Biofloc Technology and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

22.11.2024

Biofloc Technology and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Why in the news?       

            India's aquaculture sector has increasingly adopted Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).

About Biofloc Technology and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems:

• Biofloc Technology is a closed tank-based fish farming approach which cleans the water in fish tanks by using beneficial bacteria.
• Heterotrophic bacteria (commonly Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Acinetobacter, and Alcaligenes) are used to convert organic waste (such as uneaten feed and fish waste) into microbial biomass, which can then be consumed by the fish or shrimp.

Advantages of Biofloc Technology:

• This process keeps the water clean without needing to change it often and at the same time reduces the risk of disease as well in the fish. Water stays cleaner, hence farmers do not need to depend on external use of chemicals or antibiotics.
• BFT also saves money on feed, as fish can get extra nutrients from the recycled waste, making it sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly for fish farming.
• The inbuilt aeration system to maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels to promote microbial activity, along with mechanical filtration reduces chances of infection.
• It is more suitable for small farmers with limited land as it can be established in a small area and even set up for backyard farming. However, it is associated with challenges, including high costs.

What is Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)?

• It is also a closed-loop tank-based farming that recycles water after filtration.
• RAS filters and cleans the water in the tank, removing waste and keeping it safe for the fish to live in.
• It has automated set up of culture tanks with both mechanical and biological filtration units, and effectively prevents the entry of pathogens from external sources.
• It requires the minimal interventions to assess the culture, water and disease monitoring, which allows for improved biosecurity. So, fish are less likely to get sick and need for disinfectants or antibiotics is thereby reduced.
• The RAS approach also offers a controlled environment for factors like temperature, oxygen levels and cleanliness, ensuring optimal conditions for healthy fish growth.
• It can be set up indoors or in areas without natural water sources, allowing fish to be raised closer to cities and where demand is high.

                                                                 Source: The Hindu

Consider the following statements regarding the Biofloc Technology:

Statement-I: It is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly fish farming approach.

Statement-II: It utilizes the beneficial bacteria that convert organic wastes into biomass, to be consumed by the fishes.

Statement-III: It keeps the water clean without needing to change it often.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement–II and Statement–III are correct and both of them explain Statement–I

B.Both Statement–II and Statement–III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement–I

C.Only one of the Statements–II and III is correct and that explains Statement–I

D.Neither Statement–II nor Statement–III is correct

Answer A