Farming with fish

Basic Requirements and Aspects to Consider when Investigating the Potential of Farming with Fish

A great interest has been shown by many people in KwaZulu-Natal in farming with fish and other aquatic animals. Queries ranging from superintensive catfish production to integrated polyculture systems have been received, but due to many and varied factors the idea has been set aside or shelved. One of the main reasons is that fish farming or other aquaculture enterprises are apt to be more complicated and difficult than is at first anticipated. KwaZulu-Natal is one of the provinces with the greatest potential for aquaculture but as it is still a fairly unknown "culture", development is slow.

The basic requirements and aspects that must be considered by any prospective fish farmer when investigating its potential are the following:

• water availability and supply

• suitable site or dam

• suitable area for species (warm/cold water)

• suitable species (demand/market)

• available feed

• availability of fingerlings

• legal aspects

As it is primarily a business venture and profits are the main concern, factors such as initial establishment costs of the ponds, the market demand for product and correct management are some of the most important aspects affecting the success of the enterprise.

When all the basic requirements have been investigated and you are satisfied that you can and want to continue with the venture then you can investigate the type of systems and methods of production to suit your conditions and interest.