BioFloc- An overview!

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BioFloc- An overview
Biofloc technology (BFT) is an innovative and
eco-friendly fish farming technique that involves
stock-breeding of fishes, in a
micro-organism rich ecosystem, artificially
created in a tank.
The term Biofloc (Biolife, Floc aggregate)
refers to clusters of micro-organisms such as
bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and other kinds
of organic particles like fish faeces and
uneaten feed. All these, together, form loose
clusters of organic matter which are held
together by a thin film-like substance.
Ecosystems rich in Biofloc enable recycling of
the waste from the fishes into an organic feed.
This not only serves as a protein-rich source of
food for the fishes but also maintains the
optimum Carbon Nitrogen ratio, which is a
pre-requisite for viable production.
The best part is, the process involves a zero to
minimal water exchange within the ecosystem. This
reduces the chances of water contamination and
ensures a high level of bio-security.
BFT was invented by Prof. Yoram Avnimelech, an
Israeli environmentalist in the 70s to
promote a more sustainable mode of fish farming.
In the past few decades, Biofloc has become
increasingly popular all across the world,
including India.
But why are people opting for this method
of fish farming, nowadays? What makes it
unique or better than traditional fish farming
techniques?
Over the years, Biofloc Technology has been able
to address some major drawbacks of traditional
aquaculture practices.
BFT has the following clear advantages over the
age-old traditional methods
? It is Eco-friendly. Over-fishing has caused
serious damage to the marine and aquatic
ecosystems, resulting in a steep decline in
fish catch. Biofloc fish
farming aims to reduce environmental
concerns by creating protein-rich artificial
ecosystems in fish tanks.
? BioFloc fish farming improves land and water
use efficiency as only a limited area of land is
required for setting up the fish tanks. The
availability of natural water resources for fish
farming and the ever-increasing costs of land
acquisition has always been a concern for fish
farmers.
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? Limited or zero water exchange involved in the
process helps to prevent the introduction of
diseases from external sources into the fish
tanks. This enhances the survival rate of the
fishes.
? Biofloc itself serves as a protein-rich feed
for the fishes which reduces the need for add-on
feed. This helps in the cost reduction of fish
feed.
Further, the Indian tropical climatic
conditions have proven to be congenial
for cultivating a wide variety of fishes and
shrimps.
The initial investment in BioFloc fish farming is
considerably low at around Rs. 30,000/- for a 4
meters diameter fish tank, which generally
yields 600 kilograms of fishes within 5-6 months.
The cost of harvesting is an additional
Rs.35000/--40000/- approximately. One can
harvest a minimum of 400kgs fish in such a tank,
which converts into a revenue of Rs.56000/-,
considering that the produce sells at Rs.140/kg
at the least. The ROI, therefore, is easily
achieved within 2 harvests during a year, not to
mention the high- profit margins.
Biofloc fish farming works best with fishes that
can derive nutritional benefits from the direct
consumption of the floc. The commonly
used species for this method are shrimp,
tilapia, koi, carps, etc. All common fish species
that can tolerate high solid concentration in
the ecosystem are suitable for Biofloc fish
farming.
BFT is a completely scientific approach and
therefore, one must gain a
thorough understanding and training on the same,
before venturing into the farming process.
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