JLH Consulting, Inc.
Land-Based Aquaculture Built on Farming Experience

JLH Consulting, Inc. approaches land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) design from a perspective formed long before it became a consulting firm. John Holder, owner and president, spent more than 25 years as a fish farmer before establishing the company in 1999. That farming background, shared by his son, John P. Holder, guides its services, which span feasibility studies, production planning, hatchery and facility design, construction support and commissioning.

“We’re not just designers. We’ve walked the walk, and everything we do is designed for the fish plus the people running it,” says Holder.

Today, the family business combines recognized expertise in biology and design with a client-centered philosophy in which relationships are intended to last a lifetime. From small family farms to commercial-scale operations, JLH’s mission is to deliver sustainable, efficient and modular solutions. It has completed more than 180 projects across 24 countries on six continents, working with 19 species ranging from salmon to shrimp and shellfish. The project portfolio spans freshwater, marine and brackish systems across temperatures from about 10°C to 30°C.

Engineering Efficiency into Every Farm Using RASWay

JLH begins each engagement by assessing whether the project is viable before a client commits significant capital. Water availability, power, labor and site conditions are reviewed early. Rather than favoring one technology, JLH works with clients to match the system to their land and building costs, species requirements, production goals and operator skill.

Based on the project’s specifications, it develops production plans and equipment requirements, ranging from circular tanks and raceways to partial-reuse and full recirculating systems. Its deliverables include 3D concept reviews, 2D layouts and process flow diagrams. The company also designs pumping, biofiltration, oxygenation, controls and alarms. Its RAS designs can also be paired with aquaponics through its associate, Rational Aquaculture.

JLH’s patented RASWay technology powers this approach. In operation since 2016, it uses circular-motion virtual tanks within a raceway to support solids removal, oxygen distribution and uniform water quality while using the full water volume. Six to eight raceway units can operate from one pumping system.

Across multiple species, RASWay has demonstrated lower power use, with reduced capital and operating costs. Earlier versions of the technology used about 15 percent more land. After further study, JLH increased the system depth, bringing the footprint closer to that of conventional alternatives, depending on the species.

Practical Systems for People and Production

JLH has designed farms ranging from 10 to 3,000 metric tons of annual live-weight production, with particular experience in smaller farms where clients can begin at a manageable scale.

Modularity is central to its work. Clients can add another module when production needs increase rather than committing immediately to a large farm. This makes expansion more manageable while supporting the company’s view that no project is too small. Its family-business model also keeps overhead low, helping JLH remain competitive on projects.

JLH’s farmers’ perspective also shapes whether a facility is practical to work in. Its systems are designed around fish health and the people who operate the farm, recognizing that even the best system will fall short if it is difficult to run or poorly matched to the team’s capabilities. Holder’s guiding principle is equally practical, keeping systems simple and efficient.

Experience That Carries Forward

With 53 years of aquaculture experience and principals who have worked on farms worldwide, JLH is continuing to apply its knowledge to new designs and existing-system improvements, recommending reliable equipment that clients remain free to purchase from suppliers.

Preserving its hands-on knowledge is central to JLH’s plans as it expands its team. The need for dependable protein sources also shapes its view of aquaculture’s future. As wild fish stocks decline and ocean conditions change, land-based production offers greater environmental control and closer management of fish welfare. JLH remains focused on creating systems that clients can operate, expand and improve over time.