Bio-Programming to Manage Challenges and Conflicts in Hatchery Production

Bio-programming is used by hatchery designers, managers and program directors to model fish growth, fish health, metabolic by-products, water flow and required infrastructure necessary to operate a successful fish culture program.   Elements such as rearing densities, water quality, temperature, flow and operational elements are utilized to simulate the rearing environment during the bio-programming process in order to manage challenges and maximize the rearing potential.  Hatchery elements can be manipulated or adjusted during the bio-programming process to determine the impact of space, flow, water temperature, feeding levels, and other critical propagation requirements such as densities, flow indices, dissolved oxygen management, ammonia and CO₂ reduction and overall annual facility carrying capacity. The bio-programming process can be used to determine the impacts of rearing multiple species, different temperatures and can help existing facilities make the most efficient use of water and rearing space.  An overview of the fish bio-programming process that is utilized during design and renovation will be presented along with case examples of models in use.