Aquaculture

New zoning regulations to protect riverine biodiversity take aim at aquaculture. But they may harm the industry – and still be ineffective.

As it stands, prospective legislation seeking to control the use of Nile tilapia will be counter-productive and hamper the growth of aquaculture in South Africa.

Currently, too many systems cruelly compromise fish quality to favour plant production. But there’s a simple solution to this unacceptable state of affairs that will see both flourish.

Fish farming is an attractive occupation that appeals to many young people. What should they do to get started?

The main operating cost of intensive aquaculture ventures is feed, and many ventures fail due to excessive spending on this input. Larger, warm water projects are now carefully scrutinising feed costs.

Producers can use a variety of methods to limit diseases in their commercial aquaculture systems.

When it comes to temperature levels, warm water fish farms and trout farming are at opposite ends of the spectrum. While tilapia hibernates in winter, trout prefer the cooler weather.

Spacious tanks, consistency in water temperature and quality, and using both natural and live feed will ensure robust, healthy fish.

There’s more to breeding than sticking fish in the water and hoping for the best. Start off with the right type of tank, get quality fish, and avoid inbreeding.

Long considered the ‘aquaculture fish of the future’, tilapia products are now being imported in quantity from Zimbabwe, writes Stephen McVeigh.

There is no reason that pond fish-farming could not be viable in parts of South Africa, as it is already successful elsewhere in Africa.

For many years, aquaculture in South Africa has had to play second fiddle to the various departments of nature conservation. Now this has changed. Or has it?