What role do environmental conditions play in raceway design?

Environmental conditions significantly influence fish species selection in raceway design because different species have specific habitat requirements that align with particular environmental parameters. These specifications include temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, water quality, and flow rates, which all vary in different environments. For instance, cold-water species, such as trout, require cooler temperatures and higher oxygen levels, while warm-water species, such as tilapia, thrive in warmer conditions. Understanding and aligning the raceway design with the appropriate environmental conditions is crucial for the health and growth of the fish being cultivated.

The other aspects, such as the shape of the raceway, feed type, and production capacity, may be affected by environmental conditions, but they are not the primary focus when considering species selection. Instead, the most direct and critical factor is how the environment influences which species can successfully thrive in that setting.