Encouraging Successful Recirculating Aquaculture and Aquaponic Systems
- TerrAqua
- Jun 4
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) raise fish in closed tanks that reuse most of their water, allowing high production with limited waste. Conditions are tightly controlled, disease risks are lower, and facilities can be located almost anywhere—driving rapid growth in the U.S. and globally.
Hydroponics grows plants indoors without soil and is now widely used to produce herbs and leafy greens sold in grocery stores. These crops grow quickly—often in just a few weeks.
Aquaponics combines the two: fish waste provides nutrients for plants, reducing the need for added fertilizers while recycling water. The result is a more efficient, near closed-loop system that produces both seafood and crops with less waste.
TerrAqua’s role:
We evaluated the potential of RAS and RAS aquaponics across the Atlantic states, examining their business viability, environmental sustainability, contribution to food production, and economic development potential. Our work identified opportunities, resources, and practical strategies to support the successful adoption of these technologies, helping entrepreneurs, investors, and communities develop resilient, sustainable aquaculture enterprises.
Client: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and NOAA Fisheries. (For the Executive Summary, click here.
. For an article about our study in the Irish aquaculture platform, The Fish Site, click here)
