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Description
Recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) have been developed for land-based production of sea- and freshwater species. These systems are designed to provide high biomass production while reducing resource usage and maximizing control of operational parameters. Optimizing control and management of water treatment in RAS is of paramount importance. OPTIRAS will contribute to improve technology and protocols for land-based farming of sole and Atlantic cod significantly, with respect to productivity, animal health, production conditions, environmental benefits and sustainability. In particular, OPTIRAS aims at contributing to more sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector by developing innovative sensor technologies for operationally critical water quality parameters, and thus, generating new jobs related to a blue economy growth in Portugal. As a summary, OPTIRAS research will support businesses with a research, development and innovation component, strengthening RAS competitiveness in the market. This project aims at increased value creation including long-term marine and maritime economic growth, social cohesion and marine environmental protection. The main objectives of OPTIRAS are: Investigate the changes in water chemical parameters, microbiome and physiology of fish in RAS induced by different water treatment processes as well as microorganisms balance in the different steps of water cycle; Develop and deploy online monitoring systems for water chemical parameters relevant for the control of the water quality and the ozone demand; Test the adequacy and impact of alternative water treatment processes on fish welfare status and water quality; Demonstrate a novel water quality control system developed in RAS pilots and improved cultivation protocols for diverse fish farming stages and specie; Transference of know-how and technologies in RAS between Norwegian and Portuguese companies in order to increase the sector competences, innovation and sustainability
Summary of project results
The OPTIRAS project addressed critical challenges in aquaculture, focusing on enhancing water quality in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). Key issues included improving water treatment methods, understanding the impact of water quality on microbiota and fish welfare, and developing innovative sensors for real-time monitoring of water parameters. These improvements are essential for sustainable aquaculture growth and economic viability.
Project Activities
• Water Treatment Testing: Implemented new oxygenation technologies in demo-scale systems for Atlantic salmon and Senegalese sole.
• Water Quality Impact Studies: Investigated the effects of water treatments on fish health and microbiota, including the impact of chronic H2S exposure and advanced oxidation processes.
• Sensor Development: Created and validated sensors for online monitoring of nitrate (NO3-N) and nitrite (NO2- N) in RAS and started the development of sensors for bromate detection and quantification.
• Dissemination and Tech Transfer: Promoted project results through workshops, training, and stakeholder engagement.
Main Results
• Enhanced Water Treatments: Successfully tested ozone and UV light treatments, improving fish health and
water quality. The Nippon Gases In-Line 50 system showed significant oxygen consumption reduction and stability
improvements.
• Sensor Validation: Nitrate and nitrite sensors demonstrated precision and potential for real-time water quality
monitoring, though accuracy needs improvement.
• Microbial and Fish Health Studies: Provided insights into the effects of water treatments on microbial
communities and fish physiology, emphasizing the need for long-term studies. Good part of the results from microbial
communities in fish and biofilters are pending analysis and will be completed beyond the project.
Impact on Beneficiaries
• Fish Farmers: Improved water treatments and sensors enhance fish health, growth rates, and reduce mortality.
• Environmental Impact: Efficient treatments and monitoring reduce the environmental footprint.
• Economic Viability: Technologies lower operational costs, boosting profitability.
OPTIRAS''s innovations support sustainable aquaculture growth, job creation, and global applicability, contributing to
food security and environmental sustainability.
Overall, OPTIRAS showcases technological advancements addressing key aquaculture challenges, promoting a
sustainable and economically viable future in fish farming.
Summary of bilateral results
OPTIRAS highly benefited from the presence of two Norwegian institutions; SINTEF Ocean and LETSEA, extremely relevant for the aquaculture sector and, more precisely, with extensive experience in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Aquaculture market in Norway is at the forefront, both in production and in technological development, at global level. Having one partner specialized in technology development and transfer such as SINTEF Ocean, with an extensive network and experience in the sector provided a platform for training and visibility that would have been impossible to get without them. Four important companies joined the project as associated partners during its implementation thanks to the visibility of Sintef O.; Moleaer, Nippon Gases,AKVA Group and Oxy Solutions. Those companies actively participated in the project providing expertise and technologies for testing. On the other hand, collaborating with LetSea provided us with an industrial partner with demo scale RAS facilities to test the water treatment and monitoring technologies using a species of high commercial value, but different from the one used in Portugal (Solea senegalensis), Salmon salar. The access to these other facilities and species enabled to testtechnologies in 2 fish species cultivated in very different conditions, with very different fisiologies and ecologies.The trials in the case studies from Portugal involved all partners. Results from the trials (impact on fish fisiology and RAS and fish microbiota) are still in analysis, but at least 2 joint publications will be prepared joinly by CIIMAR, Sintef O. and Sea8 (Safiestela). Regarding the sensors, 1 publication is in preparation in collaboration between INL, Sintef O. and LetSea.