TECHNOLOGY

The Rise of RAS: A Sustainable Revolution in Tropical Shrimp Farming in Europe

Europe, 16 January 2025 | RAS provides precise and frequent feed delivery, optimising the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and minimising waste

Langostino tropical Vannamei

The Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) has emerged as a modern and innovative method of tropical shrimp farming across Europe, particularly for species like Litopenaeus vannamei. This cutting-edge approach not only boosts yields and enhances the quality of shrimp but also aligns seamlessly with the global towards sustainable aquaculture and environmental protection.

While traditional pond system has been the backbone of shrimp farming for decades, their environmental challenges-such as nutrient pollution from effluent discharge and inefficient resource use-alongside their vulnerability to external factors, have increasingly highlighted their limitations. As the aquaculture industry faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices, RAS presents itself as a progressive alternative.

In Europe, RAS tropical shrimp farming has gained momentum due to its ability to meet strict environmental regulations and consumer demand for sustainably sourced seafood. Countries like Spain, Germany, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Denmark, among others, have become pioneers in adopting these systems, leveraging advanced technologies to achieve consistent production year-round despite Europe’s cooler climate.

By using RAS, tropical shrimp farming can thrive in controlled environments where temperature, salinity, and water quality are precisely managed, ensuring optimal growth conditions for species typically found in warmer regions.

These systems also align with the EU's Green Deal goals by minimising water usage and preventing nutrient-rich effluent discharge into natural ecosystems. 

Others its numerous advantages, RAS allows for higher stocking densities without compromising the health or welfare of the shrimp. 

Automated feeding systems as key enablers

Mirafeed System /Innovaqua

Automated feeding systems like Mirafeed by INNOVAQUA, which set RAS apart from traditional land-based farming methods, provide precise and frequent feed delivery, optimising the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and minimising waste.

Such advanced system also reduces the risk of overfeeding, a common issue in traditional methods, which can deteriorate water quality and increase costs. This level of technological precision ensures consistent, year-round production and improved shrimp quality, making it particularly attractive to premium market where consistency and traceability are paramount.

Recent studies demonstrated that feeding tropical shrimp six to eight times daily using automatic feeders significantly improved growth performance and other physiological and economic parameters. The experts pinpointed eight feedings per day as the optimum frequency, revealing that this regime not only enhanced survival rates but also bolstered the shrimp’s natural antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative stress—a critical factor for maintaining health in high-density environments.

While RAS does require a higher upfront cost, its operational savings make it a sound long-term investment. In addition, by leveraging automation and real-time monitoring systems, RAS reduces the reliance on manual labour, streamlines operations, and ensures more precise resource use. These features not only drive profitability but also enhance the resilience of shrimp farming operations in the face of economic and environmental uncertainties.

The shift from pond-based shrimp farming to RAS is a far more than technological upgrade-it signifies a paradigm shift in how aquaculture is practiced. It reflects a growing commitment to environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and sustainable future for seafood production. As the global seafood industry grapples with the dual pressures of meeting rising demand and protecting fragile ecosystems, RAS provides a forward-looking solution that balances productivity with ecological stewardship.

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