Fish Farms
Fish farms or fish farming is a form of aquaculture. The act of fish
farming is about raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures for human
consumption. There are different types of fish farms that utilize different
aquiculture methods.
The first method is the cage system which uses cages
that are placed in lakes, ponds and oceans that contain the fish. This method
is also widely referred to as off-shore cultivation. Fish are kept in the cage
like structures and are “artificially fed” and harvested. The fish farming cage
method has made numerous technological advances over the years, especially with
reducing diseases and environmental concerns. However, the number one concern
of the cage method is fish escaping and being loose among the wild fish
population.
The
second method is irrigation ditch or pond systems for raising
fish. This basic requirement for this method is to have a ditch or a pond that
holds water. This is a unique system because at a small level, fish are
artificially fed and the waste produced from the fish is then used to fertilize
farmers’ fields. On a larger scale, mostly in ponds, the pond is
self-sustaining as it grows plants and algae for fish food.
The third method of fish farming is called composite fish culture which is a type of fish farming that allows both local fish species and imported fish species to coexist in the same pond. The number of species depends, but it is sometimes upwards of six fish species in a single pond. The fish species are always carefully chosen to ensure that species can coexist and reduce competition for food.
The third method of fish farming is called composite fish culture which is a type of fish farming that allows both local fish species and imported fish species to coexist in the same pond. The number of species depends, but it is sometimes upwards of six fish species in a single pond. The fish species are always carefully chosen to ensure that species can coexist and reduce competition for food.
The fourth
method of fish farming is called integrated recycling systems
which are considered the largest scale method of “pure” fish farming. This
approach uses large plastic tanks that are placed inside a greenhouse. There
are hydroponic beds that are placed near the plastic tanks. The water in the
plastic tanks is circulated to the hydroponic beds, where the fish feed waste
goes to provide nutrients to the plant crops that are grown in the hydroponic
beds. The majority of types of plants that are grown in the hydroponic beds are
herbs such as parsley and basil.
The last
type of fish farming method is called classic fry farming this
method is also known as “flow through system”. This is when sport fish species
are raised from eggs and are put in streams and released.
There are a number of different fish species that are raised on fish farms, the most common fish spices raised are salmon, carp, tilapia, catfish and cod.
There are a number of different fish species that are raised on fish farms, the most common fish spices raised are salmon, carp, tilapia, catfish and cod.
Catfish farming
Catfish are easy to farm in warmer climates. Catfish are predominantly
farmed in fresh water ponds and fed mostly soybeans, corn and rice. Catfish are
often considered one of the more sustainable fish specifies for fish farming
purposes. Cultivating catfish first began in the 1900s and became
commercialized in the 1950s. Catfish is populous because of its health benefits
and market demand. Farm-raised catfish are usually harvested at 18 months of
age where as wild catfish usually get much bigger. There are a number of
catfish species, but the three most prominent ones are blue catfish, channel
catfish, and flathead catfish.
Tilapia farming
Tilapia is the third most popular fish used in fish farming or
aquaculture, with the first two being carp and salmon. They have increased in
popularity due to their high protein, large size and growth capabilities.
Tilapia is a tropical fish that requires warmer water to survive. The ideal
water temperature is usually between 28 to 30 degrees C. Tilapia fish are known
to reproduce rapidly and this is a challenge for managing tilapia fish species
for farming use. If not managed properly, fish will aggressively compete for
food which may result in stunted growth. Therefore, males are almost used
exclusively. Tilapias are resilient towards fighting off diseases and
parasites. Tilapia fish farming originated in Africa and is popular in
Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Indonesia. Tilapia fish require a
cereal-based diet and don’t eat other fish, but they are also considered to be
one of the most invasive fish species.
Salmon farming
Salmon is one of the most popular fish species with the most commonly
farmed being Atlantic salmon. There are two other varieties of Pacific salmon
that are also farmed – Chinook and Coho. Farmed salmon are vaccinated to
prevent disease outbreaks and only on rare occasions do they require additional
medications. There are often questions about the different colours between wild
and farmed salmon – farmed salmon aren’t dyed, their colour comes from their
food. Salmon feed is made to conserve wild fish stocks.
Tuna farming
Tuna fish are saltwater fish and are important in the commercial fish
farming industry. Japan is the biggest consumer of tuna and has invested a
significant amount of research into studying the fish. There are different
species of tuna including, bluefin, yellowfin, and albacore. Bluefin tuna
populations have dropped significantly in some regions due to over fishing.
Farming tuna is complex as the fish are “massive” and are very active - so
simulating their natural environment is extremely difficult. Most tuna for
human consumption are caught in the wild and raised in a facility to increase
weight gain. Tuna are carnivorous and eat other fish. Tuna are typically farmed
in net pens offshore and in some cases are farmed in recirculation systems.
Eel farming
Eel fish farming emerged in the early 1950s and it is considered one of
the most profitable in terms of export value in the fishing industry. However,
the profit value is largely driven by the Asian markets and is culture
specific. Eels are a carnivorous and catadromous fish, which means that when
they are young they live in fresh water, but as they mature they migrate to the
sea for breeding –spending anywhere from 8 to 30 years in freshwater before
they migrate. The majority of eel farming takes place in Asia, with China,
Japan and Taiwan leading as the biggest producers. Glass eels are preferred
over elvers because they are easier to transport and wean onto artificial
diets. Eel farming can take on one of two different forms – high intensity
recirculating tank (indoors) or intensive pond facilities.
Aqua farming
Aquaculture is also known as “aqua farming” which relates to the farming
of aquatic organisms such as fish. The farming aspect of aqua farming implies
some aspect of intervention into the natural growing process to enhance
production. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization
– aquaculture has grown three times faster compared to land-based animal
agriculture.
Fish farming supplies
Fish farming supplies are needed for the aquaculture industry. The
supplies can range from feed and feeders, filtration systems, hatchery
supplies, heating and cooling systems, lighting, hydroponics equipment,
pluming, predator control, tanks and water treatment products just to name a
few.
Feed and feeders Feed quality is important in fish farming and is vital to fish health. Depending on the feed that is given, it can help with desirable colour, growth and overall health and well-being. There are a wide variety of different feeds that are suited to different types of aqua-farming methods and species.
Water Filtration Systems Water filtration systems are important when attempting to mitigate environmental impacts. Filtration involves the removal of waste products from the water. There are a number of different types filtering systems that can be used, but it often depends on the state of the filtration process. It is important to have a staging filtration system that will ensure most optimal results.
Feed and feeders Feed quality is important in fish farming and is vital to fish health. Depending on the feed that is given, it can help with desirable colour, growth and overall health and well-being. There are a wide variety of different feeds that are suited to different types of aqua-farming methods and species.
Water Filtration Systems Water filtration systems are important when attempting to mitigate environmental impacts. Filtration involves the removal of waste products from the water. There are a number of different types filtering systems that can be used, but it often depends on the state of the filtration process. It is important to have a staging filtration system that will ensure most optimal results.
Hatchery supplies Hatchery supplies include anything from fish graders, shipping supplies to spawning and handling containers.
Predator control Predator control tools are used in the fish’s habitat, which often includes the use of physical deterrents which may include visual and audio deterrents.
Indoor fish farming
Indoor fish farming is the alternative to cultivating fish outdoors in a
cage system. With the emergence of technological advances, raising fish indoors
is now possible using proper control production methods. Indoor fish farming is
often very sophisticated and in some cases allow for automatic collection and
processing of fish wastes into crop fertilizers. There are advantages and
disadvantages to indoor fish farming:
Advantages to indoor fish farming
Advantages to indoor fish farming
- Fish are protected from predators and weather changes.
- Fish are often produced faster through temperature control, water quality and feeding practices.
- Indoor fish farming is often considered more environmentally friendly because it requires less water and produces less waste.
- Avoids the chance of fish escaping and getting loose amongst wild fish populations.
- Allows higher stock densities and often saved farm labour input costs.
- It often allows greater flexibility for facility locations, which can save transportation costs if facilities are located near markets.
Disadvantages
to indoor fish farming
- Requires electricity input costs.
- Requires infrastructure set-up which often requires a significant amount of startup capital.
- Fish raised indoors are carnivorous, which requires the capture of large amounts of other fish for their diet.
Importance of Fish Farming in
Bangladesh
Fishes plays a very important role
in the employment, national economic development, providing nutrition and
earning foreign currency. About 5.3% incomes come from fish among the total
national income. Bangladesh has great advantages of fish farming for
environmental and natural facilities. The importance of fish farming in
Bangladesh for improving nutrition condition, increasing employment, earning
foreign currency and improving socioeconomic condition etc. are described
below.
As Food
Fish is the main element of daily food chart for all Bangladeshi people. According to nutrition scientist an adult people should consume about 45.3 g proteins daily. Among them 15.1g will be animal protein. And for Bangladeshi people 80 of animal protein comes from fishes. So, fish has a great importance as nutritious food.
Fish is the main element of daily food chart for all Bangladeshi people. According to nutrition scientist an adult people should consume about 45.3 g proteins daily. Among them 15.1g will be animal protein. And for Bangladeshi people 80 of animal protein comes from fishes. So, fish has a great importance as nutritious food.
Increasing Employment
About 12% of Bangladeshi people are directly or indirectly engaged with fish and fish related jobs and business. People earn their livelihood by catching fish from open stream, rivers or deep sea. There are also many ponds throughout the country. Most of those are used for fish production. By using modern fish farming methods, fish production in this types of pond can be increased. But these types of modern fish farming require more people which are a great opportunity for eradicating unemployed problems.
About 12% of Bangladeshi people are directly or indirectly engaged with fish and fish related jobs and business. People earn their livelihood by catching fish from open stream, rivers or deep sea. There are also many ponds throughout the country. Most of those are used for fish production. By using modern fish farming methods, fish production in this types of pond can be increased. But these types of modern fish farming require more people which are a great opportunity for eradicating unemployed problems.
Earning Foreign Currency
The position of fish is in third for earning foreign currency to Bangladesh. About 10% of total exported income comes from the fish and fish products. This income can be increased by using the available probability.
The position of fish is in third for earning foreign currency to Bangladesh. About 10% of total exported income comes from the fish and fish products. This income can be increased by using the available probability.
Socioeconomic Development
There are numerous ponds and streams spread throughout Bangladesh. There are about 1.4 million ponds with an area of 1.5 million hectors. About 60% of those ponds are used for commercial fish farming. By commercial farming on rest 40% ponds socioeconomic conditions can be developed.
There are numerous ponds and streams spread throughout Bangladesh. There are about 1.4 million ponds with an area of 1.5 million hectors. About 60% of those ponds are used for commercial fish farming. By commercial farming on rest 40% ponds socioeconomic conditions can be developed.
As Poultry Feed
Unused portion of fishes like scales, bones, innards and dried fish powder are high nutritious feed ingredients of poultry. Egg and meat production of poultry get increased by feeding this types of food.
Unused portion of fishes like scales, bones, innards and dried fish powder are high nutritious feed ingredients of poultry. Egg and meat production of poultry get increased by feeding this types of food.
Industrial Development
Fat, bone, scales etc. are used as raw material in various types of industries. For example soap, medicine, glycerin and burnish oil producing industry use fat of fish as raw material. Fish also has a great importance in developing cottage industries of Bangladesh.
Fat, bone, scales etc. are used as raw material in various types of industries. For example soap, medicine, glycerin and burnish oil producing industry use fat of fish as raw material. Fish also has a great importance in developing cottage industries of Bangladesh.
Others
Various types of amateur products like bracelet, ring, samkha etc. are made from the excluded part of fish like teeth, bone etc. People of other occupations can also earn some money by fish. Such as a transporter can earn some money by transporting fish from one place to another place.
In a word fish farming has a great importance for Bangladesh.
Various types of amateur products like bracelet, ring, samkha etc. are made from the excluded part of fish like teeth, bone etc. People of other occupations can also earn some money by fish. Such as a transporter can earn some money by transporting fish from one place to another place.
In a word fish farming has a great importance for Bangladesh.
By Rafee:
Email: saifulmansoor@gmail.com, saifulmansoor@yahoo.com
