The Aquaculture Technical Section of BIM undertakes work programmes with the Irish Aquaculture Industry in accordance with the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the National strategic Plan for Aquaculture. In recent years BIM has identified the potential for the extensive culture of fish in modified split pond systems. The system modified from systems utilised by the North American catfish industry have the potential to significantly expand freshwater aquaculture production, particularly on poor agricultural land. These Recirculating Aquaculture Multi trophic Pond Systems (RAMPS) utilise duckweed, algae and other plants to treat waste products excreted by fish and form part of a potential circular economy.

As part of this process, it is proposed to engage a suitably qualified contractor to fully stock and run a trial RAMPS system at a duly licensed freshwater facility in Ireland.

The Aquaculture Technical Section of BIM undertakes work programmes with the Irish Aquaculture Industry in accordance with the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the National strategic Plan for Aquaculture. In recent years BIM has identified the potential for the extensive culture of fish in modified split pond systems. The system modified from systems utilised by the North American catfish industry have the potential to significantly expand freshwater aquaculture production, particularly on poor agricultural land. These Recirculating Aquaculture Multi trophic Pond Systems (RAMPS) utilise duckweed, algae and other plants to treat waste products excreted by fish and form part of a potential circular economy.

As part of this process, it is proposed to engage a suitably qualified contractor to fully stock and run a trial RAMPS system at a duly licensed freshwater facility in Ireland. It is envisaged that this project will run over a 3-year period (2018-2020) and will be tied in with a number of separate projects aimed at expanding the utilization of RAMPS systems.