Fish farming is the main form of aquaculture and it is now done on a large scale, to meet the increasing demands of fish protein. As the name suggests, it is the commercial raising of fish for the purpose of food. One of the forms of fish farming, called hatchery pertains to the releasing of fish species into the tanks or enclosures, in order to supplement the fish species or increase the numbers of fish. Hatchery is made, so, that recreational fishing can be given a boost. The unprecedented increase in commercial fishing has resulted in overfishing and this has compelled the growth of this technique, so that, the demands of fish protein can be adequately met. Salmon, carp, tilapia, catfish and cod are some of the fish that are raised extensively in commercial fishing.Types of Fish Farming
Caging Systems
Nets or cages are popular methods of fishing in off shore coastal areas and freshwater lakes, ponds and oceans. Fish are raised in the cages, fed artificially and harvested when the numbers of fish meet the required demands of market. Some of the advantages of cage farming systems is, that this farming technique can be practiced in various types of water sources like lakes, ponds, seas and oceans, that offers flexibility to the farmers. Also, many types of fish can be raise together and the water can be used for various other purposes like water sports. In this farming method, superior quality cages are constructed and put in the water sources to raise the fish. Spread of diseases, poaching and concerns of poor quality water are some of the disadvantages of this farming system.
Ponds
One of the small scale techniques is raising fish in the pond, especially designed for the purpose of raising fish. Small ponds can be made in the farms and houses, that can provide its owner the ability to have control over the farming system. Ponds are useful for water harvesting in the dry areas and can also be utilized for raising fish. Waste water can be contained and treated properly to raise fish. Release of untreated waste water into the environment is possible, if the ponds are not maintained properly and can cause pollution. For small farms, ponds are effective to raise fish for self consumption.
Raceways
If you visit any fish farming area, you may come across narrow streams flowing between two wall type structures. These streams are nothing but raceways and their purpose is to help the farmers divert water from water systems likes streams or well, so that it flows through the water channels containing fish. There are various restrictions imposed on this type of farming by the government and the farmers are strictly advised to treat the water before they divert it back to the natural waterways. Also, the farmed fish can escape raceways and interfere with the wild fish habitat of the waterways.
Recirculating System
The recirculating system uses recycled water for raising fish. The waste water is treated and recycled many times. Many fish species are grown in the recirculating systems. However, the operative cost of the electricity is a disadvantage of this method.
Fish Farming Tips
It requires proper fish care. Here are some tips to focus upon:
- Maintain the water quality in the ponds and fish tanks.
- The pond banks must be of adequate height, so that, no grazing animals can enter it easily and harm the fish.
- Check out for potential predators like snakes etc.
- Fish diseases spread fast in their community so, check the fish health conditions, regularly.
- Quarantine the diseased fish and remove it from the fish tank.
- Cages must be constructed as per the water body where the fish have to be put.
- Floating cages are good for deep water sources. They can be kept floating by installing water bamboos in the depths of the water source.
- Fixed cages are better for low depth water bodies.
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