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Closed and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (CAS and RAS)

Skretting is the global leader in feed and services for closed aquaculture systems and leads the way in the development and supply of feeds designed specifically for these systems. Our extensive knowledge from traditional farming is applied in this relatively new segment, and in 2009, we were the first company in the world to launch commercial RAS feeds. We were also the first to dedicate resources to RAS feed research and have continued to pioneer advancements in this space ever since.

  • What is CAS?

    CAS is a system that produces salmon and other fish in a controlled space with less impact on the environment. These types of spaces can include land-based raceways, tanks and ponds, as well as RAS and closed or semi-closed facilities at sea. 

  • What is RAS?

    RAS are land-based aquaculture facilities that reuse water by cycling it through a series of filtration and treatment units with a limited addition of make-up water. 

Feeds that are optimized for fish and system

  • Fish icon

    Fish needs

    • Good digestibility
    • Low feed conversion ratio
    • Precise nutrition
  • Pellet
  • Cogwheel icon

    System needs

    • Good physical qualities
    • Minimal waste
    • Easily removable faeces

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems are land-based aquaculture facilities that reuse water by cycling it through a filtration system so it can be used again. The highly sustainable nature of these operations reduces the amount of water and space needed for aquaculture. The population of RAS-based facilities has grown exponentially and more are being implemented worldwide, year after year. The increased use of RAS represents a paradigm shift for aquaculture as they are becoming the standard, not only for early stages in freshwater, but the entire life cycle for many species.

RCX is our feed concept for recirculation systems that builds upon our previous market-leading range, RecircReady (RC). RC – an industry first, was introduced to the global aquaculture market back in 2009 and includes modelling capabilities, nutrient recycling solutions and health monitoring in addition to tailored feed solutions. RC was designed to provide farmers with the best possible solution to optimise land-based and other closed-containment productions based on three key principles:

  • improve faeces quality
  • enhance mechanical filtration efficiency
  • reduce nutrient load for biofilters

These are achieved by our unique patented ingredients binding faecal matter, hence increasing faecal stability.

Consistency is important for closed systems to maintain the optimum rearing environment. Our RCX certification includes meticulous procedures to ensure consistent physical and nutritional quality. At Skretting, we strive to produce the best possible feeds specifically for recirculation purposes, to ensure these systems always perform at their most efficient capacity. 

See our RAS products

RAS tanks Lerang, Norway

Our RAS research

We have invested significant research resources into RAS feed and have established state-of-the-art RAS-based research facilities around the world, each with a unique focus such as disease prevention, hatchery, and commercial grow-out. This has given us extensive knowledge on improving RAS water and waste management, developing diets that can support optimal system and fish performance, and helping customers succeed in running and expanding their facilities.

There is a lot of diversity in the configurations and operations of closed-containment aquaculture systems. Therefore, it’s essential to provide aquaculture producers with feeds that meet specific requirements. Skretting works closely with fish farmers to ensure that our feeds not only deliver the ideal nutritional content but also have the right shape, size, density, and the appropriate sinking speed for these unique systems.