Did you know that Missouri is the largest producer of fish in the North Central Region of the United States? Eighty-eight percent of the fish consumed by Americans is imported, leaving most of the fish raised in the Show-Me State sold for restocking private lakes, ponds, fee fishing areas, baitfish, and aquariums.
Recently, Air-O-Lator Corporation President Roy Watkins spoke about how aquaculture aerators can improve water quality issues at the Missouri Aquaculture Association meeting in Jefferson City, MO. Watkins had the opportunity to speak with many fish farmers over the course of the conference and found that for many, water aeration is top of mind. “Talking to fish farmers about aeration is like talking about the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. They know they need aeration and how important water quality is to their business,” Watkins said.
How to Ensure Water Sustainability
Additionally, many within the association were buzzing about the sustainability of the U.S. Aquaculture industry. As the trend continues for the United States to import the majority of fish consumed domestically, stateside farmers are paying closer attention to water quality, increasing their fish output, and overall improving their aquaculture operation.
For an aquaculture farm to be successful, it is essential that excellent water quality is maintained. The first and most important factor in providing water quality is aeration. “Aeration, also called aerification, is the process by which air is circulated through, mixed with, or dissolved in a liquid or substance,” explained Watkins.
The aeration of liquids is achieved by two methods, passing the liquid through the air or by passing air through the liquid. There are several types of mechanical aeration devices available to achieve supplemental aeration.
Air-O-Lator manufactures both types of aeration systems; floating surface aerators that achieve aeration by passing the liquid through the air and subsurface aerators that pass air through the liquid. Depending on the location, application and budget determine the type of aeration system most suitable for your operation.
“There are many aerators out there on the market, but not all are created equal. It’s important to choose the most cost and energy efficient unit for your water impoundment and operation.”