Production Programs
A key attribute for a successful aquaculture facility is a well planned and manageable production program. ABC can provide the level of detail you require in order to make good decisions regarding your production capabilities. We can also assess multi-cohort rearing strategies for your facility based on flow potential. Due to our extensive experience in practical fish culture, we can provide recommendations to help make your facility manageable.
Expertise
Experts in Fish Culture Systems
Aquaculture Bioengineering Corp can provide expertise in nearly all aspects of fish production. Whether your system involves pond (intensive or recreational), flow-through, RAS, net pen or cage production ABC will meet your needs. Our expertise includes areas such as:
Source Water Treatment
Bio-programming
Production potential
Conceptual design
Design review
Feasibility studies
Engineering design
Environmental assessment
Effluent treatment systems
Regulatory requirements
RBC Recirculating Aquaculture System; courtesy of Steven VanGorder
Source Water Treatment
Use of ground and surface waters for aquaculture most often require some level of treatment prior to exposing the water to the fish. Examples include aeration, oxygenation, degassing (e.g.
N2 and CO2), iron and hardness reduction, filtration and disinfection. ABC can help you determine the amount of source water treatment required for your facility and provide design requirements based on flow projections.
Facility Design
One of the main challenges in facility design is developing a process by which a person's goal can be assessed based on realistic expectations. Taking an initial idea, building it into a design concept, expanding this into a conceptual design and examining the feasibility of the project provides a building and adaptive process by which the likelihood of success can be reasonably determined. ABC consultants are experts in the type of design process required of aquaculture businesses. We are also available to assess whether existing designs are capable of meeting your expectations.
Effluent Systems and BMPs
In intensive aquaculture, feed is the sole source of all waste components generated. This waste consists of two major groups, the dissolved metabolic products and the solids portion consisting of feces, uneaten food and heterotrophs. ABC consultants are experts at quantifying nutrient output from your facility based on anticipated production rates, feeding programs and flow rates. We can also recommend appropriate effluent treatment system design and best management practices (BMPs) for you to achieve your program goals. The future of your facility depends on your ability to be environmentally sustainable.
Regulatory Issues
Global consumption of aquaculture products is projected to increase by nearly 400% by the year 2050. However, the seafood deficit in the US is $8 billion and growing. This is, in large part, due to strict environmental controls in many US states. In addition, interstate transport regulations for live fish products have been becoming increasingly complex and restrictive. ABC can help you identify important regulations that could effect your production plans and work with state and federal agencies to obtain necessary authorization and permits.
