Urban Aquaculture of Marine Fishes
- TerrAqua
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Indoor recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fish farming in ponds, raceways, and floating net pens. Because these closed systems continuously filter and reuse water, they minimize pollution, avoid conflicts with coastal users, and can operate virtually anywhere using artificial seawater—including warehouses and other facilities in economically disadvantaged urban areas. Their proximity to consumers also allows fish to be harvested and delivered to market the same day.
Researchers at the University System of Maryland’s Department of Marine Biotechnology (now Institute of Environmental Technology) developed and patented a method for raising orata, or gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), in a completely closed indoor system—the first successful demonstration for a high-value marine fish. The technology addresses many of the environmental challenges associated with conventional marine aquaculture by producing healthy fish in a biosecure environment free from external pollutants and pathogens.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the system offers significant commercial advantages, including faster growth rates, consistent year-round production, and the ability to deliver exceptionally fresh fish. Like a greenhouse, the technology is also adaptable, allowing producers to shift among high-value species such as European sea bass (branzini), Atlantic salmon, and other marine fish in response to market demand and advances in aquaculture research.
University researchers are also developing a scalable and marketable technology to convert fish waste from these systems into methane gas by microbial degradation. This treatment allows the system to support high-density, bio-secure aquaculture with virtually no water exchange, which conserves water, eliminates effluents or escapees and ensures no interaction with the environment. The methane can be an energy source for aquaculture facilities or sold to electric companies.
Clients: Department of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, the Abell Foundation and Maryland Sustainable Mariculture, LLC and Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO).
TerrAqua’s role: Help commercialize these technologies. Study the marketing potential and develop a business plans.
