Design, dimensioning, and performance of a research facility for studies on the requirements of fish in RAS environments

• Published in: Aquacultural engineering 2013-05, Vol.54, p.49-63
• Main Authors: Terjesen, Bendik Fyhn, Summerfelt, Steven T., Nerland, Ståle, Ulgenes, Yngve, Fjæra, Svein Olav, Megård Reiten, Britt Kristin, Selset, Roger, Kolarevic, Jelena, Brunsvik, Per, Bæverfjord, Grete, Takle, Harald, Kittelsen, Arne H., Åsgård, Torbjørn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agnatha. Pisces; ammonium nitrogen; Animal aquaculture; Animal productions; Aquaculture; Atlantic salmon; Biological and medical sciences; Carbon dioxide; chronic exposure; Design engineering; Dimensioning; experimental design; feed requirements; feeds; Fish; fish culture; fish industry; fish production; Flexibility; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Marine; nitrites; parr; Recirculating aquaculture systems; Research facilities; Research facility; research institutions; Salmo salar; Salmon; smolts; tanks; Treatment efficiency; Vertebrates: general zoology, morphology, phylogeny, systematics, cytogenetics, geographical distribution; Water quality; water requirement
• ISSN: 0144-8609; 1873-5614
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaeng.2012.11.002

► The requirements of salmon in RAS for optimal performance and welfare are little known. ► Nofima Centre for Recirculation in Aquaculture was built to improve this knowledge. ► Atlantic salmon in NCRA showed growth rates comparable to that in the salmon industry. ► Water quality limits for CO2 and TAN was met at 134% of theoretical feed capacity. ► It is suggested that if available, N-retention data are used in TAN removal dimensioning. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are increasingly being used for Atlantic salmon smolt production. However, knowledge of how the RAS environment affects welfare and performance of Atlantic salmon is limited. For instance, safe limits for chronic exposure to typical compounds in RAS, such as NH3-N, NO2-N, and CO2 should be established for Atlantic salmon, as well as their interactions with nutrition, other RAS water compounds, and the microbiota. These questions can best be answered in a research facility that is providing a RAS environment. In addition, the facility described here was required to produce 480000 smolts annually, to provide sufficient research fish in the institution. Design and dimensioning of such a facility require attention to flexibility for various experimental designs, and the flexibility to vary specific water quality constituents, properties that are not necessary in a standard production plant. A research facility of 1754m2 ground floor area (Nofima Centre for Recirculation in Aquaculture, NCRA), was designed and constructed for these purposes at a cost of 45mill. NOK (2010 value). The facility included six experimental halls, a number of support rooms, and four independent RASs. Water quality requirements at maximum feed loading were in the design phase set to