Aquaculture:
fish farming
Fish farms as a sustainable solution in view of overfishing of the aquatic environment worldwide.
What is aquaculture farming?
Aquaculture is the term used for controlled rearing of animals that live in water; primarily finfish, shellfish, shrimps and algae. Unlike those caught in the wild, these farmed fish belong to someone from the outset and can therefore be attributed to an owner just like farm animals. This is why the breeding of fish in aquacultures is frequently also called aquafarming.
These types of aquafarms can be integrated into their natural environment, for instance using seawater net pens or in fishponds, or they can be created artificially in closed recirculation systems. Aquaculture is viewed as a sustainable solution in view of overfishing of the worldwide aquatic environment and the burgeoning demand for fish as a basic foodstuff.
How does aquaculture work?
Aquacultures, separated from the ecological cycle, in a closed recirculation system: This is what KM Seafood practices in an old industrial building in Kirschau.
The advantage of this type of recirculation system: Fish can normally reproduce when isolated from the environment. This means it is possible to ensure animal health and the quality of products all year long, but CO2 emissions can also be kept low.
Aquaculture is fundamentally not a new invention. Breeding and rearing fish in systems like this are not however accorded the same status in every country. For now, fish caught in the wild is preferred in Central Europe. In contrast, aquaculture is widespread in China and has a tradition going back thousands of years.
According to estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), every second fish today already comes from an aquaculture farm. The reason for this growth is undoubtedly the improvement in expertise and the technical developments of recent years.
What is the goal of our value chain?
KM Seafood’s approach as regards the process is to guarantee sustainable production throughout the entire value chain. This includes:
- using renewable energy to operate the farms
- using water and heat recovery systems
- processing residues in the water to make fertiliser for plants
- further processing of offal to make animal feed