Is energy crunch harbinger for future?

Senior Biologist and Certified Fisheries Professional
Fisheries Technology Associates, Inc.

During my travels as an aquaculture consultant, some of the first things I consider when evaluating existing equipment or specifying new equipment are the consequences to the producer’s bottom line--not only as a capital expense, but in terms of operational expense as well. I always look for ways, for example, for gravity to do work that a motor and pump might do otherwise. This only makes sense, and has been a guiding principle of mine for 25 years, regardless of the cost of energy.

Now we see ourselves once again in a position where energy supplies are short and, therefore, energy costs are higher. Unlike the energy crisis of the mid-1970s, this time we are the victims of our own success. The economy has been so good and grown so quickly that it has out-paced the development of new energy production facilities. Low energy prices in the past also made us complacent and insensitive to energy conservation. Must we always be faced with a crisis before we take energy conservation seriously? Unfortunately, too often the answer to that question is yes.

Now as we see costs for electricity, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, and other fuels rising across the nation, we must take a closer look at how we pump water, aerate ponds, and haul fish. Most recently, California has been in the energy spotlight, much to the chagrin of aquaculturists in that state. Fish producers there must deal with not only higher prices which cut into profits and may even threaten survival, but the prospect of losing grid power through rolling blackouts. Now more than ever (depending on your location within the state), back-up systems may play a crucial role in the survival of fish stocks.

Energy is at the root of our economy, and certainly a basic need of every fish producer in the U.S. Could the way you view energy, whether as an existing producer or as a new producer entering the market, influence or indeed dictate your success or failure? There is no doubt in my mind that the answer is yes.

There are at least four rudimentary ways to manage your energy consumption in ways that can be practical and cost-effective. Some or all of them may require you to purchase new equipment, but most will pay for themselves in energy cost savings over relatively short periods of time.

Efficiency--Invest in efficiency. That means buying pumps, engines, aerators, and motors that are new and state-of-the-art. In most cases, old motors are "juice guzzlers" and old engines are "gas guzzlers" that hamstring your ability to increase your profit margins. Learn about passive aeration devices that use gravity to aerate water, and other devices that transfer oxygen to water more efficiently.

Surplus energy--Most fish production facilities are located in rural or commercial areas, as are other types of commercial, industrial, and agricultural operations. More times than not, these other operations (your neighbors) produce surplus or waste energy in the form of heat or byproduct fuels. Consider a partnership whereby you purchase that waste energy that would be otherwise wasted. Usually, it’s available at below-market prices. You get cheap energy and your partner turns waste into an asset.

Integration--What happens to water after you pay to pump it past your fish? Could your nutrient-enriched water be used by a downstream farmer to irrigate crops? Once again, partnership is the key. This time, you derive income and maybe even avoid some hassles from discharge regulators, and your partner gains access to a valuable resource.

Solar--Whenever possible take advantage of solar energy. All energy ultimately is derived from the sun. Simply collect it and use it more directly, with little or no ongoing costs to you and your operation.

All of these options require up-front capital expense. But, depending on your situation, that expense can be justified--sometimes easily. Certainly, in these days of rising energy costs, the time to recover your investment will become shorter and shorter.

Energy crises will come and go with the ebb and flow of economic conditions. Don’t wait until energy conservation becomes fashionable to take stock of your energy budget and its effect on your operations. Your professional future, and the future of aquaculture, may depend on a timely and sustained energy management program.