Biofloc Technology in Aquaculture

Context:

India’s aquaculture sector has increasingly adopted Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Biofloc Technology in Aquaculture
2. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)

Biofloc Technology in Aquaculture

• Biofloc Technology (BFT) is a sustainable aquaculture technique that utilizes a closed tank system to maintain water quality by recycling waste using beneficial bacteria.
• Beneficial heterotrophic bacteria, including species like Bacillus and Pseudomonas, convert organic waste into microbial biomass that fish can consume, effectively recycling nutrients.

Advantages of Biofloc Technology

• Water Quality Management: Keeps the water clean by recycling waste, thus reducing the need for frequent water changes and external chemical usage.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduces the cost of feed as fish utilize the microbial biomass for nutrition, making it economically viable for farmers.
• Disease Prevention: By maintaining clean water and controlled environmental conditions, BFT lowers the risk of diseases and reduces dependency on antibiotics.
• Suitability for Small Scale Farms: Ideal for small-scale and backyard operations due to its low space requirement and scalability.

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems are advanced, closed-loop water systems that reuse water after it is filtered and purified, making it a sustainable choice for intensive fish farming.
• Incorporates both mechanical and biological filtration to remove waste and ensure water quality, enhancing the overall health and safety of the aquatic environment.

Benefits of Using RAS

• Controlled Farming Environment: Allows precise control over environmental conditions such as water temperature, oxygen levels, and cleanliness, promoting optimal fish growth.
• Reduced Disease Risk: Enhanced biosecurity measures and minimized pathogen entry significantly lower the risk of disease, reducing the need for medicinal interventions.
• Location Flexibility: Can be implemented in diverse settings, including urban areas or regions lacking natural water bodies, aligning supply with market demand.

-Source: Down To Earth