It is one of the dominant practices of farming or agriculture that is practiced throughout the world. According to a report from 2022, the farming practice produced 130.9 million tonnes of product.
Not just that. The algae production increased by half a million and finfish farming produced 57.5 million tonnes of product in 2020. Moreover, the production of mollusks & crustaceans was respectively 17.7 and 11.2 million tonnes in 2020.
Also, the aquaculture practitioners produced 525000 tonnes of aquatic invertebrates and 537,000 tonnes of semi-aquatic species in the year 2020.
Now, you know how popular the practice is. Do you want to start the farming process? Learn what is it, how to start the process, benefits, challenges, and much more.
A Brief Introduction to Aquaculture
It is the process of raising different types of aquatic species like fish, mollusks, crustaceans, algae, etc. In addition, the farmers raise them for commercial, public, or recreational purposes in controlled environments. Moreover, it might take place in any type of water environment. These include rivers, lakes, ponds, oceans, or even man-made water systems.
History of Aquaculture
The practice of this farming technique started around 3000 BC. However, they used to create artificial lakes for farming fishes like carp after the flood.
It was only in the mid-20th century that the practice got commercial popularity. The farming practice gradually evolved when the farmers started to farm high-priced aqua species. To be precise, shrimps, prawns, crayfishes, salmons, oysters, and trout are in high market demand.
Some of the popular countries practicing aquaculture include India, China, Indonesia, South Korea, North Korea, the Philippines, Japan, and Malaysia.
Also, Zanzibar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Egypt, Chile, etc are some of the other popular countries where farmers earn great revenues through this farming process. India alone produces 7% of the total fish across the globe.
Two Types of Aquaculture: Marine Vs. Freshwater
Depending on the processes and location, there are two types of farming practices.
Marine farming takes place in saltwater or oceans. The farmers raise species like shrimps, seaweeds, mussels, clams, etc. Some of the popular marine fishes include sablefish, pompano, salmon, etc.
However, freshwater farming takes place in rivers, lakes, ponds, and man-made water bodies. Catfish, trout, etc. are some of the popular freshwater species.
Two Modes of Aquaculture: Ocean Ranching Vs. Fish Farming
Ocean ranching is practiced to restock oceans and lakes. Farmers raise young fish in a controlled environment before they get released into the open sea. Usually, they raise carp, trouts, catfishes, oysters, mussels, scallops, tilapias, and lobsters in the late 20th century.
Fish farming is the artificial process of capturing and raising immature aqua specimens. However, this process was an invention of a German farmer as he successfully raised fish from eggs in 1733. In reality, he artificially obtained the eggs and fertilized them.
Farmers collect male and female trout and press out the eggs and sperm under certain circumstances for hatching. After that, the farmers release the freshly hatched sac fries to the ponds or freshwater bodies for farming.
5 Steps of Ocean Ranching
Stock Development
Farmers collect the young fish or aqua species for breeding and raising. They capture them from the wild and raise them in captivity for aquaculture.
Breeding
In this step, the farmers breed fingerlings or larvae and it is the most important step.
Raising
Farmers can raise the larvae on large scales or in nurseries.
Release
When the larvae reach a certain stage of adulthood, farmers release them into the ocean.
Monitoring
After releasing the species into the sea, farmers monitor their movement to observe the growth of the natural stock.
4 Popular Steps of Fish Farming
Pond Aquaculture Systems
This is a traditional fish farming process where farmers raise fish in freshwater bodies like ponds, rivers, lakes, etc.
Cage Systems
Farmers use nets in natural water bodies like rivers, lakes, oceans, etc to keep fish inside.
Recirculating Systems
Farmers use advanced technologies like filters and recycled water for indoor fish farming with minimal water resources.
Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture
In the complex farming system, farmers raise aquatic species at other trophic levels for improved ecosystems.
6 Different Types of Aquacultural Practices
Carp Raising
This is a global practice of raising carps. The farmers often use hormonal injections for successful spawning and production. However, they separate the parent fishes after spawning and they release the fries to ponds filled with plankton.
After growing up, they feed on rice bran, soybean, etc. Particularly, this farming process is prevalent in Asian countries like India & European countries such as Hungary, and the Balkan Peninsula.
Trout & Salmon
Farming trout and salmons is practiced in some European countries and North America. They breed in cold water as they need a constant supply of oxygen. However, they require smaller spaces than carp.
Farmers produce young fish through artificial fertilization for aquaculture. After that, they breed the eggs in small tanks. Mostly trout and salmon feed on natural foodstuff. Farmers also raise trout fishes in hatcheries and later transfer them to larger water bodies.
Tilapia
Farming of Tilapia requires warm water and this practice evolved in Egypt. Most importantly, they are easy to raise. Farmers often raise Tipalia in tanks, ponds, and other small-scale water bodies. Additionally, they feed on zooplankton and algae. This is one of the fastest-growing aqua species that are highly resistant to several diseases.
Molluscs
Mollusks like oysters are very popular in Asian, European, and North American regions. Although, the practice of farming mollusks evolved by the Romans. You can also find oyster farms on the southern Atlantic coasts, the Gulf of Mexico, etc. Additionally, blue mussels are very popular in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Crustaceans
Shrimps, prawns, and crayfish fall under this category. Usually, farmers capture the immature shrimps from the coastal waters and release them to ponds. They identify the egg-carrying shrimps after examining the ovaries through the shell.
After that, the aquaculture farmers transfer them to the seawater ponds where they feed on indoor tanks filled with plankton. After 10 days, they move them to shallow ponds to raise them.
Seaweed
The history of farming Seawood traces back to the 17th century by the Japanese at Tokyo Bay. Generally, the cultivators use a vertical method where the bushes are placed in the water. Now, the farmers use a horizontal method using a meshed rough-material net hung between the poles.
Once the algae grow there by themselves, the harvesters collect them by hand. Some of the famous species include elkhorn sea moss, brown algae, etc.
Different Species Suitable for Seasonal Aquaculture
Different types of climates are fit for farming different species. Some species like carp, tilapia, salmon, catfish, etc are usually suitable for farming in almost all types of weather.
Also. other fishes like bluegill, goldfish, crappie, red drum, trout, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass, etc grow fast in moderate weather.
However, farmers raise fish like Tilapia, koi, etc. in tropical countries like Asia and Africa since they grow in brackish water.
5 Benefits of Aquaculture
Food Security
It supplies the much-needed protein and nutrition to the market and ensures food security for a nation.
Restores Habitats
It restores the endangered aqua species and habitats.
Threatened Species
It also restocks the rare aqua species.
Economic Advantages
It creates multiple job opportunities for the local community members.
Efficiency
The farmers can control the environmental factors promising less resource usage and higher food production.
3 Challenges of Aquaculture
Water Pollution
The feed of the farming species which is the photosynthetic autotrophs can significantly bring down the level of dissolved carbon dioxide. Eventually, it causes water pollution.
Poor Work Environment
The workers might face challenging work environments like cuts, falls, and sudden exposure to high voltage. Also, they might suffer from water-borne diseases.
Damages Local Environment
The uneaten feed particles and the waste produced by the fish can pollute the water. Also, the farmers might use chemicals and antibiotics for more production causing pollution.
How Does Sustainable Aquaculture Work?
It is one of the largest and fastest-growing farming sectors in the world. Because the ever-growing population feeds on aquatic species like fish, shrimps, and seaweed to a large extent.
However, the industry owners now aim to make this farming practice a sustainable one. Additionally, they want to practice fish farming techniques that will reduce the environmental impact and improve biosecurity. Moreover, scientists are also trying to develop advanced technologies to control aquatic diseases.
6 Requirements to Start Aquaculture
Location
The first thing you will need for this farming practice is access to clean water. Also, you will need to check on different environmental parameters necessary for the aqua species to grow.
Permits
You need to make sure that you know the local rules and regulations and obtain legal permission before setting up your fish farm.
Knowledge
Analyze the local market demands before investing in fish farming. Also, you need to know about the right fish breeds, the farming process, disease prevention, marketing strategies, etc.
Right Fish Breeds
Depending on your aquaculture requirements, you need to select the right fish breeds. Consider the growth rate, farming systems like simple ponds or complex recirculating ones, market demands, availability of the feed, etc.
Equipment
You need different equipment for farming fish like pond pumps, water testers, pumping systems, pond liners, plumbing tools, etc. More importantly, learn about these in detail and invest in what you need.
Capital
To initiate a fish farming process, you need to invest a significant amount of capital. Also, plan beforehand how much you need to invest and how you can arrange the funds.
5 Tips to Manage Costs for Starting Aquaculture
- Plan about an estimated cost required to set up your farm. The budget should include the pricing for land, purchasing fish stock, water systems, equipment, and feed.
- Review your budget regularly to have an idea of where to save money. Also, make sure you allocate the funds to the right place for profitability. Additionally, proper financial planning can help you plan your finances accordingly.
- Analyzing the market trends and customer preferences can help you to maximize your revenue-generating strategies.
- You can look for government-aided funds, subsidies, grants, and loans at low interest rates. Also, Investing in insurance for accidental damage coverage and risk management.
- Track your transactions, production rate, and operational results for further improvements.
Government Subsidies Available for Starting Aquaculture in India
In India, it plays an important role in enhancing food security. That is why, the government has taken some active measures for promoting this farming technique.
The government allows a 25% subsidy in construction and renovation costs for 2 hectares of up to INR 200000/- per hectare. For farming equipment, farmers can get a subsidy of 50%, a cost of INR 60,000/- per hectare each year. Also, they will get a feed subsidy of 25%, the cost of INR 50,000/- each year for 2 hectares.
Apart from this, SC, ST, and women aqua farmers can get a 60% subsidy from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Also, the general farmers will get a 40% subsidy.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund offers a loan of up to 80% of the actual farming cost. Moreover, the rate of interest is 3% each year. Farmers can also get a 50% subsidy upon purchasing an aquarium and its essential accessories.
Why is Aquaculture Important for Feeding The Population?
According to a recent survey, this farming practice alone will feed 9.8 billion people by the year 2050 across the globe. But for that, the production rate should increase efficiently as well. The fish production rate should be around 13.5 billion tonnes in a year.
However, to produce aqua species on a large scale, farmers need to have access to natural resources to a large extent. Eventually, this might cause overuse of land, energy, and water resources resulting in a resource deficit.
The growth of farming aqua species results in enough seafood supply to the entire global population. So, if you want to start investing in this farming process, it might be right for you.
All you need to do is gather knowledge about this farming technique, organize the funding, and purchase the required equipment.
So, get ready to start investing in the world’s one of the largest agricultural practices to feed the growing population.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Ans: Some of the most critical aspects of aqua species farming are to have access to clean water, disease prevention, and of course, to arrange the necessary funding.
Ans: The initial cost to set up a fish farm varies depending on the scale of farming. It is advisable to make a rough budget of the estimated cost. The cost should include the budget for purchasing land, water systems, seeds, feed, farming equipment, etc.
Also, if you want to start small-scale fish farms you will need relatively smaller investments and larger capital investments for large-scale fish farms.
Ans: You will need approximately six months to two years for the complete maturity of the fish. However, some species like Tilapia mature more quickly than others.