Malta-based AquaBioTech Group has built a new facility in the Netherlands it says will help research the capabilities of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
The Coppens Aqua Centre (ACAC), owned by aquatic nutrition firm Alltech Coppens International, opened recently in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. It was designed to provide the company the ability to run multiple simultaneous nutrition trials for a variety of species in highly controlled environments, according to AquaBioTech Group.
“Aquaculture nutrition is a rapidly growing industry globally and the AquaBioTech Group has become a leader in the provision of tailored RAS solutions for the needs of private and public research facilities, as well as operating over 25 Recirculating Aquaculture Systems in its own private aquatic research facility based in Malta,” the company said in a press release.
The new facility has 60 tanks in four separate systems, with the ability to pair the systems, making two larger systems. Each RAS unit at the center was custom-designed to enable Coppens to carry out feed trials in both saltwater and freshwater conditions for a variety of species, including salmon, trout, and catfish, at temperature ranges from 6 to 28 degrees Celsius.
“We are very pleased to have completed this project,” Rob J. Davies, head of RAS projects at the AquaBioTech Group, said in the release. “Alltech Coppens International is a leader in nutrition in RAS environments and the operation of the Alltech Coppens Aqua Centre will enable them to become a global hub of excellence for aquaculture research.”
As part of the contract, the AquaBioTech Group will provide ongoing remote technical support and troubleshooting for the center.
