As the human population continues to grow, food production industries such as aquaculture will need to expand as well. In order to preserve the environment and the natural resources, this expansion will need to take place in a sustainable way. Biofloc technology is a technique of enhancing water quality in aquaculture through balancing carbon and nitrogen in the system. The technology has recently gained attention as a sustainable method to control water quality.
Already there are a number of areas in Bangladesh where biofloc technology is being used to cultivate fish. Apart from the initial capital investment, those associated with the integration of the technique in cultivating fish, don’t have to put in large amount of money behind feed. This is generally, due to the fact that in the biofloc system the fishes produce their own food with the help of probiotic bacteria. It is already widely in use in many Asian countries including Thailand, Korea and Indonesia.
According a report published in this daily, biofloc is being researched in Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University where the researchers are optimistic about the positive impact which the implementation of this technique on a large scale can have. Experts opine that it is an aquaculture system that effectively ensures maximum utilization of nutrients without changing water or changing very little water. It is a green method that ensures continuous reuse of nutrients in water, food safety and security. It also reduces the cost of feed for fish production.
On another note, the widespread use of biofloc in Bangladesh will increase the total fish production to help achieve the Government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Authorities concerned should create awareness about this system and educate the interested with proper ideas and implementation procedures so that the biofloc technique can be incorporated in a more sustainable way to increase the income from the fish sector.
