Itaipu is one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world located on the Paraná River, which forms the border between Brazil and Paraguay.

Itaipu Launches Groundbreaking Research on 'Golden Dorado' Production in Net Cages

BRAZIL
Friday, January 17, 2025, 11:00 (GMT + 9)

First Batch of Six Thousand Juvenile Fish Delivered to Advance Sustainable Aquaculture

Itaipu Binacional has embarked on an innovative research project to cultivate dourado (Salminus brasiliensis), also known as Golden Dorado, in net cages—a first for the region. On Tuesday (14), the initiative began with the delivery of six thousand six-month-old juvenile fish to the Aquaculture Demonstration and Experimental Unit, utilizing the advanced Biofloc System.

Salminus brasiliensis, also known as the golden dorado, dorado, river tiger, dourado, or jaw characin is a large, predatory characiform freshwater fish found in central and east-central South America

The project's primary goal is to establish a sustainable production chain for this prized species, creating new income opportunities for local communities reliant on fishing and aquaculture in the Itaipu reservoir.

Supporting Sustainability and Local Economies

Agricultural engineer André Watanabe from Itaipu’s Reservoir Division explained that the research is geared toward offering a sustainable alternative for a species currently protected from fishing in Paraná due to conservation concerns.

Agricultural engineer André Watanabe from Itaipu’s Reservoir Division.Photos: Sara Cheida / Itaipu Binacional)

“When consumers purchase fish from fisheries, they may be contributing to the depletion of limited natural resources. Through aquaculture, we can supply this fish for human consumption without impacting wild populations,” Watanabe noted.

Currently, there is no existing infrastructure for Golden Dorado production in net cages within Paraná. The juvenile fish for this project were transported over 12 hours by truck from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. Upon arrival, the fish were acclimated to their new environment by gradually matching the water temperatures between the transport containers and the holding tanks.

The young fish, weighing an average of 62 grams, will be nurtured for two months before being transferred to the reservoir's net cages. Within a year, they are expected to surpass one kilogram in weight, reaching market size. Given its high commercial value, Golden Dorado offers significant potential for supplying premium niche markets with high-value products.

Photos: Sara Cheida / Itaipu Binacional)

Preparing for Large-Scale Production

Watanabe revealed plans to construct larger net cages, up to 500 cubic meters, specifically tailored to the needs of Golden Dorado. Currently, the project employs smaller 7 m³ and 24 m³ cages.

“As a carnivorous and dominant species, Golden Dorado requires ample space to adapt and careful handling. It’s a species that demands more attention,” Watanabe remarked, showing bite marks on his fingers as evidence of its feisty nature.

Photos: Sara Cheida / Itaipu Binacional)

Biofloc System: A Sustainable Aquaculture Solution

The research leverages the Biofloc System, an advanced method designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing fish survival rates during their critical growth stages. The system operates in a closed-loop environment that consumes minimal water and avoids contamination.

Bioflocs are clusters of beneficial bacteria that convert ammonia—produced by fish waste—into nitrate. This nitrate is subsequently consumed by aquatic plants in separate tanks, allowing water to be reused multiple times.

Biofloc System Photos: Sara Cheida / Itaipu Binacional)

For perspective, producing one kilogram of fish in the Biofloc System requires approximately 500 liters of water. In contrast, conventional systems consume 18,000 to 30,000 liters per kilogram and risk polluting rivers and lakes if untreated.

“Our goal is to explore sustainable fish farming methods that preserve the Itaipu reservoir,” said aquaculture technician Celso Carlos Buglione of Itaipu’s Reservoir Division. The research on bioflocs is being conducted in partnership with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa).

Aquaculture technician Celso Carlos Buglione of Itaipu’s Reservoir Division.Photos: Sara Cheida / Itaipu Binacional)

A Boost for Paraná’s Aquaculture Leadership

Paraná leads the nation in fish production, yielding approximately 200,000 tons annually, with over 70% of this output derived from the Itaipu basin. This research seeks to develop optimal feeding protocols, monitor water quality, and evaluate the economic feasibility of fish production in the Biofloc System.

By advancing innovative and sustainable aquaculture practices, Itaipu Binacional is paving the way for a more resilient future for both the environment and local communities.

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