Fish Production: Simplicity Or Sophistication?

A recirculating system and a pond farm are at opposite ends of the aquaculture spectrum. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.

- Nicholas James

The type of system employed in a fish production unit depends on many factors. The most crucial is the species being farmed. Almost as important, though, is the level of sophistication of the technology.

The most complex set-up is the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), and the simplest is the pond-based system. Each has its advantages. An RAS uses and reuses a limited volume of water, has a small footprint, allows for climate control, and enables intensification (increasing the stocking rate). A pond farm offers lower risk, requires fewer skills to operate, and is less dependent on a reliable power supply.

A QUESTION OF NUMBERS