What does "hatchery integration" refer to in raceway systems?

Hatchery integration in raceway systems refers to the incorporation of both breeding and rearing of juvenile fish within the same system. This approach allows for a streamlined process where the entire early life cycle of the fish—starting from the fertilization of eggs to the growth of fingerlings—takes place in one integrated environment.

By combining these stages, hatchery integration enhances efficiency, as resources such as water quality management, feeding, and biosecurity measures can be more easily controlled within a single system. Additionally, it facilitates better monitoring and management of the fish during their critical early growth phases, potentially leading to higher survival rates and more consistent production.

This integrated method contrasts sharply with utilizing separate systems for breeding and rearing, which can complicate management and increase the risk of disease or stress between the two life stages. It also differs from approaches that focus only on breeding without rearing or operating hatcheries independently, as these methods do not take full advantage of the efficiencies gained from integration.