Abstract
Abstract The human population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. This in turn will put more pressure on the limited available resources such as land and freshwater. Combined with the high food demand, highly virulent pathogens, and worsening effects of climate change, cases of chronic hunger and malnutrition are expected to escalate in the future. Therefore, the implementation of sustainable food production systems is crucial in safeguarding food security. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) have gained much attention today for the intensive production of certain aquatic species in controlled conditions. In these systems, wastewater is purified via several water purification steps and recycled back into the system. As such, water quality parameters such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide, pH, total ammonia-nitrogen, nitrites, nitrates, and total soluble solutes are maintained within the desirable range required for proper growth and survival of the reared species. However, maintenance of good water quality largely depends on certain factors, most noticeably, the stocking density. Stocking densities below and above the recommended optimal levels negatively impact the behavior, growth performance, and immunity of reared animals. As a consequence, huge production losses are incurred. This review, therefore, aims to discuss the effect of stocking density on behavior, growth performance, feed utilization, and immunity of reared species in RAS. Moreover, optimum stocking densities of several aquatic species reared in RAS under certain culturing conditions are highlighted for sustainable production of food.
Highlights
Common aquatic species reared in Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and their economic valueCyprinids Cyprinids are the most farmed aquaculture species worldwide contributing 38% of the total aquaculture production (FAO, 2020)
The greatest challenges threatening the survival of humans are: population increase, limited natural resources, and climate change
It is imperative to search for viable and sustainable food production systems that will answer the challenges of population increase amidst limited natural resources and climate change
Summary
Cyprinids Cyprinids are the most farmed aquaculture species worldwide contributing 38% of the total aquaculture production (FAO, 2020). Tilapia is an important source of animal protein mainly consumed in rural areas This fish species is a source of income to many impoverished families and is sold either in markets or at farm gates (Ansah et al, 2014). Moronids and sparids European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) belongs to family Moronidae of teleost fishes commonly found throughout the estuaries of the Mediterranean and the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean (Kır et al, 2019) The domestication of this species started recently in the early 2000s with its hatcheries being typically inland, in temperature-controlled systems. Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) belonging to the family Ostreidae are bivalve species of great economic importance due to their high productivity and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress This species has been introduced in several countries to boost up the economic growth of their aquaculture industries (Ramos et al, 2021).
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