WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • JUNE 2013 7 Aquaculture Production Systems, edited by James Tidwell, brings together many of the current globally-recognized experts in different production systems. Although the authors are predominantly U.S. experts, they have global expertise in their field of knowledge and are well known. The book begins by discussing the role aquaculture in the context of global seafood demand followed by a history of aquaculture, including histories of the development of some of the major cultured species, by Robert Stickney, who has published extensively on the U.S. history of aquaculture, and Granville Treece. The book then discusses the general functions and characteristics of systems before getting into specific types of aquaculture production systems. The book covers all the basic shellfish and finfish production systems but does not include anything on plant production with the exception of aquaponics. The emphasis is on systems, not species, and understanding each one. Species and characteristics of species appropriate for each system are included in the context of systems. As such, persons interested in the culture of particular species will need to seek other resources. Discussion of specific production systems begins with open systems, which includes bivalve culture, cages, and reservoir ranching. The chapter on shellfish culture by Robert Rheault includes history, biology and basic culture methods. Michael Masser begins the topic of cage culture focusing on freshwater and protected marine areas and is followed by Richard Langan on open ocean cage culture. While both chapters on cage culture discuss site selection, a more thorough discussion with examples would be beneficial, along with more information on cage construction, which is discussed in greater detail under open ocean culture, where it becomes extremely critical. Given the diversity of cages in freshwater and marine environments, examples of these from around the world would add to a better understanding of cage culture, especially since it is a growing industry. Reservoir ranching by Steve Mims and Richard Onders briefly covers the basics and includes the status in China, U.S. and Africa. Chapters on semi-closed systems include raceways and ponds. The topic of raceways focuses on the traditional flowthrough raceways used traditionally for trout and is covered by Gary Fornshell and Jeff Hinshaw, who both work closely with the U.S. trout industry. Jim Tidwell also contributes to the topic. The basics of raceways are covered including calculating indices and carrying capacity and waste management to limit effluents. The chapter on ponds is covered by Craig Tucker and John Hargreaves, who have both worked extensively with the U.S. catfish industry. Interesting aspects of the pond chapter are the sections on water usage by species and pond culture and ecological services, which are areas of key expertise of the authors. This is one of the longest chapters and gives the most extensive coverage of water quality, Book Review Aquaculture Production Systems, edited by J.H. Tidwell William Daniels not surprising given the publication history on these topics by the authors. Closed systems cover recirculating systems (biofilter-based) and biofloc systems. James Ebeling and Michael Timmons discuss the ‘ins and outs’ of recirculating indoor tank systems, including basic components and engineering aspects. It is heavy on the engineering, covering most areas, but excludes discussion on disinfection. Biofloc systems are covered by Craig Browdy, Andrew Ray, John Leffler and Yoram Avnimelech. Yoram has published the most extensively of the four authors and has two editions of his book on biofloc technology. Biofloc has been a hot topic lately and this chapter provides a nice overview of the water quality and natural food dynamics associated with this system. Three of the last four chapters cover the subject of hybrid systems, including aquaponics, in-pond raceways and partitioned aquaculture systems. Partitioned aquaculture systems (PAS) are discussed by David Brune, Craig Tucker, Mike Massingill and Jesse Chappell. Dr. Brune developed the prototype of this system at Clemson University which has subsequently led to development of the Mississippi “split pond”, the Alabama “in-pond raceway”, and the California “pondway.” The concept of PAS and its specific applications are discussed, including the dynamics of fish and algal production. The discussion of algal harvest is particularly interesting especially in the potential application to biofuels. Overviews of the split pond, in-pond raceways and pondways are also provided. The basics of airlift-driven in-pond raceways are further discussed in a stand-alone chapter by Michael Masser. These systems continue to be refined and it has been interesting to watch first hand as these develop. Unfortunately the latest developments will have to be included in the next edition. James Rakocy, well-known for his work in the Virgin Islands, covers the topic of aquaponics, which integrates fish and plant culture. He covers the basics of the fish component as well as plant requirements and system design. While these systems have similarities to recirculating systems, he explains the unique differences relative to good plant production. The final chapter by Jim Tidwell titled ‘On the Drawing Board’ discusses future trends relative to such subjects as fish meal and fish oil supplies, climate change, carbon dioxide remediation, production intensification and other unique uses of aquaculture for both food and non-food items. As someone who has been involved in aquaculture production around the world since the late 1970s and teaching aquaculture in the college classroom for the last ten years, I find Aquaculture Production Systems to be a unique approach to exploring aquaculture and it will be a good reference source for teachers and those who want to learn more about aquaculture and the different approaches to producing aquatic animals. Like most (CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)
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