Operation Simplicity And Capital Prudency As Antidote For Failure Of Recirculating Aquaculture System: A Case Study Of Selected Facilities In Ibadan

Abstract

The operation of some troubled and unsuccessful recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) production facilities was evaluated to gain a better perceptive of the technical and economic aspects of operational problems that must be addressed for successful RAS business. Interview schedule was utilized to obtain data on the general operation and system characteristics for the facilities. Water flow rates in system components were estimated using a calibrated cylinder and a stopwatch. Fish culture tank, sedimentation tank and biological filter were monitored for water quality assessment. With the exception of one facility, all the farms were engaged in production of table size Clarias gariepinus. Water treatment component design in most of the farms did not match fish culture requirement. Wastes solids removal and dissolved oxygen delivery rate were not adequate and thus affect production capacity of the systems. Poor water quality led to elevated level of nitrite causing fish mortality. Flash rainfall on facilities located outdoors aggravates system operation and water quality problems. The improvisation of the water treatment components media coupled with outdoor operation culminated into a system that apparently could not accommodate the production demand of intensive culture in a recirculating fish production system. Systems with complex design run at low level of management, increased capital expenditure and eventual lower profit. Conscious effort to minimize system complexity and sufficient cash flow is recommended to ensure success of recirculating fish production ventures.