ANDHRA PRADESH 1ST RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEM (raS)

---

Farming of fish under controlled conditions is a growth industry striving to satisfy a growing market for food fish. It currently is one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture in the India. Farm-reared fresh fish is increasing in popularity and profitability. Pangasius, barramundi, tilapia, crap and other aquatic species are fast becoming the new “cash crops” Growing public demand for a healthy tasty and affordable food is stimulating the “boom” in this industry. The decline in wild fish populations as a result of overharvest and water pollution has promoted the culture of farm-fresh that are grown in contaminant-free waters in indoor tank systems.

Indoor Recirculation Aquaculture System is land-based fish farms, which allows all year round control and delivery of fish. Whether the facility will use fresh water, brackish or marine water, an R.A.S works on the same principles. The system can achieve optimal temperature and optimal and stable production all year round, independent of seasonal variation, location, climate and environment.

Recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) represent a new and unique way to farm fish. Instead of the traditional method of growing fish outdoors in open ponds and raceways, this system rears fish at high densities, in indoor tanks with a "controlled" environment. Recirculating systems filter and clean the water for recycling back through fish culture tanks. New water is added to the tanks only to make up for splash out and evaporation and for that used to flush out waste materials. In contrast, many raceway systems used to grow trout are termed "open" or "flow through" systems because all the water makes only one pass through the tank and then is discarded. Fish grown in RAS must be supplied with all the conditions necessary to remain healthy and grow. They need a continuous supply of clean water at a temperature and dissolved oxygen content that is optimum for growth. A filtering (bio filter) system is necessary to purify the water and remove or detoxify harmful waste products and uneaten feed. The fish must be fed a nutritionally-complete feed on a daily basis to encourage fast growth and high survival.