The re-use of water in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) has significant environmental benefits as water consumption is reduced and the water is cleaned. In RAS, however, dissolved compounds and delicate particulate organic matter are complicated to remove, leading to a high risk of microparticles accumulating in the system, serving as a food source and a reservoir for bacterial colonization.
COMMITMENT TO ENSURING OPTIMAL WATER QUALITY
This transformative pilot experience paved the way for meticulous evaluation and monitoring of operational processes. The results affirmed that Mowi, Chile was on the right track. Enhanced comprehension of the intricate dynamics of water microbiology within systems empowered proactive measures, actively contributing to loss reduction.
MOWI Chile has long been at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in aquaculture. Guided by its commitment to leading the Blue Revolution, MOWI’s sustainability strategy, the company continues to push boundaries in fish health, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
Jorge Mancilla Schulz, MOWI’s Fish Health and Nutrition Manager in Chile, recently introduced the concept of *MOWI 4.0*, the strategy for fish health, and shared his experiences with BactiQuant during a recent presentation, where he also announced the creation of a new research center.
According to Mancilla, the company is working on three major areas related to fish health:
- reducing medications for the control of SRS (Salmonid Rickettsial Septicaemia),
- improving solutions for the control of *Caligus* through prevention and control, and
- improving the welfare and quality of *smolts*.
For Mancilla, it is crucial for the company to have accurate data on all its operations. A key component of this vision has been MOWI’s adoption of advanced technologies like BactiQuant to improve water quality and support healthier fish populations.
DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR BETTER OUTCOMES
MOWI is pioneering the use of advanced analytics to improve aquaculture management. By integrating data from tools like BactiQuant with environmental and production metrics, MOWI can conduct predictive analyses to anticipate problems and implement timely solutions
A trial of the BQ Online has just begun at one of MOWIs facilities in Chile. This is another important milestone with the goal to enhance operational efficiency and reinforce MOWI’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture practices.
WHY WATER QUALITY MATTERS
The microbiological quality of water plays a pivotal role in fish health, particularly in hatcheries and freshwater facilities. Elevated bacterial or fungal activity can lead to poor water quality, increasing fish stress and mortality. Traditional monitoring methods often lack the sensitivity and speed needed to address these issues in a timely, effective, and strategic manner, ensuring potential risks are addressed before they escalate into significant problems.
This is where BactiQuant steps in, offering a reliable, near real-time solution to track microbiological activity. Our patented fluorescence technology measures enzymatic activity with exceptional sensitivity, enabling early detection of potential issues.
Microbial water quality is essential not only for larvae and juvenile performance in hatcheries, which are the most vulnerable stages of fish development, but also for identifying problems in the later stages of the water cycle in a RAS system, such as the impact and optimization of sanitizing agents, the impact of feed on water quality, the effect of biofilter maintenance, etc. With the help of BactiQuant-Water for bacterial and FungiCount for fungal measurements, producers can generate their unique baseline of data and allow the producers to watch for deviations and make informed decisions when necessary. Providing stable microbial water quality is an essential starting point that significantly contributes to better performance, increased growth, and reduced mortality.
TRANSFORMING HATCHERY MANAGEMENT
For hatchery managers and aquaculture professionals, BactiQuant offers a compelling proof of concept:
- Early Detection: Quickly identify bacterial and fungal activity to prevent fish stress and mortality.
- Operational Efficiency: optimize water treatment systems and water quality rapidly and reliably
- Sustainability: Support healthier fish populations while optimizing resource use.
A MOVEMENT TOWARDS SMARTER AQUACULTURE
BactiQuant is not just a technology; it’s a game-changer for the aquaculture industry. As MOWI’s experience demonstrates, investing in innovative water quality monitoring tools can lead to healthier fish, improved operational outcomes, reduced mortality rates and a stronger bottom line.
To learn more about how BactiQuant can transform your aquaculture operations, contact Stavros Panoutsopoulos, sp@bactiquant.com or connect with us though our contact form.
