Aquaculture engineering is the branch of agricultural engineering that studies cultured aquatic species and the production systems used in their culture. Study, research and development in this area ranges from low intensity man-made pond systems to highly intensive recirculation systems involving natural lakes. Species cultured in these systems could range from warm to cold water fish and from fresh to sea water.
Ponds make up a large portion of aquaculture production systems. The engineering aspect of aquaculture engineering aims to apply mathematical and engineering concepts to the effective development of aquatic production systems with emphasis on the use of computer simulation for water quality and fish production. Environmental conditions and feeding and fertilization factors are important components of these studies and production.
Whether research, teaching, study, or production systems, aquaculture engineering systems generally make use of water treatment operations to ensure the good quality of the environment for the fish life. Water recirculation systems are also an important aspect of this endeavor, with emphasis on water quality, oxygen content, and feed amount.
Famous quotes containing the word engineering:
“Mining today is an affair of mathematics, of finance, of the latest in engineering skill. Cautious men behind polished desks in San Francisco figure out in advance the amount of metal to a cubic yard, the number of yards washed a day, the cost of each operation. They have no need of grubstakes.”
—Merle Colby, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)