Fish production: simplicity or sophistication?
A recirculating system and a pond farm are at opposite ends of the aquaculture spectrum. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
Aquaponics: get it right, or grow veggies on their own!
Many aquaponics operations focus only on plant yield and ignore fish production. These are merely hydroponic systems that use expensive means to fertilise their plants.
Debate about humane killing of fish rages on
Compared with most other agricultural industries in South Africa, the farmed fish industry is in its infancy. With no legal framework yet in place, fish farmers and animal welfare organisations...
Shortcomings of modern water pumps
Choose the best pump you can afford for your system. A cheap purchase will end up costing you money.
The desert: hot, dry, and perfect for fish production
Groundwater extracted from arid areas is often unsuitable for irrigation, but it would be ideal for aquaculture.
Which fish should be farmed in SA, and where?
Our climate varies dramatically from season to season, limiting the fish species that can be used in aquaculture, and the locations where it can take place.
Beware the peddlers of fake news in aquaculture!
It’s time to expose the urban legend that South Africa is too cold for tilapia farming, even in outdoor ponds.
Farmers can help save endangered fish species
The populations of many indigenous fish are in decline. Here’s an easy and practical solution to boost their numbers.
Aquaculture in Africa: the successes and failures
Developments such as cage culture of tilapia and small, privately owned pond systems signal a positive trend.
Indigenous species: let’s widen the net for aquaculture
A number of indigenous Southern African fish species would be ideal for aquaculture operations. It’s time for serious research into their potential.
Why fish farming is booming in Zambia, and not in SA
Private fish farms and government are working together to breed tilapia and grow aquaculture production in Zambia.
The best fish species for aquaponics
While the Nile tilapia is the fastest grower, it is easier to obtain a permit for the slower-growing Mozambique tilapia.
Understanding the great trout debate
The production of trout remains a heated topic between conservationists and aquaculturists.
The divide between knowledge and experience
Many experts have the theoretical knowledge, but fail to put themselves in the shoes of the rural, small-scale fish farmer.
Green water fish culture: the perfect alternative
Green water culture provides a highly nutritious ‘soup’ of feed for fish stock, promoting faster growth. It also cuts out the high cost of artificial feed.
Theft ruining the hopes of aquaculture in Africa
Small-scale aquaculture will never succeed if producers are forced to finance heavy-security fencing for their ponds.
Know your Tilapia strains
Nile tilapia has become the species of choice for global commercial aquaculture after years of selective breeding.
Aquaponics: how to get plumper, healthier fish
If you want to grow plants and decent-sized fish, the first step is to get rid of those plastic circular bins.
Cage culture for SA: small scale, big benefits
There are massive dams and reservoirs in South Africa that are ideal for cage culture, yet are not used for this purpose. What a waste of this marvellous resource!
Reared in brackish water, and worth its salt!
Brackish water can be put to good use in the cultivation of tilapia. Despite being primarily a freshwater species, tilapia are salt-tolerant and actually thrive in saline conditions.
