Innovasea’s Cutting-Edge Degassing System Boosts Trout Egg Production at Utah’s Mantua Fish Hatchery

Innovasea, a global frontrunner in advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking, recently announced a significant enhancement in trout egg production at Utah’s Mantua Fish Hatchery, made possible through the installation of its state-of-the-art degassing system.

Enhanced Water Conditions for Optimal Production

With the integration of the Innovasea vacuum degasser, the hatchery successfully reduced the total gas pressure (TGP) from previous highs of 120% down to as low as 90%. This achievement has surpassed their initial goal and established an optimal environment for broodstock, vital for the health and success of the egg production cycle.

“Our collaboration with the Mantua Hatchery team allowed us to analyze their specific water conditions and consider multiple solutions,” said Marc Turano, Vice President of Innovasea. “By merging their operational insights with our technical knowledge, we were able to design a system that consistently delivers impactful results for improved egg production.”

A Renovated Hatchery Walking in Step with Modern Technology

The Mantua Fish Hatchery, originally built in 1910, has seen a series of renovations and expansions aimed at modernization, with the latest phase completed in 2024. This phase is part of a larger state initiative to enhance trout egg production by leveraging the natural cold water resources available in the region.

How the Innovasea Degasser Works

The newly installed Innovasea degassing system operates by passing water through a vacuum chamber that creates negative pressure. This process effectively and efficiently eliminates elevated levels of dissolved gas from the water, rapidly reducing TGP and ensuring safe, stable conditions for the eggs and fry, which are particularly sensitive to high gas levels.

“The Innovasea degasser has proven to be an excellent fit for us,” remarked Roger Mellenthin, Fish Culture Coordinator at Mantua Fish Hatchery. “Its simplicity and effectiveness require minimal maintenance and repairs, allowing us to focus on production.”

Comprehensive Enhancements to Hatchery Facilities

In addition to the degassing system, recent upgrades to the hatchery include new egg facilities, enhanced equipment disinfection stations, and protective barriers to mitigate the risk of invasive species. The facility now produces over six million trout eggs annually, primarily consisting of cutthroat and rainbow trout, accounting for approximately 30% of Utah’s total farm-produced trout.

Image: Trout eggs, credit to the Utah Division of Wildlife