Posted: Wednesday 27 May 2009
Performance of marine fish larvae in recirculation systems
The microbial environment is recognised as a major factor influencing survival of marine fish larvae in intensive culture systems. A Seafish-funded project, underway at MERL, is examining the pros and cons of using recirculation for rearing larval cod, particularly in relation to the reduction of organic nutrients and bacterial levels.
A small scale recirculation system incorporating fluidised sand filtration, biofiltration and foam fractionation, together with ozone and UV treatment, and temperature control, has been developed to supply experimental scale larval rearing tanks. Matching tanks are supplied in flow-through mode. An economic assessment of the value of recirculation systems has been completed and a comparative study of water quality, fish survival and growth performance is now underway..
Further information from Dr Bill Roy w.j.roy@stir.ac.uk