Future of Recirculating Systems in the U.S. Aquaculture Industry

摘要

Recirculating systems consist of a culture unit, a recirculating pump, and atreatment block which facilitate extended re-use of water in the rearing of aquatic animals. As water re-use is extended from a few hours to months or even years, the complexity of the treatment block increases. Classified as either 'open' with greater than 10 percent water replacement per day or 'closed' with less than 10 percent daily replacement, most recirculating systems include aerators, clarifiers, and biofilters as key core elements. The aquaculture industry is increasingly facing a variety of socio-economic issues which will dramatically influence its future development. These problems range from increased competition for water rights through price depression and foreign imports to predation by protected migratory birds. As water-use, environmental, and conservation conflicts grow, the cost differences between the flow-through and closed production technologies will narrow, increasing the industry's use of recirculating systems.