b'MAINTAINING A HEALTHY AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTAquaculture farms need to monitor their aquaticTo put it simply, when oxygen levels are low, the fish environments to secure fish welfare. arent as hungryand when they do eat, their bodies arent as efficient at processing nutrients to grow.This includes both inside and outside the large sea cagesrobust and resistant farm structuresWater temperature is equally as crucial to aquaculture. that can withstand the forces produced by strongLike dissolved oxygen, each fish species has an water currents. At a minimum, aquaculture expertsoptimal temperature range it thrives in. If marine recommend monitoring the waters oxygen level,temperatures were to increase or decrease temperature, current speed, and direction.substantially from that range, it would directly impact the ability of the fish to reproduce and grow. But why is it so important to keep tabs onthese parameters? Understanding current conditions is also essential to ensure a supply of fresh oxygen-rich seawater Oxygen is essential in all energy-demandingconsistently refreshes sea cages. It also ensures that processes for fish. Sufficient oxygen is necessarywaste and byproducts (think ammonia, etc.) are for the fish to transform feed into energy. Eachcirculated out of the system.fish species has its preferred oxygen levelsand dissolved oxygen concentrations below their welfareWater quality and current measurements help and tolerance limits result in lower yields. aquaculture managers avoid environmental pitfalls and maintain an optimal setting to produce as much food as possible for a hungry world. Whos Minding the Planet? 23'