Aquaculture

Illustration of a horizontal cross-section of the solar powered aquaponics greenhouse. (Image source: WorldFish – Egypt)

WorldFish in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy has launched a revolutionary solar-powered aquaponics greenhouse in Egypt, demonstrating a move towards a sustainable integrated agriculture-aquaculture- (IAA) system

A demonstration aquaponics greenhouse was established at WorldFish's facility in Abbassa, Abu-Hammad, Sharqia. This milestone was achieved through the Centre for Renewable Energy in Aquaculture (CeREA), a four-year project funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo.

This cutting-edge system comprises two fish tanks and two deep water culture units, with each fish tank stocked with genetically improved Nile tilapia. To ensure optimal conditions for the fish, the system is equipped with two submersible pumps, two air blowers and mechanical and biological filters. This design facilitates the efficient conversion of ammonia waste to nitrate nitrogen, thereby maintaining a harmonious aquatic-environment. To ensure optimal conditions for the fish, the system is equipped with two submersible pumps, two air blowers and mechanical and biological filters. This design facilitates the efficient conversion of ammonia waste to nitrate nitrogen, thereby maintaining a harmonious aquatic-environment.

Being the largest in the Africa, Egypt's aquaculture industry produces 2 million tons of fish annually with a production value of US$1.3bn. The waste produced by the fish provides nutrients required for the plants, while the plants filter the water for the fish, creating a harmonious cycle. By adding solar panels, a sustainable and energy-efficient farming system can be created and sustained.

"The integration of solar panels in aquaponics systems offers several key benefits. First and foremost, it reduces the reliance on traditional energy sources, thus lowering the carbon footprint of the farm, said country director of WorldFish, Egypt, Ahmed Nasr-Allah. "By harnessing the power of the sun, aquaponic farms can operate off-grid, making them ideal for remote or rural areas where access to electricity may be limited.”

Given their expertise in feed formulation and nutritional testing, the AquaBioTech Group offered assistance to members of AZOFFA in developing their own aquafeeds. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

International consulting company, AquaBioTech Group recently hosted a delegation from the Akosombo Zone Fish Farmers Association (AZOFFA) of Ghana on 18 and 19 April this year

During their visit, AquaBioTech's Research and Development, and Innovation department showcased their projects in East Africa, illustrating how these could be applied in the Ghana and Akosombo zone. Presentations and workshops were conducted by experts to identify research needs for aquaculture in Ghana, while also discussing the challenges facing fish farming in the region. A survey on common Integrated Aquaculture/Agriculture practices in Ghana was also conducted to support the engagement of stakeholders in the PrAEctiCe Project.

On the second day of the visit, members of AquaBioTech's engineering team organised a workshop focused on developing an optimal system design to address the challenges in Tilapia production in Ghana. The aim was to enhance disease control, while also improving fingerling quality, maximising production and ensuring effective utilisation of local materials. Moreover, strategies for localising aquafeed production were also discussed.

Given their expertise in feed formulation and nutritional testing, the AquaBioTech Group offered assistance to members of AZOFFA in developing their own aquafeeds, thereby improving the overall efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture in Ghana. In addition, vocational training programmes were also explored to promote knowledge sharing and skills development for Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). 

For more information, visit: https://aquabt.com/ 

Cosmos aims to achieve optimal levels of fish performance and farm efficiency, including higher growth rates at a lower feed conversion levels. (Image source: Skretting)

In an attempt to aid producers in boosting their operations and harvests, global aquaculture nutrition solutions and services company, Skretting recently announced the launch of their new premium grower feed, Cosmos, tailor-made for farmed barramundi, a widely popular fish in today’s global seafood market

Stress can cause reduced growth potential and the increased risk of secondary infections in salmon. (Image source: BioMar)

Leading aquafeed company, BioMar recently introduced its new product Calm, aimed at complementing the SmartCare range of products in Salmon feeds