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RASLab, KYTOS partner in microbiome management services for RAS operators

Norwegian aquaculture research firm, Marineholmen RASLab, is collaborating with microbiome solutions startup, KYTOS, in developing management tools for recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) operators.

Microbiome health in the rearing water and biofilters is crucial for maintaining optimal water quality for land-based fish farms. The production of toxic hydrogen sulfide, as well as off-flavour compounds, such as geosmin, have been traced back to a microbial origin.

“Ammonia, a toxic component for fish, is metabolized by specialized organisms called Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria and Archaea (AOB/AOA), while organic substrates are degraded by heterotrophic bacteria,” according to a press release from KYTOS. “As a result, the close interaction of the rearing water with the fish requires RAS operators to now get a firm grip on the microbial health of their systems.”

RASLab and KYTOS are using their combined experiences and know-how in RAS systems and biofilters to offer commercial services to manage and optimize the microbial health and performance of RAS systems.

RASLab’s unique and modular infrastructure enables the development and testing of new microbial health indicators.  With 12 independent small-scale RAS systems and a stock of 3 (fully sequenced) biofilter options (freshwater, brackish water and full seawater) RASLab can offer studies of the microbial environment from 5-30°C for any Norwegian aquaculture species.  RASLab’s RASseq service targets the genetic information of the microbiome to obtain detailed information about the bacterial community.

KYTOS offers a quantitative overview of the microbiome in the water and biofilter through their RASCheck/RASScreen/RASManage service programs. KYTOS uses big data and artificial intelligence to reduce aquaculture’s unpredictability by creating practical tools that help make informed management decisions.