General:
To achieve financial and productive sustainability the fish farm must achieve diversification of saleable products. It will need to culture a broad range of freshwater species and market these products within the food, leisure and ornamental industries as well as the exploitation of aquatic waste for greater efficiency in the system.
Food Products:
Aquatic farmed products have been recognised as essential foodstuffs since the early Middle Ages. During this period many freshwater fish, now seldom cooked, would have been as highly prized as trout or salmon.
European and Asian markets already embrace the principle of the utilisation of freshwater species as food fish with carp (Cyprinid species) being extensively consumed.
New markets will be developed and capitalise on new (the Earth Centre cafe) and existing outlets (restaurants, specialist fishmongers and supermarkets) with detailed market research of alternative and historically resurrected species.
Leisure Industry:
Recognising angling as a sporting pastime but promoting the need for controlled restocking of open waters and applied conservation strategies. Liaison with water and angling institutions on a regional and national level will establish markets for quality re-stocking and educational support given to angling institutions who will contribute to environmental debates relating to fish husbandry.
Ornamental Fishkeeping Industry:
There is a growing demand for quality live fish, particularly in the domestic pondkeeping sector and a policy has been adopted to raise standards and educate fishkeepers in correct animal husbandry. There will be a programme to increase awareness to the potential stress placed on fish due to poor environmental conditions and bad handling.
Aquatic Waste Products:
Aquatic waste products in several industrial processes can be utilised. (That is organic fertilisers, fish oils, medicines, etc.). and the identification of substitute eco-friendly products to corresponding markets as alternatives to synthetic substances.
Integrated farming systems identify waste as a positive resource and organically based aquacultural waste utilised for horticulture, agriculture and forestry. The distribution of organic on-site waste will assist production and efficiency at the wider Earth Centre site.
Freshwater Aquaculture:
Sustainable Aquaculture Design:
In the context of the previous definition of sustainable aquaculture to embark on a general study and relative modeling of species specific culture and polyculture. This will consider the relationship on of aquacultural design to topographical, hydrological, biological and engineering conditions in varying habitats. The utilisation of eco-friendly heat sources for increased growth rates.
Diversification of cultured species:
To research a diverse range of aquatic species and study the reproductive biology and local conditions of aquatic animals and plants for suitability to aquacultural operations. Aquatic organisms to be considered are algae, zooplankton, aquatic worms, snails, fish (coldwater and warmwater species) and amphibians.
To research a diverse range of aquatic species and study the reproductive biology and local conditions of aquatic animals and plants for suitability to aquacultural operations.
Aquatic organisms to be considered are algae, zooplankton, aquatic worms, snails, fish (coldwater and warmwater species) and amphibians. To research a diverse range of aquatic species and study the reproductive biology and local conditions of aquatic animals and plants for suitability to aquacultural operations.
Aquatic organisms to be considered are algae, zooplankton, aquatic worms, snails, fish (coldwater and warmwater species) and amphibians.
Ecological filtration techniques:
The application of varying design parameters, efficiency of varying plant species and methods of plant filtration on water flow rates. To study the relationship of water borne pollution and regulatory standards on differing models of ecological filtration and the environmental impact of aquaculture operations on specific habitats. Uses of aquatic sludge in other bio-remedial processes.
Ecological methods of fish disease control:
Research and experimentation on intensifying specific animals in the native aquatic food chain for the predation and control of freshwater fish diseases. Application for the use of herbal remedies on aquacultural operations.
Breeding and rearing methods:
Identifying ecological methods for the induced spawning and the analysis of the species specific nutritional requirements for fish raising without reliance on artificial feed.
Author:
Stephen Bedford Clark:
Director of Aquatic Ecology & Sustainable Aquaculture:
