BioFloc Technology

The rapid growth of aquaculture and projections of continued expansion necessary to meet future protein demands will depend upon increasing productivity without overburdening land and water resources, applying sustainable technologies Which minimize environmental effects, and developing cost effective production systems which support economic and social sustainability. Biofloc technologies described in this manual can provide a major contribution towards meeting these goals while producing high quality, safe, attractive and socially acceptable products. Biofloc technologies facilitate intensive culture while reducing investment and maintenance costs and incorporating the potential to recyle feed. The technology is based upon zero or minimal water exchange to maximize biosecurity while minimizing external environmental effects. Using artificial aeration to meet oxygen demand and suspend organic particles, development of a heterotrophic microbial community is encouraged in the pond. This diverse microbial community functions to mineralize wastes, improve protein utilization and reduce opportunities for dominance of pathogenic strains. This reasonably priced practical manual explains fundamentals and management of the target crop and the microbial communities in this bio-technological system in a clear style appropriate for farmers as well as students and researchers in the field.