These are stages the farmer must consider critically to ensure success Establishing Earthen Pond Aquaculture Enterprise.
Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is the farming of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic plants, algae, and other organisms. Aquaculture involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions and can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is the harvesting of wild fish – Wikipedia.
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STAGE 1: Site inspection and selection
You must make sure the site slopes gently, no ground elevations with a good and adequate water source. The soil should be clayey to be able to retain water,
STAGE 2: Site clearing and pond construction
After considering the site to be ideal, clear the weeds and burn to have a clear view of the site. Then mark-out the area to be constructed with rope/line and pegs. The construction involves two methods; Manual or Mechanical.
Moreover, the manual uses pond construction experts to dig the pond. Equipment’s such as pick axe, mattock, shovel, wheel barrow, etc. are used. The Mechanical construction uses excavators, etc. We shall look at the advantages and disadvantages in the two methods in subsequent posts. A well constructed fish pond should have inlet, outlet and overflow pipes. The bottom of the pond should slope gently.
STAGE 3: Pond treatment and stocking
After construction, treat the pond bottom and dykes with quick lime to kill any insects, etc. in the soil and water. Add Organic manure such as poultry droppings etc. to fertilize the pond water for about 1-2 weeks before adding the fingerlings. The size of the fish pond and the type of fish to be reared will determine the number of fingerlings you must stock.
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STAGE 4: Pond management
The farmer must observe a number of Best Management Practices in fish farming. Fish feeds and feeding, Bio security measures, water quality tests, etc. Sample some of the fishes regularly to determine their growth performance and to adjust the quantity of their feed based on their new weight gain.
STAGE 5: Harvesting and marketing
Fish is usually sold fresh or processed depending on the plans and decisions of the fish farmer or customers preference.
With these Critical Stages in Establishing Earthen Pond Aquaculture Enterprise considered, you are well on your way to starting a very profitable and sustainable business in aquaculture.
