RAS Revolution: Universities Paving the Way for Sustainable Aquaculture

A quiet revolution has been taking place within higher education across North America. Universities have been investing significantly in recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facilities and curricula with the goal of equipping the next generation of fish farmers with the technical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in and advance this dynamic industry. This shift not only addresses a pressing need for quality personnel but also paves the way for innovation and scientific research in aquaculture.

In recent years, land-based fish farming using RAS technology has gained traction as a sustainable and efficient method of aquaculture. RAS-based fish farming involves the filtration and recirculation of water, creating a controlled environment that minimizes water usage and disease transmission. Unlike traditional open systems, RAS facilities can be set up in a variety of locations, serving as a local seafood source for urban environments and landlocked regions.

RAS Growing in Popularity

Today there are nearly 300 RAS facilities in operation globally – 42 of them in North America – and most have been built in the last 10 years. However, this RAS revolution has not been without its share of growing pains. Only a handful of companies have demonstrated the capacity to generate profits with RAS systems, primarily because most have lacked the substantial capital investment required to scale up or they’ve suffered operational setbacks that led to significant financial losses.

A successful RAS operation requires a deep understanding of water chemistry, filtration techniques, fish health biology and risk management. This specialized knowledge is not only crucial for ensuring the well-being of the fish but also for optimizing production efficiency, making the business profitable and minimizing environmental impacts.

Unfortunately, this expertise is hard to find.

“As the industry continues to grow, companies are finding it increasingly challenging to hire individuals with proven technical and real-world aquaculture experience,” says George Nardi, vice president of land-based aquaculture services at Innovasea.

The Role of Higher Education

Recognizing the need for skilled professionals in the industry, universities across North America have teamed up with Innovasea to build on-campus facilities to educate and train the next generation of RAS professionals. In 2023 alone, Innovasea has designed and equipped four new RAS facilities at universities in the United States and Canada.

Innovasea collaborates closely with these universities and their partner organizations to customize systems to the specific needs and requirements of each institution. The facilities conduct groundbreaking aquaculture research and provide hands-on training for students interested in fish farming. As a result, graduates are better prepared to join the workforce, equipped with practical experience in tackling the complexities of managing these systems.

“It’s excellent to see universities and community colleges investing in workforce development to meet the rising demand for skilled RAS technicians and managers – and equipping them with the essential experience and knowledge required to support the industry,” says Nardi.

One of Innovasea’s recent projects was a multi-species research facility at the University of Guelph in Canada, which had its grand opening in July.

“This unique facility will benefit Ontario’s vibrant and growing aquaculture sector by providing a nexus for University of Guelph researchers to create innovations that address pressing aquaculture priorities,” said Malcolm Campbell, vice president of research at the University of Guelph.

“These investments help Ontario’s aquaculture sector realize our incredible growth potential,” added Arlen Taylor, an Ontario Aquaculture Association board member. “We can grow more sustainable protein than ever before and bring new employment to rural, northern and Indigenous communities.”

Recirculating aquaculture holds significant promise, but its successful implementation depends on proper design and management. As technology and expertise continue to advance, RAS systems have the potential to become a more accessible and sustainable method of seafood production, helping to mitigate many of the challenges facing the seafood industry today.

RAS on Campus

Below is a description of each of Innovasea’s 2023 university projects:

• University of Miami: Converted larval flow-through system to RAS to allow for year-round fingerling production for various marine fish species, including red snapper, cobia and mahi-mahi. Innovasea designed the system and supplied the equipment, including drum filter, biofilter, degasser, low-head oxygenator and ultraviolet disinfection.
• University of New England: A salmonid research facility designed to train students for work in commercial facilities. Innovasea designed the system and supplied the equipment, including a drum filter, biofilter, UV, gas management tower and pumps.
• University of Guelph: A multi-species research facility with three RAS modules designed to develop new strains and species for farming and to accelerate technological innovation. Innovasea designed and supplied the equipment, including drum filters, degassers, LHOs, UV and automation controls.
• University of Maine: A dual-purpose facility to provide training systems for students to work in commercial facilities and replicated RAS systems to conduct aquaculture research. In partnership with the Development of the Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce and Innovation Center (SAWIC), Innovasea has begun the design process for four RAS modules to meet the goals of the facility.