How far have we come with aquaculture in SA?
This is the 100th aquaculture column to appear in Farmer’s Weekly, and to mark this milestone, I’d like to explore how far the industry has come since my first article...
Small community fish farms – then and now
Certain non-negotiable measures are needed to make small, community-run fish farms successful.
Diseases in the fish farming sector
Keeping rearing conditions clean and sourcing fingerlings from reputable hatcheries will help contain outbreaks.
SA aquaculture success lies with government
The success and viability of the industry is largely government’s responsibility, because only it makes and implements legislation.
How effective are recirculating aquaculture systems for SA?
The high cost of these systems can be prohibitive for new entrants to the industry. Pond farms may be a far better solution.
Aquaculture investors: fish out of water
The refusal of both state and private investors to take good advice has left a trail of failed aquaculture projects across South Africa.
Which design is best?
The design of an aquaculture system is essential to the operation’s success, and should be appropriate to environmental conditions and staffing skills.
The best tilapia for aquaculture
Riverine tilapia species are more suitable to South African aquaculture conditions than lacustrine species.
Africa’s many tilapia species
The versatile tilapia is found all over Africa, but not all species are suitable for aquaculture production.
Generalist and specialist fish species
Not all fish species are suitable for aquaculture simply because they grow large in their natural habitat.
Aquaculture: claims vs reality
Production claims must be based on proven, long-term commercial results – they cannot be extrapolated.
Invest in rural aquaculture!
The SA government does not provide adequate support or information to rural people who want to start a fish farm.
The stages of filtration – it’s all about balance
There are four key aspects of filtration, all of which are non-negotiable and integral to running a successful system.
Rating recirculating systems for tilapia
The efficacy of any recirculating system must be based on solid evidence and statistics over a full season.
Is farmed fish bad for you?
Sweeping claims about toxins contained in farmed fish, which are supposedly dangerous to human health, are unsubstantiated and false.
Red tape strangles SA aquaculture
Local aquaculture is hampered by misguided policies, over-regulation and government interference – all of which serve to stifle what could otherwise be a highly productive and lucrative industry.
Oxygen and stocking rates
Any viable tilapia grow-out system is dependent on adequate oxygen levels. As stocking rates and fish size increase, so too does demand for oxygen, and it is important to ensure...
Fish farming – coping with heat
An increase in water temperature means a depletion in oxygen levels. How do tunnel-based fish farms cope with extreme heat and ensure that fish receive their required oxygen levels?
Aquaculture in 2015 – a review
The South African aquaculture industry continues to experience difficulty with the import and farming of certain species. In neighbouring countries, by contrast, the industry is flourishing.
Government’s approach towards aquaculture
The SA government’s misdirected approach towards aquaculture is clear, especially when compared with the situation in neighbouring countries.
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