To achieve effective results with the application of photoperiod lighting systems in aquaculture, it not only involves installing lights, it also requires monitoring through various periodic controls.

In the RAS system, the factors to consider are multiple and interactive.

 

There are various factors that affect the maturation of salmon in RAS, thus affecting the quality and size of the fish. The advantage of RAS is that we have full control of all of these factors so that we can produce an optimal size and quality salmon. (C. Good 2016) These are some of them:

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• Photoperiod

Principal factors that affect sexual maturation in salmon, in RAS we can fully control the exposure to light during every stage of growth.

• Water Temperature

Temperature is critical for optimal growth rate as it influences feed conversion efficiency, feed intake, and stomach evacuation rate. The temperature act as a determinant of the timing of Atlantic salmon maturation

• Food/Feed

Body lipids affect the maturation of salmon; thus the amount and type of food is critical for this.

• Genetic strain

Early maturation can be dependent on the strain of the salmon, some stains hace been selected for late maturation. Also other generic techniques has been used as a promising in prevent eartly maturation for instance: all female and triploid populations.

• Water chemistry

EDCs (endocrine disruptor compounds) and other compounds found in water can directly or indirectly affect the endocrine system, causing the salmon to mature early.

• Salinity

Whether salmon are grown in freshwater or salt water will have an effect on the growth and timing of maturity in the salmon.

• Steroid hormones

Fish releases steroid hormones in their environment accumulating over time. The concentration of steroid hormones may have an effect regarding precocious maturation of salmon.