On the Feasibility of Establishing a Saline Aquaculture Industry in Illinois

A considerable quantity of saline water is available in Illinois to support the needs of a marine aquaculture industry. The sources vary from isolated, deep rock aquifers to industrial effluents. In the present study, synthetic saline water prepared using known concentrations of salts, without trace minerals, in the Ironton-Galesville aquifer formation was used to rear striped bass, a euryhaline species. Growth indices were measured over a 24-week period and compared to striped bass reared in saline water prepared using a commercial marine salt mixture. The results indicate no differences in any growth parameter and no effect on body composition. The only observed differences were in fish behavior and water quality. Fish appeared more excitable in the aquifer treatment; however, stress hormone levels were not affected. Ammonia concentrations in the aquifer treatment system were higher throughout the study. From these results, one can conclude that water displaced from the Ironton-Galesville formation as a result of CO2 sequestration may be suitable for growth of saline aquaculture species assuming trace mineral and contaminant levels are found to be acceptable. It is recommended that a complete analysis (trace minerals and contaminants) of the Ironton-Galesville formation water be completed prior to using this water for food-fish production, because those were not included in the synthetic saline water prepared to mimic the Ironton-Galesville ground water. Undesirable concentrations of trace minerals or contaminates would require some degree of pretreatment prior to use for aquaculture.