Most countries have large pond systems for production of freshwater fish. In traditional fish farming methods, table fish production is carried out in 3-year cycles, using 3 water fill-ups and 3 harvests with full draining of the ponds, as well as 2 storages in wintering ponds. This consumes a lot of energy, water, and labour; as well as an arduous 3-year long business cycle with long-term compound risk. Using this old method, the high-value predatory fish – like the catfish – are raised in carp-dominated polycultures in low quantities, less than 3-4% of total bulk. This old technique is based on fertilizing the pond water by using organic manure, which leads to rapid organic pollution of the effluent water, damaging the ecosystem.

In contrast, we have developed and piloted a new water- and energy saving fish farming method to establish a new standard in the food sector by enabling production of the premium quality European catfish at affordable cost. Our technology relies on our proprietary breed of the esteemed European catfish, using various combinations of cage/tank/open cultures and different recirculation systems installed in modified traditional carp ponds. Different types of feed to augment the effects of the controlled environment were also tested, leading to the identification of innovative formulation principles forming the basis of SilGen feed. The technology makes possible the high-efficiency monoculture breeding while drastically lowering economic cost and environmental impact. Elaborate combination of these protocols with our high-tech farming method gave birth to the SilGen system.

SilGen is a large-scale aquaculture production methodology that yields specifically lower cost, well scalable, and dependable supply of premium quality fish that is certified 100% free of contaminants so it safe to consume even for young children and pregnant women.