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FUNDAMENTALS OF AQUACULTURE*
1.BACKGROUND
Aquaculture can be defined as the rearing of aquatic organisms under controlled conditions.
Aquaculture has a long history in certain parts of the world but whilst in the past it has often
been conducted in an extensive manner, modern methods seek to intensify production due
to increasing demand for fishery products. This is particularly relevant to the Mediterranean
Sea where fisheries are fast declining due to inherent poverty of stocks and over-
exploitation. In any event aquaculture should be viewed a supplement for rather than a
replacement of fisheries at least for the foreseeable future. It is unlikely that aquaculture will
ever replace fisheries totally, considering that the sea covers 80% of the earth's surface and
that fish meal is still the major component of fish feeds.
Shellfish show further savings of energy since they are sessile and filter feeders.
2. SPECIES CULTURED
The production cycle is usually split up into the hatchery and the fattening stages.
In the hatchery, broodstock produce eggs which hatch into larvae which are then grown into
juveniles or fingerlings, as they are better known. Fingerlings are then grown to market size
in fattening units. Hatchery operations are usually conducted indoors as they require
controlled conditions.
Finfish fattening is usually carried out either in ponds, raceways tanks or cages. The
materials from which these are constructed vary enormously depending on many factors
such a species being cultured, material availability, etc. Ponds and raceways are usually dug
into the earth (they may also be plastic lined) or built of concrete. Tanks are usually
constructed of concrete or fibreglass.
Shellfish fattening is usually carried out in bags or other containers placed on the sea bed or
in off-bottom culture.Crustacean culture is usually earned out in tanks, trays or earthen or
concrete ponds.
Main water quality parameters relevant for fish fanning operations include salinity
temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia, turbidity, levels of organic matter,
productivity, and pH.
4.1.1 Salinity
Water for aquaculture may be fresh, brackish or salty (seawater). Sometimes a species is
restricted to a particular salinity, whereas others are able to adapt to different conditions. For
example:
a. Salmon spawn in freshwater, migrate extensively in the open sea and return to
spawn in freshwater.
b. Eels spawn in the open sea, migrate up rivers and return to the open sea for
spawning.
c. Tilapia show varying tolerances to a wide range of salinities depending on the
species.
4.1.2 Temperature
It is important to note the inverse relationship that exists between temperature and oxygen
levels.
Water temperature fluctuations are critical since fish are cold-blooded and their physiological
rate is directly temperature dependent. General points related to water temperature are as
follows:
4.1.4 Oxygen
a. Different species tolerate different levels of oxygen, eg. Tilapia is more tolerant than
sea-bass to low oxygen levels-
b. Borehole water is usually low in oxygen content.
c. Enclosed water bodies could experience algal blooms which can be lethal to fish.
4.2 Quantity Parameters
a. Provision of food;
b. Provision of oxygen; and
c. Removal of wastes.
Water quantity may dictate whether to select an open flow system as opposed to a recycling
system. Open flow systems involve simple flow-through, therefore requiring large quantities
of water. Recycling systems reuse water and require a minimum volume replenishment of 5–
10% per day. Though they are very economical on water quantities, recycling systems are
less widely used as much stricter control of water quality and more sophisticated waste
removal technology are necessary.
Basically, two types of wastes have to be removed — viz., solid and soluble wastes.
Possible additions to this basic design would be an aeration system, temperature control,
and ultra-violet treatment.
Water flow requirements depend on many factors but are primarily dictated by oxygen
demand which will in turn dictate the need for waste removal.
a. The more sensitive the species under culture the higher the required flow.
b. The younger the fish the higher the demand for oxygen.
c. The higher the temperature the lower is the level of dissolved oxygen per unit volume
for water and therefore the higher the flows required.
d. Oxygen demand increases with increasing metabolic activity, therefore higher flows
are required after feeding.
e. The higher the stocking densities of fish stocks the higher the demand for oxygen
and therefore the higher the flows required.
5. MAIN CRITERIA FOR SITE ASSESSMENT
a. depth.
b. exposure.
c. prevailing winds.
d. operational base.
e. nearest safe port.
f. bottom type for anchors/moorings
Cages can be of the inshore or the offshore type. Formerly most cage culture was conducted
along inshore protected coastal zones due to the reduced risk of storm damage. In recent
years however there is the realisation that environmental damage and disease incidence are
exacerbated in sheltered waters there has been increased interest in offshore cages.
Cages can be of many different types of material including wood, plastic, metal and rubber
(used lorry tires even!). They can be laid down singly or in groups.
The siting of the cages is crucial as topographical and other features dictate water exchange
which is vital for maintaining good water quality in order to efficiently remove wastes and
replenish oxygen levels.
Nowadays various offshore-type cages are available which have proven to function reliably
for a number of years in very exposed sites. A vital requirement of such systems is a good
diving team, since regular checking of moorings and nets is essential. Usually nets have a
shorter life span than the cage collars. An important consideration is that breams have been
observed to chew nets and escape through the holes; this is not a problem with bass.
7. MANAGEMENT
Simple but useful tips to bear in mind under emergency situations are the following:
Before commencing any fish stocking operation it is essential to be fully prepared to accept
the fish being transferred in.
7.3 Grading
Regular fish grading or selection is necessary to ensure more uniform growth and to avoid
cannibalism and repression of growth by dominant individuals.
The main factors of relevance in terms of feeds and feeding are the following:
a. Feed type.
b. Pellet size.
c. Quantity of feed that should be given.
d. Frequency for feeding throughout the day.
e. Careful note of any reduction in feeding rate.
f. Possibility of using automatic feeders.
7.5 Diseases
a. Parasites.
b. Bacteria.
c. Virus.
d. Fungi.
e. Dietary deficiencies.
Avoidance of stressful factors/situations minimises the risk of disease outbreaks.
7.6 Prophylaxis
a. Cleanliness.
b. Proper disposal of carcasses.
c. Regular disinfection.
d. Taking special care about new introductions.
7.7 Treatment
Treatment should only be resorted to if all else fails. It is much more advisable to prevent
than to cure. Treatment inevitably stresses fish and has a detrimental effect on the
environment, particularly microbial flora.
Treatment can be carried out by the bath, oral or injection methods. It is logistically
impossible to treat under some particular conditions such as offshore cages.
Panic selling and premature harvesting of fish should always be avoided as this is normally
uneconomical. Proper management and planning is therefore required.
a. Be fully prepared with all the requirements such as boxes, ice, etc., before
commencing to cull fish.
b. Starve fish for at least 24 hours prior to harvesting.
c. Take special care in summer when temperatures are high; maintainance of top flesh
quality is ensured by keeping the fish body temperature low at all times from the
moment of capture onwards.
d. Part harvesting can be especially stressful.
e. Seabass are particularly sensitive and extra care is needed with this species.