LESSON: COMMERCIAL FISH PONDS
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Commercial fish ponds are typically earthen, rectangular, 0.9 – 1.2 m (3 – 4 feet) deep, and 0.4 – 8 ha (1 – 20 ac) in size. Commercial pond fish production faces problems that are similar to those in other forms of intensive animal agriculture. High stocking densities mandate high ney utrient input from feed, which in turn causes the buildup of toxic wastes. High nutrient levels also stimu￾late algae growth, causing large fl uctuations in dissolved oxygen. These suboptimal conditions place considerable stress on the fish. Water is an excellent medium for the transmission of infectious agents, and diseases can spread rapidly through susceptible populations. Diseases must be diagnosed rapidly and accurately; even a matter of several hours can be crucial to the outcome of an epidemic. Thus, herd health management with proper intervention to prevent problems is the best approach.
Some ponds are also stocked with fish that the owners tyhen charge customers to fish (fee - fishing ponds). These ponds are frequently restocked with large fish. Owners must keep fish actively feeding to provide a quality experience for customers.