Aquaculture engineering is the design of the facilities, equipment, processes, and systems required for commercially growing and harvesting aquatic animals and plants. There are only a few formal education programs dedicated to aquacultural engineering around the world. Aquaculture, biological sciences, and traditional engineering disciplines such as agricultural engineering and environmental engineering are common among those who work in this field.
Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding industry that is attempting to meet rising global demand for fish, shellfish, seaweeds, and other aquatic species. Aquaculture is commonly referred to as fish farming because fish are the primary product of the industry. Fish and other aquatic species are bred, grown, harvested, and processed under strict guidelines that aim to maximize yield and profits while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Fish farms and similar facilities are highly reliant on water. Some farms grow their crops outside, in cages set up in natural or man-made bodies of water. Freshwater species are typically raised in ponds or reservoirs, whereas marine species are typically raised in the ocean. Low-intensity processes are named after the fact that they take place in open environments where engineers may have limited control over some operational aspects. High-intensity aquaculture takes place in tanks or other enclosed spaces where conditions can be carefully monitored and maintained.
Water issues, particularly water circulation and quality, are central to aquaculture engineering. Expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and aspects of oceanography, civil engineering, and environmental engineering is required in these fields. Pumps, piping systems, and other water transport equipment are frequently used in aquaculture, and aquaculture engineers are frequently called upon to design or oversee their operation and maintenance. It’s also important to understand the chemistry of water. The water chemistry requirements for marine aquaculture operations using sea water and freshwater aquaculture facilities using inland waters are vastly different.
Because many animals are confined to a small space, waste generation and handling are major concerns in fish farming. Urine, feces, uneaten food, and dead fish carcasses are examples of waste materials. These wastes are a health hazard for fish kept in confined spaces and an environmental issue in inland and coastal waters. Most large-scale aquaculture facilities will require waste treatment, removal, and disposal systems.
Aquaculture engineering also includes biological science, particularly the biology of aquatic species. To design and operate systems that keep living creatures healthy and thriving, knowledge of biological science is required. It’s also crucial for meeting their reproductive needs in the environment.
Aquaculture engineering typically necessitates expertise in a variety of areas in addition to these core competencies. Managing the design and construction of buildings, facilities, and outdoor water bodies or tanks is one example. Processing aquatic species into finished goods may necessitate the use of specialized machinery, such as robotics or automated systems. Aquaculture operations frequently employ sophisticated water quality monitoring, testing, and control equipment. Computer modeling may also be required to forecast or simulate changes in water quality or fish production over time and under different operational conditions.