Aquaculture and Fisheries

Aquaculture Innovations & Designs

Innovation Trends – Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Seaweed RAS facilities address several environmental challenges by fully separating farmed fish from the larger ecosystem, eliminating environmental degradation and threats to wild stock. The highly controlled atmosphere of RAS allows for close monitoring and treatment of health issues as well as higher stock densities. Additionally, RAS facilities introduce location flexibility to the aquaculture industry, a key sustainability factor. RAS facilities can provide fresh seafood to regions with limited or no natural access, improving food security and reducing transport-related carbon emissions. RAS innovators are developing AI and software solutions for the optimization and automation of RAS managementturnkey systems design (AquaMaof, Israel), and fully integrated genetics, breeding, and cultivation of high-value species (The Kingfish Company, Netherlands). Looking forward we expect to see innovators addressing the energy-intensity of current RAS facilities, efficient water use, adaptation of facilities to suit new species, as well as multitrophic systems.