Facing continuously declining wild fish stocks the fish production in aquaculture is playing an increasing role as a protein food supplier to mankind. Recirculating aquaculture systems are environmentally friendly and water-saving production technique that is used in particular for the production of fish. High stocking densities and the principle of recirculating water increase, however, the risk of infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. This can cause high mortality and substantial financial damages and is the world's most important limiting factor for the economical operation of recirculating aquaculture systems. Aim of the project is the development of an efficient, industrially applicable, marketable and environmentally friendly disinfection system for recirculating aquaculture systems in aquaculture. The disinfection system is to allow the simultaneous treatment of the circulating water with ultrasound and ultraviolet radiation (UV) in continuous operation. It is assumed that the combination of ultrasound and UV is ideally suited to reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria in recirculating aquaculture systems so that the outbreak of pathogen-related diseases is effectively prevented. Both physical processes operate residue-free and in combination they are an innovative approach to an optimal fish health management without the use of chemicals or drugs harmful to health and environment.

Project Leader:

Duration:

09/01/2010 until 08/31/2012

Financing:

DBU

Project-team at the IGB:

Project partners:

richtungen

Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam www.aip.de

Leibniz-Institut für Regionalentwicklung und Strukturplanung e. V., Erkner