Making a success of aquaculture: Part 1

In this first part of a two-part series, we look at the basics of aquaculture production in South Africa, including the best systems to use and the type of research needed before starting.

-  Janine Ryan

Since 1995, fish farming has increased significantly. According to data-gathering portal Statista, there were 36,22 million fish farmers worldwide in that year. By 2022, this had increased to 58,55 million.

Aquaculture, or fish farming, is defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN as the production of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and marine plants.

As per World Atlas, aquaculture has become “very popular as a business and method, so much so that today about 50% of seafood produced is by aquaculture”.

China has the world’s biggest aquaculture industry, producing about 178,8 million tons of fish every year. This is about a third of the world’s fish production.

This week we look at different aquaculture systems and the key factors to be considered.

It is important to remember that aquaculture is different from aquaponics, as the former involves only fish farming, while the latter involves the production of crops alongside the production of fish.

SELECTING THE RIGHT SYSTEM

Aquaculture systems vary depending on the type of species being farmed, the environmental conditions, and the scale of the operation. Some popular systems include the following: Pond systems entail an old method used particularly for the production of freshwater fish and shrimp farming. Earthen ponds and reservoirs are used to raise fish or shellfish in a controlled environment. To be successful in pond production, ponds must be properly sited and built, with careful assessment of water availability, quantity, and quality, says Freshwater Aquaculture. There are two types of pond systems, namely watershed and levee. The topography and site of the farm will determine the kind of system to be used.