ABOUT THE CLIENT
RAS FACILITY IN GREECE
The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) is located in Greece and incorporates the research institute IMBBC (The Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture). This research institute is considered to be one of the most important research institutes in Europe, having personnel of 133 people including 40 researchers, 40 active projects, and 1681 publications, with an annual 4.5 million Euros in research funding. The institute is backed by the R&D of scientists in Greece that the aquatic environment has developed over the last 20 years.
The HCMR-Aqualabs features a broodstock facility, that is dedicated to researching Fish Reproduction and Physiology, consisting of tanks of different volumes, equipped with temperature and photoperiod control for optimal breeding conditions. Currently, the broodstock tanks are operated on a flow-through system.
The wet and dry laboratories are facilitated with advanced technologies for fish sampling and initial evaluation of gamete and egg quality, and equipment with advanced microscopy techniques and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems. The analytical laboratory supports research in reproductive biology and endocrinology, equipped with ELISAs for hormonal analyses, histological evaluation tools, temperature-controlled incubators, and spectrophotometers for water quality monitoring. Additionally, the laboratory produces polymer-based controlled-release devices for hormonal induction and enhancement of sperm production.
WHAT THE CLIENT NEEDED
UPGRADING FROM FLOW-THROUGH TO RAS
The main goal was to convert 2 Broodstock tanks (Sea Bream/Sea Bass) from a flow-through system to a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS).
The project is part of the Horizon Europe Framework Programme under the acronym “Cure4Aqua’’ work package 6 – Development of Detection tools and technology for improved aquaculture health and welfare. The purpose of the project is to research the optimization of non-invasive reproductive and stress hormone monitoring in gilthead sea bream broodstock to safeguard that water accumulation does not result in reproductive dysfunction.
Broodstock facilities are constantly under investigation for the development of fish strains with faster growth, adaptation to low fish-meal diets, increased disease resistance, and improved flesh quality. Selected broodstocks must be maintained in very high biosecurity facilities, to prevent their loss, and must be provided with the optimal conditions to reproduce efficiently and on demand.
Absolute biosecurity in broodstock management is exclusively achieved by RAS systems where a small volume of new water is exchanged daily, while the entire volume of the system is filtered through a cascade of filters (mechanical, biological, CO2 stripping, UV disinfection, etc.) to ensure the fish are kept in a pathogen-free environment.
THE SOLUTION
RETROFITTED RAS INCLUDING UV TECHNOLOGY
Stavras Aquatic Solutions (StavRAS) is playing a crucial role in the project as both the engineering and technology provider. With precision and finesse, StavRAS navigates challenges to craft tailored solutions that exceed expectations, ensuring unparalleled results.
The biggest challenge of the project was to design and retrofit a RAS system to the existing facility due to the limitations of space.
After gathering all the necessary information and requirements from the client, an intelligent state-of-the-art Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) was designed and installed at the Broodstock Aqualab. The advanced RAS system features transformative technology to revolutionize fish farming operations. Utilizing equipment such as real-time monitoring, remote management capabilities, and intuitive automation, guarantees optimal conditions for aquatic stock, enabling enhanced efficiency and productivity in the fish farming establishment.
A fundamental part of the new RAS system was to include a UV system for the disinfection process. Using UV systems for applications within the aquaculture industry is close to inevitable due to the numerous advantages. The use of UV technology ensures that the water quality is not altered before and after the treatment while destroying any pathogen that passes through the lamps.
The most suitable UV system was chosen after a close consideration of the potential pathogens the broodstock could be exposed to. This led to the installation of a MR4-220-PP system, including the following system features:
- An advanced control cabinet with a UV sensor
- Automatic lamp dimming based on flow
- Automatic wiping system for the quartz sleeves
The installed UV system now allows unparalleled performance and reliability, safeguarding the health and well-being of the Broodstock.
