welcome
Renewable Energy
Rastech’s low energy solutions minimize energy usage and use renewable and “waste” energy. This approach demonstrably reduced energy bills by a factor of 20 from our 2018 shrimp farm design to our 2024 version.
Wastes = Resources
Our philosophy is that what others call “waste” is really just a resource they haven’t found a use for yet. That’s where we come in: from cow poo to ventilation air we identify and exploit these hidden resources. In this case what is good for the environment is also good for the bank account.
Responsible RAS Feeds
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems are an energetic environment which can easily disintegrate traditional feeds. We develop feeds which are RAS ready, have low leaching rates and which produce easily separated feces. We are actively exploring alternatives to marine fish sourced protein, such as Insects.
It’s Not Rocket Science!
RAS Technology is often portrayed as a NASA level black box. In truth that’s not the case, a big part of our role is to ensure that our clients understand the systems we design and install. We embrace transparency in all things. Our solutions are based on good science and are reproducible, predictable and stable.
We Train
YOUNG AQUACULTURE SCIENTISTS
in our laboratorIES AND OUR PILOT SYSTEMS
We Share Our knowledge
One of the key issues we have identified with RAS farming is a lack of training. We can build the most wonderful RAS farms which are entirely useless without the trained staff to work in them. We actively support apprentices, undergraduates and postgraduates in developing their careers. Without these individuals RAS farming has no future.
Training RAS at the Scottish Oceans Institute
Built from recycled water tanks to support undergraduate projects.
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research InstiTute
A collaborative project with KMFRI and scientists from the University of St Andrews to breed single sex freshwater prawns to control schistosomiasis carrying snails in Kenya. A major aquaculture opportunity coupled with direct improvements to Human health by combating a debilitating disease and a superb practical training opportunity for local students.
CURRENT projects
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DE-RISKING RAS – Developing best practice for RAS bio-filters: regular ‘maintenance’ dosing vs. seed only dosing.
- DE-RISKING RAS- Establishing a UK based hatchery for L. vannamei to improve UK food security.
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Organic sludge management and energy recovery in RAS.
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The practical application of IoT to aquaculture.
- European commercial RAS culture of Cherax spp.
- The production of single sex Macrobrachium spp. with a view to Schistosomiasis control and improving the animal protein supply in East Africa.
- Provision of Technical Due Diligence for several prospective aquaculture investors.
- Needs analysis, design and project management.
RASTECH Capabilities at Eden Campus
Independent temperature controlled areas 100m2 at 28C and 200m2 at 12C roof height 4m, Filtered natural seawater and freshwater available, Oil-free compressed air supply, tanks to 54 tonnes, real time monitoring and data collection, access to a full range supporting laboratory facilities and bioinformatics. Our own technical staff with decades of experience
Consultancy Capabilities
One unique aspect of our team is that we have vertically integrated knowledge from pure R&D, through design and build, into operation and beyond into sales and marketing. We have the real world experience of founding the first and only UK based clearwater RAS king prawn farm and creating a new market sector.
Networking
The RASTECH team take open networking and collaboration very seriously. We are proud to work Internationally with key organizations including: Biomar, CEFAS, Institute of Aquaculture (Stirling), NovaQ, Teeside University, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, University of St Andrews, University of Stirling, SAMS, Sterner, Tropical Marine Centre, Zero Waste Scotland. Whatever your project we will almost certainly be able to field an expert to help you.
More about Some of Our Research collaborators
