Nourishing the Planet

James Michael Reardon says:

December 18, 2009 at 12:39 pm

The following is a composition I recently completed concerning resolute sustainable initiatives for food security in the sub-Sahara with an emphasis on Kenya. The presentation has been enthusiastically accepted by Kenya’s Ministry of Fisheries. The main difference between the specific recommendations presented below is that we do not favor the actions of bureaucratic organizations seeking donations to support their charitable bureaucracies. Our intent is to get on the ground and propagate the initiative through groundwork and decisive action. While we seek funding to launch the program, we will not create a bureaucracy as innumerable organizations have done and continue to do. Our mission is prolific, sustainable, predictable, accountable and transparent implementation programs inciting significant long-term resolution. Our intent is to provide the energy requirements solely and specifically through renewable energy technologies. Hydro-kinetics is a key ingredient. Water is the answer!

Water and Spirit:
Productivity Enhancement Suggestions and Contributions Concerning Sustainable Resolutions for Famine in Kenya

We welcome you to this discussion as we seek workable, sustainable solutions to recurrent conditions of famine.

These past few months, we have been communicating with Jared Akama Ondieki who represents The Center For Partnership And Civic Engagement (CEPACE TRUST) concerning the merits and distinct advantages recirculating aquaculture systems technology (RAS) can contribute to long-term sustainable solutions to unremitting famine in Kenya and the sub-Sahara region
Remedies and solutions must go beyond temporary patchwork. Historically, too many organizations have laid claim to fixing this chronically acute circumstance of famine but the problem lingers today just as evident as it did in 1960. Many charities and organizational efforts have created bureaucracies focused on fund raising for this cause without clear-cut results. The epidemics still exist. We must all work together masterminding, collectively contributing our strengths to this cause, effectively defining the mission, consummating and coordinating teams and resources to create a sensible and effective plan.. This plan must be scaled to implement sustainable, enduring, practical, resolute processes. We will demonstrate that RAS when implemented on an intensive scale can open diverse options and provide abundant sustenance to the human protein grid, especially in Kenya and other localities where it is needed most urgently. RAS can most efficiently and effectively provide essential protein to enhance food security potential through implementing rapidly advancing technologies including hatcheries through growout facilitation.
The broad term “aquaculture” refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments, including ponds, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and the ocean. Similar to agriculture, aquaculture can take place in the natural environment or in a manmade environment. Using aquaculture techniques and technologies, researchers and the aquaculture industry are “growing,” “producing,” “culturing,” and “farming” all types of freshwater and marine species. More specifically, marine aquaculture refers to the culturing of marine species, while freshwater aquaculture focuses on the culturing of freshwater species. For example, marine aquaculture production includes oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp (penaeids), and finfish (eg. pompano, salmon, perch, cod, sea bream) while freshwater aquaculture operations produce trout, catfish, and tilapia among other species.
Due to its intrinsic, intensive production capability, RAS technology through production permits the means and mechanisms to furnish nourishment and sustenance to humans dependably, rapidly, and repetitively. Accurately and correctly implemented, RAS can keep pace with accelerating demands for protein as the very nature of certain fish and penaeid reproductive efficiency exponentially supersedes our ability to expand and facilitate equally. Our recommendations require focused assessment of existing options and deliberate mechanisms to reinforce implementation processes and to bolster persistent practice and technique.

The Theatre

It is a fact that worldwide Tens of Thousands of humans are starving to death daily and the problem is most acute in the sub-Sahara as you are witnessing first hand. Most people living in industrialized nations are either unaware of this hunger epidemic or cannot conceivably fathom the critical stage you are experiencing. Compassionately and ethically, we feel your pain. We sincerely yearn to help. It is inexcusable that millions of humans are constantly on the verge of starvation on a daily basis. The war to eliminate hunger and malnutrition should be our highest priority. Thirty-thousand to forty-thousand human beings have been inexcusably starving to death per day for the past 60 years!! Just imagining the sequence and pain of starving to death is incomprehensible to the majority of the world’s present population. Yet, it is truth that one billion humans are on the verge of starvation every single day.

The reasons for this injustice include:

• ineffective distribution channels
• unbalances in wealth and resource management
• prioritization distortion
• ecological disequilibrium
• multiple micro and macro environmental factors
• see statistics at the world clock: hhtp://www.peterrussell.com
• Meanwhile, the human race is plagued with excessive military spending to the tune of 2.2 million dollars per minute.

It is staggering to consider that since 1950, at least 766,500,000 (766.5 million) human beings have died from starvation. The fact that this dilemma has been continuing for the past sixty years is inexcusable, especially when you consider the wealth of other nations around the world. At this rate, by 2050 the number of casualties from starvation will reach at least 1,277,500,000 human beings (approximately 1.3 billion) in a single century! These facts are staggering.

Yet, chances are that unless we as a human race realize and act within the maxim that we are all in this together, we can expect even greater suffering as the human population increases while natural resources are being depleted. We can reverse this parody through decisive action, planning and resource allocation. This spirit of coordinated cooperation is possible through effective utilization of water and human will, our most valuable and abundant resources. This potential covenant of water management and spirited cooperation is the platform we are to build upon through aquaculture proliferation. Before we enter the abyss of ignorance and denial that human suffering due to lack of subsistent sustenance is plaguing one-sixth of our fellow mankind and that we are responsible, let’s stop and appraise our state of being and clean our slates. Once in this vortex we must work to magnify and attract relevant, pertinent, appropriate and significant resources to ignite the solution process. RAS could be an integral transformational ingredient.

The total world human population in 1900 is estimated to have been only 1.5 billion and was 6 billion by the turn of the millennium. The human population increased 400% in the twentieth century and certain demographic studies indicate that it is conceivable to expect world population to double again by 2050-2060. Presently the population rate is increasing by approximately 80 million humans annually. By 2011 we will have almost 1 billion more mouths to feed than at the turn of the century. It is astounding to comprehend that by 2050, Eastern Africa is projected to increase its population by 136%, Western Africa by 122%, and Middle Africa by 175%. Please stop, take a breath, and sincerely ponder these statistics for just a few moments, please. No single entity alone, whether public or private, can by itself manage the ramifications this pending and emerging demographic dynamic will create. Concerning what we can jointly do to meet these impending challenges and help create mechanisms to support Kenyans and distressed others in the collective quest for food security and self reliance, the highest priority is to establish the means for a sustainable food supply. It is at once a human rights issue, a globalization issue, and a spiritual issue. By extending our hands to work cooperatively, in solidarity with a corps of legitimate organizations who have claimed starvation elimination as their mission, we may justly induce and instigate momentous resolutions. To dedicate consolidated action through dignified commitment esteems mutual beneficence for all stakeholders. The work of justice will be peace.

Urgency is obvious in time of famine and malnutrition. Remedial prioritization is imminent. Resolution will require collaborative efforts on multiple fronts. Worldwide, too many agencies claiming this charge to mitigate hunger have proffered little in the way of fulfilling significant, prolonged results. The daily roll of casualties lends evidence that the tasks are incomplete. We believe that implementing sound recommendations centered with RAS technology will elevate and reinforce reliable means supportive in achievement of our congruent goals. Through combining resources, we can have work for our hands and can infiltrate with grounded strategies specifically designed to rectify the persistent dilemmas. Meanwhile, participating entities will be able to take credit as due, validating mission statements with assurance and credibility.

Industrious economies are possible in this process. Economies are manifested through ideas. Sustenance is the key to progress in promoting hope, well-being, health and contentment. Our task is not to feed one billion people but to assist, create and empower vital sustainable means and methods for the afflicted to proceed with prudent and enduring systems to ensure their well-being. Providing nutrition and well-being to mankind is a moral, ethical and social responsibility, especially since we realize that several options exist to launch and execute valuable measures..

As stewards anticipating what starvation and strife these demographic dynamics will bring, let’s actively and aggressively choose to implant and implement effective strategies to fortress our common will. It is conceivable to proactively buffer and eliminate the tragedy and suffering that will become a reality unless we begin to act now. We have the technology, we have the gifts of innovation and vision and we have a plan. We are not interested in imperialist profiteering nor are we interested in creating ineffective, wasteful, duplicable, ineffective bureaucracies and/or networks. It is time to dig in, work the trenches, become visible and callous our hands with good works. We are solely and specifically interested in creating productive, transparent, accountable, effective foundations to eliminate the strife and suffering of famine and chronic malnutrition. We are the possibility for innovation and abundance. We must join forces decisively fighting the war on hunger. This will be a peaceful and productive war with covenants forged in the spirit of cooperation, a covenant of water and spirit. To paraphrase the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “And mankind shall turn their swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks and warfare of human vs, human shall cease to exist.” And further, “The work of justice will be peace”. The faster we all learn we are all in this together, so too the better off we all shall be. Some may say that this thinking is too idealistic. If you are reading this, you are included in this possibility and we are recruiting our collective energies in this transformation process. Let’s pray together and work together

Overfishing is a global issue that is becoming more serious as the human population increases. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, over 70% of the world’s seafood species are fully exploited or depleted, and an astonishing one out of five people depend on this source of protein. This high demand will not go away. Worldwide, wild harvest seafood landings have reached a plateau and since 1995 aquaculture is becoming highly significant to furnishing the increasing demands for protein as population escalates to 7 billion by 2012 and possibly 11 billion by 2045. In North America alone, declining wild stock harvests have recently included Atlantic cod, lobster, crabs, and many others. The US commercial fishing industry is in dire straits with many fishermen going out of business these past ten years as government regulations increasingly reduce and/or inhibit effort due to rapidly declining natural fisheries.

Having had 20 years experience within the commercial fishing industry, I have witnessed both severe and subtle biomass fish stock collapses mostly due to ecological disequilibrium in coastal North American waters. Reduced catches compounded recently with seriously inflated variable costs (fuel, gear/supplies, bait, insurance, repairs, etc.), compromised markets in depressed economies, devalued currency, discombobulated fishery management policies among state, federal and international agencies, and a conflagration of diverse, invasive marketing strategies among myriad private lobbyist interests favoring imports are striking the heart of the commercial wild harvest fishing industry. Depressed prices paid to harvesters (off-boat prices) dipping to levels lower than was paid 35 years ago will drive many more out of business. Consider inflation and fish dealer market predation, a widened marketing disconnect exists between harvester and consumer. Fish farming is the industry through which we can most efficiently and effectively provide essential protein to enhance food security and dependably furnish nourishment and sustenance for human consumption. These facts and my career experiences have led me to study current practices and developing technologies for sustainable aquaculture. Most recently I have taken a job on a New England lobster boat observing and assessing the pulse of the commercial industry and to work on a creative marketing strategy to benefit local fishermen. In addition to my experience within the commercial fishing industry I spent several years as a commercial dairy farmer and so am keenly interested in efficient agriculture production methods, realizing correlations for intensive production aquaculture, specifically RAS.

To keep pace with accelerating demand, our recommendations for RAS require focused assessment of existing production sites, thorough investigation of feasibility options, deliberate deliverance of engineering design schemes to reinforce implementation processes and to bolster persistent practice and technique for selected sites. Between studying and observing RAS these past six years and am absolutely convinced that while the recommendations presented herein enunciate intensive production aquaculture, specifically RAS, the site-specific recommendations and strategies will ultimately depend upon commitments of capital and human resource, and pertinent site variables including water sourcing and energy profiles. While requiring immense quantities of water, inherent mechanisms of RAS supporting water conservation for inland fresh water and/or brackish ponds exist and are improving. Consider the logical option of utilizing abundant seawater in seaside-based facilities.

RAS as Viable Resolution

RAS aquaculture affords basic, logical occasions to augment sustainable implementation promoting essential human nutritional sustenance, health and overall well-being and to provide rewarding employment opportunities. The challenge is to empower people to feed themselves and create jobs beneficial to the local population and economic stimuli to regional industrial sectors. Economies are initiated by ideas. An old saying states that “teaching a man to fish is better than giving him a fish”. Expanding this we envision innovative mechanisms instigating intense commercial aquaculture production inducing abundant fodder for native peoples likewise evolving to prospective economic stabilization and potential to exploit favorable export niche markets.

Considering its intricacies, we realize that RAS is logical, accelerative and momentous. Capital expenditures are mitigated with economies of scale. RAS is convincingly the most logical and sustainable opportunity we have to radically address famine conditions. We can deliver nutritious sustenance through intensive, practical production methodology. The ability to produce offspring in large numbers (fecundity) is a natural phenomenon in multiple marine and freshwater finfish and shellfish species. Efficient feeding and plant management is imperative. It is critical to creatively assimilate the necessary cross-disciplinary human resources to support RAS . Even though a large fraction of aquaculture scientists and researchers focus their endeavors at the laboratory scale, many are seeking field opportunities outside laboratories. The possibilities exist to provide engineers, scientists and researchers opportunities to apply their creative abilities while training native workers as technicians. Likewise by sharing knowledge with farmers we facilitate application of improved production techniques. This is a distinctly achievable opportunity. Imagining a corps of aquaculture engineers is appropriate as this is what it will take to seriously turn the tide favorably against the famine dilemma. Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in RAS worldwide. Most species of fish and shellfish grown in ponds, floating net pens, or raceways could be reared successfully in RAS. Meanwhile, the economic feasibility of doing so is becoming more favorable as engineering techniques and advances in equipment technology are improving.

RAS use numerous technologies to clean water for reuse within the culture system or even from one animal to another. These systems often include the following technologies; nitrification (e.g. fluidized sand filters), oxygenation (e.g. speece cone), disinfection (e.g. ultraviolet sterilization), and solids removal (e.g. drum filters), etc. The RAS functions intensively 24 hours/7 days a week/365 days a year. RAS technology is by nature the most eco-friendly and bio-secure aquaculture system technology. Compared to net-pens, ponds, estuarine, offshore, and/or open loop systems that are all susceptible to the whims of Mother Nature, typically RAS is situated in enclosed structures with controlled environments. By comparison, we can also predictably attain several crops per year in each RAS production unit due to a controlled environment. The determinants in multiple crop systems concern the species raised and optimal harvest maturity. Due to continuous and meticulous monitoring, mass water balance equations are stringently managed in RAS systems, promoting fish health and eliminating hazardous waste to the local environment. Natural law grants the miracles of fecundity, fertility, and reproduction efficiency. Improving growth rates in select fish species incorporates managing economic variables, stock health management, selective breeding, water resource management, production plant management, and optimizing feed management (feed conversion ratios).

Throughout the process of formulation this composition, we have the privilege of guidance by Dr. David Kuhn, a research faculty member at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Virginia, US). Virginia Tech’s prominence in developing RAS and its technology is well-known and documented worldwide. David has designed and conducted various pilot-scale experiments in RAS. He has experience culturing freshwater fish (perch, tilapia), marine fish (cobia, flounder), and invertebrates (endangered freshwater mussels, corals, oysters, marine shrimp). Dr. David Kuhn has also served as a research assistant to the tilapia and marine shrimp RAS industry in Virginia which has give him first-hand experience with large-scale production. His research specializes in animal husbandry, nutrition, water quality management, and toxicology. Dr. Kuhn recommends investigating two potential options for Kenyan RAS.
(1.) Outdoor pond-RAS hybrid systems. This would entail constricting a pond-side building to house the RAS monitoring and technical equipment to include laboratory space and protection of feed.
(2.) Indoor rink style raceway systems. This would entail constructing buildings so that the production facility is completely enclosed. While this option is more capital intense, its advantages include bio-security and the elimination of numerous natural condition variables. For long term sustainable planning, indoor facilitation is the optimum choice.

Traditional aquaculture practices use pond and flow-through systems that often discharge pollutants into the environment. Furthermore, many aquaculture feeds contain high levels of fish protein, so even fish farming will not completely ease the demand on wild fisheries. Even though traditional aquaculture has these drawbacks, there is a significant movement towards more sustainable practices. For example, using RAS maximizes the reuse of culture water, which consequently decreases demand and reduces the wastes discharged to the environment. This RAS technology will decrease water consumption by increasing the amount of recycled water and will also significantly improve effluent water quality.
David Kuhn states:
“In RAS it takes approximately 450 to 550 liters of water to raise 1 kg of tilapia (optimized indoor production). In ponds it takes approximately 20,000 to 30,000 liters of water to raise 1 kg of tilapia. Ok, now scale this up and RAS becomes a distinct leader in conservation! You could also make similar arguments for footprint area, growth rates, survival rates, and production (kg/ha/year). This concept also applies to numerous other species.
This is the range of water use. If you can get your production optimized with a controlled temperature you could maybe use less than 450 liters to culture 1 kg of tilapia. I suspect the Kenya systems to be in between this range based on what I think they will choose based on capital expenses. RAS harvest densities with tilapia are being achieved at 1.6 to 1.9 lbs (.73 to .86 kg) per gallon of water.
Depending on geography, resources, natural resources, etc. one of these RAS design options may end up being better than the other. Until we get some details back concerning specific site assessments and an elected program for target species, I wouldn’t want to make a strong recommendation one way or the other. I would even like to consider more options if warranted.”

Incorporating RAS with closed loop pond systems, pre-treating replacement water (5% to 10% daily) will ultimately enhance the productivity in the ponds and result in omitting the environmental hazards associated with pond aquaculture alone. The greatest asset to this RAS technology is that its implementation will significantly increase production yields or harvest densities versus pond systems without RAS. Water quality is enhanced through RAS by such things as intensive management of the mass water balance with every variable within the equation monitored and managed practicably. While “flow-through pond systems” allow for water to flow into the system, there are several variables which cannot be managed as effectively as RAS. These systems use numerous technologies to clean water for reuse within the culture system or even from one animal to another. Recirculating systems often include the following technologies; nitrification (e.g. fluidized sand filters), oxygenation (e.g. speece cone), disinfection (e.g. ultraviolet sterilization), and solids removal (e.g. drum filters). As a result the water in the RAS system is cleaner and healthier promoting accelerated growth rates and healthier fish. Fish health and bio-security promote enhanced feed conversion ratios, disease reduction and shorter growth cycles to optimize harvesting.

An additional benefit with RAS is that due to precise water management there is no ill environmental defect contaminating the local ecosystem. RAS also creates the opportunity for faster recovery in ponds as new crops of larvae and fingerlings can be introduced without down time. Logically, recirculating aquaculture is more sustainable and eco-friendly than pond systems without RAS. Using RAS technology closed loop ponds will be cheaper than constructing new buildings for indoor systems. Yet the perfect RAS would be located indoors isolated from those natural elements which can negatively impact productivity. Eliminating variables is crucial to boosting harvest densities. Several management variables that must be contended using outdoor ponds include: a.) poaching by birds, wildlife and humans, b.) insect contamination c.) flooding during periods of excessive rains which will affect stabilized pH, especially acid rain and d.) a plentiful supply of high quality water. The United Nations projects there will be more than four billion people living in nations defined as water-scarce or water-stressed by 2050, up from half a billion in 1995. Water conservation is priority.

Recommendations: Assessment process initiation, Site consideration and selection and site-specific energy potential profile

To establish a sustainable RAS, the inherent scale and myriad of variables require mastering complexities of business management.
The assessment process will require:

• site-selection considerations include consistent plentiful water supply
• permitting
• hiring qualified personnel
• investigating renewable energy options
• politico-economic considerations
• cultural abstracting to determine amenable fish species, markets and workforce reinforcement
• corroborating and integrating funding
• prototype design and initiation
• pilot-scale production enterprise

Once decisive and definitive plans for progression are prescribed and determined for these listed categories and funding is fixed, we will then be ready for the Design phase.

The Design process dictates all of the above components be resolved. We strongly endorse and advocate that Dr. David Kuhn from Virginia Tech be hired as the Lead Aquaculturalist for the design and production integration stages. David is a genius in the field of RAS and he is genuinely excited about forging ahead with RAS pilot projects in Kenya. The challenge to designers of RAS is to maximize production capacity per dollar of capital invested. Components should be designed and integrated into the complete system to reduce cost while maintaining or even improving reliability There are many alternative technologies for each process and operation. The selection of a particular technology depends upon the species being reared, production site infrastructure, production management expertise, and other factors. Prospective users of recirculating aquaculture production systems need to understand the required water treatment processes, the components available for each process, and the technology behind each component. This introduction is intended as a starting point. Research and development in RAS has been going on for nearly three decades. We cannot advocate or emphasize enough or too strongly that having the most proficient professionals hired to design the plan for each facility is critical. Dr. David Kuhn is once such optimum candidate. Each site will have its own set of variables, limitations and advantages. The major topics specific to the proprietary plan; The Aquaculture Component, the Renewable Energy Initiative Implementation, and the Optimal Location Parameter will be discussed as appropriate once a specific site is selecte4d Additional details for the aquaculture production component, outlined options for the renewable energy proposal, and location prerequisite parameters will include sharing of site analyses, insights and observations conducted previously.

Planning and design options for a renewable and alternative energy initiative will be a priority. Alternative energy to power RAS will displace, replace and/or supplement grid based electricity, propane, natural gas, as well as gasoline and diesel fuel. Today we have multiple options as improved technologies and economies of scale become more favorable. The process to concert and execute the dynamic energy plan will take perseverance and persistence. Economies are generated by creative ideas. It is this spirit and attitude which spurs a new class of innovation. Collaboratively piggybacked, hybridized generation sourcing to supplement and complement the aqua/energy plant makes competitive sense. The real winners in modern business are the businesses and personalities that “think outside the box”, and venture outside the normal business plan, and look for differential advantages that will distinguish them from the pack mentality. In Kenya, if funding can be secured, you have favorable cutting edge technologies at your disposal for expeditious actualization in the challenge to collaborate alternative energy sources. The site-specific challenge must definitively adapt to the location’s physical and political profile including permitting stipulations. Interestingly, several renewable options may be examined and realized. That a sophisticated aquaculture enterprise will be genuinely sustainable and eco-friendly is reinforced by the renewable energy opportunity. Certain sites may prove amenable to producing all electricity from renewable energy sources, specifically wind power turbines, tidal turbines, solar arrays and the intricate and infinite potential of hydrokinetics and water’s ancillary host of dynamics (electrolysis, hydrolysis, oxidation/reduction) as a source of hydrogen and of course, oxygen.

RAS maintains an excellent cultural environment while providing adequate feed for optimal growth. Maintaining excellent water quality is of primary importance in aquaculture. While poor water quality may not be lethal to the crop, it can reduce growth and cause stress that increases the incidence of disease. Critical water characteristics include concentrations of dissolved oxygen, un-ionized ammonia-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Nitrate concentration, pH, alkalinity and chloride levels also are important and must be monitored meticulously. By-products of fish metabolism include carbon dioxide, ammonia-nitrogen, and particulate and dissolved fecal solids. Water treatment components must be designed to eliminate the adverse effects of these waste products. In recirculating tank systems, proper water quality is maintained by pumping tank water through special filtration and aeration or oxygenation equipment. Each component must be designed to work in conjunction with other components of the system.

RAS uniqueness RAS can be defined as an aquaculture system that incorporates the treatment and reuse of water with less than 10% of total water volume replaced per day. Recent technology advances are improving water reuse to levels that are often less than 5% especially if rain water can be recaptured to make up for evaporative loss. The concept of RAS is to reuse a volume of water through continual treatment and delivery to the organisms being cultured. Water treatment components used in RAS need to accommodate the input of high amounts of feed required to sustain high rates of growth and stocking densities typically required to meet financial outcomes. Generally, RAS consist of mechanical and biological filtration components, pumps and holding tanks and may include a number of additional water treatment elements to improve water quality and provide disease control within the system. RAS has many advantages over pond or flow-through culture systems including: conservation of water and supplemented ions, tighter control of water quality and bio-security which improves survival and growth, enhanced effluent handling and discharge, and reduction in the risks of introducing disease and pollutants. Additionally, maximization of spent water use, for example through polyculture, or use of RAS effluents for farming marine shrimp, might enhance water conservation, profitability and ease environmental impacts.. To combat limitations in temperate areas, indoor RAS could be implemented to simulate a tropical environment. Therefore, more than one crop could be produced per year. Moreover, there are numerous drawbacks and concerns regarding outdoor intensive systems. Drawbacks of outdoor intensive systems often include stressed animals, increased disease, increased oxygen demands, and decreased water quality. Generally, these risks can be reduced, while maintaining a high density of animals, when a controlled indoor environment is used (e.g. RAS).
Freely sharing our experiential progress and discoveries with like-inclined professionals, we shall create mechanisms promoting sound aquaculture, enhance proliferation of the green energy movement critical to your national economy and demonstrate duplicable, credible manufacturing excellence positioned to compete in diverse current trade scenarios. In many business activities, improvised strategies work best combining common sense and real-world experience. But through cooperative masterminding the three universal core guidelines for business: the people process, the strategy, and the operating plan; we fulfill summarized priorities through decisive action and achieving progressive benchmarks. Congruently, homogenizing participation with mentoring professionals, enhancing training, strategizing, drilling, funding and building team chemistry, are critical to this project’s initiation. Together, these demonstrate what sound business is all about. Resourcefulness takes on even greater meaning when human energy, focused, favors the common good. The enterprise must contribute to its members through assurance, financial reward and benefit packages incenting creative professional application and professional development. The responsibility and relationship within the local community and broader economy will be enhanced through furnishing jobs as well as supporting existing complementary commerce. Synergized relationships with universities for aquacultural research, technology augmentation, and public policy must be cultivated. Market distribution networks will be established engendering unique partnerships. Participants will be melded to our mission statement. Inspiration will be bestowed through imagination, enthusiasm and passionate pragmatism. Together, positive contributions to the protein grid and the vitalized demonstration that domestic manufacturing is indeed feasible independent of the conventional energy grid are virtuous targets and feasible goals. The culmination of purpose and scope is duly conceivable. The timing is perfect.
THE CASE FOR KENYA
Currently, Kenya is plagued with acute and chronic drought conditions obstructing successful propagation for multiple agricultural crops and traditional livestock husbandry. Likewise, serious limitations exist to provide plentiful fresh water for human consumption, agricultural production. Paradoxically, water is the answer. Looking to the sea provides the clearest and glowing vision. If our species selection process elects marine species we can use filtered sea water. Outdoor seawater pond systems incorporating RAS technology are a logical option. In my view, the optimal production location would be seaside based and include an expansive indoor facility. The tank sizes will be approximately 60 feet wide and 200 feet in length (20 meters x 65 meters). Given a site’s soil profile, earthen ponds may be an alternative. Water depths will be six feet or greater. Now, imagine 50 or 100 of these tanks in a single enterprise. Kenya and several African coastal nations have significant coastlines. With buildings enclosed, bio-security is enhanced. This also eliminates multiple variables such as protection from storms or harsh weather. RAS systems require meticulously controlled environs. There is minimal waste as the water is treated repeatedly and monitored to control the mass water balance. The local ecosystem will remain intact.
Eco-friendly processes and sustainability are inherent characteristics of RAS. We must desist from thinking in linear equations as all variables in any equation must be managed positively. Circular equations (the sustainability matrix) must become the norm and conceptually, RAS meet these criteria 100%.
Export considerations: Not so long ago, the seafood industry as a whole treated sustainability as an afterthought. Today, environmental responsibility in purchasing decisions is foremost in the wholesale and retail sector’s consciousnesses. Large and small retailers alike know that: a.) selling sustainable seafood is good for business and b.) Savvy customers have become more aware that sustainable, clean, organic seafood is available, highly desirable and demanded. Accordingly, “farmed organic”, product sustainability is expected. RAS aquaculture is by its very nature “genuinely sustainable”. While it is premature to consider production for export given the urgency of Kenya’s domestic food supply, it is conceivable that a burgeoning aquaculture economy could be manifested through masterful genius and expansive planning.
Marine species cultured in RAS are dependent upon our most abundant resource, salt water. With an extensive coastline, seaside sites along Kenya’s Indian Ocean become common sense. The practicality must be investigated including consideration of salt water’s corrosiveness and the added requirement and costs for corrosive resistant equipment. The feasibility analysis will include reckoning multiple geopolitical factors, site-specific energy profiles and distribution/transportation infrastructure considerations. We have discussed extensively the possibility of powering the operation with site–specific renewable energy resources. By identifying and securing the right sites we must consider current strategies and techniques in wind, tidal and solar resource assessment and get expert opinion on where production can be maximized (site-selection process) and then determine the specific energy quotient potential at the selected site. Renewable energy proliferation is encouraged as the energy requirements for RAS are significant. An enlightened energy revolution is taking hold worldwide; a movement creating most favorable and accelerative technology improvements. The definite chief aim is to synergize a dedicated, competent, talented team to implement a sustainable renewable energy hybrid (Wind, Tides, Solar, Water) to successfully institute RAS designed for intense commercial farming of the species to be determined and targeted.

Two prominently promising species, Penaeus vannemai (pacific white shrimp) and Trachinotus carolinus (pompano) provide dressing percentages (edible portions) of 95% and 62% respectively. In the case of Penaeus vannemai, aggressive systems are producing harvest densities of 12 kg per cubic meter of water. And it is possible to get multiple harvests per year in uniform batch age/size rotation raceways, hypothetically achieving harvest densities of 72 kgs per cubic meter of water per year. Pompano is presently being reared in RAS and the prospect of increasing this species use in RAS is optimistic. As pointed out previously, commercial RAS operations for tilapia are achieving incredible harvest densities.

Once conceived and grasped, the logical implications for RAS become elementary. Once the genuine commitment of human and capital resources to launch an intense aquaculture manufacturing enterprise is ripe and present, initiatives become practicable through honest and deliberate implementation.
Several freshwater and marine species are presently raised successfully through worldwide RAS. The two species, Penaeus vannemai (Pacific white shrimp) and Trachinotus carolinus (pompano) provide dressing percentages (edible portions) of 95% and 62% respectively. In the case of Penaeus vannemai, intensive systems produce harvest densities of 12 kg per cubic meter of water. Pompano is presently being reared in RAS and the prospect of increasing this species use in RAS is optimistic.

Unequivocally, RAS provides explicit methods for intensive protein production. The RAS systems we are proposing are in production 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and 365 days per year. Founded on the fecundity principle, dependent upon proven genetics, reproductive and feeding efficiencies, and emblazoned to manifest sound, honest and ethical management practices, the aquaculture farms must be established with expansion capabilities intact. The hatchery and processing units must be pre-planned and integrated once manufacturing quantities and cash flow create a green light. There is proof that up to six crops per year is achievable for certain species in raceway type systems.

Points specific to Kenya; Per Jared Akama Ondieki, The Center For Partnership And Civic Engagement (CEPACE TRUST)

According to Jared Akama Ondieki who represents The Center For Partnership And Civic Engagement (CEPACE TRUST), “…the following are the common fish species presently farm-raised in Kenya: tilapia (Tilapia Zilii), Nile perch, rainbow trout, North Africa catfish, carp, and goldfish. Tilapia is the most common species raised and is culturally accepted by most people. Solar Energy is indeed being embraced in Kenya and hence this option will go well since Kenya receives an average of 10 hrs of sun each day. Due the landscape i.e. hilly and mountainous in various parts of Kenya makes it concrete to say that adequate wind potential exists.

We can discuss target species options if we are fortunate enough to fund the hiring of an expert aquaculturalist such as Dr. David Kuhn, PhD, the young and brilliant aquaculture specialist and engineer from Virginia Tech. We highly recommend that you recruit Dr. Kuhn as he is excited about the prospect of RAS implementation for Kenya.

The Western, Central and Rift Valley service Nairobi fish markets as well as others in Kenya. This area receives adequate rainfall with a good network of rivers which act as a source of water for ponds. Coastal Nyanza, and some parts of Rift valley mainly depend on lakes and rivers and the ocean as sources of wild harvest fisheries. Water sourcing for RAS appears adequate yet more specific determinants must be considered when selecting sites. The median water temperature ranges (C) within the targeted water source areas being as follows;
- Coast – 24- 35 degree Centigrade
- Rift Valley – 18 – 35
- Nyanza – 18- 35
- Central – 18 – 30
- Nairobi – 14 – 30
During certain periods, supplemental heat may (e.g. solar) may be desired to promote optimum growth for certain aquaculture species. While we must design systems with appropriate measures for capacity to manage pond water levels and prevent flooding during intense rainy periods.

Collection and storage of rainwater is a specialty technology of which a member of our team, Mr. Jon Wildigg, is an expert. If feasible, we must consider storing rainwater in cisterns at or for transport to the aquaculture site. This is indeed a brilliant option since water storage will continue to be a challenge not only for aquaculture but also for domestic use. We understand that the Kenyan government and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) are trying to come up with strategies on how to store rainwater. Hence this technology will not only help in aquaculture but also to help the locals have means to store water for future use more so during the prevailing droughts which are have become chronic.

We asked Jared whether he and others have envisioned specific sites for building prospective aquaculture farms. Mr. Ondieki responded convincingly and with enthusiasm:
“Yes, we have envisioned sites in the following districts:
A.) Eastern: Machakos,Kitui,Makueni,Kibwezi ( these areas will need supplemental supplies of water because it’s a semi arid area and normally experience extended drought. This area is most affected with famine.
B.) Nyanza; Kisii,Luo Nyanza and Kuria Districts.
C.) Rift Valley: Kericho, Eldoret, Turkana, Nakuru and Baringo.
D.) Central: Kiambu, Nyeri and Muranga.

Also note that for the first time in history, the Kenyan government recently allocated significant funds for Aquaculture, proposing construction of at least 60 Ponds for each of the 210 constituencies in Kenya!!”

The present is the opportune time to promote RAS in Kenya

Our recommendations include:

 Raise and appropriate funding from multiple sources committed to eradicating starvation dynamics (Government, NGO’s, private charities, private investor’s. international relief organizations, United Nations, World Bank etc.
 Recruit Dr. David Kuhn and his associates at Virginia Tech to lead the team to formulate strategic assessment and develop a roadmap for planning and engineer designs for selected species. Innovation in feeding programs will be a senior priority.
 Assimilate the team responsible for site-specific renewable energy options
 Selectively Initiate incorporation of RAS at existing sites, promoting enhanced productivity.
 Establish pilot programs for fresh water and marine species. Considerations will include RAS with outdoor ponds (inland and seaside) and optimal indoor systems.
 Hatcheries and growout will be considered for shellfish, finfish and penaeid species
 Prove effective implementation and transfer technology to facilitate expansion to attain and maintain food security.
 Accelerate proliferation of an aquaculture economy with an eye toward future export opportunities.
 Encourage facilitation and participation with aquacultural experts worldwide (engineers, scientists, nutritionists, technicians, academia).

Thank you for the privilege to offer input and insights. I am most willing to participate in this process in any way you deem fit.

Kindest regards,
Jim Reardon
Boston, MA. USA
jimreardon@earthlink.net

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FOOTNOTES:

1. Cohen, Joel E., ”The Human Population Grows Up”, Scientific American special issue “Crossroads for Planet Earth” pp. 48-55, September 2005.