Pond farming
Traditionally pond farming is common throughout the world and the current main form
of land based aquaculture. In the past it has also proved to be the most cost effective
in terms of labor and resources as to production/tonnage but has the highest degree in
product loss through disease and climate influences.
Now Pond Aquaculture requires large land mass area and in a world of high population
and industrial growth such land commodity is highly sought after, thus depleting available
or allowable land banks for future aquaculture expansion.
In general pond operational stocking density is limited by intake of water either by tidal
influences using tide levels to raise or lower the water in the pond operations or in some
cases by pumping to supplement and control water exchange rates. Additionally in many countries
the availability of freshwater is diminishing and highly sought after for domestic
and industrial use thus taking preference over aquaculture expansion.
Water quality in pond aquaculture (shrimp and both seawater, freshwater fish) is determined
by biomass at low levels usually not exceeding 8-12kg/m3.
Pond aquaculture is subject to higher levels of disease due to water quality issues, generally
as sociated with climatic influences in temperature variation, salinity changes due to rainfall
and natural predators.
It is now accepted that FCR levels are generally lower in Pond Aquaculture than that of CCFF operations,
as is in many countries the use of antibiotics and chemicals in the management of water quality
and disease has become common use in growing due to diminishing water quality and increased disease levels.
Recent developments have now focused on improving water quality by installation of ‘floating’
filtration units, UV disinfection of intake and discharge waters and the introduction of increased
DO levels by the alternate supply of air/o2 to achieve stocking densities up 35kg/m3, dependent upon
location and species grown.
Additionally new light weight economic roof structures have been developed to assist in climate control,
salinity control and provide a more secure environment.
EcoFarms 63 takes each location individually as to select the best design options dependent upon
the client’s needs, budgets to labor. Resources and desired product to achieve the desired outcome.
