Biological Control Of Gas Exchange In Intensive Aquatic Production Systems

The maintenance of both environmental and product quality as well as the productivity of intensive aquatic production systems depend upon the biological cycling of dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide within the water column. Biological cycling is accomplished through interactions between aquatic heterotrophic and photoautotrophic microorganisms such that, dissolved oxygen and pH remain within acceptable limits, independent of atmospheric diffusion. In aquatic systems it is impractical to separate the animals, their food, and their metabolic wastes from each other or from suspended bacteria and algae. Based upon current understanding of the dynamics of intensive aquatic production, the appropriateness of control and feed technologies developed for agriculture is questionable. New and innovative approaches and technologies are needed.