Pre trial of growth performance and nutrient uptake of dulse (Palmaria palmata) cultivated in commercial Atlantic salmon Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)

Summary

The study investigates the potential of using dulse (Palmaria palmata), a red macroalgae, to reuse nutrient-rich discharge water from salmon recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Dulse growth was measured in three treatments: 100% seawater (control), 25% RAS discharge water + 75% seawater, and 100% seawater with Guiliard’s F2 nutrient solution added over a 64-day period. Dulse grew significantly better in 25% RAS discharge water, increasing in biomass from 2.08g to 5.06g. The study demonstrates that dulse can successfully grow in RAS discharge water and contribute to bioremediation, reducing environmental risks like eutrophication. This highlights the potential of integrating macroalgae into RAS systems for sustainable nutrient recycling and highvalue biomass production.