Water recirculating aquaculture systems and the future for land-based, closed-containment salmon production

Authors: GOOD, CHRISTOPHER - Freshwater Institute

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2020
Publication Date: 10/27/2020
Citation: Good, C. 2020. Chapter 29: Water recirculating aquaculture systems and the future for land-based, closed-containment salmon production. In: Goldberg, A.M., Wychgram, C., editors. Feeding the World Well: A Framework for Ethical Food Systems. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. p.317-328.

Interpretive Summary: There are numerous benefits to farming fish in land-based, closed containment water recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS), including increased rearing environment control, the ability to locate production sites close to major markets, the reduction in water usage, and the ability to more effectively capture wastes and avoid environmental pollution. RAS technologies are becoming increasingly adopted in the salmonid (salmon and trout) farming industry, and are considered a sustainable approach to industry expansion to meet growing global demand. This textbook chapter briefly describes RAS design and function, the benefits of producing fish using RAS technologies, and current challenges and areas requiring scientific research support.

Technical Abstract: Land-based, closed containment fish farming using water recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) technologies are becoming increasingly adopted in the salmon farming industry, and can be viewed as an environmentally sustainable approach to increase seafood production to meet its growing global demand. This chapter describes how RAS work, how they differ from traditional aquaculture methods, the numerous benefits of producing fish using this approach, and current challenges and areas requiring scientific research support.