The new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) innovates and automates the aquaculture processes of the future.
VRM Group's NextFish Center: an innovative and automated recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) serving the aquaculture of the future
VRM Group officially presents the NextFish Center, based on RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) technology, installed at the NaturAlleva headquarters. This facility completes the group's integrated supply chain model, combining animal husbandry, nutrition, and controlled aquaculture.
VRM Group represents an Italian example of complete vertical integration, managing feed formulation, open-sea sea bream and sea bass farming, and fresh fish processing and distribution.
An advanced and fully automated RAS system
The NextFish Center is a recirculating aquaculture facility consisting of two sections (freshwater and marine) with a total of 48 independent tanks. The fully automated and remotely manageable system monitors temperature, oxygen, pH, salinity, and water flow in real time using optical probes, level sonar, and digital flow meters. The triple mechanical, biological, and microbiological filtration allows for the replacement of only 2% of the water per day, resulting in water savings of over 98% compared to traditional systems.
NaturAlleva's strategic role in R&D
The center operates in synergy with NaturAlleva's Research & Development department, enabling the validation of new nutritional formulations on a small scale before their application at the group's offshore farms, Civita Ittica and Kornat Ittica. The main activities include: evaluation of feed performance (SGR, FCR, and digestibility), biometric analysis, and study of fillet nutritional composition, such as fatty acid profile; evaluation of alternative raw materials; and development of species- and environmental-specific feeding plans.
Thanks to the ability to recreate controlled habitats, the NextFish Center offers an advanced tool to ensure third-party customers receive the feed best suited to their needs.
"The NextFish Center represents a strategic element for the entire VRM Group," comments Ugo Biasin, sole director of the VRM Group. "It allows us to validate our nutritional formulations and develop solutions that improve the quality of farmed fish. Together with the recent ASC Feed certification, it is a concrete step towards modern and responsible aquaculture."
A platform open to training and collaboration
In addition to internal research, the NextFish Center is a technical training platform and a potential meeting point for collaborations with universities and organizations interested in innovative aquaculture projects.
Company Profile:
VRM Group srl is an Italian company specializing in sea bream and sea bass aquaculture, through a vertically integrated supply chain: NaturAlleva – ASC Feed feed mill for the production of aquaculture feed (Cologna Veneta, VR); Civita Ittica (Tuscany) and Kornat Ittica (Croatia) – ASC-certified and Antibiotic-Free marine farms. VRM – distribution of fresh fish throughout Italy. Meduza d.o.o. and Fish Cultura – processing of fish products.
From traditional advertising to digital tools such as Newsletter and Direct Email Marketing. Let's build together the most effective communication strategy for your growth.
Find out
From traditional advertising to digital tools such as Newsletter and Direct Email Marketing. Let's build together the most effective communication strategy for your growth.
Find out