Course CodeBAG211Fee CodeS3Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationStatement of Attainment Learn to raise freshwater fish Advantages of Aquaculture Helps overcome a deficiency in seafood supply. Efficient production of a protein-rich food source. Source of Income. Flexible method. Promotes tourism. Reduction of diseases transmitted through wild food sources. Facilitates waste reduction and recycling. Increasing production of a species through aquaculture as opposed to fishing for it will aid in the protection of marine species being over exploited and help reduce pollution of coastal waters. Lesson Structure There are 10 lessons in this course: Introduction To Aquaculture Scope and nature of freshwater aquaculture Resources, references, organisations around the world Equipment and material suppliers Production Systems - EP and IP Open, semi closed and closed systems Extensive production Intensive production Water containment: earth, concrete, wood, brick, stone, fibre-glass, liners, etc Dams and water storage: siting, site What Species To Farm Selection criteria Climate Water resources Finance Scale of operation Other resources: manpower, knowledge, support services, etc. Market demand and access Ecological considerations Risk considerations Review of different fish: we review many fish and other species suited to farming in Australia,the UK and other countries), including: Trout Rainbow trout Brown trout Bass Catfish Carp Cod River blackfish Marron Algae Trout Three main trout species Farming trout Water Determining flow in source water Water temperature Water dissolved oxygen Stocking rates for production pools Spawning trout Checking the fish Stripping technique Fertilisation of ova Hatching ova From hatch to free swimming stage Feed After free swim stage Barramundi Industry perspective Breeding and growth rates Induced breeding; hormone injection Growth Fry management and after care Grow out Pond rearing for larvae Barramundi diseases and parasites Bass Varieties: Australian bass, American loudmouth, Smallmouth Habitat requirements: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH Natural spawning cycle Controlled spawning Harvesting Freshwater Crayfish Scope and nature of crustacean aquaculture Marron and Yabbie Conditions: water, temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, organic loading, water clarity, pod size Initial breeding stocks Production potential Stocking rates Breeding Growth Feeding Composts for Marron feeding Red Claw Yabbie Spiny Freshwater Crayfish Setting Up A Fish Farm Land and water Water requirements Extensive production dams Intensive production pools and raceways Cages Biological filtration systems Filter efficiency Clearing turbid water in dams Protecting fish Improving genetic quality of fish Economics of establishing and running an aquaculture farm Financial management Financial institutions Better planning Economics What to plan for Production Marketing Fish Foods & Feeding Scope and nature Pelleted feed Live feed Brine shrimp Daphnia Worms Night lights Fishmeal Oil meals Fish food production Beef heart Legumes Seafood and vegetable mix Earthworm and compost production Harvesting Introduction Harvesting techniques: seine nets, gill nets, traps, long lines, funnel trap, flyke trap, etc Fish pumps Mechanical graders Fish health management Review of diseases: salmonids, barramundi, trout, carp, etc Learn about the Different Forms of Aquaculture There are a lot of different terms used to describe growing fish, each with a subtly different connotation. pisciculture, aquaponics, aquaria or aquaculture are all terms used for growing fish in controlled systems. Aquaculture is an all embracing term, covering fish, crustaceans, shell fish and other species, including seaweed. It is farming fish and other water dwelling plants or animals - in fresh water or salt water to harvest. Pisciculture is farming fish only (excludes crustaceans, molluscs, seaweed etc.) Mariculture is aquaculture in saline water. Aquaponics involves growing land plants such as vegetables and herbs together with fish, all in the same system (usually in tanks) using (nutrient loaded) water circulated from the plants to the fish, and then returned to the plants. It is a hybrid of hydroponics and aquaculture. Aquaria: Aquarium management or aquaria generally refers to growing plants or animals in water for purposes other than harvesting for food, such as conservation, research, a hobby or decoration. Applications of Aquaculture Commercial fish farming Fish farming as a tourist attraction Keeping fish as a hobby Undertaking this course can ultimately be a money saving exercise for many students. If you have limited or no experience in aquaculture, there are many costly mistakes that can be made if you invest time and money before first learning the basics.