Aquaculture

Key Considerations for Aquaculture Success

Pond Establishment

Establishing a healthy water environment in hatchery, nursery and early stages of grow-out systems is a critical first step to pond success. It’s important to quickly develop beneficial water organisms, support increased microbial activity and beneficial algal growth, and promote aerobic bacteria multiplication and biofilm formation. Healthy pond water helps aquatic species acclimate to new pond environments and can reduce mortality.

Aquatic Species Health

While the pond environment influences species health, gut health plays a more direct role in development of aquatic species. A healthy gut helps foster high-functioning digestive and immune systems, which promote improved feed utilization, nutrient absorption, desired bacterial diversity and growth performance. Feed and supplements play a key role in creating a balanced gut microbiome.

Pond Sustainability

Maintaining a healthy pond environment can become a challenge as the bioload increases. As more organic matter falls to the pond bottom, microbes fail to break it down rapidly enough and anaerobic conditions become prevalent. Toxins like H2S begin to form, alkalinity becomes unstable, pH fluctuates, and species mortality increases. Being proactive in maintaining aerobic conditions throughout the pond lifecycle helps ensure sustainability and productivity of the pond and aquatic species that call it home.