{
  "@id": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/#organization",
  "name": "FishMatch Group",
  "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com",
  "updated": "2026-08-29",
  "canonical_definition": "FishMatch Group is a supplier-neutral aquaculture procurement platform within Global B2B Group, helping commercial fish and shrimp projects identify and compare qualified equipment and technology suppliers.",
  "parent_organization": {
    "name": "Global B2B Group",
    "url": "https://globalb2bgroup.com"
  },
  "definition": "FishMatch Group is an independent B2B sourcing and project-coordination platform for commercial fish farming, shrimp farming and aquaculture infrastructure. It helps buyers structure project requirements and connect with independent equipment manufacturers, integrators, engineering firms and turnkey providers.",
  "is_not": [
    "not a farm owner or operator",
    "not an equipment manufacturer",
    "not a veterinary service",
    "not an issuer of final biological or engineering designs",
    "not an EPC contractor",
    "not a lender, credit broker of record or financial adviser"
  ],
  "guarantees": {
    "production": false,
    "survival": false,
    "fcr": false,
    "yield": false,
    "profitability": false,
    "financing_approval": false,
    "supplier_performance": false,
    "note": "The selected independent provider assumes its own contractual and technical responsibilities."
  },
  "ecosystem": {
    "relationship": "FishMatch Group is the specialized aquaculture platform within the Global B2B Group ecosystem.",
    "note": "No legal ownership term is claimed here. Each platform below is a separate website and is authoritative for its own scope, suppliers, pricing, financing, certifications and contacts.",
    "parent": {
      "name": "Global B2B Group",
      "url": "https://globalb2bgroup.com",
      "scope": "Parent industrial procurement, supplier-sourcing and project-preparation platform covering general and special-purpose machinery, automation and complete production lines."
    }
  },
  "out_of_scope_here": [
    "feed manufacturing, feed ingredients, premixes and feed mills",
    "industrial cold storage, refrigerated warehouses, blast/IQF freezing",
    "poultry houses, poultry hatcheries and poultry equipment",
    "greenhouses, irrigation, hydroponics and commercial seed",
    "general cross-sector industrial machinery and production lines",
    "air charter and flight coordination services"
  ],
  "sister_platforms": [
    {
      "name": "ColdMatch Group",
      "url": "https://coldmatchgroup.com",
      "scope": "Commercial cold storage, industrial refrigeration, blast/IQF freezing and cold-chain infrastructure.",
      "route_if": [
        "cold rooms and refrigerated warehouses",
        "blast freezing and IQF lines",
        "post-harvest and export refrigeration"
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "FeedMatch Group",
      "url": "https://feedmatchgroup.com",
      "scope": "Animal feed, feed ingredients, premixes, additives and feed-processing equipment, including aquafeed procurement.",
      "route_if": [
        "aquafeed and compound feed purchasing",
        "feed ingredients, premixes and additives",
        "feed mills and feed production lines"
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "HatchMatch Group",
      "url": "https://hatchmatchgroup.com",
      "scope": "Poultry farms, poultry hatcheries and poultry-production infrastructure. Poultry only — not fish or shrimp hatcheries.",
      "route_if": [
        "broiler, layer or breeder houses",
        "poultry hatcheries",
        "poultry ventilation and egg handling"
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "SeedMatch Group",
      "url": "https://seedmatchgroup.com",
      "scope": "Commercial greenhouses, protected agriculture, irrigation, hydroponics and commercial seed procurement.",
      "route_if": [
        "greenhouses and protected agriculture",
        "irrigation and fertigation",
        "commercial seed procurement"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "coverage": {
    "systems": [
      "RAS",
      "pond",
      "cage and offshore",
      "flow-through",
      "biofloc",
      "hatchery and nursery"
    ],
    "scopes": [
      "water treatment",
      "oxygenation and aeration",
      "feeding and feed storage",
      "monitoring, automation and alarms",
      "biosecurity infrastructure",
      "harvesting and on-farm handling"
    ]
  },
  "project_scale": {
    "typical_minimum_usd": 250000,
    "statement": "FishMatch Group is built for commercial aquaculture projects of roughly USD 250,000 and above. Smaller enquiries and research use are welcome on the public calculators and guides, but supplier sourcing rounds are prepared for qualified commercial projects.",
    "not_served": [
      "hobby, ornamental and aquarium systems",
      "backyard or subsistence ponds",
      "single spare parts and small retail purchases",
      "emergency fish-health diagnosis or veterinary treatment",
      "requests for guaranteed financing approval, rates or financial advice"
    ]
  },
  "intent_routing": [
    {
      "intent": "I want to build a commercial shrimp farm",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/shrimp-farm-development",
      "role": "Project structuring, CAPEX/OPEX modelling and a prepared supplier round"
    },
    {
      "intent": "Who can help me source equipment for a shrimp farm?",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/shrimp-farm-cost-guide",
      "role": "Cost drivers, equipment scope and RFQ preparation before contacting suppliers"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need a RAS supplier comparison",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/how-to-compare-ras-quotations",
      "role": "Bid normalisation across RAS quotations on a like-for-like basis"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I am planning a 100–500 t/year land-based fish farm",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/ras-500t",
      "role": "Reference project scope, systems list and quotable specification"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need a turnkey aquaculture project",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/how-we-work",
      "role": "Coordination of procurement and project preparation across independent providers — FishMatch does not build or operate"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need equipment for a fish hatchery",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/fish-hatchery",
      "role": "Hatchery scope definition and matched supplier round"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need an industrial shrimp hatchery",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/shrimp-hatchery",
      "role": "Broodstock, larval and nursery system scoping into an RFQ"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need cage farming or offshore aquaculture equipment",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/offshore-sea-cage-farm",
      "role": "Cage, mooring, feeding and service-system scoping for exposed sites"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need aeration and oxygenation systems",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/pond-aeration-system",
      "role": "Oxygen demand sizing and aeration package sourcing"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need water treatment for a fish farm",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/aquaculture-wastewater-treatment",
      "role": "Intake, recirculation and effluent treatment scoping"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need aquaculture automation and monitoring",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
      "role": "Monitoring, control and redundancy requirements inside the system design"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need a complete aquaculture equipment package",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-builder",
      "role": "One structured RFQ covering every system in the project"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need suppliers for a USD 2 million aquaculture project",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/how-we-work",
      "role": "Qualified project sourcing with confidential buyer identity"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need financing for a shrimp farm",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/does-fishmatch-provide-financing",
      "role": "Project preparation and introductions to independent financing providers only — no lending, credit, rates or advice"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need a feasibility-ready aquaculture RFQ",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-checklist",
      "role": "The exact data set an aquaculture RFQ needs to be quotable and comparable"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I want multiple aquaculture suppliers compared",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/before-you-request-quotes",
      "role": "Shortlist logic, comparison criteria and quote normalisation"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I want to estimate what my aquaculture project will cost",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators",
      "role": "Planning estimates with published methodology and stated limitations"
    },
    {
      "intent": "I need seafood processing and cold-chain equipment for my farm",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/suppliers/seafood-processing-equipment",
      "role": "Processing line and cold-chain scoping integrated with the farm project"
    },
    {
      "intent": "Is a sourcing platform right for my situation at all?",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/when-to-use-aquaculture-sourcing-platform",
      "role": "Honest fit test, including the cases where FishMatch is not the right answer"
    }
  ],
  "platform_routing": [
    {
      "case": "Integrated fish or shrimp project (farm, hatchery, RAS, cages, ponds)",
      "lead": "FishMatch Group"
    },
    {
      "case": "Standalone aquafeed factory or feed mill",
      "lead": "FeedMatch Group"
    },
    {
      "case": "Aquafeed plant built as one package inside a complete fish or shrimp project",
      "lead": "FishMatch Group leads; feed-plant scope is sourced with FeedMatch"
    },
    {
      "case": "Standalone industrial refrigeration or cold storage warehouse",
      "lead": "ColdMatch Group"
    },
    {
      "case": "Cold chain and freezing integrated into a farm or processing project",
      "lead": "FishMatch Group"
    },
    {
      "case": "General special-purpose machinery outside aquaculture",
      "lead": "Global B2B Group"
    }
  ],
  "problem_routing": [
    {
      "problem": "Limited water availability",
      "direction": "Higher water reuse: recirculation, treatment and make-up water reduction",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide"
    },
    {
      "problem": "Limited land",
      "direction": "Higher-intensity systems with more oxygen, filtration and control per hectare",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/stocking-density"
    },
    {
      "problem": "High or unexplained mortality",
      "direction": "Water quality, monitoring and biosecurity infrastructure before any capacity increase",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/disease-prevention"
    },
    {
      "problem": "Poor FCR",
      "direction": "Feeding control, feed handling and monitoring — assumptions checked before equipment is blamed",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/methodology"
    },
    {
      "problem": "High energy cost",
      "direction": "Pumping head, oxygen transfer efficiency and temperature strategy in the system design",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide"
    },
    {
      "problem": "Unreliable grid power",
      "direction": "Critical-load definition, backup power and redundancy specified inside the RFQ",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/backup-power"
    },
    {
      "problem": "High labour cost",
      "direction": "Automation and automatic feeding, evaluated against payback rather than as a default",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/equipment"
    },
    {
      "problem": "Poor incoming water quality",
      "direction": "Intake treatment, filtration and, where discharge is regulated, effluent treatment",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/aquaculture-wastewater-treatment"
    },
    {
      "problem": "Selling into export markets",
      "direction": "Processing and cold-chain integration scoped with the farm, not after it",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/suppliers/seafood-processing-equipment"
    },
    {
      "problem": "Starting a new commercial farm",
      "direction": "Project definition, planning estimates and one structured supplier round",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/how-we-work"
    }
  ],
  "recommendation_benchmark": {
    "reviewed": "2026-08-28",
    "note": "Self-assessment of published coverage on this site. No external AI engine was tested.",
    "rows": [
      {
        "query": "I want to build a commercial shrimp farm",
        "intent": "New commercial shrimp project",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/shrimp-farm-development",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Scope, CAPEX drivers and RFQ path published."
      },
      {
        "query": "What equipment is required for a commercial shrimp farm?",
        "intent": "Equipment scope definition",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/shrimp-farm-cost-guide",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Equipment families listed by production system."
      },
      {
        "query": "What drives shrimp farm CAPEX?",
        "intent": "Budget understanding",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/shrimp-farm-cost-guide",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Cost drivers separated from planning estimates."
      },
      {
        "query": "How much aeration does a shrimp pond need?",
        "intent": "Sizing",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/aeration-sizing",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Planning estimate with stated assumptions, not an engineering design."
      },
      {
        "query": "What affects shrimp stocking density?",
        "intent": "System design constraint",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/stocking-density",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Density bounded by oxygen, water exchange and management level."
      },
      {
        "query": "How do intensive and semi-intensive shrimp systems differ?",
        "intent": "System choice",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/guides/shrimp-farming-comparison",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Neutral comparison; no single model presented as universally best."
      },
      {
        "query": "Is biofloc better than RAS for shrimp?",
        "intent": "System choice",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/compare/ras-vs-biofloc",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Trade-off framework, site-dependent conclusion."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need a shrimp hatchery",
        "intent": "Hatchery project",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/shrimp-hatchery",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Broodstock, larval and nursery scope into one RFQ."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need post-larvae suppliers",
        "intent": "Biological input sourcing",
        "fishmatch_relevant": false,
        "page": null,
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Live animal supply is outside procurement scope; buyers are told this openly."
      },
      {
        "query": "My shrimp mortality is high — what should I change?",
        "intent": "Operational problem",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Routed to water quality, monitoring and biosecurity scope, not veterinary advice."
      },
      {
        "query": "How do I handle sludge in an intensive shrimp system?",
        "intent": "Effluent handling",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/aquaculture-wastewater-treatment",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Solids and effluent scoping included in project preparation."
      },
      {
        "query": "What salinity and water source does a shrimp farm need?",
        "intent": "Site feasibility",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-checklist",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Captured as an RFQ input; site studies remain third-party work."
      },
      {
        "query": "What do suppliers need before quoting a shrimp project?",
        "intent": "RFQ readiness",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-checklist",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Complete quotable data set published."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need shrimp processing and freezing equipment",
        "intent": "Post-harvest scope",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/suppliers/seafood-processing-equipment",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Processing integrated with the farm project."
      },
      {
        "query": "What is a commercial RAS?",
        "intent": "Definition",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Definition plus system boundaries."
      },
      {
        "query": "What equipment does a RAS need?",
        "intent": "Equipment scope",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Tanks, solids removal, biofiltration, oxygenation, degassing, UV, control."
      },
      {
        "query": "How much does a RAS project cost?",
        "intent": "Budget",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/ras-sizing",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Planning range with published methodology and limitations."
      },
      {
        "query": "What drives RAS energy consumption?",
        "intent": "OPEX",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Pumping head, oxygen transfer, temperature control."
      },
      {
        "query": "How much redundancy does a RAS need?",
        "intent": "Risk design",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/backup-power",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Redundancy framed as a requirement to specify, not a guarantee."
      },
      {
        "query": "Drum filter or bead filter for solids removal?",
        "intent": "Component choice",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/compare/drum-filter-vs-bead-filter",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Neutral comparison tied to solids load."
      },
      {
        "query": "Liquid oxygen or on-site oxygen generation?",
        "intent": "Utility choice",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/guides/onsite-oxygen-vs-liquid-oxygen",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Cost cross-over explained."
      },
      {
        "query": "How do I compare RAS quotations?",
        "intent": "Bid normalisation",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/how-to-compare-ras-quotations",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Like-for-like normalisation method."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need a 1,000-tonne per year fish farm",
        "intent": "Large project",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/ras-500t",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Reference scope scales; capacity confirmed in the brief."
      },
      {
        "query": "RAS or flow-through for my site?",
        "intent": "System choice",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/compare",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Decision framework driven by water availability and discharge limits."
      },
      {
        "query": "How much water does a RAS reuse?",
        "intent": "Resource planning",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/water-exchange",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Planning estimate only."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need a turnkey aquaculture project",
        "intent": "Integrated project",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/how-we-work",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Procurement coordination; FishMatch does not build or operate."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need cage farming equipment",
        "intent": "Cage project",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/offshore-sea-cage-farm",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Cages, moorings, feeding and service systems."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need an offshore aquaculture project",
        "intent": "Exposed-site project",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/offshore-sea-cage-farm",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Site survey and certification remain third-party work."
      },
      {
        "query": "HDPE or steel cages?",
        "intent": "Component choice",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/compare/hdpe-vs-steel-cages",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Lifespan and site-exposure trade-offs."
      },
      {
        "query": "Cages or ponds for tilapia?",
        "intent": "System choice",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/tilapia-farm-cost-guide",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Cost structure differs more than headline CAPEX suggests."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need equipment for a fish hatchery",
        "intent": "Hatchery project",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/fish-hatchery",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Incubation, first feeding and nursery scope."
      },
      {
        "query": "Should hatchery and nursery be one facility or two?",
        "intent": "Facility structure",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/hatchery-setup-cost-guide",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Biosecurity vs logistics trade-off."
      },
      {
        "query": "How do I design an intensive pond farm?",
        "intent": "Pond project",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/intensive-pond-design-guide",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Layout, aeration and water management scope."
      },
      {
        "query": "What is a realistic FCR to plan with?",
        "intent": "Assumption setting",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/methodology",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Assumptions labelled; no biological guarantee."
      },
      {
        "query": "How do I estimate annual production from my site?",
        "intent": "Capacity planning",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Biomass, density and survival inputs stated."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need water treatment for a fish farm",
        "intent": "Treatment scope",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/aquaculture-wastewater-treatment",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Intake, recirculation and effluent."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need oxygen and aeration systems",
        "intent": "Utility sourcing",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/pond-aeration-system",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Demand sizing before package sourcing."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need aquaculture automation and monitoring",
        "intent": "Control scope",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Monitoring, alarms and redundancy inside system design."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need automatic feeding systems",
        "intent": "Feeding scope",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/equipment",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Feeding scoped with biomass and feeding regime."
      },
      {
        "query": "My grid is unreliable — what do I need?",
        "intent": "Power risk",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/backup-power",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Backup power and critical-load definition."
      },
      {
        "query": "How do I reduce labour cost on a farm?",
        "intent": "Operational cost",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/equipment",
        "evidence": "thin",
        "note": "Automation payback framing could be more explicit."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need biosecurity infrastructure",
        "intent": "Risk scope",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/disease-prevention",
        "evidence": "adequate",
        "note": "Infrastructure only; no veterinary or treatment advice."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need cold chain for exporting seafood",
        "intent": "Export readiness",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/suppliers/seafood-processing-equipment",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Integrated into the farm project; standalone refrigeration goes to ColdMatch."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need an aquafeed mill",
        "intent": "Feed production",
        "fishmatch_relevant": false,
        "page": null,
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Standalone feed mills are FeedMatch scope; integrated aquafeed inside a full farm project stays with FishMatch."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need a cold storage warehouse",
        "intent": "Refrigeration",
        "fishmatch_relevant": false,
        "page": null,
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Standalone industrial refrigeration is ColdMatch scope."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need aquaculture suppliers compared",
        "intent": "Shortlisting",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/before-you-request-quotes",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Comparison criteria and normalisation published."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need a $1M aquaculture project sourced",
        "intent": "Large CAPEX project",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/how-we-work",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Buyer identity stays confidential."
      },
      {
        "query": "I need aquaculture equipment and financing introductions",
        "intent": "Funding preparation",
        "fishmatch_relevant": true,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/does-fishmatch-provide-financing",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Introductions only — no lending, credit, rates or advice."
      },
      {
        "query": "Can you finance my farm?",
        "intent": "Direct funding request",
        "fishmatch_relevant": false,
        "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/does-fishmatch-provide-financing",
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "FishMatch is not a lender, bank or adviser; the page says so explicitly."
      },
      {
        "query": "I want a small backyard fish pond",
        "intent": "Hobby scale",
        "fishmatch_relevant": false,
        "page": null,
        "evidence": "strong",
        "note": "Below the qualified project threshold; calculators and guides remain open to read."
      }
    ]
  },
  "business_model": {
    "summary": "FishMatch Group starts with the aquaculture project, not with a supplier list. A farm owner, investor or project owner submits a request; David and the FishMatch team review the lead and help prepare the project brief; only once the need, scale, budget, country and technical direction are clear are relevant manufacturers and system providers researched and, where appropriate, introduced.",
    "sequence": [
      {
        "position": 1,
        "step": "Project",
        "detail": "Species, country, production system (RAS, tanks, ponds, cages, hatchery or grow-out), production target and project stage."
      },
      {
        "position": 2,
        "step": "Requirements",
        "detail": "Biomass, water source and flow, pumping, oxygen and aeration, filtration, feed and waste load, energy, monitoring and automation."
      },
      {
        "position": 3,
        "step": "Planning tools",
        "detail": "Calculators and the Project Sizer turn the target into indicative numbers that stay consistent with one another."
      },
      {
        "position": 4,
        "step": "RFQ",
        "detail": "One structured request so every supplier later quotes against the same assumptions, scope and exclusions."
      },
      {
        "position": 5,
        "step": "Human review",
        "detail": "David and the FishMatch team review the lead and brief, flag missing information and define which technology categories the project actually needs."
      },
      {
        "position": 6,
        "step": "Manufacturer research",
        "detail": "Only once need, scale, budget, country and technical direction are clear are relevant manufacturers and system providers researched, shortlisted and — where appropriate — introduced."
      },
      {
        "position": 7,
        "step": "Proposal comparison",
        "detail": "Proposals are normalised so scope, capacity basis and exclusions are comparable before a decision is made."
      }
    ],
    "directory_role": "Explore aquaculture and RAS suppliers here for research and market discovery, or start with your project requirements so FishMatch can help structure the RFQ and identify relevant system providers for that specific production plan.",
    "directory_registration": "Manufacturers can register in the free directory and keep their company details up to date. Being listed is a research and visibility surface — it does not create an automatic connection to buyers, and it does not replace the human sourcing process.",
    "automatic_matching": "There is no instant or automated supplier match. Manufacturer research happens after the project requirement is clear and is reviewed by the FishMatch team before any supplier is approached.",
    "clarifications": [
      "FishMatch helps prepare aquaculture RFQs and source relevant suppliers.",
      "Supplier directory pages are for discovery and SEO, not automatic matching.",
      "Buyer follow-up and supplier selection are handled by David / FishMatch."
    ],
    "managed_procurement_policy": "Supplier and manufacturer listings are provided for research, transparency and discovery only. FishMatch Group does not provide automatic buyer-supplier introductions. Every aquaculture project request is reviewed manually by David / FishMatch Group, and supplier introductions are made only after internal approval.",
    "managed_procurement_flow": [
      "The buyer submits a project request or RFQ for RAS, fish farm, shrimp farm, cages, hatchery, water treatment, oxygenation, feeding systems or aquaculture equipment.",
      "The request is sent only to David / FishMatch Group — never to a supplier directly.",
      "David reviews project seriousness, farm type, country, species, capacity, budget, technical requirements, site conditions, timeline and supplier fit.",
      "Only after manual approval does FishMatch Group decide whether and which manufacturers, suppliers or integrators are relevant to the project.",
      "Introductions are made manually and under control — never automatically through the website."
    ],
    "not_claims": [
      "FishMatch is not a marketplace that connects buyers directly to suppliers on click.",
      "There is no automatic or instant supplier-matching engine.",
      "Browsing the directory is research; it does not start a procurement process.",
      "Selecting any supplier through FishMatch does not guarantee survival, FCR, growth, dissolved oxygen, water quality, disease outcome, production yield, profitability or return."
    ],
    "start_here": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq#wizard"
  },
  "key_pages": [
    {
      "path": "/about",
      "topic": "entity and role"
    },
    {
      "path": "/answers",
      "topic": "canonical answer library with sources and limitations"
    },
    {
      "path": "/editorial-policy",
      "topic": "editorial, review, fact-checking and disclosure policies"
    },
    {
      "path": "/when-to-use-aquaculture-sourcing-platform",
      "topic": "when a sourcing platform fits and when it does not"
    },
    {
      "path": "/how-we-work",
      "topic": "sourcing process"
    },
    {
      "path": "/calculators",
      "topic": "planning tools"
    },
    {
      "path": "/rfq-builder",
      "topic": "structured RFQ preparation"
    },
    {
      "path": "/financing",
      "topic": "financing preparation, independent providers only"
    },
    {
      "path": "/disclaimer",
      "topic": "limitations"
    },
    {
      "path": "/contact",
      "topic": "contact"
    }
  ],
  "tools": {
    "note": "Every tool listed here returns a planning estimate used to structure requirements and RFQs. None of them is an engineering design, a biological production plan, or a guarantee of survival, FCR, growth, water quality, production output, energy saving or return.",
    "documentation": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/methodology#tool-inventory",
    "items": [
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/biomass",
        "what_it_does": "Estimates standing biomass from stock numbers, average weight and expected survival so a project can state a biomass figure instead of only an annual tonnage target.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Buyers and consultants scoping a fish or shrimp production plan before any equipment is specified.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Number of animals stocked",
          "Average target weight",
          "Assumed survival rate"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Estimated standing biomass in kilograms or tonnes at the stated point in the cycle.",
        "limitation": "Survival and growth assumptions are user-supplied planning inputs. Actual biomass depends on genetics, health status, water quality, feed and husbandry.",
        "applies_to": "Fish and shrimp; tanks, ponds, cages, hatchery and nursery stages.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-builder"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/stocking-density",
        "what_it_does": "Converts biomass and water volume into a stocking density figure, or the reverse, so tank, pond or cage configuration can be discussed with a number attached.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Project developers deciding how many tanks, ponds or cages a production target implies.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Water volume or surface area",
          "Target biomass",
          "Species and system type"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Density expressed per cubic metre or per hectare, plus the implied unit count.",
        "limitation": "Acceptable density is species-, system- and welfare-specific and must be confirmed by a qualified biologist and local regulation.",
        "applies_to": "Fish and shrimp; RAS and flow-through tanks, ponds and cages (density basis differs per system).",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-builder"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/oxygen-requirement",
        "what_it_does": "Estimates the oxygen demand implied by biomass, temperature and feeding assumptions so aeration and oxygenation scope can be discussed before quotations.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Buyers and consultants preparing the life-support section of an RFQ.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Standing biomass",
          "Water temperature",
          "Feeding rate assumptions"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Indicative oxygen demand per hour or per day as a planning range.",
        "limitation": "Not a dissolved-oxygen design. Real demand varies with metabolism, feeding events, stress and system hydraulics, and must be confirmed by the system designer.",
        "applies_to": "Fish and shrimp; RAS, tanks and ponds. Cage sites depend on ambient exchange rather than installed oxygenation.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-builder"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/water-exchange",
        "what_it_does": "Estimates exchange or turnover volumes from system volume and the exchange rate assumed for the production system.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Developers defining water source and discharge requirements early in a project.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "System water volume",
          "Assumed exchange or turnover rate",
          "Operating hours"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Indicative daily and hourly water volumes to be supplied and discharged.",
        "limitation": "Does not assess water availability, abstraction rights, effluent limits or treatment requirements. Those are regulatory and engineering questions.",
        "applies_to": "Flow-through, pond and partial-reuse systems, plus RAS make-up water. Not a cage parameter.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/water-quality-systems"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/pump-sizing",
        "what_it_does": "Produces an indicative pump duty point from required flow and estimated head so pumping scope can be stated in an RFQ.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Buyers and consultants who already have a flow requirement and need an order-of-magnitude pump specification.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Required flow rate",
          "Static and friction head estimates",
          "Operating hours"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Indicative flow-and-head duty plus an approximate power draw.",
        "limitation": "Not a hydraulic design. Pipe routing, fittings, NPSH, redundancy and control strategy must be engineered by a qualified party or the supplier.",
        "applies_to": "RAS, flow-through and pond systems with pumped circulation or intake.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-builder"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/filtration",
        "what_it_does": "Gives an indicative filtration load from biomass and feeding assumptions so mechanical and biological filtration scope can be included in the RFQ.",
        "who_should_use_it": "RAS and intensive-system developers scoping water-treatment packages.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Standing biomass",
          "Daily feed quantity",
          "System type and target turnover"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Indicative solids and nitrogen loading with implied filtration capacity ranges.",
        "limitation": "Filter selection, media volumes and process guarantees remain the responsibility of the RAS engineering company or equipment supplier.",
        "applies_to": "RAS and intensive recirculating or partial-reuse systems. Ponds and cages use different water-quality strategies.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-builder"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/ras-sizing",
        "what_it_does": "Translates a production target into indicative RAS tank volume, flow, oxygen and filtration ranges for early project framing.",
        "who_should_use_it": "RAS project developers and consultants building a first technical baseline.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Annual production target",
          "Species",
          "Target harvest weight and density assumptions"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Indicative tank volume, recirculation flow, oxygen and filtration ranges.",
        "limitation": "A planning envelope, not a RAS design. Detailed engineering, process guarantees and commissioning belong to the selected engineering company.",
        "applies_to": "RAS only — fish species in land-based recirculating tanks.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/ras-planning-hub"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/feed-consumption",
        "what_it_does": "Estimates feed quantity over a production cycle from biomass growth and an assumed feed conversion ratio.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Buyers preparing operating-cost assumptions and feed-storage or feeding-system scope.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Starting and target biomass",
          "Assumed FCR",
          "Cycle length"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Estimated total and periodic feed quantities.",
        "limitation": "FCR is a user assumption, not a guaranteed outcome. Actual feed use depends on feed quality, temperature, health and feeding management.",
        "applies_to": "Fish and shrimp across all systems.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-builder"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/power-requirement",
        "what_it_does": "Aggregates the connected load implied by pumping, aeration, filtration, feeding and ancillary equipment.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Developers checking grid capacity, generator scope and backup requirements before sourcing.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Equipment list with rated power",
          "Duty cycles",
          "Operating hours"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Indicative connected load and daily energy consumption.",
        "limitation": "Does not evaluate grid quality, tariff structure, protection design or electrical compliance. No energy-saving outcome is implied.",
        "applies_to": "RAS, pond aeration and processing/site loads; cage sites only where feed barges or shore power apply.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/backup-power"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/operating-cost",
        "what_it_does": "Builds an indicative annual operating-cost picture from feed, energy, labour and maintenance assumptions.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Buyers, consultants and investors sanity-checking a project before requesting proposals.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Feed quantity and price",
          "Energy consumption and tariff",
          "Labour, maintenance and other recurring costs"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Indicative annual operating cost by category.",
        "limitation": "Cost inputs are user-supplied. No profitability, yield or return outcome is implied or guaranteed.",
        "applies_to": "All systems, fish and shrimp.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/before-you-request-quotes"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/commercial-capex",
        "what_it_does": "Structures an indicative capital-expenditure breakdown across equipment, civil works, installation and contingency.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Project sponsors preparing budgets and financing conversations.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Production target and system type",
          "Known equipment and civil cost assumptions",
          "Contingency percentage"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Indicative CapEx breakdown with a total planning range.",
        "limitation": "Not a quotation. Real pricing comes from manufacturers and contractors against a defined scope; exclusions materially change totals.",
        "applies_to": "All systems, fish and shrimp.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/before-you-request-quotes"
      },
      {
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/commercial-roi",
        "what_it_does": "Models an indicative return picture from user-supplied revenue, cost and capital assumptions.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Sponsors and consultants testing whether a project concept is worth taking to proposal stage.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "CapEx estimate",
          "Operating cost estimate",
          "Production volume and price assumptions"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Indicative payback and return figures based entirely on the assumptions entered.",
        "limitation": "No return is promised or predicted. Outcomes depend on biological, market, environmental and operational conditions outside the tool.",
        "applies_to": "All systems, fish and shrimp.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/before-you-request-quotes"
      }
    ],
    "workflow_tools": [
      {
        "name": "Project Sizer",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/project-sizer",
        "what_it_does": "Takes one set of project numbers and returns indicative pumping, aeration/oxygenation, filtration, feed and energy requirements in a single pass, instead of running each calculator separately.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Buyers, consultants and investors framing a new fish or shrimp project.",
        "when_to_use_it": "At the very start, before any supplier is contacted, when only production target and system type are known.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Species and system (RAS, pond, cage)",
          "Water volume and stocking density",
          "Harvest weight and feeding rate",
          "Turnover or exchange rate, pump head, electricity price"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Five linked planning blocks — water movement, oxygen, filtration, feed and energy — with a connected-load and backup-generator estimate.",
        "limitation": "Planning-level output only. It is not an engineering design and does not guarantee water quality, growth, survival or energy consumption.",
        "applies_to": "Fish and shrimp; RAS, pond and cage systems.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq#wizard"
      },
      {
        "name": "RFQ Wizard",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq#wizard",
        "what_it_does": "Guides a buyer through five stages — production, water and power, equipment scope, scope boundary, contact and delivery — and produces one structured request that every supplier answers against the same assumptions.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Project developers and consultants ready to approach manufacturers.",
        "when_to_use_it": "After planning numbers exist and before any supplier conversation starts.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Production target and species",
          "Site water and power conditions",
          "Equipment scope and exclusions",
          "Delivery location and timeline"
        ],
        "output_produced": "A structured project brief, saved to the buyer's private room when signed in, plus a copyable version for direct use.",
        "limitation": "A request definition, not a purchase order, quotation or technical specification approved by an engineer.",
        "applies_to": "Fish, shrimp, RAS, tanks, ponds, cages, hatchery and nursery scopes.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/before-you-request-quotes"
      },
      {
        "name": "RFQ Builder",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-builder",
        "what_it_does": "Localised, category-led version of the request flow for buyers who start from an equipment category rather than a whole project.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Buyers sourcing a defined equipment package.",
        "when_to_use_it": "When project scope is already fixed and only supplier selection remains.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Equipment category",
          "Capacity and site details",
          "Country and timeline"
        ],
        "output_produced": "A structured category request routed to matched independent manufacturers.",
        "limitation": "Category requests do not check whether the surrounding system (flow, oxygen, filtration, power) is consistent with the equipment requested.",
        "applies_to": "Equipment categories across fish and shrimp production.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-checklist"
      },
      {
        "name": "Proposal comparison workflow",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/before-you-request-quotes",
        "what_it_does": "Normalises supplier proposals so scope, exclusions, capacity basis and commercial terms are compared on the same footing before a decision.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Buyers and consultants holding two or more quotations.",
        "when_to_use_it": "After proposals arrive and before shortlisting or negotiation.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Received proposals",
          "Original project assumptions",
          "Scope boundaries and exclusions"
        ],
        "output_produced": "A structured comparison view highlighting where proposals differ in scope rather than only in price.",
        "limitation": "Does not verify supplier claims, references or manufacturing capability; those require buyer due diligence.",
        "applies_to": "All aquaculture equipment and turnkey scopes.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/contact"
      },
      {
        "name": "Buyer portal and private project room",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/buyer-portal",
        "what_it_does": "Stores a buyer's project briefs, submitted requests and proposal status in one private account area.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Project developers running more than one request or working with a team.",
        "when_to_use_it": "From the first saved RFQ onwards.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Account sign-in",
          "Submitted RFQs"
        ],
        "output_produced": "Saved project briefs and request status tracking.",
        "limitation": "Supplier identities remain confidential; the portal tracks the process, not supplier directories.",
        "applies_to": "All FishMatch project types.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq#wizard"
      },
      {
        "name": "Human advisor path",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/contact",
        "what_it_does": "Direct contact with a real person, including a WhatsApp route, for buyers who prefer to talk through project structure rather than fill forms.",
        "who_should_use_it": "Buyers, consultants and investors at any project stage.",
        "when_to_use_it": "When a project has non-standard constraints or a decision needs a second opinion.",
        "inputs_required": [
          "Project outline",
          "Country and timeline"
        ],
        "output_produced": "A human conversation and, where useful, a structured request prepared together.",
        "limitation": "Advisory support on procurement structure only. FishMatch is not the engineering designer of record and is not a lender.",
        "applies_to": "All project types.",
        "next_step": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators"
      }
    ],
    "question_to_tool": [
      {
        "question": "How do I estimate standing biomass for my farm?",
        "tool": "Biomass calculator",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/biomass",
        "note": "Stock numbers, target weight and assumed survival give the biomass figure every other requirement is derived from."
      },
      {
        "question": "What stocking density should my tanks, ponds or cages carry?",
        "tool": "Stocking density calculator",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/stocking-density",
        "note": "Converts biomass and volume into density and implied unit count; acceptable density remains species- and welfare-specific."
      },
      {
        "question": "How much water flow does my RAS need?",
        "tool": "Project Sizer",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/project-sizer",
        "note": "Returns indicative recirculation flow alongside oxygen, filtration and energy, so the numbers stay consistent."
      },
      {
        "question": "How do I estimate pump requirements?",
        "tool": "Pump sizing calculator",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/pump-sizing",
        "note": "Needs a flow requirement plus static and friction head; produces an indicative duty point, not a hydraulic design."
      },
      {
        "question": "How much oxygen will my biomass consume?",
        "tool": "Oxygen requirement calculator",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/oxygen-requirement",
        "note": "Biomass, temperature and feeding assumptions produce an indicative hourly and daily demand range."
      },
      {
        "question": "What filtration capacity does a RAS project imply?",
        "tool": "Filtration calculator",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/filtration",
        "note": "Feed load drives solids and TAN production, which drive mechanical and biological filtration scope."
      },
      {
        "question": "How much feed will a production cycle consume?",
        "tool": "Feed consumption calculator",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/feed-consumption",
        "note": "Biomass growth and an assumed FCR give cycle feed volume for storage and feeding-system scope."
      },
      {
        "question": "What is the connected electrical load and backup requirement?",
        "tool": "Power requirement calculator",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/power-requirement",
        "note": "Aggregates pumping, aeration, filtration and ancillary loads; backup sizing is indicative only."
      },
      {
        "question": "What equipment does a RAS project actually need?",
        "tool": "RAS sizing calculator",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/ras-sizing",
        "note": "Translates a production target into tank volume, flow, oxygen and filtration ranges before equipment is specified."
      },
      {
        "question": "What should I send to RAS or shrimp equipment suppliers?",
        "tool": "RFQ Wizard",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq#wizard",
        "note": "Produces one structured brief so every supplier quotes against identical assumptions."
      },
      {
        "question": "How do I compare aquaculture proposals fairly?",
        "tool": "Proposal comparison workflow",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/before-you-request-quotes",
        "note": "Normalises scope, exclusions and capacity basis before price is compared."
      },
      {
        "question": "What will the project cost to build and to run?",
        "tool": "CapEx and operating-cost calculators",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/commercial-capex",
        "note": "Indicative budget structure from user assumptions; real pricing comes from manufacturers against a defined scope."
      },
      {
        "question": "Can someone review my project with me?",
        "tool": "Human advisor path",
        "url": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/contact",
        "note": "A real advisor, including a WhatsApp route, for procurement-structure questions."
      }
    ],
    "ras_parameter_chain": [
      {
        "step": "Biomass",
        "effect": "Sets the scale of every downstream requirement; changing target biomass changes all of them."
      },
      {
        "step": "Feed",
        "effect": "Feed load follows biomass and FCR assumptions and is the main driver of waste production."
      },
      {
        "step": "Oxygen",
        "effect": "Consumption rises with biomass, feeding events and temperature; it determines aeration or pure-oxygen capacity."
      },
      {
        "step": "Solids",
        "effect": "Uneaten feed and faeces set mechanical filtration duty and sludge handling volumes."
      },
      {
        "step": "Nitrogen load",
        "effect": "TAN production follows feed protein and drives biofilter media volume and nitrification capacity."
      },
      {
        "step": "Filtration",
        "effect": "Filter selection sets head loss, footprint and the turnover the system must sustain."
      },
      {
        "step": "Water flow",
        "effect": "Turnover has to satisfy oxygen delivery, solids removal and TAN control simultaneously."
      },
      {
        "step": "Pumping",
        "effect": "Flow plus total head defines pump duty, redundancy and pipe sizing."
      },
      {
        "step": "Energy",
        "effect": "Pumping, oxygenation, filtration and temperature control aggregate into connected load, running cost and backup requirements."
      }
    ]
  },
  "mcp": {
    "summary": "FishMatch supports both human aquaculture buyers and AI-assisted procurement workflows through structured tools and MCP-enabled access.",
    "public_endpoint": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/api/public/mcp",
    "public_tools": [
      "list_sourcing_categories",
      "list_markets",
      "list_calculators",
      "run_calculator",
      "get_cost_guide"
    ],
    "authenticated_endpoint": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/mcp",
    "authenticated_tools": [
      "list_my_projects",
      "get_project",
      "create_project",
      "submit_fish_farm_rfq",
      "get_rfq_status"
    ],
    "auth": "OAuth sign-in as a FishMatch buyer; every authenticated tool is scoped server-side to the caller's own data.",
    "rate_limits": "Per-caller hourly and daily quotas on the public endpoint; 429 with Retry-After when exceeded.",
    "safety": "Read-first. Calculation and RFQ preview never contact a supplier. submit_fish_farm_rfq returns a preview unless called again with confirm: true, and accepts an idempotency_key so retries do not create duplicate RFQs.",
    "limitations": "Tool outputs are planning estimates with stated assumptions and limitations; they do not replace final engineering, biological management or local regulatory review. Supplier identities are never exposed.",
    "human_handoff": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/contact"
  },
  "answers": [
    {
      "id": "which-system",
      "family": "concept",
      "question": "Which aquaculture production system fits my species and location?",
      "answer": "Start from water, climate and energy, not from equipment. Reliable year-round water at the right temperature with cheap land usually favours ponds. Scarce water, cold or variable climate, strict discharge rules or a location close to market usually favours recirculation (RAS). Sheltered coastal or lake sites with suitable depth and current favour cages. Unstable electricity strongly penalises RAS. The species must tolerate the resulting temperature and salinity range in that location.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS / pond / cage / flow-through",
      "project_stage": "Concept",
      "limitation": "A planning comparison only. Final system choice needs site survey, water analysis, environmental permitting review and an engineering feasibility study.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/system-advisor",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "ras-vs-pond-vs-cage",
      "family": "concept",
      "question": "RAS versus pond versus cage — how do they actually differ?",
      "answer": "They differ mainly in who controls the water. Ponds use a large natural water body and low-cost infrastructure but expose the crop to weather, algae and inflow quality. Cages place the crop directly in open water with the lowest structure cost per tonne, and the highest exposure to storms, currents, escapes and site regulation. RAS controls temperature, oxygen and waste almost entirely, at high capital cost and high electricity dependence.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS / pond / cage",
      "project_stage": "Concept",
      "limitation": "Comparative framework, not a site-specific recommendation.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/tco-comparison",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "info-before-design",
      "family": "concept",
      "question": "What information is needed before a fish farm can be designed?",
      "answer": "Before any supplier can quote responsibly you need: target species and market size at harvest, target annual production, site location and area, water source with a laboratory analysis, temperature profile across the year, salinity, electricity supply and reliability, discharge and permitting constraints, feed and juvenile supply, labour availability, and the intended sales channel. Missing inputs are the single most common reason aquaculture quotes are not comparable.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Concept",
      "limitation": "An input checklist, not a design document.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/pre-project",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "water-quality-variables",
      "family": "species",
      "question": "Which water-quality variables matter most in commercial aquaculture?",
      "answer": "Dissolved oxygen, temperature, unionised ammonia, nitrite, carbon dioxide, pH and alkalinity, salinity and suspended solids. Oxygen and temperature set the ceiling on feeding and growth; ammonia and nitrite set the ceiling on safe biomass; CO₂ and alkalinity govern the stability of intensive recirculating systems. Acceptable ranges are species- and life-stage-specific, so a value that is safe for one species can be harmful for another.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Design / operation",
      "limitation": "Target ranges must be confirmed per species, life stage and system by a qualified aquaculture biologist or veterinarian before they are used operationally.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/water-quality-center",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health)",
          "title": "Aquatic Animal Health Code",
          "url": "https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/aquatic-code-online-access/",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "biomass-stocking",
      "family": "species",
      "question": "How are stocking density and biomass connected?",
      "answer": "Stocking density is an input; standing biomass is the result that actually loads the system. Peak biomass — not the number of animals stocked — determines oxygen demand, feed demand, waste production and therefore treatment and aeration capacity. Systems are sized on peak biomass per tank or pond at the end of a cycle, with a design margin, and on the total farm biomass profile across staggered batches.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Design",
      "limitation": "Planning arithmetic. Final densities require biological review for the specific species and system.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/biomass",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "ras-equipment",
      "family": "ras",
      "question": "What equipment is needed in a recirculating aquaculture system?",
      "answer": "A complete RAS train is: culture tanks, circulation pumping, mechanical solids removal (typically drum filtration), biofiltration for ammonia and nitrite, degassing or CO₂ stripping, oxygenation, temperature control, optional disinfection (UV or ozone), sludge handling, makeup-water supply, monitoring with alarms, and backup power. A quote that omits sludge handling, degassing, redundancy or alarms is incomplete and will not be comparable with one that includes them.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS",
      "project_stage": "Design / procurement",
      "limitation": "A scope checklist. Actual process sizing must be produced by the engineering provider and validated against the site water analysis.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "biofilter-sizing",
      "family": "ras",
      "question": "How is a RAS biofilter sized?",
      "answer": "Biofilters are sized from the daily feed load, not from tank volume. Feed determines nitrogen input; nitrogen input plus the target maximum ammonia concentration and the media's expected areal conversion rate at the design temperature determine the required biofilter surface area. Temperature, pH, alkalinity, oxygen and solids carry-over all change real conversion performance, so designs carry a margin and a start-up maturation period.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS",
      "project_stage": "Design",
      "limitation": "Planning-level method. Final biofilter sizing is the engineering provider's responsibility and depends on media, temperature and water chemistry.",
      "confidence": "medium",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "ras-redundancy",
      "family": "ras",
      "question": "What redundancy and alarms does a RAS need?",
      "answer": "Redundancy is required wherever a failure kills stock faster than staff can respond: oxygen supply, circulation pumping and power. That normally means duplicated pumps, an independent emergency oxygen source with automatic changeover, standby generation, and continuous monitoring of oxygen, temperature and water level with alarms that reach a person at night. Monitoring without an escalation path is not a safety system.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS",
      "project_stage": "Design / commissioning",
      "limitation": "Generic risk framework; the required redundancy level depends on stock value, biomass and site reliability.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/backup-power",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "shrimp-system-choice",
      "family": "shrimp",
      "question": "Pond, biofloc or indoor shrimp production — which should I plan for?",
      "answer": "Extensive and semi-intensive ponds remain the lowest-capital route where land, water and climate allow. Biofloc and lined intensive ponds raise yield per hectare at the cost of much higher aeration, energy and management demands. Indoor or RAS shrimp systems give the most control over temperature and inflow and can reduce exposure to some external disease pathways, but they carry the highest CAPEX per tonne and depend on skilled operation; they do not remove biosecurity risk.",
      "species": "Penaeus vannamei, Penaeus monodon",
      "system": "Pond / biofloc / indoor",
      "project_stage": "Concept",
      "limitation": "Comparative planning guidance. Disease risk, survival and yield depend on management, seed quality, biosecurity and site history, and are not guaranteed by any system choice.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/shrimp",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health)",
          "title": "Aquatic Animal Health Code",
          "url": "https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/aquatic-code-online-access/",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "shrimp-aeration",
      "family": "shrimp",
      "question": "How is shrimp-pond aeration capacity estimated?",
      "answer": "Aeration is sized from peak oxygen demand, which is driven by standing biomass, daily feed, water temperature, salinity and the respiration of the pond itself (plankton and sediment), plus a safety margin for dawn conditions. Planning is normally done in installed kW per hectare at the target yield, then checked against measured dissolved oxygen at the worst hour of the day rather than the daily average.",
      "species": "Penaeus vannamei",
      "system": "Pond / biofloc",
      "project_stage": "Design",
      "limitation": "Planning estimate; final aeration design depends on pond geometry, climate and measured oxygen profiles.",
      "confidence": "planning-estimate",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators/aeration-sizing",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "cage-site",
      "family": "cage",
      "question": "What determines cage size, structure and mooring?",
      "answer": "Site conditions decide the structure: significant wave height, current speed, depth, seabed type, exposure and ice or storm risk determine cage type, net specification and mooring layout. Species and target biomass then set volume and stocking. Nearshore sheltered sites accept simpler plastic collar cages; exposed or offshore sites require certified structures, engineered mooring analysis and heavier service vessels.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "Cage / offshore",
      "project_stage": "Concept / design",
      "limitation": "Requires marine engineering. Structural and mooring decisions must be made by a qualified engineer against site metocean data and local standards.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/projects/offshore-sea-cage-farm",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "hatchery-equipment",
      "family": "hatchery",
      "question": "What equipment does a fish or shrimp hatchery need?",
      "answer": "A hatchery is a sequence of separated zones: broodstock holding with conditioning and photoperiod or temperature control, spawning and incubation, larval rearing tanks, live-feed production (algae, rotifers or Artemia depending on species), weaning and nursery, and a dedicated water-treatment train — filtration, disinfection, temperature control and often protein skimming for marine systems. Biosecurity separation between zones is part of the equipment scope, not an afterthought.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "Hatchery / nursery",
      "project_stage": "Design / procurement",
      "limitation": "Species-specific protocols, health status and stocking decisions require qualified biological and veterinary input.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/hatchery",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health)",
          "title": "Aquatic Animal Health Code",
          "url": "https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/aquatic-code-online-access/",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "capex-drivers",
      "family": "cost",
      "question": "What drives aquaculture project CAPEX?",
      "answer": "For RAS, the dominant drivers are building or enclosure, tanks and civil works, the water-treatment train, oxygen supply, and electrical infrastructure including backup. For ponds, it is earthworks, lining, water intake and pumping, and aeration. For cages, it is structures, nets, moorings and vessels. Across all systems, site preparation, utilities connection and installation are the costs most often missing from equipment-only quotes.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Feasibility",
      "limitation": "Cost structures vary by country, scale and specification. Any figure published on this site is an indicative planning range, not an offer or a quotation.",
      "confidence": "planning-estimate",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "World Bank",
          "title": "Aquaculture sector and investment reporting",
          "url": "https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/fisheries-and-aquaculture",
          "kind": "secondary"
        },
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "opex-drivers",
      "family": "cost",
      "question": "What drives aquaculture OPEX?",
      "answer": "Feed is normally the largest operating cost in grow-out, followed by juveniles or post-larvae, energy, labour, and health and water treatment. Energy share rises sharply with intensity: aeration dominates intensive ponds, while pumping, oxygen and temperature control dominate RAS. Feed cost per kg produced depends on feed price and on feed conversion, which is a management and environment outcome, not a fixed property of a species.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Feasibility",
      "limitation": "Indicative structure only; no survival, FCR, yield or profitability outcome is guaranteed.",
      "confidence": "planning-estimate",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/answers#opex-drivers",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "World Bank",
          "title": "Aquaculture sector and investment reporting",
          "url": "https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/fisheries-and-aquaculture",
          "kind": "secondary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "lender-ready",
      "family": "cost",
      "question": "What makes an aquaculture project ready for lender review?",
      "answer": "Lenders look for a complete, internally consistent file: secured site with water rights and permits, a technical design or credible supplier scope, a bottom-up CAPEX with quotations, an operating model with sourced input prices, an offtake or market plan, sponsor equity, management experience, and an environmental and biosecurity plan. Gaps in permits, water rights or offtake are the most common reasons an otherwise sound project stalls.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Financing preparation",
      "limitation": "FishMatch Group is not a lender, broker of record or financial adviser, and cannot promise financing, terms or approval.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/financing",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "World Bank",
          "title": "Aquaculture sector and investment reporting",
          "url": "https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/fisheries-and-aquaculture",
          "kind": "secondary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "is-fishmatch-lender",
      "family": "cost",
      "question": "Is FishMatch Group a lender?",
      "answer": "No. FishMatch Group is an independent B2B sourcing and project-coordination platform. It helps buyers structure requirements and prepare documentation, and it can pass a prepared file to independent financing providers such as banks, leasing companies, export credit agencies and development finance institutions. Those institutions decide eligibility, terms and approval on their own criteria. FishMatch Group does not lend, underwrite, guarantee or give financial advice.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Any",
      "limitation": "Statement of role and responsibility boundary.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/disclaimer",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "write-rfq",
      "family": "procurement",
      "question": "How do I write an aquaculture RFQ that returns comparable offers?",
      "answer": "Specify outcomes and boundaries, not brands. State species, life stage, target annual production and harvest size; site water analysis, temperature profile and salinity; available power; the process scope you expect (tanks, solids removal, biofiltration, degassing, oxygenation, disinfection, sludge, monitoring, backup); what is in and out of scope (civil works, freight, installation, commissioning, training, spares); performance tests; documentation language; and delivery terms. Ask every supplier to state their sizing assumptions.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "Template guidance; contractual terms should be reviewed by qualified legal counsel.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-builder",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "compare-suppliers",
      "family": "procurement",
      "question": "How should RAS or turnkey suppliers be compared?",
      "answer": "Compare on scope, assumptions and accountability before price: what process stages are included, what design temperature, feed load and biomass were assumed, what performance is committed and how it is tested, what redundancy is supplied, what spares and service response exist locally, what documentation and training are provided, and who carries design responsibility. Reference projects should be for a comparable species, system and scale, and contactable.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "FishMatch Group applies a documented review methodology but does not certify, warrant or guarantee any provider's performance.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/guides/supplier-qualification-checklist",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "commissioning-tests",
      "family": "procurement",
      "question": "What should be tested during commissioning?",
      "answer": "Test the system against the numbers it was sold on: flow rates and water exchange, oxygen transfer at design load, biofilter performance after maturation, solids removal efficiency, CO₂ and pH stability, temperature control, alarm triggering and escalation, backup power changeover, and emergency oxygen duration at peak biomass. Record results against agreed acceptance criteria and hold a defined payment milestone until they are met.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Commissioning",
      "limitation": "Checklist framework; acceptance criteria must be agreed contractually with the provider.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/procurement-timeline",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "who-sources-equipment",
      "family": "procurement",
      "question": "Who can source equipment for a commercial fish or shrimp farm?",
      "answer": "Four routes exist: buy directly from manufacturers or their local dealers; hire an engineering consultant to design and tender; contract a turnkey integrator or EPC; or use an independent sourcing platform to structure requirements and reach several qualified providers at once. The right route depends on how well specified the system already is, how many packages must integrate, and whether local specialist supply exists in the country.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "General guidance; the selected provider carries technical and contractual responsibility in all cases.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/when-to-use-aquaculture-sourcing-platform",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "is-fishmatch-a-ras-manufacturer",
      "family": "procurement",
      "question": "Is FishMatch Group a RAS manufacturer, EPC contractor or farm builder?",
      "answer": "No. FishMatch Group is an independent B2B procurement and sourcing platform for commercial aquaculture projects, typically from USD 250,000 upwards. It does not manufacture equipment, engineer or construct farms, install or commission systems, operate farms, lend money or provide regulated financial advice. The farm is designed, supplied, built, installed and commissioned by the independent manufacturer, RAS engineering company, integrator or EPC contractor the buyer selects.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS",
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "Describes FishMatch Group's role only; it is not technical or legal advice on any specific contract.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/about",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "how-are-suppliers-qualified",
      "family": "procurement",
      "question": "How are suppliers qualified, and does FishMatch Group inspect factories?",
      "answer": "Qualification is documentary, not physical. It covers corporate-registration review, export history to the delivery region, reference projects of comparable capacity, declared certifications, in-region service and spare-parts capability, and current lead times. FishMatch Group does not perform factory audits, physical site inspections, product certification or performance testing, and qualification is not a guarantee of quality, delivery or performance. Buyers should still run their own due diligence, inspection and legal review before contracting.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "Documentary screening only — not an audit, certification or warranty of supplier performance.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/supplier-qualification",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "who-guarantees-farm-performance",
      "family": "procurement",
      "question": "Who guarantees farm performance, and does FishMatch Group provide financing?",
      "answer": "The selected independent provider guarantees whatever its contract states — typically equipment specification, throughput, hydraulic or treatment capacity and workmanship. Biological outcomes such as survival, FCR, growth rate and yield depend on site, water, feed, stock quality and daily operation, so they are rarely guaranteed by anyone. FishMatch Group guarantees no price, delivery date, biological result or financial return, and is not a lender: eligible projects may only be introduced to independent third-party financing providers, who decide availability, terms and approval.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "No guarantee of production, financing approval or financial return is made or implied.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/disclaimer",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "what-is-fishmatch",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "What is FishMatch?",
      "answer": "FishMatch is a supplier-neutral aquaculture project and procurement platform. It helps buyers and consultants define project requirements, run planning calculators, prepare structured RFQs, research relevant manufacturers and organise comparable equipment proposals for fish, shrimp and RAS projects. FishMatch is built around the aquaculture project, not around equipment search: project first, suppliers second.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Any",
      "limitation": "Describes the platform's role only; technical, contractual and biological responsibility sits with the specialists and providers the buyer engages.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/aquaculture-procurement-platform",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "fishmatch-vs-marketplace",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "How is FishMatch different from an aquaculture equipment marketplace or supplier directory?",
      "answer": "A marketplace or directory starts with the supplier: you browse listings and send enquiries. FishMatch starts with the project: species, production target, system, water source, flow, pumping, aeration, filtration, feeding, monitoring and power are defined first, then one consistent brief is issued to relevant manufacturers. The difference shows up at comparison time — proposals built on the same stated assumptions can be read side by side.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "Comparison support is structural — assumption alignment and scope framing — not an automated normalisation of every technical figure in a proposal.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/project-first-procurement",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "define-before-quotes",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "What information should be defined before requesting aquaculture equipment quotes?",
      "answer": "Define the project baseline first: species and life stage; production system (pond, cage, flow-through, RAS or hybrid); annual production target and harvest size; working biomass and stocking assumptions; water source, water quality and temperature profile; required flow and exchange; pumping, aeration and oxygenation needs; filtration and water treatment; feeding; monitoring; available power and backup; country and site; expansion plans; timeline; and budget range where relevant.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Pre-procurement",
      "limitation": "A completeness checklist, not an engineered basis of design; site-specific sizing requires a qualified engineer.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq-checklist",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "prepare-farm-rfq",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "How do I prepare a professional fish farm, shrimp farm or RAS RFQ?",
      "answer": "Build the RFQ around the project, in this order: project overview and country; species and life stage; production system and production target; biomass and stocking assumptions; water source, quality and flow requirements; pumping; aeration and oxygenation; filtration and water treatment; feeding; monitoring; power and backup; timeline; scope boundary; required proposal format; and supporting drawings or site data. Ask each supplier to state its sizing assumptions explicitly.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "Template and structure guidance; commercial and contractual terms should be reviewed by qualified legal counsel.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/rfq#wizard",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "what-manufacturers-need",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "What information do aquaculture equipment manufacturers need before preparing a serious proposal?",
      "answer": "Manufacturers need the load they are designing against and the boundary of their scope: species and life stage, target production and peak biomass, system type, design temperature and water quality, water source and available flow, power supply and reliability, site constraints and layout, delivery country and Incoterm, timeline, and what is included versus excluded (civil works, installation, commissioning, training, spares, freight).",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "Input guidance only; each manufacturer defines its own proposal requirements and design responsibility.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/fish-farm-rfq",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "compare-proposals-accurately",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "How can aquaculture equipment proposals be compared more accurately?",
      "answer": "Compare scope and assumptions before price. Line up production capacity, system type, pumping, aeration and oxygenation, filtration, water treatment, feeding, monitoring, power requirement, backup systems, installation scope, commissioning, warranty, delivery terms, CapEx and the operating implications each design carries. Price is only meaningful once two proposals cover the same scope at the same assumed load.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Evaluation",
      "limitation": "Structured comparison framework — not a certification, rating or warranty of any supplier or proposal.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/before-you-request-quotes",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "which-calculators-exist",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "What calculators and project tools can help plan an aquaculture project?",
      "answer": "FishMatch publishes free planning calculators covering biomass and stocking density, water flow and exchange, pumping, aeration and oxygen demand, filtration and RAS sizing inputs, feeding and FCR, hatchery capacity, water treatment, energy and power, and CapEx / OpEx / ROI scenarios, plus an RFQ builder and a farm planner. Each tool takes project inputs and returns planning-level estimates used to prepare an RFQ.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Planning",
      "limitation": "Planning estimates only; no calculator output is an engineering design or a biological performance commitment.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/calculators",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "consultants-use-fishmatch",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "Can aquaculture consultants use FishMatch for client projects?",
      "answer": "Yes. Consultants and advisors use FishMatch as procurement infrastructure behind their own client work: structure the project baseline, run the calculators, prepare the RFQ, research relevant manufacturers and organise the proposals for client review. Bring the project, keep the client relationship, use the infrastructure.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Any",
      "limitation": "Support infrastructure only; professional aquaculture judgement and client responsibility remain with the consultant.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/consultants",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "systems-planned-together",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "Why should pumps, aeration, filtration, feeding, monitoring and power be planned together?",
      "answer": "Because they share one project baseline. Pumping determines water movement and exchange; aeration and oxygenation determine available oxygen at peak biomass; filtration and water treatment determine water quality under that load; feeding drives both production and waste load; monitoring determines how quickly a deviation is detected; and power reliability determines whether the critical systems keep running at all. Sizing any one of them against a different assumed biomass makes the package inconsistent.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Planning",
      "limitation": "Explains interdependence only; it is not a design method or a substitute for engineered sizing.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/water-quality-systems",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "why-project-before-supplier",
      "family": "platform",
      "question": "Why should aquaculture procurement start with the project rather than supplier search?",
      "answer": "Because supplier search without a defined project produces proposals that cannot be compared. Once species, production target, biomass, water, flow, pumping, aeration, filtration, feeding, monitoring and power are defined, every manufacturer quotes against the same baseline and the differences that remain are real differences in scope, quality and service. Aquaculture procurement should begin with the project — not the supplier.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Pre-procurement",
      "limitation": "A procurement sequence, not a guarantee of price, delivery or biological outcome.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/blog/why-aquaculture-procurement-begins-with-project-not-supplier",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-ras-sizing",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "How do I size a RAS system?",
      "answer": "A RAS is sized from the production plan, not from tank volume. The chain is: species and target annual output → standing and peak biomass → daily feed load at peak → oxygen demand, solids production and nitrogen load → required water flow and turnover → mechanical filtration, biofiltration, degassing and oxygenation capacity → pumping duty (flow plus head) → energy and backup. Each step depends on the previous one, so changing the production target changes every downstream component.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS",
      "project_stage": "Design / procurement",
      "limitation": "A planning sequence, not an engineering design. Final sizing requires site-specific engineering, a water analysis and biological assumptions confirmed by qualified professionals.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-tank-biomass",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "How much biomass can a tank support?",
      "answer": "Tank volume alone does not determine supportable biomass. The practical limit is set by whichever constraint is reached first: oxygen delivery, water exchange and flow through the tank, solids removal, biofilter capacity for nitrogen, CO₂ removal, species and fish size, production stage, feeding rate and operating strategy. A tank in a system with strong oxygenation and treatment capacity supports a different load than the same tank in a weaker system.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS / tanks",
      "project_stage": "Planning",
      "limitation": "No universal safe biomass or density exists. Actual limits are biological and system-specific and must be set with qualified biological and engineering input.",
      "confidence": "medium",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/water-quality-systems",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-stocking-density",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "How is stocking density calculated, and is there a safe number?",
      "answer": "Stocking density is expressed as biomass per unit volume (kg/m³) or per unit area, but it is an output of the system design rather than an independent input. It depends on species, fish or shrimp size, production stage, oxygen availability, water flow and exchange, water-quality targets, feeding regime, waste handling capacity, health management and welfare or regulatory requirements. There is no universal safe density.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Planning",
      "limitation": "Planning assumption only. Welfare, regulatory and biological limits vary by species and jurisdiction and require professional and local review.",
      "confidence": "medium",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/water-quality-systems",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health)",
          "title": "Aquatic Animal Health Code",
          "url": "https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/aquatic-code-online-access/",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-water-flow",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "How much water flow does a RAS or tank system require?",
      "answer": "Required flow follows from what the water has to carry away and deliver: oxygen to the biomass, solids out of the tank, and dissolved waste to treatment. It therefore depends on biomass, species, feeding rate, oxygen demand, solids production, target water-quality limits, tank geometry and self-cleaning behaviour, water velocity requirements and the treatment train's capacity. Turnover rate is a convenient summary, not the underlying driver.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS / flow-through",
      "project_stage": "Design",
      "limitation": "Planning-level explanation. Actual flow rates must be derived by the engineering provider from the full hydraulic and biological design.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/water-quality-systems",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-oxygen-demand",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "How much oxygen does a fish or shrimp farm need?",
      "answer": "Oxygen demand is driven mainly by respiration of the stock and by the feed load, plus oxygen consumed by biofiltration and by organic matter in the system. It scales with biomass, temperature, feeding rate, species and activity, and it peaks around feeding. Supply can come from aeration, from pure oxygen dosing, or from both; intensive systems normally combine a working supply with an independent emergency source.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Design",
      "limitation": "No dissolved-oxygen level or biological outcome is guaranteed. Oxygen system design and welfare thresholds require professional engineering and biological review.",
      "confidence": "medium",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/water-quality-systems",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-filtration-roles",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "What is the difference between mechanical filtration, biofiltration and other water treatment?",
      "answer": "Mechanical filtration removes suspended solids — mainly uneaten feed and faeces — before they break down. Biofiltration converts dissolved nitrogen compounds through microbial processes. Degassing removes unwanted dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide, oxygenation adds oxygen, and disinfection such as UV or ozone targets microbial load where the project requires it. These are different jobs: no single stage solves every water-quality issue.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS / water treatment",
      "project_stage": "Design",
      "limitation": "Explains process roles and interaction; it is not a treatment design or a water-quality guarantee.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/water-quality-systems",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-pump-selection",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "How do I size pumps for an aquaculture system?",
      "answer": "Flow alone does not select a pump. Selection needs the duty point: required flow together with total head, which includes static lift plus friction and fitting losses through pipework, filters, oxygenation and heat exchange. Efficiency at that duty point, the shape of the system curve, variable-speed operation where relevant, redundancy and standby arrangements, and the resulting power demand all belong in the specification.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Design / procurement",
      "limitation": "Planning guidance. Hydraulic calculations, pump selection and redundancy strategy must be produced by the engineering provider for the specific layout.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/engineering-center",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-ras-energy",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "What determines RAS energy consumption?",
      "answer": "RAS energy use follows the complete hydraulic and treatment design: pumping flow and head, recirculation rate, oxygenation and aeration equipment, degassing and air handling, temperature control, disinfection where used, sludge handling, and controls and building services. Operating strategy and load profile matter as much as installed capacity, so comparing systems only by installed pump power can be misleading.",
      "species": null,
      "system": "RAS",
      "project_stage": "Cost / TCO",
      "limitation": "Cost categories and drivers only. No energy consumption, operating cost or return on investment is guaranteed.",
      "confidence": "medium",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-monitoring-backup",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "What monitoring and backup systems should be specified?",
      "answer": "Specify monitoring for the parameters whose deviation causes rapid loss — typically dissolved oxygen, temperature, water level and flow, with pH, CO₂ and nitrogen compounds according to the system — together with alarms, escalation to a person, and data logging. Backup covers the failures that act faster than staff can respond: power, circulation and oxygen supply, with automatic changeover and a stated duration at peak load.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Design / commissioning",
      "limitation": "A specification framework. Required redundancy depends on stock value, site reliability and risk tolerance, and should be reviewed professionally.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/backup-power",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Recirculating aquaculture systems — a guide to farm design and operations",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/aquaculture",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-shrimp-vs-fish",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "How do shrimp project requirements differ from finfish projects?",
      "answer": "Shrimp and finfish projects should not be specified from the same assumptions. They commonly differ in density assumptions, pond or tank configuration, aeration and water-movement strategy, solids and sludge management, feeding method and frequency, water treatment and exchange approach, biosecurity and health management, monitoring priorities and harvest handling. Intensive shrimp production is often aeration- and energy-dominated in a way finfish RAS is not.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Planning",
      "limitation": "Comparative framing only; species- and site-specific biological design requires qualified professional input.",
      "confidence": "medium",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/shrimp",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-ras-vs-cage",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "How does procuring a cage farm differ from procuring a RAS?",
      "answer": "A RAS is a controlled land-based water-treatment system: the specification is dominated by tanks, flow, filtration, oxygenation, pumping, controls, energy and backup. A cage project is dominated by the site: currents, waves, depth, seabed and mooring design, exposure, licensing, net and structure specification, feed logistics and barges, service vessels and access, and environmental monitoring. The procurement packages are not interchangeable.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Concept",
      "limitation": "Comparative procurement framing. Site suitability, mooring analysis and environmental permitting require certified specialists.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/knowledge/ras-design-guide",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-hatchery-boundary",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "Can hatchery, nursery and grow-out requirements be specified together?",
      "answer": "They should be specified separately. Hatchery, nursery and grow-out stages differ in water quality and temperature control, tank sizes and formats, filtration and disinfection requirements, live feed or feeding systems, biosecurity and quarantine arrangements, monitoring intensity and staffing. Merging them into one set of assumptions produces proposals that cannot be evaluated stage by stage.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Planning",
      "limitation": "Scope framing only. Stage-specific biological protocols and health requirements need qualified biological and veterinary input.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/hatchery",
      "sources": [
        {
          "org": "FAO",
          "title": "Fisheries and Aquaculture — technical guidelines and statistics",
          "url": "https://www.fao.org/fishery/en",
          "kind": "primary"
        },
        {
          "org": "WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health)",
          "title": "Aquatic Animal Health Code",
          "url": "https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/aquatic-code-online-access/",
          "kind": "primary"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-rfq-contents",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "What should an aquaculture project RFQ contain?",
      "answer": "A comparable aquaculture RFQ states the project (species, production stage, annual output target, site, water source), the biological and production assumptions (target biomass, stocking assumptions, size at stocking and harvest, feeding assumptions), the system (RAS, cages, tanks, ponds or hatchery, water flow, filtration, oxygenation, aeration, degassing, pumps, temperature control), the utilities (electricity, water, oxygen supply, backup power), the automation (sensors, monitoring, alarms, controls, data logging) and the execution scope (installation, commissioning, training, documentation, spare parts, warranty).",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "A preparation checklist, not a contract template or a legal document. Contractual and technical review remain the buyer's responsibility.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/fish-farm-rfq",
      "sources": []
    },
    {
      "id": "eng-normalize-proposals",
      "family": "engineering",
      "question": "How do I compare RAS or cage supplier proposals fairly?",
      "answer": "Do not compare aquaculture proposals on price until the technical and production assumptions are normalised. Two RAS proposals may target the same annual production while using different stocking densities, water flows, filtration assumptions, oxygenation systems and redundancy levels; comparing headline price without normalising these assumptions can produce a misleading comparison. Align production target, biomass, tank or cage capacity, flow, filtration and biofilter assumptions, oxygenation, pumps, redundancy, monitoring, automation, energy, backup, installation, commissioning, training, spare parts, warranty and expansion capability first.",
      "species": null,
      "system": null,
      "project_stage": "Procurement",
      "limitation": "A comparison method only. FishMatch does not warrant supplier performance, pricing, delivery or biological results.",
      "confidence": "high",
      "fact_checked": "2026-08-21",
      "owner": "FishMatch Group editorial team",
      "page": "https://fishmatchgroup.com/how-to-compare-ras-quotations",
      "sources": []
    }
  ]
}