Biofloc technology is an emerging, eco-friendly and cost-effective approach for sustainable fish farming. Earlier, the biofloc system was used as the means to treat wastewater and control fish production.

1. Biofloc Fish Farming For
Sustainable Aquaculture

2. Today, fish is one of the cheapest and nutritious sources of protein for
billions of people across the world. Rich in vitamins, minerals, essential
amino acids and oils, fish consumption has increased exponentially in
the last five decades.
Aquaculture, also called fish farming, has played an instrumental role in
producing seafood for human consumption and its contribution to food
and nutritional security. According to the Food and Agricultural
Organization – FAO of the U.N, aquaculture will be responsible for
almost two-thirds of the fish humans consume by the year 2030.
However, fish farmers face various challenges today to fulfil the
growing demand.

3. In India, those engaged in fish farming activities are marginal and small
farmers in rural areas. Thus, the use of commercial fish farming
technologies, infrastructure and investments made are minimal. Other
impeding factors is the lack of efficient use of land and water availability.
Moreover, an extensive amount of money is spent on fish feed which
makes aquaculture unfeasible and unprofitable.
The traditional fish farming methods are harming the aquatic
ecosystem in many ways as well. The fish excreta and leftover feed
splash out of the net and causes nutrient pollution of water resources. It
may lead to oxygen depletion, which can cause fish kills.

4. Fish produced through farming can foster diseases that may spread
fast and cause stress in the aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, pesticides
and antibiotics are used which can affect aquatic living beings and
human health too. Therefore, there is an urgent need for sustainable
aquaculture solutions, and biofloc fish farming is the most preferred
method.

5. Biofloc technology
Biofloc technology is an emerging, eco-friendly and cost-effective
approach for sustainable fish farming. Earlier, the biofloc system was
used as the means to treat wastewater and control fish production.
Over a while, it gained popularity and become the top choice for fish
farmers.
Biofloc technology began to be used commercially at aquaculture farms
in Central America. Later, the technology was successfully
implemented and utilized in many countries such as the USA, China,
Japan, Brazil, Israel, Italy etc. In India, fish farmers have gradually
started to gain interest in this technology.
The main highlight of biofloc fish farming is that it can decrease the
overall expense involved in fish farming activities. Moreover, it is a
sustainable process that does not harm the environment in any manner.

6. How Biofloc technology works?
In this technology, biofloc is an aggregate of microorganisms like
bacteria, algae, fungi, invertebrates etc, where each floc is bound by
filamentous microbes or electrostatic attraction and held under the
action of mucus released by bacteria.
The main function of microbes is the conversion of nitrogen containing
waste in the form of feed leftover and fish excreta into protein rich feed.
It works best under certain conditions that include an aeration system,
external carbon source and sunlight. The microbes aggregate and form
biofloc that is consumed by fish as a food source. The nutritional value
of the fish feed varies depending on the carbon source, suspended
solids, the intensity of light, salinity, bacteria and other factors.

7. Advantages of Biofloc technology
One of the major advantages of biofloc technology is that it is an eco-
friendly aquaculture system. It does not pollute water and offers high
bio-security. Also, it improves land and water use efficiency and
negates the need for costly infrastructure. The fish feed used in
aquaculture can be replaced with biofloc meal and thus makes the
system cost-effective. The rich source of protein means higher
productivity as well.
Various studies done on the biofloc system shows that it improves the
immune system of fish and shrimp. It also helps in the fight against
diseases. Moreover, the probiotic effects of biofloc are well-known and
might be effective in disease management. Latest innovations in
aquaculture are leading the way to improve productivity as well as the
sustainability of the system.

8. Organica Biotech is one of the leading companies with sustainable and
environmentally friendly solutions for aquaculture. Bioflok is a probiotic
formulation consisting of an advanced bacterial community. It is
capable of maximizing fish farming productivity by degrading wastes.
Also, it is known for promoting healthy flocculation and hence no water
exchange is required. Bioflok can also help fish in enhancing water
quality, prevent diseases and maximize output without harming the
environment. You can use Bioflok to boost biofloc fish farming
productivity and pave the way for sustainable aquaculture.

9. For more information visit:
Biofloc Fish Farming For Sustainable Aquaculture