Redox control and electrocoagulation technology in RAS - freshwater large smolt production
This study is to evaluate a novel technology for improved health welfare and growth of Atlantic salmon parr, smolts and post smolts in recirculating aquaculture systems. The study will deploy the technology that injects Hydrogas (ionically restructured water) into 2 RAS systems and 2 conventional control systems. Additionally 2 RAS systems will include a side straeming electrocoagulation technology designed to remove ammonia and a fourth set of 2 RAS systems will combine both teh hydroigas and electrocoagualtion technology.
The fish will grow normally and at a stocking density that is not going to cause any distress but the fish are expected to eat and behave normally. In other pilot trials overseas, the addition of hydrogas and use of electrocoagulation has been associated with reduced commercial mortality and improved growth, health and welfare. A previous test has shown that hydrogas significantly improves smolt and post-smolt welfare in brackish water conditions (FOTS approval 25761). However, teh effects of total freshwater large smolt production in Atlantic salmon has not been tested. The test will use a total of 1200 Atlantic salmon parr (30g - 150 fish per tank) and grow them for up to 5 months in freshwater, inducing smoltification for 4 weeks before on growing of post smolts in seawater to a weight of approximately 350g. This study is designed to test a technology that could potentially improve water quality, fish welfare and production in RAS aquaculture. The use of fish is unavoidable since this is the target of the technologyand improving production. The number of fish used is a minimum to ensure that stocking densities that approach commercial conditions.
The fish will grow normally and at a stocking density that is not going to cause any distress but the fish are expected to eat and behave normally. In other pilot trials overseas, the addition of hydrogas and use of electrocoagulation has been associated with reduced commercial mortality and improved growth, health and welfare. A previous test has shown that hydrogas significantly improves smolt and post-smolt welfare in brackish water conditions (FOTS approval 25761). However, teh effects of total freshwater large smolt production in Atlantic salmon has not been tested. The test will use a total of 1200 Atlantic salmon parr (30g - 150 fish per tank) and grow them for up to 5 months in freshwater, inducing smoltification for 4 weeks before on growing of post smolts in seawater to a weight of approximately 350g. This study is designed to test a technology that could potentially improve water quality, fish welfare and production in RAS aquaculture. The use of fish is unavoidable since this is the target of the technologyand improving production. The number of fish used is a minimum to ensure that stocking densities that approach commercial conditions.