Aquaculture: Are we making progress?
A brief overview of the current state of fish farming in South Africa.
Infrastructure for aquaculture
Adapting existing buildings and dams for aquaculture seems a neat, money-saving solution. Yet this usually leads to failure. Unless you know what you’re doing, build a dedicated setup – you won’t regret it.
Fish farming beyond SA
The state of aquaculture in neighbouring countries – and the lessons to be learnt.
The history of the red tilapia
Deep-bodied, fast-growing strains of red Mozambique tilapia are becoming the species of choice in regions where winter temperatures do not usually favour tilapia farming.
Solar power could save your fish farm
When the lights go out, you have to act fast, as your fish could be dead within 20 minutes. A backup plan is essential.
Tilapia: Myths & legends
Misconceptions are holding back production of tilapia in South Africa. In the meantime, the rest of the world simply gets on with it.
Growing fish in salt water
Many argue that tilapia in brackish water taste that little bit better, and it’s difficult to deny this.
Salt water aquaculture
Salinity – at the coast or inland – is rarely a barrier to successful tilapia farming.
How to set up an aquaponics system
Starting small will not necessarily give you an accurate idea of what to expect when going commercial.
Farm dams are a good idea
Sadly, SA fails to exploit its irrigation dams for aquaculture. But farm dams, connected to well-built pond systems, offer great potential for growers.
Aquaculture ponds need careful planning.
Capital costs, running costs and potential market are the three major concerns faced by those who want to start fish farming, and I’ve often discussed these factors in relation to re-circulating aquaculture.