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A Review on the Benefits and Possibilities of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for American Lobster: Considering Environmental Response and Importance
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American lobsters are facing a tough combo of warming oceans and pollutants like microplastics and "forever chemicals," which stress their bodies and threaten wild populations. This review pulls together existing research to figure out the best conditions for raising lobsters in controlled, closed-loop tank systems (called RAS), offering a way to farm this seafood sustainably instead of relying solely on wild-caught lobster. For consumers, this matters because it points toward a future where a popular seafood stays available and affordable, while potentially avoiding some of the ocean pollutants that wild lobsters are increasingly exposed to.
As environmental pressures intensify, sustaining ecologically and economically important marine species such as the American lobster has become an increasing challenge. Climate-driven stressors are expected to disproportionately affect early life stages of the American lobster (Homarus americanus), as sea surface temperatures are warming more rapidly than benthic habitats. In addition, environmental pollutants, including micro- and nanoplastics, trace metals, persistent organic pollutants, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, can interact with climate change to exacerbate physiological stress. Previous studies have demonstrated that changes in temperature, salinity, and pH significantly influence development, moulting, cardiac function, survival, and disease susceptibility in H. americanus. In this context, aquaculture-based approaches are being explored as complementary tools to support stock resilience and reduce reliance on wild populations. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) offer a controlled framework to investigate the combined effects of environmental stressors on H. americanus physiology while assessing the feasibility of closed-system rearing. Overall, this review synthesizes current knowledge on the physiological responses of H. americanus to multiple environmental stressors, with particular emphasis on identifying optimal rearing conditions in RAS. By integrating these findings, the review aims to inform strategies for improving the sustainability and long-term viability of American lobster production under changing environmental conditions.
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Researchers examined recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) infrastructure as a source of microplastics, building a polymer and additive reference library from known plastic components to identify and quantify microplastic generation and removal within aquaculture facility water treatment processes.
Microplastics in water, feed and tissues of European seabass reared in a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS)
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in a recirculating aquaculture system raising European seabass and found plastic particles in the water, fish feed, and fish tissues including gills, gut, and liver. The most common particles were fibers and fragments from polyester and polyethylene. This study shows that even controlled farming environments are not free from microplastic contamination, which has implications for farmed seafood safety.
Microplastics in aquaculture systems: Occurrence, ecological threats and control strategies
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This review summarizes how microplastics contaminate aquaculture systems through fishing gear, feed, and polluted water, and examines their effects on farmed aquatic species. Microplastics accumulate in farmed fish and shellfish, raising concerns about food safety for the millions of people who consume aquaculture products. The authors discuss removal strategies and call for better monitoring to protect both aquaculture sustainability and consumer health.
Role of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in the generation and removal of microplastics and additives chemicals
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Researchers investigated the generation and presence of microplastics and additive chemicals within recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) infrastructure by building a reference library of plastic sources and conducting targeted analysis of intake water, recirculating water, sludge, fish, and fish feed. Results identified plastic infrastructure and consumables as potential microplastic sources, though detected levels above 300 µm were low.
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