In-Pond Raceway Systems (IPRS) represent a cutting-edge method in pond aquaculture, effectively combining the advantages of confining fish in a restricted area within the pond with the efficiency of a flowing water system. This innovative approach facilitates water circulation within the pond, mimicking the natural flow found in riverine environments. By creating this dynamic water movement, IPRS significantly enhances the pond's productivity potential. The core principle of IPRS involves the installation of specific components that work in concert to circulate and refresh the water within the pond, all while preventing any discharge into the surrounding environment. This setup effectively utilizes a dividing partition, or baffle, to create a circular water flow pattern. As a result, the water undergoes continuous mixing and movement, optimizing conditions for fish growth and minimizing stagnation.

1. Presented by
Magoti Ernest Ndaro
Dept. Of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Science

2. Introduction to In-Pond Raceway Systems
(IPRS)
 IPRS integrates fish in a portion
of the pond with flowing water
system.
 circulate and mix pond water to
optimize fish growth while
preventing environmental
discharge.

3. In-Pond Raceway System – The Theory and
History
 IPRS started in the late 1980s in the US at
Auburn, Clemson & Mississippi State
University, led by Drs. David Brune, Mike
Masser & Andy Lazur
 With support from the ACES and USSEC
research refined IPRS leading to the creation
of WWUs.
 Since its introduction, IPRS has spread to over
18 countries including Tanzania (TANLAPIA)
Read more about history:
https://ussec.org/wp-
content/uploads/2022/01/20220121_USS
EC_IPRS_Manual_UPDATED.pdf

4.  Adequate and reliable
water supply
 Sufficient land area
 Topography and Climate
considerations
Site selection for in pond race way
 Access to essential utilities
such as electricity
 regulatory requirements and
permits
 Proximity to markets and
distribution channels

5. Components of in pond race way
 Whitewater Units (WWU)
create a vertical and horizontal water
flow
 Raceway Cells
5m x 2.3m x 30m, have mesh ends.
Cells divided into CZ, PZ, and QZ
segments.
 Supplementary Aeration (SA)
Supplementary aeration enhances
fish health and waste treatment.

6. Cont..
 Working Walkways (WW)
1.8-2m supports feeding&
maintenance. made of steel,
fiberglass, concrete/wood.
 Confinement Gates (CG)&Gate
slots
located at both ends of the PZ,
serve to retain fish and optimize
water exchange.
The Baffle Wall (BW)
It guides water from the IPRS cells &
WWUs. Allow mixing and aeration.
made of earthen material/UV-
protected HDPE

7. Cont..
 Electrical and Back-up Power
Systems
 Spare Equipment and Backup
Systems
 Waste Management and Extraction
Submerged vacuum head drawn across QZ floor by
cable & Vacuum system on rail structure travels along
QZ length.
 Filter-feeding or Service Species

8. Culture Techniques, Operation and
Maintenance of IPRS
 Stocking density
It base on biomass, harvest size,
volume; ranges 100-150 kg/m3.
involves healthy, uniform
"stockers,“(20-25g)
 Management of Filter feeding
and Service Species
The "80:20" principle developed
USSEC
Feeds and Feeding
Hand-feed fish to
satisfaction.
Feed Storage
first-in, first-out

9. Cont..
 Water and Water Quality
Management
No water exchange, as the aerated
system ensures stability, with minimal
fluctuations in D.O, pH, and NH3
 Confinement Gates management
Clean and debris-free gates with
properly sized mesh ensure robust
water movement while retaining fish
 Floating Waste Solids
fish species e.g. tilapia, floating fecal
matter pose challenges Adjusting feed
formulations can mitigate this issue
 Fish Health Management in
Raceways
stocking healthy fingerlings, quality
feed, water quality and liming

10. Cont..
Harvesting from In-Pond Raceways
 IPRS facilitates stress-free,
cost-effective fish harvests.
 No need for seining
equipment; fish are harvested
at target size, minimizing stress.

11. Record Keeping and IPRS Performance
Monitoring
 Detailed records should
be maintained to track
various parameters such
as water quality, fish
health, feeding regimes,
and maintenance activities
Maintenance of In-Pond Raceway Systems
 Timely maintenance, including filter
cleaning and diffuser inspection, prevent
issues like clogging or malfunctioning.
 Backup generators must be checked and
tested weekly
 The baffle should be inspected on a
monthly schedule for rips, holes or
deterioration.

12. Economics of IPRS
Investment and Construction Costs
 Land acquisition/rental, pond
construction, water & electrical
systems installation
 machinery & equipment such as
feed storage bins, buildings,
feeding equipment, water
chemistry kits, WWUs, harvesting
gear &vehicles.
Variable Costs
 expenditures for fingerlings, feed,
labor, electricity, chemicals, and
other items necessary for fish
production.
 Feed costs 40%-75% fingerlings
9% -49%, electricity 4%-6%)&
management/labor 3%-13%

13. Cont..
Fixed Costs Fixed
 costs are those that an operation incurs
whether fish are produced or not
 land, pond construction, equipment,
machinery, repairs, maintenance, taxes and
insurance.
Revenue
 come from selling the fish quantity raised
and harvested at one or more price points
 Tanzania farm gate price 7000/=/kg of
tilapia fish
Marketing
 wholesalers, middlemen, retailers,
and individuals
 Advertisement

14. How IPRS differ from other aquaculture
farming methods

15. Advantage of IPRS
 Enhanced Environmental Sustainability
 Increased Production Yield
 More informationLook at:
https://youtu.be/WyUDCsQkWdg?si=ObZ81x_f15NVvOQb