Intensive aquaculture systems are generally regarded as controlled artificial aquatic environments (raceways, tanks, ponds) that attempt to maximize production of an aquatic organism with the use of flowing water to deliver the required amount of dissolved oxygen while also removing metabolic waste products. While the level of aquaculture intensity can vary significantly depending on such factors as species and facility type, water quality/ chemistry, as well as health and physiological condition of the cultured organism, intensive aquaculture systems all share a common need for basic life support systems to mitigate for periods of operational “challenges” from one or more sources ( water supply, power supply, mechanical failure, human error). Engineered life support systems can vary from simple to complex and are often tied to a specific life history stage or phase of the production cycle. Engineered solutions commonly address critical facility functions including power supply, water movement, gas control, temperature control , as well the proper design , maintenance and use of system controls, warning, and alarm systems. In addition to critical engineering life support systems, facility staffing, scheduling and operations can play a major role in the success (or failure) of an intensive aquaculture program. Common operational practices and procedures that can be applied in multiple intensive aquaculture systems are considered for the benefit of all aquaculture operators.