Making A Fish Farm

Fish farming, or aquaculture, is the breeding of fish for food in tanks or an artificial enclosure like a fish pond. If done correctly, aquaculture can increase food production to boost the economy in the coastal and rural areas and keep the local water supply clean. In the US, there are 3,649 fish farms in operation, making it a 1.5 billion-dollar industry. This market produces 626 million pounds of food along with 1.7 million jobs. Today is World Fisheries Day, giving us an opportunity to reflect on how important aquaculture is in our society. Here is some advice if you wish to get into it.

The Health Benefits

A lot of people have negative thoughts about farm-raised fish that are not true. When it comes to taste, there’s no noticeable difference between farm-raised and wild-caught. Farm fish have a slightly higher level of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health. They are also richer in protein. Farm fish contain lower levels of contaminants like mercury when compared to wild-caught. Because they have easy access to a food source, they will grow bigger, leading to a more nutritious meal. They are also fuller of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A and selenium.

More Than Just Fish

Fish farms can breed a wide variety of seafood. The top aquaculture species other than fish are oysters. They make $186 million a year. Clams are a close second species. These creatures have been struggling in open waters, causing an enormous loss to the coastal economy. Fish farms have allowed shellfish to clean waters and prevent shoreline erosion. By protecting these species on farms, it’ll safeguard them from biodiversity. By fixing their ecosystem, they’ll fix their neighbors. As with fish, there is no noticeable difference in taste and they will grow bigger than their wild counterparts as well.

The Legality Of It

Fish farms can greatly affect the environment, so regulations are in place to protect them. Fish can produce a significant amount of waste that needs to be disposed of properly. You can get fined if your fish escape into wild waters, so have a plan in place to prevent that from happening. It would be a good idea to insure your fish just to be on the safe side because accidents do happen. Indoor systems need to be heavily monitored so that your fish are in the ideal environment, while outdoor farms do not need that much babysitting. If you have legal questions or need help to fill out any forms your state requires of you, contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Picking A Fish

Most fish farms specialize in one type of fish when starting out. As you grow, you can start branching out to other species. Big farms can raise five to six species at a time. Popular choices for beginners are Tilapia, Catfish, Carp, Trout, Salmon, or Tuna. Tilapia and catfish are the most common species as they grow the fastest and are easy to care for. If you want carp, choose the common, grass, sliver, and Rõhu species. For trout, look no further than the Rainbow Trout. Atlantic Salmon and Blue-fin Tuna work best in saltwater.

Indoors or Outdoors

Now that you know what fish you want, it’s time to build their habitat. Indoor farms can be set up in any existing structure, while outdoor farms need land to build a suitable body of water on. The water level should be 4-6 feet deep, so you can scoop a lot into your net without it snagging. No matter what fish you pick, they each need 15-20 gallons of fresh water per minute, per surface acre of water. If indoors, you can regulate the water quality and temperature better than you could outside as they can be subject to temperature fluctuations. They will also need protection from predators both inside and out.

Other Supplies You’ll Need

Fish need three things to thrive; fresh water, oxygen, and food. For fresh water, you can call your local fire department to get them to tap into the city’s water supply for a small fee. The water should be tested and treated regularly to make sure they are comfortable and disease-free. To add oxygen to your water, install a water circulation or aeration system. Food should be readily available to them. This accounts for 70% of your farm’s budget. You can buy food at the farmer’s supply store. Feed them only what they can eat for 10 to 15 minutes once a week. Have a way of letting in and letting out water. Lastly, you’ll need nets or fish cages to harvest them.