Carbon dioxide accumulation in fully recirculated aquaculture facilities and the significance of water hardness: effects on growth, feed utilization, nephrocalcinosis, fish health, and degassing efficiency (KAFREA) (39933)

The aim of the project is to determine how elevated carbon dioxide concentrations in recirculated aquaculture systems influence the appetite, feed utilization, and nutrient discharge in rainbow trout production. Additionally, the project seeks to investigate how carbon dioxide affects the prevalence of nephrocalcinosis, and associated effects on kidney health and resistance to infection with bacterial kidney pathogens. 

Experiments will be conducted in water differing in carbonate hardness because this differs considerably geographically and is hypothesized to be an interacting factor in how severely carbon dioxide affects fish. 

The results from the project will be used to determine threshold levels of dissolved carbon dioxide with respect to effects on production efficiency and fish health and to make recommendations on degassing installations and their capacity and operation.

Partners
National Institute of Aquatic Resources, DTU Aqua (coordinator)
AquaPri, Denmark
Blue Unit A/S, Denmark
Danish Aquaculture Association, Denmark

Funding
The project is funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the Danish Fisheries Agency. 

Research area: Aquaculture
Research area: Fish and Shellfish Diseases