Land-based recirculating water systems: the future of sustainable Atlantic salmon farming

1. Challenges of Traditional Net Pen Aquaculture: A Hurdle to Sustainability

In the United States, over half of the commercially sold Atlantic salmon is imported and farmed primarily through net pen aquaculture. While cost-effective, this open-water method poses critical risks:

• Ecological Impact: Uncontrolled discharge of waste (feed residues, fish feces) causes eutrophication, threatening natural water ecosystems.
• Disease Spread: Dense populations accelerate pathogen transmission, leading to overuse of antibiotics.
• Escape Risks: Farmed fish escaping into wild habitats disrupt genetic diversity of native species.

2. Land-Based RAS: Redefining Aquaculture with a “Green Formula”

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (UWSP NADF) is revolutionizing the industry through land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Their mission: breed the Cascade strain of Atlantic salmon to achieve localized production and environmental stewardship.

（1）Cascade Strain: The “Resilient Pioneer” of Land-Based Farming

• Growth Advantage: At 4 years old, individuals reach 40 lbs (18kg), thriving in high-density RAS environments.
• Breeding Value: As premium broodstock, they supply eggs to Wisconsin farmers, reducing import dependence and building a localized supply chain.

（2）Core RAS Configuration: kacise Sensors Building an Intelligent Monitoring Network

（3） Five Core Advantages of RAS

• 90%+ Water Savings: Recycles over 90% of water, reducing freshwater use to 1/10 of net pen methods.
• High-Density Control: Triples production per unit volume, cutting land use by 80%.
• Precision Early Warning: 24/7 monitoring by kacise sensors triggers audible-visual alarms and oxygenation activation when DO <6mg/L or ammonia >0.5mg/L.
• Near-Zero Discharge Potential: Treated tailwater recycling reduces pollutant emissions by 95%.
• Biosecurity Upgrade: Closed system blocks external pathogens, lowering disease incidence by 70% compared to net pens.

3. Kacise Sensors: The “Digital Nervous System” of RAS

In UWSP NADF’s RAS, kacise KWS-series sensors act as the core “water quality guardians”:

（1）Multi-Parameter Real-Time Monitoring

• Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Uses fluorescence quenching for accurate measurement, eliminating membrane fouling issues in traditional electrode methods (calibration cycle extended to 6 months).
• Temperature & pH: Integrated probes provide data for metabolic regulation (optimal growth: 12-18℃, pH 6.5-8.0).
• Expanded Capabilities: Supports chlorophyll and cyanobacteria monitoring to warn of eutrophication risks.

（2）Intelligent Integration & Data Management

• SCADA System Integration: Uploads real-time data via Modbus protocol for trend analysis and historical reporting.
• Automated Control: Pre-set thresholds (e.g., activating backup aerators at DO <5mg/L) enable closed-loop “monitor-analyze-act” management.
• Mobile Operations: Dedicated app allows real-time data access, remote parameter adjustment, and dual-alert (SMS/email) for out-of-range values.

4. From Lab to Scale: kacise Technology Driving Industrial Upgrades

UWSP NADF’s practice proves that kacise sensors + RAS are driving three key transformations:

（1）Environmental Breakthroughs

• Reduces freshwater use by 10,000 tons and CO₂ emissions by 1.2 tons per ton of salmon produced.
• Eliminates the ~20% escape rate of net pens, protecting wild salmon genetic purity.

（2）Economic Improvements

• High-density farming enables a single-pond output of 15 tons, five times higher than traditional ponds.
• The precision feeding system combined with water quality data reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 1.8 to 1.5 and reduced breeding costs by 12%.

（3）Standardized Technology Transfer

• Shares kacise sensor deployment expertise through training workshops and technical manuals, aiding small-scale farmers in adopting RAS.
• Establishes end-to-end standards for “sensors-equipment-management,” shifting land-based farming from “experience-driven” to “data-driven.”

5. Traditional Net Pen vs. Land-Based RAS: Core Metric Comparison

Keywords

Atlantic salmon farming, recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), kacise water quality sensors, sustainable aquaculture, Cascade strain, intelligent monitoring, zero-discharge farming.

Conclusion

When kacise sensors’ “digital vision” meets the “green heart” of RAS, aquaculture enters a revolution from “extensive expansion” to “precision smart farming.” UWSP NADF’s case shows that through breed improvement, equipment upgrading, and data intelligence, we can achieve sustainable protein production while protecting ecosystems.

Contact kacise experts today for customized RAS sensor solutions and join the journey toward carbon-neutral aquaculture!