Two new air-driven production systems have been constructed in a new production facility, and been in operation with summer flounder since the summer of 1999. These new systems have been designed to reduce construction costs and minimize operational costs while maximizing production. Double drain technology is used to separate out particulate matter. Air for the RBC's is supplied by blowers that power the airlifts. The solids-laden water stream flows from the double drains into a swirl separator with a 10 minute retention time, then through custom designed protein skimmers, returning to the system via the RBC's.
Ozone is injected into the skimmers to promote flocculation and control oxidizable material.
ORP is maintained between 200 and 300 mV, providing adequate oxidation potential while minimizing the buildup of hyperbromous acid in the system. Selected superior fish, which have been raised in recirculating systems at the center, will be used for the breeding program. The hatchery will include brood tanks, live food production facilities, and both larval and fingerling production tanks. Little data exists concerning nutritional requirements of summer flounder, or many other prospective species candidates for marine aquaculture. In October of 1999, the first of several recirculating support systems for both nutritional and disease research was completed.