A sustainable approach to tilapia aquaculture

Abstract

Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) aquaculture is often developed in controlled or extensive systems, which present a diversity of problems whose causes need to be determined to offer solutions oriented to the sustainable development of this activity. The main problems in the majority of farms are reduced growth and high mortality, associated to inadequate management. In this article a tilapia recirculation aquaculture system, with low environmental impact and high productivity, is proposed. The use of medicinal plants and probiotics are suggested as a preventive or corrective measure against pathologies, as well as floating treatment wetlands and sludge digesters, as an alternative to avoid environmental impact. Furthermore, this could generate additional profit in the system. In general, in terms of the proposed Remedial Action Scheme (RAS), this is an environmentally friendly project achieving high productivity.