Pond culture and site selection for Aquaculture

Pond culture is a very popular aquaculture production method with many aquatic species cultured in ponds. To have successful pond production, ponds must be properly sited and built, with careful assessment of water availability, quantity, quality and culture, Over the years, the practice has spread to almost all parts of the world and is used for a wide variety of culture organisms in freshwater, brackishwater, and marine environments. It is carried out mostly using stagnant waters but can also be used in running waters, especially in highland sites with flowing water.

Culture Species

  • Commonly raised species in freshwater ponds are the carp, tilapia, catfish, snakehead, eel, barramundi, trout and prawns.
  • In brackish water ponds, common species include shrimps, P. monodon, L.Vannamei, snakehead, White leg shrimp and Black tiger shrimp 
  • The more popular species for culture in marine ponds are the sea bass, grouper, red sea bream, and marine shrimps

Site Selection

Soil Quality
  • When selecting a site for aquaculture, consider soil quality as a top priority. Aim for clay-loam or sandy-clay soil, as it retains water well and is ideal for constructing dikes. Look for alkaline pH levels of 7 and above to avoid issues associated with acidic soils, such as poor fertilizer response and slow growth of aquatic species.
Land elevation
  • Land elevation and tidal characteristics play a crucial role. Seek areas with elevations that can be easily watered by high tides and drained by low tides. Moderate tidal fluctuations of 2-3 meters are preferable, as excessive fluctuations would necessitate costly dikes. Additionally, avoid locations with minimal tidal fluctuation, as proper drainage and filling would be challenging.
Vegetation
  • Consider vegetation carefully. Choose sites free from large tree stumps and dense vegetation to minimize clearing expenses. Areas near riverbanks and coastal shores exposed to wave action should have buffer zones with healthy mangrove growth, indicating suitable pH levels.
Water supply and quality
  • Ensure a steady supply of fresh and brackish water throughout the year, free from pollution and with a pH of 7.8-8.5.
 Accessibility
  • Accessibility is key, so prioritize locations easily reachable by both land and water transport. Proximity to input sources, markets, fish ports, processing plants, and communication hubs is advantageous for efficient operations.

A steady, unpolluted water supply with a pH range of 7.8-8.5 is essential for healthy aquaculture. Accessibility to transportation and key facilities further streamlines operations, maximizing efficiency from input sourcing to market access.

In essence, meticulous site selection lays the foundation for thriving pond production across diverse aquatic species and environments, ensuring sustainability and success in aquaculture endeavours.