Fish rearing in land-based systems with water recirculation aim at producing fish with a minimum of water consumption and pollution impact on the environment. Recirculation furthermore gives the possibility to control essential production parameters such as water temperature and oxygen concentration.

Recirculation has proven to be a successfully technique within eel farming, and during the past 10 years several other species are reared using this technique. However, recirculation technology is relative costly due to the capital and operational costs and these costs are some of the main drawbacks for increased development.

Continuously development in intensive recirculation technology in the field of eel farming has been going on for the last 30 years, especially in Denmark and Holland. This presentation shows the current status on the available technologies, and gives a glance into areas where research and development need especially focus.

Bjarne Hald Olsen is head of the DANA FEED Research Centre in Horsens, Denmark. Since 1986 he has been working with hatching and production of various fresh and saltwater species in relation to re-circulated systems.

Contact Details: DANA FEED A/S - Havnen 13 - 8700 Horsens – Denmark. E-mail: bolsen@danafeed.dk