Extensive Systems-Inputs Are Cheap and Does Not Require Much Labour and Food For

AQUACULTURE
CSEC AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

DEBE SECONDARY SCHOOL
Aquaculture refers to the cultivation of selected aquatic plants and animals in water in
specially designed areas, using strictly monitored management principles and
techniques.
There are three main types of aquatic environments that are used in aquaculture
 Freshwater farming – tilapia rearing, shrimp, casscadura, black conchs,

ornamental fishes, water lilies
 Brackish water – prawn farming, oyster farming, tilapia farming
 Salt or seawater – shrimp, sea moss, lobster
Aquaculture has an important role to play in developing the local economy because it
 Increases fish production

 Satisfies the nutritional needs of the population
 Promotes employment in local communities
 Generates additional income to local farmers
 Uses land , water and human resources more efficiently
 Fish and fish products are produced locally, therefore there is no need to import.
There are two main systems that are used in aquaculture
Extensive systems- inputs are cheap and does not require much labour and food for
the fish. It also involves the use of ponds, fish from rivers and fish are fed animal
manure since it allows for the growth of weeds which adds oxygen to the water.
Remember that oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis.
Intensive systems- involves the rearing of fishes in tanks or ponds under strictly
monitored conditions.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SETTING UP AN AQUCULTURE UNIT
POND DESIGN
 The temperature is kept within the optimal range for the fishes
 Oxygen and p H levels are closely monitored to allow for the maximum growth
rate of the fishes
 Care must be taken to ensure that organic matter from nearby farm areas do not
contaminate the ponds. The enrichment of water by organic or inorganic
fertilizers leads to the growth of blue green algae which can be toxic to fish if
populations are very high. In farms where fertilizers are to encourage the growth
of the algae for feed, regular water changes are recommended
 Ponds may be concrete, plastic or earthen. The best earthen ponds are made of
clay which allows for the water level in the pond to remain more or less constant.
Those built on other soil types must be lined with plastic and compacted to
prevent seepage of water.
AQUACULTURE
 The depth must be 1.5 to 2 m and is directly related to the stocking density and
the size of the operations.
 Water supply must be readily available, reliable to facilitate refilling and come
from an unpolluted source.
 Ponds should be shaded since cooler water holds more oxygen
 Fishes are stocked according to the stage of growth so that there is a continuous
supply for the market.
 Emptying and filling network of pipes must be present to ensure the
FISHES
 The fishes that are reared in aquaculture systems are hardy, have fast growth
rates and are prolific (large numbers of offspring). There is also a very large
demand for the products which are consumed both locally and globally.
 Fingerlings (young fishes) can be obtained from the Sugar Cane Feeds Centre and
from other established agricultural enterprises
 The type pf feed and method of feeding depends on the type of fish and the size of
the operations. Tilapia are top feeders and casscadura are bottom feeders. As a
result, they can be reared in the same tank.
 Feed millers such as National Flour Mills can supply sinking or floating fish feed
in the form of pellets or other animal feeds such a pig grower , starter ration can
be used to feed the fish .
 Tilapia can eat up to 3-5% of their body weight in feed daily. They should be fed
at least twice a day.
SETTING UP AND MANAGEMENT
 Protection against predators such as alligators and birds and bird nets to prevent
feeding on fishes
 Aeration –the demand for oxygen increases with the number of fish in the pond,
so high stocking rates require pumps to introduce and agitate the water for
oxygen
 Fertilizers are added to the pond to encourage the growth of algae which the
fishes feed on
 Sampling of fish to check for growth, disease can be done on a weekly basis
 Observation of the water quality, health of the fish, behavior and mortality should
be made daily.
 Record keeping is very important to monitor the overall progress of the
aquaculture system.
HARVESTING
 This happens when the fish have reached their ideal market weight ( 2 month old
fingerlings raised in ponds can be harvested in 5 months
AQUACULTURE
 After harvesting the fish are sold live, chilled or processed to customers ( either
directly or through markets)
 Dressed fish and fish fillets are sold to supermarkets, restaurants, hotels or are
exported

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AQUACULTURE

CSEC AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

 Freshwater farming – tilapia rearing, shrimp, casscadura, black conchs,

 Increases fish production

There are two main systems that are used in aquaculture

REQUIREMENTS FOR SETTING UP AN AQUCULTURE UNIT

SETTING UP AND MANAGEMENT

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