UK RAS prawn farmer trials alternative nanobubble generator and CO2 stripper
Land-based prawn farmer Three-Sixty Aquaculture has begun technological trials at its R&D facility in Swansea, Wales, in collaboration with NanobOx and GIS Gas Infusion Systems Inc.
The trial with NanobOx, a spin-out from University College Dublin that has developed a cheap-to-run nanobubble water treatment, will test the introduction of nanobubble generation technology into Three-Sixty’s recirculating aquaculture system (RAS).
The technology significantly enhances oxygen transfer within RAS, improving shrimp growth rates and reducing feed conversion ratios (FCR), two critical factors for increasing efficiency and sustainability in land-based aquaculture.
NanobOx technology is said to generate high concentrations of nanobubbles at just 1% of the power consumption of conventional nanobubble generation systems, offering RAS operators a huge cost advantage. Beyond oxygenation, early research suggests the technology could also positively impact animal health and disease resistance.
CO2 stripping
Three-Sixty Aquaculture is also conducting carbon dioxide (CO₂) stripping trials using advanced technology developed by GIS Gas Infusion Systems Inc, based in St Andrews, New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada. The system, which uses proprietary 3D-printed hydrophobic discs, is said to offer a highly efficient and compact alternative to traditional degassing towers.
By significantly reducing air and energy requirements, the technology is expected to lower operational costs whilst improving water quality. Early indications suggest that reduced CO₂ levels will contribute to enhanced shrimp health and improved feed conversion ratios, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainable and high-performance RAS farming.
Speaking before he took part in the Investment Panel at the RASTECH 2025 conference in San Diego this week, Three-Sixty co-founder James Fox-Davies said: “At Three-Sixty Aquaculture, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our technical processes and are excited to be embarking on these trials with NanobOx and GIS. Our adoption of nanobubble technology and CO₂ stripping at such low cost could mark a major advancement in producing high-quality, affordable seafood.”
Lowering costs
NanobOx chief executive John Favier said the company was excited to partner with Three-Sixty Aquaculture to enhance productivity and lower input costs in its advanced RAS using its patented ultra-low energy, high performance nanobubble generation technology.
Ken Hight, executive chairman at GIS Gas Infusion, said: “Three-Sixty Aquaculture embraces innovative technology in its pursuit of excellence, efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture and GIS Gas Infusion is delighted to have our innovative solutions incorporated into these tech trials.”
The nanobubble and CO2 trials will run throughout 2025 and 2026, with initial results expected in Q3 2025. If successful, the technologies could have a wider impact beyond shrimp farming, improving oxygenation and productivity in higher-density species such as salmon.
Raised £3.5m
Having developed its proprietary, patent-pending technology in its existing R&D facility in Swansea and raised £3.5 million in a Series A funding round, Three-Sixty Aquaculture is looking to invest the money to commercialise its prawn farming at scale.
Additionally, Three-Sixty Aquaculture has been granted three new patents – four-cell tank design, continuous harvesting & grading system, waste and mort removal system - which it says set new benchmarks in aquaculture efficiency and sustainability, making prawn farming more viable.
