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Forskaren Jonathan Roques och RAS-system.
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Active learning on sustainable aquaculture at the Science Festival

Are you curious about sea cucumbers, seaweed farming, fish feed and new seafood products? Now, researchers from the University of Gothenburg invite the public to explore the seafood of the future and different perspectives on sustainable aquaculture during this year's Science Festival, April 19-20, in Gothenburg. We put three quick questions to one of the scientists, Jonathan Roques, at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Swedish Mariculture Research Center, Swemarc, who is organising a workshop.

What will you be doing at the Science Festival?

– In my workshop "Farming fish in a loop", I will tell the visitors about closed aquaculture systems, the latest development in Swedish aquaculture. And then I will talk more about recirculating aquaculture systems, also known as RAS. This is a way to reuse the water and create a more controlled environment for the fish. I will also explain the nitrogen cycle and the different parts of a RAS system. In addition, visitors are invited to build a miniature RAS system, with my support if needed.

What do you hope the participants will take away from the workshop?

–I hope that participants will become more aware of the potential of aquaculture in Sweden and that I can help dispel myths and misconceptions about fish farming and aquaculture. I also want to make visitors more aware of the possibilities to treat and reuse waste from the aquaculture industry.

Why is it important for you to participate in the Science Festival?

–As a scientist, I have a mission to work for society. It is therefore important to communicate and explain to the general public what we do. This helps put my research in perspective and get inspired at the same time. But it is also a good way to encourage young people to think about a future career as a scientist.

Text: Susan Gotensparre