Six years of research performed in a Small Unit Production Aquaponics (SUPA) in both high altitude desert (Negev, Israel 2012 - 2015) and tropical rainforest conditions (Hilo, Hawaii 2016 -present) demonstrates the challenges and opportunities of integrated fish and vegetable production in comparison to conventional monocultures.
Long term and sustained production trials indicate potential economic viability and a reduction in environmental impact. Inputs (infrastructure, energy, water, feed) and outputs (fish, vegetable, waste) in the two SUPA systems were monitored. Two commonly cultured fish, 1. hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis x M.chrysops) and 2. tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, O. aureus and their hybrids) were grown with 55 species and varieties of vegetable. Standard operational procedures including integrated pest management are under development.
Preliminary comparisons of the economics and environmental impacts of aquaponics vis-a-vis monoculture are presented and discussed. Production output, water, land, nutrient, energy and capital utilization were comparable or superior to monocultures indicating that SUPA can be a mainstream food security resource