Modern technology "made in Germany" makes aquaculture environmentally friendly

Biomembrane filters ensure waste water-free fish production in recirculation systems

The consumption of fish and seafood is increasing worldwide - at the same time the stocks in seas, lakes and rivers are shrinking. In order to meet the growing demand, more and more fish will be bred in large fish farms - in aquacultures. The natural fish stocks in the seas, rivers and lakes can be spared in this way, because: Thanks to modern biotechnology initiated by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), fish production in aquaculture can also be environmentally friendly and relieve the water bodies. The waste water from the recirculation systems is filtered through the finest biomembranes. Bacteria, viruses and residues of feed additives and therapeutics are removed, there is practically no waste water. This enables the use of aquaculture systems even in water-scarce areas. Some German manufacturers are already offering membrane filtration throughout Europe and Asia as an export technology.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that the demand for fish as food will increase from currently around 2030 to 120 million tons per year (million t/a) by 160. The forecasts for the development of the sustainably achievable catch yields from fishing are around 100 million t/a. Fish production in aquaculture can meet this growing demand. Since the early 80s, there have been national and especially international recommendations and requirements for environmentally friendly, sustainable aquaculture. Since the mid-70s, considerable efforts have been made in freshwater aquaculture to develop innovative, environmentally friendly and resource-saving technologies that enable economical and environmentally friendly, intensive fish production. The development of so-called recirculation systems was of particular importance. However, until a few years ago, technical progress was not sufficient to develop satisfactory solutions. For existing systems in routine operation, a water exchange of around 10 to 20 percent of the system volume per day is still necessary - otherwise one is sufficient

Unable to ensure water and product quality.

The UBA initiated and promoted the development of biomembrane filters. In the mid-90s, an innovative technology was basically available. In a research project, the UBA was able to prove in joint investigations with the company Busse (process engineering) from Leipzig that it is possible to operate recirculation systems for fish production without waste water using inverse nanotechnology. The work until it is ready for the market is now being continued in a project of the German Federal Foundation for the Environment (DBU). The cooperation with a commercial fish farm ensures that aspects of economy and product quality are taken into account. Of particular importance is the continuous monitoring of the health status of the fish. Various manufacturers are currently examining other possible economic applications in the field of aquaculture, such as the rearing of juvenile fish for stocking measures, crustaceans and marine organisms. Experts agree: The use of biomembrane filtration for the production of aquatic organisms in recirculation systems will increase and will be taken more into account in the construction and approval of such systems in the future. This technical development enables fish to increase food production while stabilizing natural fish stocks and leads to a significant relief of water bodies.

Source: Berlin [ uba ]