Title: Feasibility study of a recirculation aquaculture system

Two types of recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) were designed, built and evaluated in this study. Pre-operation test results indicated that both systems were capable of delivering sufficient dissolved oxygen and removing carbon dioxide to acceptable levels for fish growth. Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) were raised to assess the technical functionality of the systems. Based on the results of the water parameter analysis, both systems were technically able to deliver optimum water quality for fish growth in the cold water environment at the facility. Commercial simulation of a scale-up system culturing seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Malaysia shows that it is financially feasible, but sensitive to changes in price, operation costs and production quantity. Starting an RAS farm is a challenge, where application of knowledge in aquaculture engineering, water quality management and financial prudence will have to be coordinated before profits can be realised.