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, fish farming is the commercial raising of fish for the purpose of food. One of the forms of fish farming, called as 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 fish farming, so that, the demands of fish protein can be adequately met. Salmon, carp, tilapia, catfish and cod are some of the fishes that are raised extensively in commercial fishing.
There are two types of fish farming viz. extensive farming and intensive farming. Here is a discussion about the fish farming techniques.
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 (more…)