Aquaculture Basics and Techniques

Aquaculture

• Aquaculture is the cultivation of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants under controlled conditions
• Traditional fishing involves harvesting wild fish from their natural habitats

Aquaculture Methods

• Aquaculture can be done in freshwater or saltwater environments
• Aquaculture techniques include pond systems, cage farming, and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)

Species in Aquaculture

• Species cultivated depend on factors like environment, market demand, and suitability for farming conditions

Fish Farms

• A fish farm is a controlled environment where fish are bred, raised, and harvested for commercial purposes.
• Fish farming is a key component of aquaculture.

Freshwater

• Freshwater is water with low concentrations of dissolved salts, typically found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs
• Freshwater is used extensively in aquaculture

Spawning

• Spawning is the reproductive process in fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Eggs and sperm are released for fertilization.
• Impacts production of larvae and fingerlings for cultivation.

Fry

• Fry are early juvenile stage of fish
• Fry have recently hatched from eggs.
• They have transitioned from the larval stage (dependent on yolk sacs for nutrition) to feeding on external food sources.

Ponds

• Ponds are controlled bodies of water used for aquaculture
• Ponds are a common and traditional method of cultivating fish, shrimp, and other aquatic organisms.
• Ponds vary in size, depth, and design based on species being farmed and farming practices used.

Cage Culture

• Cage culture refers to aquaculture where fish and aquatic organisms are raised in floating or submerged enclosures (cages or nets) within natural water bodies
• This method is effective for species that require more space for growth.
• Cage culture allows for efficient use of aquatic resources.

Ammonia Levels

• Managing ammonia levels is critical for maintaining water quality.
• Ensures the health of cultured species.

Nitrite

• Nitrite (NO₂⁻) is a nitrogen compound that can be toxic to aquatic organisms.
• Nitrite is an intermediate product in the nitrogen cycle.
• Formed when ammonia (NH₃) is converted to nitrate (NO₃⁻) through nitrification.

Aerators

• Aerators are devices used in aquaculture to increase the oxygen content in water.
• Aerators play a crucial role in maintaining water quality
• Aerators ensure the health of fish and other aquatic organisms.

Filtration

• Filtration is a process in aquaculture involving the removal of suspended solids, debris, and harmful substances from water to maintain optimal water quality
• Proper filtration helps create a healthy environment for fish and other aquatic organisms.

Biofilters

• Biofilters are specialized filtration systems that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria to convert harmful substances into less toxic forms.
• Biofilters are essential for maintaining water quality in fish farming and other aquatic environments.

Parasites

• Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism (the host) and benefit at the host's expense.

Vaccines

• Vaccines provide active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.

Biosecurity

• Biosecurity refers to practices and measures taken to prevent the unintentional exposure to pathogens and toxins.
• Biosecurity ensures the safety of individuals, the environment, and the community from biological hazards.

Quarantine

• Quarantine involves the isolation of individuals or groups who may have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent its spread.

Feeding Frequency

• Feeding frequency refers to how often an animal is fed, which impacts its health and growth.

Feed Conversion Ratio

• The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) measures the efficiency with which animals convert feed into body weight.

Water Exchange

• Water exchange refers to the process of replacing or renewing the water in aquaculture tanks, aquariums, or other water bodies.

Trawling

• Trawling involves dragging a net through the water to catch fish and other marine organisms.
• Bottom trawling drags the net along the bottom of the sea floor.
• Mid-water trawling drags the net in the middle of the water column.

Longline Fishing

• Longline fishing involves deploying a long main line (backbone) with multiple baited hooks attached.
• This technique is used to catch various fish species, including tuna, swordfish, and halibut.

Buoys

• Buoys are floating devices anchored in water.
• Buoys are typically used to mark navigation routes, indicate hazards, or serve various purposes in maritime activities.

Net Cages

• Net cages (fish cages or aquaculture cages) are enclosures used in aquaculture to raise fish and other aquatic organisms in open water.
• Net cages provide controlled farming while allowing fish access to natural water sources.

Stocking

• Stocking refers to the practice of introducing fish or other aquatic organisms into a water body or controlled environment.
• Stocking purposes include fish farming, habitat restoration, and recreational fishing.

This quiz covers key concepts of aquaculture, including various farming methods, species cultivated, and the significance of fish farms. Test your knowledge on freshwater environments and spawning processes essential for aquatic life cultivation.