Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and aquaponics for urban food production, with a pictorial guide to aquaponics

Abstract

As wild-caught fish landings plateau and the global population grows, aquaculture has emerged as the fastest-growing agricultural sector. In the context of urbanization, we present the challenges and opportunities surrounding fish farming in its various forms. Intensive, highly controlled recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) treat and recycle fish effluent to maximize fish yields while conserving water. As a subset of RAS, aquaponic systems further enhance water use efficiency and reduce waste by including a hydroponic component that produces marketable plant crops. We discuss details of aquaponic system design and operation and provide a pictorial guide to the aquaponic system at the Rutgers EcoComplex.