Aquaponics

What is it?
Aquaponics represents an environmentally friendly agricultural approach that melds
aquaculture, which involves raising aquatic organisms such as fish, with hydroponics, a
method for cultivating plants in nutrient-enriched water instead of soil. This fusion harnesses
the synergistic biological processes of both aquaculture and hydroponics, establishing a self-
sustaining ecosystem where fish and plants coexist and thrive together

How does it work?

Aquaponics amalgamates aquaculture and hydroponics into a unified production system.
This method hinges on the provision of food for the fish, which serves as the system's input.
As the fish consume this food and metabolize it, they convert it into urine and fecal matter,
both of which are ammonia-rich and, when present in excessive quantities, can become
detrimental to both plants and fish.

Subsequently, the water, now laden with ammonia, flows from the fish tank, carrying
unutilized food and decomposing plant material, into a biofilter. Within this biofilter,
specialized bacteria break down these substances, transforming them into organic nutrient
solutions abundant in nitrogen, which are essential for growing vegetables.

In the context of freshwater aquaponics systems, three primary components are essential for
their functioning: freshwater aquatic animals (the fish), nitrifying bacteria, and plants. These
three living entities are interdependent, relying on one another for survival. Without the
bacteria to process fish waste, plants would lack a suitable nutrient source, underscoring the
vital role of biological filtration. Thanks to the growth of plants, nutrients are extracted from
the water, resulting in its purification for the benefit of the fish.

Aquaponics in the Caribbean:

Jamaica- The Jamaica Adaptive Agricultural Programme (JAAP) , managed by INMED

Caribbean and funded by the United States Agency for International Development, aims to
promote climate change adaptation and raise awareness of its effects on farmers and other
stakeholders. INMED introduced aquaponics systems using a technology called an ebb and
flow system, with gravel as the medium for plant growth. Tilapia is the chosen fish species
due to its resilience and presence in Jamaica. There are a total of 13 INMED-created
aquaponics units in operation or under construction across the island, with a concentration in
western Jamaica. Specific locations include Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, Trelawny,
St. Ann, and Kingston. Productivity: The Knockalva Agricultural School operates the first
modular aquaponics system under JAAP, which has proven to be highly productive. The
school now offers an aquaponics practicum to its students. Exotic herbs and spices are
reported to thrive in the aquaponics system, and it is noted that the system has several
advantages over traditional farming, such as efficient nutrient distribution to plants and water
and energy conservation. The economic potential of aquaponics in addressing youth
unemployment is great, as it provides an opportunity for shorter working hours and higher
income.
Bibliography

https://gogreenaquaponics.com/blogs/news/what-is-aquaponics-and-how-does-it-work
https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140419/western/western1.html
https://today.caricom.org/2022/08/26/new-climate-smart-aquaponics-project-for-five-cdb-
member-countries