Biofloc Technology and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Source: DTE

Context: India’s aquaculture sector has undergone a significant transformation, becoming a global leader in fish production. Innovations like Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are at the forefront of modern aquaculture practices.

About Biofloc Technology (BFT):

• What it is: A closed-tank aquaculture method using beneficial bacteria to convert organic waste into microbial biomass for fish consumption.

• How it works:

• Beneficial heterotrophic bacteria convert waste into biomass. Aeration and microbial activity maintain water quality. Reduces reliance on antibiotics and chemicals.

• Beneficial heterotrophic bacteria convert waste into biomass.

• Aeration and microbial activity maintain water quality.

• Reduces reliance on antibiotics and chemicals.

About Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS):

• What it is: A tank-based farming system that recycles water through mechanical and biological filtration.

• How it works:

• Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens. Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness. Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics.

• Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens.

• Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness.

• Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics.

Feature | BFT | RAS

| – Cost-effective feed through recycled waste. | – Controlled environment for optimal fish growth.

Advantages | – Reduces chemical and antibiotic use. | – High biosecurity with minimal disease risk.

| – Suitable for small farmers and backyard farming. | – Can be set up in areas without natural water sources.

| – Promotes freshwater conservation. | – Higher production rates compared to traditional systems.

| – High setup cost (~₹4-5 lakh). | – Expensive initial investment and operational costs.

Limitations | – Requires regular monitoring of water quality and microbial growth. | – Constant power supply needed; prone to power outages.

| – Limited success with species like Indian Major Carps in certain regions. | – Requires skilled management and maintenance of advanced systems.

Insta links:

• FAOs-committee-on-fisheries