Growth Of Aquaculture Research Articles

Nutritional evaluation of a short-horned grasshopper\u201a Oxya hyla hyla (Serville) meal as a substitute of fishmeal in the compound diets of rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

BackgroundAqua feed demand is rising with the growth of intensive aquaculture. Fishmeal is the major conventional protein source of fish feed but its production cannot be increased due to resource limitation. Thus, suitable fishmeal (FM) substitute is a need to sustain the growth of aquaculture. Use of edible insects in animal and fish feed is gaining interest. Grasshoppers are edible insect and contain considerably high percentage of crude proteins and other nutrients. In the present study, the nutritional efficiency of Oxya hyla hyla meal as replacer of FM was evaluated by feeding Labeo rohita fingerlings with seven iso-nitrogenous compounded diets (33% crude protein) where FM was substituted by Oxya meal (OM) at 0%, 17%, 33%, 50%, 67%, 83% and 100% levels in diet 1 (D1) to diet 7 (D7) respectively. Feeding trail was continued for 100 days.ResultsFeeding experiments showed that OM-incorporated diets were acceptable to the fish and feeding on the diets they grew significantly after 100 days feeding trial in wet weight and length. Results revealed that up to 50% replacement of FM (up to diet 4) did not affect the growth performances, condition factor of fish, apparent protein digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, food conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) with respect to reference diet (D1, without OM). FCR and PER were found inferior in the diets D5, D6 and D7 where more than 50% FM was replaced. Moreover, diets regardless of FM replacement level showed no negative impact on hepato-somatic index, digesto-somatic index, relative length of gut, retention of protein, lipid and ash and on carcass compositions of the fish.ConclusionThe results revealed that the grasshopper species, O. hyla hyla, might be a new protein-rich ingredient for aqua feed formulation and up to 50% replacement of FM by OM did not affect the growth performances, feed utilisation parameters and flesh quality of the fish L. rohita fingerlings. Therefore, this study suggested that OM meal could be incorporated at least as partial substitute of FM in the compounded carp diet.

The use of insect meal as a sustainable feeding alternative in aquaculture: Current situation, Spanish consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay

The growth of aquaculture and the increasing demand of farmed fish have led to a rise in the price of fishmeal and fish oil used in fish feeding during the last years. The experimental use of insect meal as a sustainable alternative to fish meal has recently grown. Insects are easy to rear, have a small ecological impact and have high protein content. The present work analyzes through a Discrete Choice Experiment method, the preferences and willingness to pay of Spanish consumers towards an aquaculture production system based on this protein source as ingredient in aquafeed, using the gilthead seabream as a case study. It also analyzes the information level of consumers about aquaculture and their perceptions towards its environmental impact compared to other animal production systems. This study also summarizes research advances regarding the insect meals as substitutes or complements for fish meals focusing on fish species of interest in Spain and Europe. Special emphasis was made on the limitation of their use, its impact towards the conversion feed ratio and its main nutritional problems for fish feeding, such as fatty acids and chitin. The studies showed that the use of insect meal, in particular, from the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the common housefly (Musca domestica) and the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as an alternative of feeding in aquaculture seems to be promising both at technical-productive level and at consumer acceptance level. Results showed that Spanish consumers were willing to pay a premium for this type of fish compared to fish produced with the current feeding systems. Furthermore, the gilthead sea bream fed with insect meal was the most valued regarding its environmental impact compared to the current fish feeding systems. However, taste expectation for this fish type still low, highlighting the importance of including hedonic evaluation studies for further research.

Increased pCO2 changes the lipid production in important aquacultural feedstock algae Isochrysis galbana, but not in Tetraselmis suecica

Increased anthropogenic CO2 emissions are leading to an increase in CO2 uptake by the world's oceans and seas, resulting in ocean acidification with a decrease in global ocean water pH by as much as 0.3–0.4 units by the year 2100. The direct effects of changing pCO2 on important microalgal feedstocks are not as well understood. Few studies have focused on lipid composition changes in specific algal species in response to ocean acidification and yet microalgae are an indispensable food source for various marine species, including juvenile shellfish. Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis suecica are widely used in aquaculture as feeds for mussels and other shellfish. The total lipid contents and concentrations of I. galbana and T. suecica were investigated when grown under present day (400 ppm) and ocean acidification conditions (1000 ppm) to elucidate the impact of increasing pCO2 on an important algae feedstock. Total lipids, long-chain alkenones (LCAs) and alkenoates decreased at 1000 ppm in I. galbana. I. galbana produces higher lipids than T. suecica, and is perhaps as a result more impacted by the change in carbon available for lipid production under higher pCO2.I. galbana is an important feedstock, more easily assimilated for growth in juvenile shellfish and reductions in lipid composition may prove problematic for the growth of future shellfish aquaculture. Our findings suggest that higher pCO2 impacts on algal lipid growth are species specific and warrant further study. It is therefore vital to examine the impact of high CO2 on algal lipid production, especially those commercial shellfish feed varieties to predict future impacts on commercial aquaculture.

Evidence of improved water quality and biofilm control by slow sand filters in aquaculture – A case study

A rapid sand filter (RSF, 12 m3 m−2 h−1) and a rapid sand filter followed by slow sand filter (RSF-SSF, 0.1 m3 m−2 h−1) were compared to investigate whether the biological activity in the RSF-SSF would improve turbidity reduction and control of biofilm growth in seawater aquaculture of juvenile dusky grouper over a 31 days test period. The RSF-SSF combination produced water with lower turbidity than RSF, turbidity breakthroughs in RSF were effectively abated by SSF. Microbial growth potential (MGP) measured by a growth assay with Pseudoalteromonas spongiae in samples filtered through 0,2μm membranes was significantly smaller in SSF filtrate (MGP, 3.2 ± 0,1 logCFU) than in RSF filtrate (3.9 ± 0,6 logCFU). Turbidity in fish tanks fed with RSF-SSF and RSF effluent remained below 1 NTU and 6 NTU, respectively, inspite of the large amount of food not consumed by the fish and of the tanks remaining open to the atmosphere. Surface biofouling on PVC samples was assessed by protein and carbohydrate analysis. It was less pronounced on bottoms of tanks operated with RSF-SSF treated water but similar on tank walls for both types of water. Carbohydrates were present in much larger quantities than proteins in bottom biofilms, but the opposite occurred in wall biofilms. Diatoms were dominant in RSF but not in RSF-SSF tank biofilms. Dusky grouper survival and growth was similar for the two types of water. The benefit of reduction of microbial growth potential achieved in SSF pretreatment was successfully captured in lesser tank surfaces biofilm colonization and by lower water turbidity in the tanks.

DNA and chromosomal damage in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) as side effects of ozone-based water treatment - Contribution to optimization of fish-farming practices

The progressive growth of aquaculture implicates a dependence on large water amounts, which are submitted to disinfection processes, namely ozonation. Considering the importance of genomic integrity, it is critical to improve the knowledge on ozone-related genotoxic hazard to organisms reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) applying ozonation. Therefore, genetic damage induced by ozone exposure in the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) was assessed, combining the comet and the erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) assays, reflecting different damage levels, i.e. DNA and chromosomal damage, respectively. Fish were subjected to a daily 6-h ozone (0.15 mg L−1) exposure, repeated for 3 consecutive days, simulating a short-term event of overozonation. To assess the temporal impact of the previous event, the progression of damage was evaluated 7 days later, following transference to ozone-free water or to 0.07 mg L−1 ozone, a routinely adopted level in RAS. Both endpoints pointed to the ozone genotoxic potential, displaying DNA oxidation as a possible mechanism of damage. Overall, the present findings pointed out the genotoxic hazard of ozone to fish, highlighting the importance of these types of studies and contributing to improve aquaculture practices, namely in RAS systems. These early genotoxic signals may be a prelude to negative repercussions on fish health, which may affect the aquaculture productivity. The present findings recommend precautions in relation to accidental or intentional overozonation in fish-farming, even when short-term events are considered. The strategies to mitigate the impact of ozonation in S. senegalensis may include a dietary extra supplementation of antioxidants (regularly, or punctually in cases of overozonation).

Synergies on the coast: Challenges facing shellfish aquaculture development on the central and north coast of British Columbia

The rise in global demand for seafood has led many people to view shellfish aquaculture as an economically and ecologically viable source of seafood. However, interactions with the environment, existing industry, and societal values must be considered to ensure sustainability of this industry. Shellfish aquaculture in British Columbia (BC), Canada, showcases many of these issues. This review explores key socio-economic and ecological considerations for future growth of shellfish aquaculture on the central and north coast of BC, with implications for the continuing global expansion of the industry. Interactions among shellfish aquaculture, coastal groups, existing industries, and First Nations, as well as considerations under changing oceanic conditions are investigated. Expansion of shellfish aquaculture on the central and north coast of BC will need to be socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable. The results of this review strongly indicate that shellfish aquaculture should be incorporated in marine planning initiatives and developed in consideration of local ecological, environmental, economic, and social context.

Does a “Blue Revolution” help the poor? Evidence from Bangladesh

AbstractThe rapid growth in aquaculture production, globally and in Bangladesh is well documented. Over 2000–2010, per capita production of aquaculture grew 76%, while the consumer price of fish declined 45%. Previous studies have suggested pro‐poor effects of aquaculture based on fish production and consumption patterns. This study attempts to quantify the contribution of aquaculture to income growth and poverty reduction in Bangladesh, using household survey data and a microsimulation approach based on an expanded version of Deaton's concept of net benefit ratio. We estimate that aquaculture's contribution to income growth between 2000 and 2010 was 2.1%, including both price and quantity effects. This income growth was translated into poverty reduction of 1.7 percentage points. Although these estimates seem small, they represent almost 10% of the overall poverty reduction in Bangladesh during the first decade of the 21st century. Put differently, of the 18 million Bengalis who escaped poverty during 2000–2010, about 1.8 million of them managed to do so because of the rapid growth in aquaculture, which contributed to rural income while making fish more accessible to consumers.

BUDIDAYA IKAN LELE BERBASIS TEKNOLOGI REKAYASA HORMONAL PADA KELOMPOK MINA TANI GARUDA KECAMATAN SUKABUMI BANDAR LAMPUNG DAN MANDIRI SENTOSA KECAMATAN JATI AGUNG LAMPUNG SELATAN

One of the popular freshwater fish to consume In Bandar Lampung is catfish. Increasing market demand of catfish commodities requires more standardized cultivation management. Many catfish farmers have been not informed that there is technical standards for the good fish hatchery (CPIB) and the good fish aqaculture (CBIB) methods which in the form of certificate. The main problem faced by the Minatani Garuda farmers community in Sukabumi is catfish seeds which have decreased seed quality and the Mandiri Sentosa farmers community in Jati Agung is the slow growth of catfish. The problems caused the low level of survival and production of catfish. The general objective of this activity is (1) to increase certified seed productivity, have good quality, and accelerate fish growth in both of the farmers community, (2) increasing the knowledge and skills of partner groups using hormonal engineering technology, (3) build effective partnerships and cooperation between universities and community of fish farmer. The methods used are survey, training, demonstration plots of hormonal technology, mentoring and evaluation of the program success. Based on research, used the hormonal technology in fish is able to give a solution for the community problems. In addition to getting quality seeds at the partner "Minatani Garuda", it can also accelerate the growth of catfish aquaculture in Mandiri Sentosa community. Thus, the availability of catfish commodity in Lampung will always be fulfilled. Based on the training and mentoring result, this activity succeeded in increasing farmers' knowledge about the hormonal technology in Mandiri Sentosa and Minatani Garuda from 10% to 90%. Aquaculture in Sukabumi and Jati Agung has the potential to appy the hormonal technology.
 
 Keywords: hormonal technology, fish farmer community, catfish.

Global Aquaculture Productivity, Environmental Sustainability, and Climate Change Adaptability.

To meet the demand for food from a growing global population, aquaculture production is under great pressure to increase as capture fisheries have stagnated. However, aquaculture has raised a range of environmental concerns, and further increases in aquaculture production will face widespread environmental challenges. The effects of climate change will pose a further threat to global aquaculture production. Aquaculture is often at risk from a combination of climatic variables, including cyclone, drought, flood, global warming, ocean acidification, rainfall variation, salinity, and sea level rise. For aquaculture growth to be sustainable its environmental impacts must reduce significantly. Adaptation to climate change is also needed to produce more fish without environmental impacts. Some adaptation strategies including integrated aquaculture, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and the expansion of seafood farming could increase aquaculture productivity, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptability.

A Proteomics and other Omics approach in the context of farmed fish welfare and biomarker discovery

AbstractThe rapid and intensive growth of aquaculture over the last decade, poses a tremendous challenge to this industry in order to comply with the latest guidelines, established to minimise its negative effects on the environment, animal welfare and public health. Farmed fish welfare has become one of the main priorities towards sustainable aquaculture production with several initiatives launched by the European Union within the framework of the 2030 agenda. It is clear that an unbiased and reliable way to access farmed fish welfare needs to be implemented due to the lack of reliable indicators and standardised methods that are used at present.In this review, we start by addressing the status quo of animal and fish welfare definition in particular, describing the methods and assays currently used to measure it. We then explain why we believe these methods are unreliable and why there is a need to establish new ones that will promote productivity and consumer's acceptance of farmed fish. The establishment of a new type of welfare biomarkers using cutting‐edge technologies like proteomics and other omics technologies is proposed as a solution to this issue. Therefore, we provide a brief description of these new methodologies, describing for each one how they can improve our scientific knowledge and the role they can play in farmed fish welfare biomarker discovery.

Characteristics of Sustainable Bioeconomy in the CEE Macro-region

In the coming decades to achieve further progress in sustainable growth of agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and food industry in the CEE countries there is a need to face specific challenges through the lens of bioeconomy, thus by shifting the emphasis to research, innovation and transnational cooperation for knowledge-based development. A shared strategic research and innovation framework that has already been offered by the Central-Eastern European Initiative for Knowledge-based Agriculture, Aquaculture and Forestry in the Bioeconomy, i.e. by the BIOEAST Initiative might enable these countries to work towards the development of a sustainable bioeconomy while effectively joining the European Research Area. The study is aimed at conceptualizing bioeconomy, analysing key socio-economic indicators of the ‘BIOEAST countries’ bioeconomy and describing the implications for policymakers based on the results of the ‘BIOEAST Bioeconomy Capacity Building Survey’. Based on the results of the survey the major findings of the research verify and strengthen the objectives of the BIOEAST Initiative. The individual results of the survey in terms of major bottlenecks in the supply chain, missing elements hindering competitiveness, the opportunities to raise competitiveness and functions of the intervention system led to the conclusion that the creation of sustainable bioeconomy explicitly requires triple-helix stakeholders to find efficient collaboration mechanisms and build synergies.

The Utility of Dietary Phosphorus Enrichment During Transition to Formulated Feeds of Juvenile Abalone Haliotis tuberculata

Sustaining the growth of abalone aquaculture globally requires farm operators to satisfy the specific diet requirements of the particular abalone species grown. Components of commercial aquaculture feeds usually contain animal protein in the form of fishmeal. Rather than adding generic animal protein foodstuffs, formulated diets may be more effective when supplemented with particular substances of metabolic use to the abalone. The inclusion of animal proteins may have physiological demands on the growth and survival of different species of abalone as formulated feeds change the colour of the shell bands and the components of the feed may not exist in the natural diet of abalone. Inclusion and enrichment of phosphorus in mixed macroalgal-meal diets for juvenile abalone Haliotis tuberculata was investigated. Macroalgae is the natural diet for juvenile and adult abalone and can be limiting in bioavailable phosphorus. Increasing the available dietary phosphorus content in the diet of juvenile H. tuberculata to 0.9% and 1.5% increased growth rates in shell length compared to Palmaria palmata diet (P

Feasibility of the use of Spirulina in aquaculture diets

AbstractThe growth of aquaculture depends on protein sources that can reduce the pressure on fishmeal (FM), and Spirulina feed could be an option due to its high nutritional value. Studies on Spirulina as a food in diets of aquatic organisms have increased substantially in the past decade, but the fact that its use in commercial rations does not occur today indicates that there are still challenges that need to be overcome. This review attempts to compile most of the work carried out through today in aquaculture that uses Spirulina as an FM substitute and as a functional feed. The high cost of Spirulina can be compensated if it is used in small quantities because it can improve the health and growth of organisms, compensating for its high economic cost by reducing costs in other production areas.

Using public comments to gauge social licence to operate for finfish aquaculture: Lessons from Scotland

Research and development in the aquaculture industry tends to focus on environmental and economic outcomes. However, with increasing use of marine space, competition between different industries and priorities for coastal communities is a social issue that is coming to the fore. Public perception and local social acceptability have been identified by the industry as key factors in the sustainable growth of finfish aquaculture. With the EU, and the UK and Scottish Governments targeting Blue Growth sectors for development, the drivers of social acceptability issues with finfish aquaculture require attention. Social Licence to Operate (SLO) is a theory which has proved useful in describing the relationship between industry and local communities. This study thematically analyses public comments made on planning applications for new finfish farms in Scotland, and uses SLO theory to explore local scale social interactions and the drivers of public perception of the aquaculture industry. It reveals the complexities of SLO, including areas of concern for engaged members of the public and shows that there are key actors which shape and drive engagement with the debate around whether finfish farms are acceptable. It finds that information used by the public to make decisions around aquaculture is often compiled and distributed by the key actors. This brings into question how much influence local communities have in SLO negotiations. Finally, it reflects that further thought and dialogue within and between research institutes, regulators, industry and local communities is needed to create a more equitable approach to negotiating SLO for finfish aquaculture.

Ecological Carrying Capacity for Shellfish Aquaculture—Sustainability of Naturally Occurring Filter-Feeders and Cultivated Bivalves

Carrying capacity models for aquaculture have increased in complexity over the last decades, partly because aquaculture growth, sustainability, and licensing are themselves extremely complex. Moreover, there is an asymmetric pattern to all these components, when considered from an international perspective, because of very different regulation and governance of the aquaculture sector in Asia, Europe, and America. Two case studies were used, from Long Island Sound in the United States, and Belfast Lough, in Europe, to examine the interactions between cultivated shellfish and other autochthonous benthic filter-feeders. The objective is to illustrate how such interactions can be incorporated in system-scale ecological models and analyzed from the perspective of ecological carrying capacity. Two different models are described, one based on equations that relate the filtration rate of the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria to physiological and population factors and one based on a habitat-specific analysis of multiple species of benthic filter-feeders. Both types of models have relative advantages and challenges, and both were integrated in ecosystem modeling frameworks with substantial numbers of state variables representing physical and biogeochemical processes. These models were applied to (1) examine the relative role of the two components (cultivated and wild) in the filtration of particulate organic matter (both phytoplankton and organic detritus), (2) quantify the effect of wild species on harvest of cultivated organisms (eastern oyster and blue mussel), and (3) assess the role of organically extractive aquaculture and other filter-feeders on top–down control of eutrophication.

Copepod supplementation as a live food improved growth and survival of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer larvae

The copepod Cyclopina kasignete was supplemented to the Asian seabass Lates calcarifer larvae to evaluate its potential use as a live food supplement during larval rearing. Initial larval feeding began with sole rotifers as a live food from 3 to 7 days post hatch (DPH) followed by the addition of copepod, Artemia, and their combination from 8 to 21 DPH. Fish were sampled every 5 days to measure growth and food selectivity on 11, 15, 19, and 21 DPH. The larvae that were fed the combination diets involving copepods resulted in better growth, survival, and increased the essential fatty acid contents of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. In terms of food selectivity, seabass larvae selected copepods over rotifers and Artemia for feeding. This study indicates that the potential use of copepod as a supplementary live food can improve larval fish performance and thus overcome low survival and slow growth in fish larval aquaculture. The present study demonstrates that the nutritional value of seabass larvae was improved when fed with diets involving copepods. Our finding highlights the importance of incorporating copepods into the feeding regimes for seabass larvae, which may be applicable to the culture of fish larvae for other species.

Scenedesmus almeriensis from an integrated system waste-nutrient, as sustainable protein source for feed to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In the last decade substantial innovation in feeds has led to a significant reduction in fishmeal inclusion rates in feed for aquaculture. Nevertheless, to maintain the current growth of aquaculture, the demand of nutrient will increase at the same rate. So finding a sustainable alternative protein source to replace fish meal in fish feed continues being an important issue to supply the growing market demand of aquaculture products. This study has been conducted to examine the feasibility of partially replacing fishmeal in feed for rainbow trout, for a sustainable algal biomass obtained from the pig manure treatment. The biomass obtained was mainly composed by Scenedesmus almeriensis with a nutritional composition of 46.7% of protein and 4.1% of fat, and was included in feed for rainbow trout at increasing levels of replacement of the fishmeal: 0 (control), 5%, 10%, 20% and 40%. The feeding trial was performed for 82 days in trout with an initial weight of ~75 g. The effect of the replacement level of the fishmeal in diets was evaluated on growth performance, protein utilization, fish health, biosecurity of the products, and on the quality of final product. Trout fed with diet containing microalgal biomass showed a lower growth, but within normal values for trout in that growing period. Regarding the rest of parameters, non-negative effects on the health, on biosecurity and on the final quality product were observed. This study highlights the novel strategy of using microalgae as nexus between pig manure-nutrient-food to nutrient recycling, and opens a wide range of possibilities to obtain a sustainable protein source for aquaculture.

Dietary krill meal inclusion contributes to better growth performance of gilthead seabream juveniles

There is a need to find sustainable alternatives to fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO) in feed formulations to support the continued growth of aquaculture. FM is mostly produced from mass-caught pelagic species, but the production has been relatively constant for several decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of dietary krill meal (KM) inclusion as a sustainable alternative to FM. In view of that, a feeding trial with gilthead seabream juveniles was conducted to evaluate whether dietary KM at 3%, 6% and 9% inclusion improves growth performance in comparison with a control diet. At the end of the study, fish in the 9% KM group showed significantly higher body weight (32.76 g) compared with fish fed the control diet (30.30 g). Moreover, FM replacement by 9% KM indicated a reduction in the accumulation of lipid droplets in the hepatocytes and around the pancreatic islets. In summary, this study suggests that FM can be reduced in diets for seabream without negatively affecting growth performance, when KM is added. On the contrary, KM enhances gilthead seabream growth and reduces lipid accumulation and damage of hepatocytes, which will open an interesting innovation line to completely replace FM by alternative terrestrial protein sources and the partial inclusion of KM.

Does space matter? Optimizing stocking density ofHolothuria arguinensisandHolothuria mammata

Stocking density is an important factor affecting growth in aquaculture. The main objectives of this study are to evaluate the effects of different stocking densities on Holothuria arguinensis and Holothuria mammata's growth and determine the optimal density. Four different stocking densities were selected for H. arguinensis (1, 3, 5 and 7 ind/0.2 m2) and three for H. mammata (6, 10 and 12 ind/0.5 m2). Growth (specific growth rate (SGR) and growth rate (GR)), weight change, coefficient of variation and productivity were estimated, additionally the feeding rate on H. mammata. Growth on H. arguinensis decreased as the stocking density increased, showing the higher growth at the stocking density of 1 ind/0.2 m2 (SGR: 1.24%/day ± 0.16 and GR: 0.94 g/day ± 0.05), with a 104.65% (±9.98) of weight change. The best H. mammata growth was registered at 10 ind/m2 (SGR: 0.56% ± 0.04%/day and GR: 0.48 ± 0.04 g/day) and 25.48% (±1.52) of weight change. H. mammata feeding rate decreased as stocking density increased. Crowding stress could be considered the main factor affecting the sea cucumbers growth and performance on our study. The optimal stocking density for H. arguinensis and H. mammata under tank-based conditions were established as 1 ind/0.2 m2 and 5 ind/0.5 m2 respectively. The critic biomass for H. arguinensis (471.65 g/m2) and for H. mammata (988.11 g/m2) were reached during the experiment at the fourth and fifth weeks respectively. Therefore, to ensure and increase growth of these species under tank, their biomass should be maintained under those thresholds.

Techno-economic Analysis (TEA) of Extruded Aquafeeds

The worldwide decline and overexploitation of ocean fisheries stocks had provided an incentive for the rapid growth of aquaculture. The aquaculture industry has been recognized as the fastest-growing food production system globally, with a 10% increase in production per year and is one of the most reliable and sustainable growth markets for manufactured feeds. Extrusion technology has been extensively used in the modern aquatic feed manufacturing, due to nutritional, physical properties improvements and cost effectiveness of feeds. Cost related to aquatic feed remains the biggest challenge, especially for small-scale producers. In order to understand costs and potential breakeven points, a single screw extruder and three different production scenarios (0.2, 2 and 20 t/day) throughput were used to develop techno-economic models for small-scale producers of extruded aquatic feeds. The results show annualized capital costs decreased as production capacity increased. Thus, aquatic feed producers could use this tool to evaluate annual costs and benefits to determine processing economics. Producers will have to consider the ingredients used, though, as raw ingredients constitute the greatest cost for the production of feeds.