Review of Attached and Suspended Biomass Applications Integrated to Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Abstract

Intensification of aquaculture production must meet global protein requirements without placing excessive demand on earth’ s resource capacity. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems ( RAS) incorporate intensive culture protocols controlling the aquaculture production environment, promoting sustainable resource consumption. Both periphyton ( fixed film) and biofloc ( suspended growth) microorganism cultures are being integrated to aquaculture production in RAS, cages and, ponds, with varied climatic conditions and culture species, both independently and in combination. Periphyton and biofloc form the basis of aquaculture ecosystems wherein the highest trophic level is the commercial species under production. Production advantages include feed substitute grazing on produced biomass with improved Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) and growth rate, destressing, probiotic and pathogen control and, water quality management. Review of deployment of fixed film and suspended growth to RAS across materials, processes, conditions and species increases understanding of both commonality and distinctions in utilization of the options and, supports protocols for their use in intensive aquaculture production. New frontiers are predicted where