’s website since there are many other exceptionally creative technologies that Ian has defined which are also discussed on the site.
I will ask Ian to prepare a post for us on his SIFTS system.